Furniture Paint Effects - dry brushed and washes

I probably should have just sold this piece unpainted as it was in lovely condition and looked nice. However Catriona visited me to see what I had for sale and loved this piece and wanted it painted in a washed effect so I agreed. I thought it was a good chance for me to practice my painting technique anyway.

To get this effect I sanded the cupboard down lightly then did a rough base coat of ASCP French Linen. When it was dry I then dry brushed ASCP Old Ochre. To dry brush, I shake the tin of paint and then take off the lid. The paint that remains on the inside of the lid will be enough for you to use. Dip a dry paint brush into the paint very lightly. Then blot the paint brush onto some paper towel to get off most of the paint. With barely any pressure run your paint brush down the surface to be painted. Try not to get big blotchy spots, you want gentle light lines. 

 Once I was happy with the dry brushing and it was dry, I watered down more old ochre paint in a bowl to create a wash (which also lightens the paint colour) and carefully washed the paint in biog strokes along the grain of the wood. 

I then waxed and lightly distressed it. Saying it like that makes the process sound very simple but I did several layers of the washed and probably mucked around too much. I need to improve this technique and get it more streamlined. I wish I had a teacher to take me to the next level of furniture painting. Until then it's just a matter to practicing, reading online and trying new things.

Catriona loved it and so did I. 
It's such a well made stately piece.

I could have happily kept this one.

Fiona xx