Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dark wax, Adding Patina to a french style coffee table

french coffee table hand painted furniture Lilyfield Life

We have been having a lovely Easter break and doing lots of family stuff such as catching the ferry to Cockatoo Island, bike riding, catching up with family and friends. The kids even had a sleep over with their Nana and Pa.  Phil and I went out for the evening but lasted just one drink before realising we were tired and wanted to snuggle on the couch at home - I tell you, I have a hard time admitting I'm getting old - I really thought we'd be out late drinking and dancing! Oh well, I didn't regret the early night the next day at least.


I thought I'd share some photos from our weekend. Isn't Sydney Harbour just beautiful!


We loved Cockatoo Island - the Biennale not so much, but it's definitely a great day trip and very easy to get to on Sydney Ferries.  We caught the ferry from Balmain and it was probably my favourite part of the day.


On Good Friday we had family and friends here for a simple seafood lunch. The weather was glorious and we sat and ate and chatted long into the afternoon. Very relaxing and lovely to be at home with no time pressures.

french style table cloth blue stripe lilyfield life



Yesterday we went to the Easter Show (we loved the chickens best of all, I am now on the lookout for some new breeds to introduce to our little flock). When we got home I did some painting to finish a sweet French style coffee table for a customer.  I've been on the look out for a coffee table for Del for months now. She needed quite a specific size for her lounge room and this coffee table fit the bill. I actually bought it to turn into an ottoman but decided against it so it was good to sell it to Del.

Here it is before


Del and her husband couldn't initially agree on a colour. Del liked ASCP French Linen and her husband liked Paris Grey so I suggested a custom mix. I mixed equal parts of French Linen and Paris Grey and it results in a beautiful taupe colour.  I hope Del and her husband love it also.


french coffee table hand painted furniture Lilyfield Life

french coffee table hand painted furniture Lilyfield Life

I made a little (wobbly) video of adding the dark wax to add patina.  I first apply clear wax and while it is still wet and tacky I use a small artist's brush to apply the dark wax then clean it off the high points with a clean rag.


french coffee table hand painted furniture Lilyfield Life

french coffee table hand painted furniture Lilyfield Life

The wax really brings out those carved details and makes the piece look authentically aged. I love the effect when used sparingly.

I hope the video helps show the process and gives you confidence to try this technique.

Fiona x




Sharing at Miss Mustard Seed

7 comments:

  1. Hi Fiona - I would never have thought to mix French Linen and Paris Grey. I love how it turned out! Love the Sydney Harbour pictures. My dream to one day visit that part of the world! Have a great day.

    Mary @ Orphans With Makeup

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    Replies
    1. thanks Mary, Sydney is beautiful! such a great (but expensive) city to live in. worth it to get out on the harbour and breathe in the beauty.
      thanks re the coffee table. Del and her husband loved it also. Fiona x

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  2. Ditto Mary's comment about mixing French Linen and Paris Gray. When I first started out, I mixed PG with Coco and it came very close to French Linen...Ha! Will now need to try your FL & PG recipe. Smart solution for you to offer to your clients. It's beautiful!
    xoxo
    Robin

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robin, how funny about the coco mix. You will love PG & FL together – it’s a lovely taupe – and always good to do mixes at the end of a tin. Hope you are going well
      Fiona x

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  3. Looks amazing as always Fiona! I love the dark wax, I haven't done a lot with it, but would like to :)

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  4. I love the the finished coffee table, it looks brilliant as always. I cant seem to find the video you mentioned., my waxing technique could do with some much needed help.

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  5. Love the sideboard and must get busy redoing my mom's. This has given me inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

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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