Antique Desk Redo Using DIY Chalk Paint and DIY Dark Wax

Danielle Sallada
by Danielle Sallada
$18
2 Days
Easy
This was my first time working with chalk paint and simply love it! I think I have found a new addiction! lol I have to give credit where credit is due so here is the blog site I basically followed. http://www.iheartnaptime.net/chalk-paint/ I did do a few things differently such as, the CHALK PAINT recipe I used was 2 1/2 TBS plaster of Paris 1 1/2 TBS warm Water mix to a paste then add to 1 Cup of paint. The only reason I used a different recipe is because I didn't need that much paint. (1 cup covered the entire desk and the drawers using only 1 coat) I did not paint my areas black that I wanted to show through. I wanted them to show the actual wood tone. but I DID do the vasseline. I tinted my own dark wax...more on that and the recipe I used here http://salvagedinspirations.com/tinting-furniture-wax-with-paint/ As far as prep work, I scrubbed her down with 1/2 cup vinegar to 4 cups water Sanded the original finish off the top Stained it with Varathane early American That's it! OH! The hardware...well, they were black and nasty so I tossed them in a container of apple cider vinegar and water (i didnt measure, i just dumped) and left them soak a few hours. Rinsed them, wiped them down, and the beautiful patina of the brass was there! So I slapped a layer of the finishing wax on them, left it sit about 10 minutes, then buffed them out.
***NOTE*** If you notice your paint going on a little gritty, don't worry! once it is dry you can lightly sand it with a fine grit sandpaper and you'll be set.
close up to show distressing
Close up of hardware
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  • Danielle Sallada Danielle Sallada on Jan 16, 2015
    Thanks!
  • Tanya Morris Tanya Morris on Aug 24, 2015
    This turned out gorgeous!! I especially love the patina on the hardware. You said that you put finishing wax on the hardware and let it sit and then removed. What is finishing wax? I have some hardware I would like to achieve this look with. Thank you, Tanya
    • Danielle Sallada Danielle Sallada on Sep 04, 2015
      @Tanya Morris Hi Tanya! I tried responding through my phone but I guess it didn't go through. I apologize. As far as the finishing wax on the hardware, I used plain old minwax finishing wax for wood to give the hardware that satin sheen. The patina is natural, it was just hiding under layers of old grime that the applecider vinegar took off. Hope that helps!!!
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