7.27.2013

::Desk Double Dip, a Paint Review, Tips, and a Tutorial::

PSSSST...I'm no longer blogging here!
You can now find me at

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Here's a review of Shabby Paints and VAX.
I also talk about glazing.  And stenciling.
And I threw in a tutorial on getting a distressed finish with three colors.
It will be very pic heavy because Miss Cherie got double dipped.

1st incarnation
Actually it's the second incarnation because first I did her in a grey-green with a white top that just wasn't workin' for me....hence, no pics.
That's when I decided Cherie would be perfect for trying the Shabby Paint products.


I received the following from the gals at Shabby Paints to try out.  Yay!
The color is called 'Dynasty Blue', and the VAX is clear.
Their products are non-toxic with no VOCs.  

A quart of their paint is $29, but I love that they carry 4oz, 8oz, and 16 oz sizes too!
The VAX sells for $26 for 12oz, and also comes in a 4oz size. 


Before I get too much further, let's look at how Cherie was dressed when I heard her in the corner of a yard sale rambling in french about how black ages her.


Pretty rough, with at least 2 coats of glossy paint, chipping off everywhere.
I broke out my mouse sander for this baby.


This is after two coats of the Dynasty Blue.
Coverage was excellent. Paint is very similar to ASCP and van Gogh.  
I watered down the second coat a bit (which I always do with chalk paint), so I barely used any of the paint.


It was a bit bright for my taste, so I decided to use some glaze tinted with craft paint.
(1 TBLS paint to 4 TBLS glaze, brush on, wipe off with dry lint-free rag)
:

 It caught nicely in all the nooks and crannies left from my sanding.
It also toned down the blue just enough.




And because I cannot stop myself, I also added a clock face stencil.
I used the yellow Frog Tape to hold it in place, and applied the paint (American Paint Co's Home Plate) with a pouncer stencil brush.  Lightly distressed it.



 I used the VAX to seal the finish.  Just squirted some on a paperplate, swiped a clean lint-free rag thru it and wiped it on in a circular pattern, then quickly back and forth.  Did two coats on top. LOVE this stuff.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  It dries FAST (even in stupid humidity), and though you don't need to buff, I burnished it quickly with a paper lunch sack to a soft, smooth sheen.
It's like a non-toxic wipe-on poly.
LOVE.  Did I mention I love this stuff?
For furniture tops that will take a beating (like desks or tables), VAX is my finish of choice now.


But the story doesn't end there.
Cherie was a beauty, and I hauled her one of my markets where she caught a customer's eye.


But the distressed green finish on my friend Sara's wee primitive table 'Martha', who was sitting right next to Cherie, also caught her eye....


You guessed it,
Cherie got double dipped.


Yes, it was hard to redo that lovely blue....but when a customer hands you cash, you obey :)


Although it's not my particular style, I enjoyed doing this finish.
Another 'out of the box' technique I'll keep in my painting toolbox.


I used DIY chalk paint.
1. painted on a sloppy coat of white.
2. took a candlestick and rubbed it on all the edges and in random places over the surface of the piece
3. painted a darker green (sloppily) over that, then used 220 grit to sand off where the wax was to reveal the white.
4. went back over the edges with the candlestick as well as some new places over the green, so some places white would show, other places just the darker green would show
5. painted second brighter green coat, sanded again to remove where the wax resist was.
6. sealed with VAX, burnished with a lunch sack.



The customer loved her, and I'm happy.


 Side-by-side comparison!  
No matter which you prefer, doesn't paint's power to change a piece amaze you?


Thanks to Shabby Paints for sending me your products to review!

Both incarnations will appear at the usual linkies which go live when Cherie arrives.





23 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes paint power does amaze me :) But I'm with you, Cherie was gorgeous dressed in blue!! Thank you for blogging your secrets!!

Unknown said...

Yes paint power does amaze me :) But I'm with you, Cherie was gorgeous dressed in blue!! Thank you for blogging your secrets!!

Unknown said...

Yes paint power does amaze me :) But I'm with you, Cherie was gorgeous dressed in blue!! Thank you for blogging your secrets!!

Tire Swing Mom said...

I love them both, but I especially loved the clock faces you had painted onto the blue one. Nice work both times!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

They are both pretty, but I was in LOVE with the turquoise desk with the clock faces... Alice

Three Birds Inspired said...

I would have taken the money (who am I gonna kid?!) but I think I would have cried just a bit covering up that lovely blue! I know about using candle wax as a resist but I have never done it because I just can't "get" the concept in my head. I think I need to watch someone do it. (Wanna do a video?!?) :)

I had just seen something about Shabby Paints and I am going to get some. So glad you did the review! I like the idea of having the different sizes as opposed to a pricey quart of ASCP or a little paint sample which I still think is overpriced. And the VAX sounds like something I would really like. I really like a poly or acrylic finish on the top of a piece. I know my friends and family. I have to BEG people to use a coaster!

Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking said...

It's hard to believe that's the same table in black, blue and green. I much prefer the blue, but "the customer is always right."

Cassie Bustamante said...

i agree with julie- i prefer the blue, but the customer needs to be happy! but oh i loved that blue!

Ally said...

I prefer the blue, cant see why anyone wud favour that green over the lovely blue but we are all different I guess lol

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

I loved the blue - oh, what a scrumptious color! I definitely need to check out these products.

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

I loved the blue version the best. That said, the technique you used for the customer was very interesting.

Unknown said...

I will forever be amazed by how paint can transform a piece of furniture - and I do 2 to 3 pieces a week -
That blue was spectacular ( the green's not for me so much ) but it's still a beautiful desk - and hey the customer is ALWAYS but ALWAYS right!!! And thanks for the tip on the VAX - you know I love you for that - I mean that goes without saying right?
Great job Cindi :)
XOX

Marie-Interior Frugalista said...

I think I've told you this before but I'll say it again, I love how you name your pieces! You did a great job on both but I gotta say, the blue was gorgeous. VAX huh, I've never used it but am intrigued - wonder if you can get it in Canada?
Marie@InteriorFrugalista

Audrey said...

The BLUE was beautiful ... green pleased the customer and that was important. Never heard of VAX ... I am assuming it is a wax finish.
Found you on Angie's Knick of Time.
Blessings,
Audrey Z.

Christy James said...

Love the style and shape of that piece! What a find! My vote goes to the blue! Lovely job:)

Donna Wilkes said...

I loved the blue - the green changes her whole personality. Cherie might be a Connie! Tell us more about VAX.

DIY Vintage Chic said...

Love the table, love the blue and I love the stencils. Great transformation though. Stop by my Friday's Five Features and link up this post (and others)! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/08/fridays-five-features-no-4.html

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

In my book the blue wins hands down, but viva la difference! You did a beautiful job on both finishes. Thanks for sharing this at What We Accomplished Wednesdays! Have a super week!

Hugs,
Deborah

My Repurposed Life said...

I agree with a lot of others... love, love, love the blue. But, we aim to please... so we do what we do to make 'em happy.

great job cindy, catching you!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

I love the shape of this sweet table Cindy. Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday this week.

Stampqueen Wannabee said...

I just found you and I love you. I love reading your narratives and am gonna stalk you and follow everything you do!!! THanks. All because I googled, how to use chalk paint and finishing wax! I will never wax again, gotta get me some Vax and lunch bags.

Wendy

Ella's Mom said...

What do you use to apply the glaze?

Geri said...

Have you tried the ReVox tinted Vox instead of glaze? I'm thinking about ordering but am looking for recommendations.

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