Annie Sloan Waxes

Julie Moyna
by Julie Moyna
Do you need to use clear then dark wax on pieces? The source where I bought mine said to. I saw a post where she just used dark. HELP! I would love to save time and wax! Thank you! I have this table ready to go painted in ASCP duck egg and would love to save time!
this has been painted but need help with wax application
  11 answers
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Oct 31, 2013
    Tagging @UNFOLDED so they can help!
    • Julie Moyna Julie Moyna on Nov 02, 2013
      @Miriam I Oh Miriam...they have :). Very quickly too! Thank you so much though!
  • Julie Moyna Julie Moyna on Oct 31, 2013
    Thanks so much!!!
  • MaryBeth Addison MaryBeth Addison on Nov 02, 2013
    If you just use the dark first, it will actually stain the paint a darker color. Using the clear first, keeps the dark was on the highlights and doesn't get absorbed in the paint. So definitely use the clear wax first.
  • Jamie Kennemer Jamie Kennemer on Nov 02, 2013
    You can add a little stain with your clear wax as well...wipe on and wipe off...gives a little different look but pretty! Might not need the dark wax afterwards. - LOVE your table!
  • White Oak Studio Designs White Oak Studio Designs on Nov 02, 2013
    I am a "rebel" where it come to wax and a real experimenter-just so you know! I do all kinds of combinations. I use just clear, just dark right on freshly painted wood, and/or both depending on what look I want. I sometimes use stain over wax and wood but I have been working with chalk paint and waxes for almost two years now so I know what to expect. If you are just starting out with waxing it is probably smart to just start with clear first and get a feeling for how it goes on, dries etc. Once you have mastered that, then you can experiment with dark. Be aware that dark wax is a lot trickier to work with than clear. When I first started, I had trouble putting the wax on too thick and then it would not dry (high humidity also effects this drying too.) Someone kindly gave me this tip, put the wax on lightly and then right away use a lint free cloth to wipe it down. My dark wax issues disappeared. There are a LOT of tutorials out there both on blogs and on U-tube. Do a search, all will help you. Then just take a deep breath and jump in...the water's great! Please feel free to check out my Facebook page for how different wax techniques work and look.
    • Julie Moyna Julie Moyna on Nov 03, 2013
      @White Oak Studio Designs stunning colors! I have never been a blue person but with all of the different shades these days, I am becoming a quick fan! Thank you so very much! Your input really helped!
  • Yvetta Yvetta on Nov 02, 2013
    I usually just mix a little dark wax with clear and go with it! Love your table!
  • Annette White Annette White on Nov 02, 2013
    I couldn't believe it when I saw your table, we have one just like it, but without the bottom panel It has a narrow decorative piece between the legs. My husband is in the process of making in more stable, and sanding some spots. When do you put on this "wax?" Mine is chipped away white just as yours, and I want it black. We have satin black. We've had this table for many years. So now I have plans of putting our TV on it in the living room, as we are tired of the massive armoire that it is in. Thanks for your post!!
    • White Oak Studio Designs White Oak Studio Designs on Nov 03, 2013
      @Annette White Dark wax is for use with chalk paint only-not latex satin paint. Google chalk paints and all will be explained.
  • Julie Moyna Julie Moyna on Nov 02, 2013
    Wow! All of your creative minds for my new passion makes me feel like I'm finally where I need to be...I am new to blogs and Hometalk! I did try the dark only yesterday. Not good. I am going back today after another coat of paint. There are so many options. I am trying to get a certain look. This table cost me $15.00. I am the last one thru the door at fleas and estate sales. I figure if I buy it, it was meant to be...thanks again!
  • Margaret Dillard Margaret Dillard on Nov 02, 2013
    First Let me say this about waxes. Wax is NOT a sealer. Wax conditions wood. It depends on the look you are going for. Wax is to paint what lotion is to your skin. Wax soaks into the wood. It conditions the finish. Clear wax should not change the finish color. Dark wax if used first will change the color of your finish. Dark wax is also good to use on pieces that have details like the legs and feet of your table. It is best to use a sealant on a table top to prevent water marks and stains. You can use a sealant over a wax once the wax has been buffed and is dry. I hope this helps you complete your project.
  • Anna Ibarra Anna Ibarra on Nov 02, 2013
    Great table , love the look of it. Can't wait to see the afterwards. Please post the steps, I haven't done a ASCP, or a faux chalk paint piece yet. Good luck!
  • White Oak Studio Designs White Oak Studio Designs on Nov 04, 2013
    Julia, Thank you! I'm actually a green person in my home but those are just the examples I found that had dark wax on them. I've worked with the dark wax directly over the chalk paint enough to pretty much know how the finished piece is going to look. I should have suggested-I practiced first on "smalls" and plain boards to have an idea of how both (just) clear wax and (just) dark wax will look and to see just how dark it will go before I paint the larger piece of furniture. This technique worked for me.