Welsh Dresser Painted in AS Paris Grey

by Denise Hardy

6 Materials

$00

4 Days

Medium

Two techniques for one!!

First Technique:- This piece of furniture started off in Pine. It needed to be updated and given a new look. I decided to give it my own 'French Antique Style' - this is how I do this technique :-

Firstly, I apply 2 coats of Zinsser 123 Primer in white. I use this particular primer as it is a good 'stain blocker' and needs to cover the 'knots' to avoid 'bleed through' - which you don't want showing once it is painted! I leave this overnight to cure and then the next day I apply 2 coats of Quick Drying Eggshell in Magnolia, also leaving overnight.

The next day I can then coat it with wax - I usually use a wax called 'Bri-wax' which is a very soft wax which applies very easily. The colour I use is Antique Pine. Although you can use any dark wax. Just rub it on with a soft cloth and then rub most of it off, leaving a nice 'antiquey' finish. Then all you need to do is to buff it up and it leaves a nice soft sheen. Then I finished it off with some new glass knobs.

This finish does not require further 'finishing' as the wax is very hard wearing and will protect it.

Finished in my own 'French Antique' Style

I had had this Dresser for quite a few years in this style and I then decided to give it another 'update' and thought I would use Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint. I have already used Annie Sloan's paint on some other projects and like to use it. So I chose the colour of Paris Grey.

TIP - when using Chalk Paint I personally like to add small amounts of water. As all Chalk Paints I have used are rather thick and when it is watered down it flows much easier and personally it looks and feels better. Just go sparingly with the water, as you don't want to go too overboard with the water so add little by little. You can always add but you can't take out!! It is much preferable to have two thin coats than one thick!

Painted in 'French Antique' style

Second Technique :-

Firstly on this piece, I gave it a sanding just to take the wax off. Take the drawers out and do those separately and take the knobs off.

I did not want the Dresser to look too dark. Therefore, I mixed in with the Paris Grey some AS Old White to paint all the Dresser except the drawers.

Then I used the Paris Grey (as is) i.e. no white added for the drawers. I just wanted to give the dresser a little bit of a difference to the 'norm' and I like the 'two-toned' look.

I used two coats of paint leaving each coat to dry overnight.

I finished off with a varnish to protect the paint - I like to use an acrylic varnish called Polyvine, but you could use another acrylic varnish of your choice. I usually give the piece of furniture at least two coats of varnish, depending where and what the furniture is being used for i.e. if you were using this paint for say, a table and chairs - I would give at least 3 coats.

I like to use a roller on places where I can and then a brush for other parts

Then replace the knobs - I used the same glass knobs as I still like them

After - in AS Paris Grey

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