Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Waxing the Big Blue Dresser

Thank you for all of the lovely comments all of you left on yesterday's post about the Big Blue Dresser.  I am humbled by your kindness.

As promised, here are some tips for you ... illustrated with photos of the steps that went into waxing Big Blue.  My goal with this piece was to produce a finish that looked like a genuine, aged old paint patina.  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, in 'Aubusson Blue' in this case, along with clear and dark wax, are the perfect materials for doing this.

Here are close-ups of two drawers ... the one on the left is painted and distressed, with no wax yet.  On the left is a finished drawer.  See how the dark wax brings out the details?



Annie Sloan stockists sell beautiful wax brushes ... but I don't have any of them ... yet.  I use a natural bristle chip brush to apply my waxes.



The goal is to apply as little wax as possible, and to rub it INTO the paint ... not have it laying on top.  (You can tell you're using too much wax if it makes gummy boogers while you're rubbing it in.)  I dip the brush into the clear wax, picking up a LITTLE bit of wax, and I rub the brush in circles on the paint until the surface looks evenly 'greasy'.  The photo below shows an area that needs more rubbing ... not necessarily more wax.



The area on the left side of this drawer below is what it looks like when the wax is adequately rubbed into the paint.



I then rub off as much wax as I can with a clean cloth.



At this point, before the clear wax has a chance to set up, I begin to apply the dark wax.  A little dab goes a LONG way.  With the drawers on Big Blue, I started by using a brush to rub a light coating of dark wax into the groove on the panel of the drawer front.  (remember ... one brush for clear wax, another brush for dark)



I used a cloth to quickly spread the wax into the corners and wipe off any excess.



When the groove and edges of the panel were to my liking, I turned my attention to the center.  Working quickly, I used my brush to spread a small amount of wax evenly on the drawer.



I immediately grab my cloth and spread the dark wax onto the drawer in a circular motion, finishing with long horizontal strokes to wipe off excess wax ... until I got just the result I was looking for.



The beauty of this process is that it is almost completely adjustable.  You can wax as dark or as light as you want ... and you can remove some of the dark wax with clear wax if you need to start over.

This is what the center of the drawer looked like when I finished it.  See the difference between the waxed center of the drawer and the still-to-do molding on the edge?  I love how rich 'Aubusson Blue' looks with a good coat of dark wax!



Sometimes I want to accentuate a corner or contour, so I put a dab of wax on my cloth and carefully work it in with light strokes.

Once the wax is dry (I usually leave it overnight), use a clean cloth and buff the surface till you get a nice even shine.




Here's one of my best tips ... Don't be tempted, especially on a large piece like Big Blue, to wax the whole piece with clear wax THEN go back to apply the dark.  Do one small area at a time, like one drawer or one side of the piece, and you will have more control. 



I cannot overstate how much I love the look and feel of a hand-rubbed wax finish on painted furniture!  I am an extremely tactile person, and the silky surfaces are REALLY nice.  (My #1 rule:  If a piece is not silky and smooth, it doesn't leave my workshop ... period.) 

I hope this demonstration will help you achieve a beautiful wax finish on YOUR projects.  Let me know if you have any questions.

 

26 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tutorial. Have you ever melted your was first? I read that the French do that before they apply it to their unpainted wood furniture in order to get a great patina. Next question: Have you every used Briwax? If so, how does it compare to the Annie Sloan wax? Thank you.

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  2. Thanks! I am only going to do a few pieces for myself and my girls, so all the hints, tips and techniques you want to pass on, the better! The dresser is beautiful!!! :) donna

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  3. Janette, your email isn't visible and I hope you see this ... I used to use Briwax on my furniture, but I find the Annie Sloan dark wax to be much easier to use. The consistency is much creamier (about the same as a tub of margarine), where Briwax is more like shoe polish. In a pinch, if you have Briwax on hand, give it a try.

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  4. I have some AS paint that I'm itching to try. Thanks for this great tutorial on how to apply the waxes.

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  5. I love clear wax, but to be honest, dark wax still gives me fits. You've convinced me to give it another try. Nicely detailed tutorial!

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  6. That is a great tutorial. I have never had good luck with wax. I think I must have used too much. Now I am going to try one more time. Thanks for all of the helpful information.

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  7. Excellent how too. I'm a chalk paint novice yet with only two things under my belt, and I noted that while I hate painting, I really like waxing.

    Oh, and big blue turned out pretty nice.

    ~Bliss~

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  8. Thanks for the great advice. I've tried dark wax a time or two but it's intimidating. This is going to help! I found you from Elizabeth & Co. I'm a new blogger and now a new follower!

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  9. My arms are aching just thinking about all that rubbing, but the results were worth your effort.

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  10. Thanks so much for sharing these tips. I caused myself many hours of extra work not knowing how to apply the dark wax to an "Old White " dresser...got it too dark when I first started the waxing process. I saw your post over at "Wow Us Wednesday" party.

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  11. Wonderful tips -- pinning this post for my upcoming ASCP projects! Visiting from Wow Us Wednesdays. :)

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  12. Beautiful, Connie! Here I was all in love with my dresser in the Duck Egg and I am also loving yours in the blue. Each time I do a project, I get a little bit better with the dark wax. I tend to be a little heavy handed with it. This last time I used a little blush brush that was never used and a rag.

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  13. Love Big Blue!!! I also strive for that silky finish and my husband thinks I'm crazy...but I find him stroking it too. I have some good painting prospects this Saturday at auction. Starts at 10am. Stop by if you have time.

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  14. Your tutorials are always great. Enjoyed this a lot.

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  15. Thanks so much for this tutorial. I have definitely been using too much wax. I used almost a whole can of wax on this table and chairs, http://perfectimperfectionsbyjeanne.blogspot.com/2011/12/drab-to-fab-with-annie-sloan-chalk.html. I'm going to pick up some chip brushes on my next hardware store trip. Thanks again!

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  16. It's beautiful! I love that color too! Thanks for tutorial and the helpful hints!~Patti

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  17. hmmm...interesting tips on waxing...I haven't done much. Your piece turned out beautifully~that french provincial style is so great for painting!
    Rene

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  18. Thanks for the primer!! I'll be restudying these posts soon since I've got several pieces to try and tackle before we move.
    I'm really not sure where to start but I guess I should just dive in, get a color or two and experiment!
    Grace

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  19. "Gummy boogers", love that technical jargon, LOL!

    CCG

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  20. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! In the past, I watched a couple of videos about painting, distressing and waxing but it just never sunk in. Your step by step with the photos is extremely helpful. So much so that I am bookmarking this page for further reference. I've got a few small pieces that I'm wanting to tackle and now I think I can! You're the best! ;)

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  21. You are so generous to share your technique with us! Now I know how to use the wax!!! I didn't realize the clear went on first.
    Thank you!!!

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  22. The dress is wonderful. I agree with waxing your painted furniture, I wax all of mine, it adds more depth to the piece. Laura

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  23. Thank you so much for your visit! I've been loving my ASCP waxes and have had pretty good luck with them but the tips and tricks you've shared here will still come in handy as I continue to work on my skills! Thank you! I will be pinning this post for my "Paint it Annie!" pinterest board followers as well!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  24. I love this. I have yet to jump on the AS bandwagon. I make my own chalk paint and use clear wax, but I'm itching to try dark wax. I still make my own using a little stain. I'm frugal like that. The way this dresser turned out makes me not want to be so cheap. Anyhoo...it has been featured here:
    http://www.decoratinginsanity.com/2012/02/weekend-features-4.html
    xo...mONICa

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  25. I found you via Pinterest and I am your latest follower. I just adore this dresser. Thanks for all of the great info. I'd love for you to stop by and say hi. I host a link party each week...I hope you will check it out too.

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  26. Great tips! I found you via pinterest... so glad! I am going to be painting a clients dresser Aubusson Blue in a few weeks... I love the color! Thanks for sharing!

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