Creating a Colorful Piece of Furniture With Blending

6 Materials
$40
3 Hours
Medium

I have been painting furniture for about 8 years and I always love to challenge myself with new techniques and styles! This time I decided to use some yellow (which I never use for some reason) and blend in other bright colors as well for a festive and funky look!

Prep work


I started by removing all of the hardware, cleaning thoroughly, and lightly sanding the entire piece. I don't use any kind of primer when painting for a few reasons. First, the paint I usually use is a clay based paint which adheres really well (which most high quality chalk or mineral paints do) and second, I like to see the wood tones peek through when I distress the piece. When distressing a piece that has been primed you are usually left with a white "halo" around your distressed areas.

Base color


I decided to start with a pretty aqua color for my base coat. I like to use a variety of brushes depending on which step I'm at or which technique I'm applying. This wide flat synthetic brush works great for getting a base coat on quickly and smoothly.

Next color


I left the very bottom unpainted because I knew I wanted that portion to be yellow and I planned on blending it upwards to create an ombre effect. I always keep a fine misting spray bottle on hand because it reactivates the paint and makes blending colors MUCH easier.

The Ugly Phase


If you're new to painting furniture DO NOT be afraid to go through an ugly stage! Most all of my pieces do and I always panic a little even though they always end up great. 😂 I added my yellow, some light mint green, and some coral pink. At this point I decided I wanted to blend the yellow up into the aqau and blend that up into the coral.

Second Coat and More Blending


As I add on my second coat I start from the bottom with the yellow again and work my way up to the coral misting each area as I go along. If you add too much water or blend with the brush a little too much the colors just end up mixed and muddy so a light touch and knowing when to stop is key!

Adding Texture


I love adding different types of texture to my furniture to give it some character! I like to dry brush and also "scrape" colors on using a putty knife or anything flat and stiff. Even a credit card works great! It's so fun to just play and expirememt with different tools and applications.

Final Touches and Distressing


I wasn't really feeling the coral color over the entire top of the piece so I ended up adding a lot more yellow and a little aqua on top. Then I wet distressed the areas that would get worn quicker like the corners, edges and some areas on the doors. Wet distressing works with most chalk type paints by removing the paint by rubbing with a damp cloth. You can also use a sanding block to get a similar effect.

Waxing


I decided to use wax on this piece but you can also use any type of compatible sealer like a polycrylic. I applied my clear wax to the entire piece and then went back in with white wax in a couple areas to give it a softer look. Once the wax has set overnight I buff out the entire piece for a beautiful finish.

All Done!


Here is my finished piece!! Thanks for reading along and please check out my Instagram for more painted furniture and DIY projects!

Resources for this project:
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  2 questions
  • Laura C. Fergie Laura C. Fergie on May 03, 2020

    Do you have to use chalk paint? I think I could make the same effects with acrylic paint?

  • Anna Ibarra Anna Ibarra on May 03, 2020

    I started using those brand products, are you not allowed to state the products? Cause what you posted as the items under resources isn't the same that you use. I'm just wandering, as I just started using those brand clay based paints as I also to try those techniques. I have bought the brushes, and my original question is if the sprayer you used better then a regular water bottle sprayer? I know I've bought several and they leak, just curious on your take on it?

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