I’ve shown you all this picture before:
But now I want you to focus your attention on the desk on the left. I picked it up from an estate sale for a sweet deal. And I am going to share a secret that works for me with estate sales.
Avoid the big name ones. I’ve often found them to be over-priced. I love the hand-written signs, or smaller signs, or less advertising. If there is good stuff, they will still be packed, so going early definitely has its advantages, but you will likely get a better deal without having to wait a day or two to get the discounts.
For this one, I did a custom paint job for a client who wanted a black desk… that was shiny. Now, in retrospect, I think I would have done this differently. But I had my heart set on achieving the look she wanted using Chalk Paint and I already had Graphite. She ended up finding a blog online that achieved a shiny black look by using Graphite (check), Ebony Briwax (uncheck), and AS Dark Wax (check).
After doing a little research, I found a woodworking store that carried it, so I picked some up. It was in a similar can as AS Dark Wax, and it had a similar consistency, but it was VERY stinky. Like, unbearably toxic smelling, so I HAD to do this one outside.
The end result is pretty and what she was looking for. But I will say this: the Briwax is composed of different types of waxes and ingredients, so unless you have a very light hand, it will remove paint (!!), especially if you use a brush. Trust me. I learned the hard way. Also, it takes a LONG time to cure. I ended up putting dark wax on TOP and buffing it shiny (because it would not buff smooth or shiny before the dark wax)…. but it still is curing, and I’ve had it done for a few weeks. That Briwax has totally thrown me for a loop and made me more committed to Annie Sloan furniture waxes. Hopefully it cures within a week or so, or else I’ve got to figure out a solution. :/
Enough talking here is the finished product:
I kept original hardware, because it looked fantastic. 🙂 haha I have no better explanation!
With that boxwood topiary, it was begging for something else green, so I grabbed one of my old dining chairs that I painted Antibes (my very first Chalk Paint project) and dark waxed.
I buffed this desk A LOT.
Even though I buffed a pretty good shine into this, I really like how it still has a european look to it. It has an aged elegance about it, that embraces imperfections in a way that a shiny lacquer just wouldn’t.
Found that chalk art quote online and copied it. It has really resonated with me lately, so it is staying for awhile. 🙂
It’s almost the weekend! Yipeeeeeee!
Linking up with:
How gorgeous – and what a shine!!!!!!!!!!
Graphite was the perfect color for this beauty – and the handles are simply perfection!
Beautiful transformation!
XOXO
It’s beautiful. You did a great job. And I agree about the estate sales. I’ve learned to avoid the ones in my area hosted by “the big estate sale-name company” and go to the ones being hosted by the family or some no-name company. Much better prices. Take care- Dawn
It looks beautiful – great job!
Thanks for the tips about estate sales.
The desk turned out well…but I feel your pain with the buffing? Have you tried MMS wax on projects where you just need the clear wax? I tried it for the first time, and loved how easy it was to apply it, rub it in to remove any excess and then buffing was so much easier than with ASCP.
Thanks for sharing your projects.
Robin
That is a good suggestion Robin! I haven’t tried MMS wax yet… I will have to go get some! Thanks!
I love how this came out! Perfect! x