Page 80 - The Decorative Painter Summer 2015

CHALKY FINISH
STEP 2
Using the 4" flat, basecoat the unit inside and out with Serene. Usually one coat will give you an opaque finish, but I had to use two coats because this chest was originally a dark brown. You can use the 2" brush if your piece is smaller.
STEP 3
Paint the trim moldings, if applicable, with Lace using the angle brush. Your piece may be different than mine; each piece will require a different plan.
STEP 4
On the door carving, brush on a coat of Lace and quickly wipe it away with a soft cloth or old t-shirt. If needed, dampen the cloth and wipe again. Let dry.
STEP 5
Mix a wash of Lace by mixing eight tablespoons of water to two tablespoons of Lace (off white). Use the 4" flat to apply this wash to the top of the piece. Wad up a 24" (61 cm) piece of plastic wrap and blot the Lace paint creating a nice texture. If you have puddles, wad up two or three paper towels and dab. Follow this step by blotting with plastic wrap to create texture again. Let dry for several hours. This technique could be done on any of the sides.
STEP 6
Coat the Lace edges of the top with Crackle Medium. Let dry for 15 to 30 minutes. Moving in one direction, pat on a heavy coat of Serene using a make- up sponge. Do not go over this and always move in one direction. Crackles will start appearing in about five minutes.
At this point, you may wish to add decorative designs on the flat areas. I chose to paint floral designs. Let dry.
STEP 7
Apply two or three coats of Clear Crème Wax using the 4" flat or round waxing brush. The round brush will help you get into the low spots on the carvings. Let dry, then polish with a soft cloth.
STEP 8 (OPTIONAL)
To antique your piece, brush on Deep Brown Crème Wax. Follow with two more coats of Clear Crème Wax. Let dry for several hours, then polish with a soft rag.
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