Distressing With Wet Wax

There are many ways to achieve a distressed aged look on a piece of furniture and this is but one. However, it is very effective and creates a striking finish. I am sure you will enjoy experimenting with it to get just the intensity of colour you are after. These images show French Linen and Old White but you can use any colour combination.

Materials

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colours French Linen and Old White

Annie Sloan Clear Finishing Wax

Annie Sloan Oval brush to apply the paint

Annie Sloan Wax Brush

Old Sheet or lint free cloth

Water and a paint tray

Method

  1. Apply two coats of French Linen all over your piece of furniture and allow to dry.

  2. Working in sections, apply clear wax ensuring it does not dry entirely.

  3. Dilute some Old White with water until it is quite runny like milk. This should be applied over the wax and then wiped off with a cloth, working it into the base colour to create a stylish worn look to the paint surface. You will be working the paint with the rags to create a beautiful dragged effect. This can be uneven to add character. Be experimental with the density of the watered down paint so that you achieve the look you are after. The rag will help you do this as you drag it over the wet surface.

  4. Finally, once you have completed the whole piece of furniture, apply a coat of protective wax .

The idea is to develop an aged look reminiscent of 18th century Swedish furniture.

Thanks to Annie Sloan and her Book Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture which is where you can find a more detailed description of how to achieve this effect.



Jane Warnick