How To Layer Paint On Furniture To Create Shabby Chic Furniture

Country Chic Paint
by Country Chic Paint
Do you love the distressed, shabby chic look? Have you ever wondered how to create this look with multiple colors? Check out this new tutorial for tips on how to layer colors on your next furniture project!
In this brand new video tutorial, we'll show you how to wet distress your project to reveal multiple layers of color.


Watch this video to see our company co-founder, Rosanne wet distressing a picture frame with Cranberry Sauce, Fresh Mustard, and Bliss!


https://youtu.be/LDr9d3_u7FI
Step 1) Paint your piece
Begin by applying one coat of the color you'd like to show up as your base layer; in this case, we chose Cranberry Sauce. If this is your first painted furniture project, check out our tutorials on surface preparation (https://youtu.be/wLTaLAAizDE) and paint application (https://youtu.be/kS1wT-yApXA) for tips to help you get started. Make sure you let your paint fully dry (overnight is best) before you move on to the next step.
Step 2) Add a second coat
Your second coat should be in a different color than the first; in this case we chose Fresh Mustard. This color will also show through on your finished project when you distress your piece. Don't worry about getting perfect coverage with this coat. Since you're distressing anyways, it doesn't have to be perfect to give you beautiful end results! Leave your piece for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step but DO NOT let it dry completely.
Step 3) Wet Distress your piece
Using a damp, lint-free rag, begin gently rubbing your piece to remove some of the top layer. Remember that you can always add more pressure if needed, so start slowly and build up pressure from there. You can remove as much or as little of the second color as you like, then let your piece dry completely before moving on to the next step.


For more detailed instructions on wet distressing, check out our tutorial video at https://youtu.be/Zh54s25K_G0
Step 4) Apply a third coat
Your third coat of paint should be different color again; in this case we chose Bliss. As with the second layer, your coverage doesn't have to be perfect and you don't want to let it fully dry before you proceed to the final step (about 15-20 minutes should be sufficient).
Step 5) Wet distress again
Repeat the wet distressing process again, this time to reveal two colors beneath your top coat. As with Step 3, you can remove as much or as little of the top coat as you like to achieve the look you were hoping for. If you'd like to continue adding more colors, simply let your piece dry and repeat steps 4 and 5 until you like the look!


Once you're happy with the finished product, let it dry overnight, then seal your piece with one of our waxes or Tough Coat (http://www.countrychicpaint.com/shop/wax).


There is no exact science to this process and you really can't go wrong. If you don't like how it looks, just paint over the layer you're working on and try again! Your finished piece will look something like this:
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We would love to hear what projects you're working on, so make sure to leave a comment or post a picture of your project to our Facebook page or Instagram (@countrychicpaint)!
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