New Life for old furniture

Painted furniture is fashionable and fun. A piece or two adds charm and personality to any setting, and a room brimming with painted pieces is a classic design statement that has become fresh and new again.

You will need:
Wood primer
Acrylic paint (3 colours)
Scumble glaze
Steel wool
Sandpaper (medium- and fine-grit)
Artist's paintbrushes
Pencil

Here's How:
1. Determine that your armoire or cabinet is in paintable condition. Sand with fine- and then medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Prime with acrylic primer and allow to dry.

2. Paint the base coat medium brown. Let dry overnight. Paint a second coat cream. Allow cream paint to dry for about two hours. Use steel wool and water to scrub off some of the paint, allowing areas of the base coat to show through.

3. Choose a simple motif. Lightly draw on the design with a pencil. Using artist's brushes, paint designs with dark brown and cream. Allow to dry.

4. Mix brown paint with water in a 1 to 3 ratio. Apply this colour wash with a wide brush, brushing as the wash dries to prevent drips and runs. Allow to dry. With steel wool, rub areas to achieve an aged, worn look. Repeat the colour-wash and rubbing process to achieve a pleasing effect.

Find more distressed and techniques in our Decorating Centre

  source: meredith publishing