Learn how to create this layered old-world finish on a chair or any piece of furniture with this dry brush over paint technique!
A little while ago I did a cute little side chair I called, French Bleu. At the time, our camera wasn’t fixed yet and I only snapped a few shots with my phone. It also sold in less than 24 hours of me finishing it! Ever since then I’ve been looking for another french chair to do the same painting technique on. A couple people asked me how I got the look so that is what I’m going to show you today!
(If viewing this post on a mobile device and picture appears blurry, touch each picture to open and get a clearer image.)
Take a look at the before though!
I saw the potential and started by removing the trim. It was all stapled down so it was a tad more tedious than the other french dining chairs I finished last week.
Step 1: Paint 2 Coats of Base Color
For this chair I did 2 coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Provence.
Step 2: Dry Brush
Then I dry brushed it with a mixture of 2 parts ASCP Old White with 1 part French Linen.
To see a video tutorial on how to dry brush, GO HERE.
Step 3: Apply Dark Wax
After all the paint was in place, I dark waxed the entire chair. I wanted the colors to be a little muted so I wasn’t so worried about clear waxing everywhere first. I did a little, but my brush had a little clear and dark on it, so it wasn’t so intense.
To see a video tutorial on how to apply dark wax properly, GO HERE.
Step 4: Distress Frame
Then I distressed using 60 grit sandpaper. It really cuts right through the layers quickly and you can see everywhere you sand. I kind of like the texture it gives too!
Step 5: Staple New Upholstery and Glue Gimp Trim
The upholstery part wasn’t without challenges. I stapled everything in place, but soon realized the back of the seat back was trickier! There were no visible staples and it seemed like something I would have to completely remove! I did NOT want to remove the upholstery on the entire back of the chair. Then I figured out a way, which I will share later this week! 🙂
Lastly I glued some white trim to cover the staples. I probably would have naturally gravitated toward a beige to match the fabric, but I remember MMS’s chairs had white trim and I remember loving the contrast. So white, even though it seemed shocking and out of place at first, ended up looking like the perfect feminine touch. Almost like an edge of lace.
I’m seriously loving the texture this technique gives!
I can’t stop looking at this chair in my house! Good thing it’s headed to Wood Icing soon!
And take a look at this Restoration hardware French Chair that is nearly identical in style!
Linking up with:
turned out amazing! beautifully done… pinning!
Gorgeous. I”m pinning this! Love the color and the dry brushing of french linen and old white with dark wax. It really tones the color way down. Love it! x
Just beautiful! You did such a fabulous job… I wish you had done more for a dining table 😉 – Susan
Fabulous results! You really did a great job. I am going to have to give the dark wax a try. Thanks so much for the inspiration 🙂
Lovely chair it looks great. Julia C.
LaSillaChic
The chair turned out wonderful. I would never have guessed that the blue would be toned down so much. I love the fabric, where did you find it? Alaina
Gorgeous! I can’t wait to see how you did the back of the chair.
Would love you to share this at Silver Pennies Sundays if you get a chance – I love how it came out: http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2013/05/silver-pennies-sundays-link-party.html
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
It is so beautiful! Love your choice of striped fabric, too. I like it even better than the Restoration Hardware one’s.
Jenny
Looks so lovely!
Great job! Not bad AT ALL! I’m pinning too. 😉
Gail
Turned out great! Upholstery is not my favorite thing to do, but boy do I love to see it done, and you did a great job!
I have searched your blog to find the explanation of how you upholstered the back of this chair. So far, I can’t find it. I have 2 chairs with the same back that I am trying to recover. I’d love to see how you accomplished this. Can you please tell me where to look? Thanks