Sunday, July 31, 2011

Faux Painting, a Shabby Chic Tutorial


I needed some shabby chic furniture to use for display for some of the items I make for my etsy shop.


I had this country bench from my younger days, but, I was just never really thrilled with the color of the stain.

So, I thought I would update it with a new look and give it some great, shabby chic styling. :)


First, I sanded it down with a rough grit sandpaper to remove the sheen of the stain and to give it some tooth to allow the paint to adhere well.


Then, I gave it a good dusting with this paint brush. 

I use this a lot when my minis get dusty from being left out too long, it does a wonderful job of removing any dust. Did you know, that is how museums keep a lot of their artifacts clean? With a paint brush, yes!


I picked out a green paint to use as my base color.

I love these little jars of acrylic paint that you can pick up at the craft store inexpensively.

The one I chose was Folk Art "Yellow Citron" by Plaid.


Well, I decided it was just too yellowy for my liking, so I grabbed another green, America's Mint Julep Green from DecoArt.


I mixed with my favorite and most universal tool, the bamboo skewer. I use these skewers for everything, they are just so handy for so many different applications. 

These dispose-able food containers are great for mixing paints in. Just make sure you mix enough paint at one time so there is enough for your entire project. The lid can be placed on the container while you wait for a coat to dry, saving your paint from drying up.

I wasn't trying to be matchy matchy with the items for my etsy shop, as I would be keeping the bench, but, as so many of you know what I mean, I had a color in my mind's eye and that was what I wanted.

I call it Vintage Green. ;)


Finally, I was happy with the shade of green.


Two good coats were just what this piece needed.


Next to begin the shabby chic process.

I diluted Folk Art "Wicker White" paint from Plaid with water to make a white wash.

I didn't want a solid coverage for the top coat of paint.


Another coat of the white wash or two.


It looks more like a solid coat than it actually is, there is some of the green visible on the bench, it just didn't photograph as well, as I thought it did. ;)


Lastly, an all over sanding with a fine grit sandpaper to show some age, wear and tear.

I didn't add any type of clear coat to this, as I preferred the rustic, matte finish.

I think it has a lot more charm and character than it did before, wouldn't you agree?

Now, it's perfect for using in displays for my minis for sale and eventually, it will end up in my dollhouse in the shabby chic bedroom.

So, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your minis. It doesn't have to be all rule oriented, do what you want! 

You don't even have to be an expert painter to make use of the shabby chic styling.

Would you like to see some other tutorials I have made?

Click here, to find a tutorial on how to faux finish some resin planters to make them look aged.

Click here, to find a tutorial on how to make replacement cushions for a popular rocker glider.


Enjoy! :)




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30 comments:

  1. He he Dale, we are doing almost the same thing... I'm making up a table from a wood basement and a round piece of MDF.
    I notice that we also have the same favourite tool ;o)
    Have fun, Rosanna
    PS the little bench is soooo cute :o))

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  2. I love the result!! is a fantastic tutorial, thank you very much for sharing us Dale! hugs

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  3. It looks really pretty now, worth the effort :)

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  4. Gracias por el tutorial. El banco ha mejorado notablemente. Un saludo, Eva

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  5. thank you very much dear Dale, for this tutorial!
    I also need to renew a bench, though not shabby painting style, I know how to make adhering to age it!
    kisses, Caterina

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  6. It was worth the struggle - looks very much better now (although I must admit I liked the vintage green version, too).

    Greetings
    Birgit

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  7. Thank you for this tutorial. I was looking for one for ages and yours came just when I needed it most.

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  8. HEY GIRL! Nice. Looks good. My style is definitely shabby... and not always by design. ;) CM

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  9. I love the way you change the bench.
    Geneviève

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  10. I love the bench! I agree the matte finish is perfect. The little vignette you made is adorable. Love the banner too.
    hugs,
    Caroline

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  11. Rosanna, too cute! You know what they say about great minds thinking alike. :)

    I should make a list of all of it's uses. ;)

    Thanks, can't wait to see what you've been up to. :)

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  12. Muchas gracias, Eva. Yo también lo creo. :)

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  13. Caterina, glad you appreciated it. There are so many different things that you can do that aren't all that difficult. It all just depends on what you want. :)

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  14. Thank you. Birgit, I know! I liked that color as well, perhaps it will show up again on another mini in the future. :)

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  15. Drora, I am so glad that I could be of service, that pleases me greatly. :)

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  16. CM, thanks! I hear you, girl! But, with minis one can fudge here and there. ;)

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  17. Caroline, you would understand about the finish! Thank you so much for your compliments, they are much appreciated. :)

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  18. Dale, I am just getting brave enough to try shabby chic for myself after loving it for ages and I really like the way your bench looks now - definitely an improvement!

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  19. The bench looks very good,much better than before! Thank you for sharing the tutorial;-) Jeannette

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  20. ¡Que buen tutorial!! Y que precioso ha quedado ¡Mil gracias!!! Dale
    Un abrazo
    Flor

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  21. Go for it Sandra, it's fun to do! :)

    Thanks, Jeannette! :)

    Gracias, Flor. Gracias por hacer estallar a mi blog. :)

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  22. I have enjoyed your blog. Now I am a follower. : D
    Hugs

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  23. I love shabby chic style :D Thanks for sharing this lovely tutorial :)

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  24. Thanks, Eliana! :)

    So do I, Mairi! You are very welcome, my pleasure! :)

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  25. HAPPY AUGUST DALE! GOTCHA ON MY LIST THANKS LEFT COAST AKA A WOMAN OF A CERTAIN AGE...LET'S JUST SAY EVERY DAY I GET MORE SHABBY CHIC MYSELF C

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  26. I am still here :) I missed a great post so I am glad I am reading it now. That bench is adorable. You have really unusual pieces, Dale.

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  27. Thank you, Sans! :)

    I am hoping unusual is a good thing. :)

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I love to hear what you have to say! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. :)