Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Book Shelf Makeover with ASCP and Dark Wax

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase

I had a small amount of Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint left over from the tin I brought back from my trip to California last year - probably not enough for a chest of drawers or sideboard so I decided to use it on this sweet little book shelf. Luckily there was just enough to fully paint it (2 coats) but I was scrabbling at the bottom of the tin by the end of the project. No wastage here.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase

This little bookshelf has a lovely shape and I have used both Annie Sloan Chalk Paint clear and dark wax to give it an antiqued look. (The waxes were sent to me by Annie Sloan's Australian PR company as part of the interview and paint project I blogged about yesterday). I have to say the dark wax is definitely a challenge for me to use. I really really struggle putting dark wax over my freshly painted surface. I am such a lover of the clean white look that I struggle to "antique" or even distress furniture.  I am slowly getting better at it but I think that like cooking foods that you don't like eating yourself, it's never doing to be my preferred look or something that I can do spectacularly well.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase with Dark wax antique detail

One thing to note is if you are using dark wax, make sure you do a coat of clear wax first otherwise the dark wax will stain your paint rather than settle into the grooves to give that antiqued look.  I think also it's best to work in small areas and work quickly while your clear wax coat underneath the dark wax is still wet.  I find it very difficult to work out how much darl wax to put on and what looks good etc but I think this bookshelf turned out ok. I think I would find it easier to use the dark wax to antique an ornate frame or something with much more detail.

I must have watched the video below about 3 times while I was waxing just to be brave enough to cover my piece in dark wax. Annie sure shows how it is done.


Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase with Dark wax antique detail
I have been using my own home made chalk paint for a while now and using wax as a top coat - however this is my first time using Annie Sloan's wax and I like it.  It's softer than the Mastertouch wax I usually use but gives a similar result. You can brush on or use a lint free cloth. The end result is very smooth even though my piece looks as though it has brush marks etc in it, when you run your hand across the surface it is extremely smooth. I did sand the piece with fine grit sand paper once I has finished waxing - this also toned down the dark wax somewhat which was what I was after. After sanding I gave the piece a buff which created a nice sheen.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase with Dark wax antique detail
I have lots of beautiful old books. I love the colourful leather covers and how they have faded over the years.  Maybe I should keep this bookshelf myself as our bookcases are overflowing and stacked double.  Everything shoved which ever way. When we renovate the back part of our house I will double the amount of storage we have and will be able to be much neater with everything - that's my hope anyway.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White Bookcase with Dark wax antique detail
This bookcase is for sale. 
$125
Dimensions are 105cm wide by 100cm tall by 20 cm deep.
I had another bookcase to paint also but a friend mentioned that she was looking for a dark timber bookcase so I sold it to her unpainted. It was in lovely condition so it just needed a dust. Once less thing to paint.
I have four lovely pieces that I bought at auction last week. There were some gorgeous things for sale including this amazing enormous library cabinet. It needed a tiny bit of work (one bit of wood needed to be reattached) but I think was too huge for most of the dealers to have in their shops so it only sold for $100. What a bargain!
This photo only shows half of it - it puts my little bookcase to shame doesn't it.
have a lovely day
Fiona xx As I noted above - I was sent the Clear and Dark Waxes from Annie Sloan as part of their launch in Australia. All opinions are my own. Sharing at The Dedicated House

12 comments:

  1. I would love to try that wax, the end result is lovely. unbelievable bargain on that cabinet, looking forward to its makeover.
    Bec x

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    1. oh....thought YOU bought it....that would have been a real challenge too!
      Bec x

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    2. oh no -how would I get it home! although i'd love it and you could probably resell for a fortune but i stick to relatively small items!

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  2. Love your sweet little bookcase, Fiona, and I think you've done fine with the dark wax.
    that big bookcase is divine!

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    1. thanks Julia - I am learning and slowly getting the hang of the wax. cheers Fiona

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  3. it looks fabulous, fiona, and i agree you did a great job with the antiquing! i love the open back of this one!

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  4. Stunning as always!
    Beth

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  5. Looks beautiful Fiona. Can't wait to see what you do with that beautiful library. I love books too so I can picture that in my house ;)

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  6. Hi Fiona,
    I'm just discovering your blog for the first time! Your work is absolutely beautiful! The dark wax on the bookcase is just lovely...looks like you got the hang of it! :) I still struggle with dark wax, but my technique is slowly improving.

    I've added you to my blog feed. I sure don't want to miss out another post from you...

    Robin

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    1. thank you so much Robyn - I will pop over and check out your blog - love painted furniture blogs!
      always happy to find a new one to peruse
      Fiona x

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  7. Looks great Fiona. I think using dark wax will be interesting too - just looking forward to trying it. :)

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com