I have fallin' in love! Not in a way that the Hunkband would need to be concerned about it ...but, then again, maybe?
I might be a bit late to the party since for a while I have been seeing a lot of inspiration using chalk paint, and let me tell ya, I am now a hands-on, experienced user of the stuff and I'm loving it!! I mean it, I love, love, love the stuff. Yep, maybe Hubs should be a little concerned because I may just paint everything in sight!
I picked up these frames for next-to-nothing at the thrift shop and I knew exactly what I would do with them. They were gonna get a transformation! I really like the detail and thought they were perfect, well, they would be soon anyway! I picked up some chalk paint on a trip to the craft store and then I couldn't wait to get started on my project.
The detail is what really caught my eye!
This one also has great detail and I like the oval shape as well.
This is the chalk paint I used, you can find it at most craft stores. I also picked up some of their clear creme wax and deep brown creme wax at the same time. It's another layer of awesomeness that goes with using the chalk paint. More on that after the painting!
I began applying the chalk paint by almost dry brushing it on. This is where I got more excited about this project, because I then wiped off some of the paint using a paper towel along the detail area.
See what is happening? That is exactly what I had envisioned!
So, I continued adding more paint.
(I figured these would photograph better with some contrast for the background!)
I painted two light coats, letting the paint dry between coats.
-While researching info on chalk painting, one user recommended very lightly wetting the paint brush tips with water prior to dipping into the paint, before painting the additional layers. By doing this it goes on smoother after the first coat has dried.
Then came the deep brown creme wax layer. (The wax actually feels like thin paint rather than wax, by the way). I lightly brushed on the wax in sections, then immediately wiped it off gently with a soft cloth. Taking away or adding more to get the look I was going for. Some of the dark wax remained in the recesses and this is what creates an antiqued look.
The clear cream wax can also be applied over the darker wax to wipe it back a bit if needed, or desired. I used that technique a few times when I felt I had too much, or it was darker, than I'd wanted. I covered the entire frame in this manner. If not using the darker wax the clear wax can be applied instead. The wax seals the chalk paint and gives it a protective coating, and after buffing you get a nice sheen. I let the wax dry then gently buffed the frames, and it gave the chalk paint a nice finish.
I am loving the results of this project, and I can't wait to do more! I'm so pleased with the way it turned out. Now I can put these frames to use with a project I have in mind for them. I'll share that sometime soon!
-While researching info on chalk painting, one user recommended very lightly wetting the paint brush tips with water prior to dipping into the paint, before painting the additional layers. By doing this it goes on smoother after the first coat has dried.
I pulled the paint off of the textured areas by using a dry non-scratch scrub pad, the type used to clean a non-stick pan or one that won't scratch dishes. The green ones are very popular and do scratch so don't use those!! I carefully buffed across the texture on the frames and revealed the gold/brass underneath.
Now this is what I had in mind for these frames, the texture and the gold really pops now!
Here is a photo of natural bristle brush and the scrub pad I used!
Then came the deep brown creme wax layer. (The wax actually feels like thin paint rather than wax, by the way). I lightly brushed on the wax in sections, then immediately wiped it off gently with a soft cloth. Taking away or adding more to get the look I was going for. Some of the dark wax remained in the recesses and this is what creates an antiqued look.
The clear cream wax can also be applied over the darker wax to wipe it back a bit if needed, or desired. I used that technique a few times when I felt I had too much, or it was darker, than I'd wanted. I covered the entire frame in this manner. If not using the darker wax the clear wax can be applied instead. The wax seals the chalk paint and gives it a protective coating, and after buffing you get a nice sheen. I let the wax dry then gently buffed the frames, and it gave the chalk paint a nice finish.
Voila! Those frames are perfect now!!
I am loving the results of this project, and I can't wait to do more! I'm so pleased with the way it turned out. Now I can put these frames to use with a project I have in mind for them. I'll share that sometime soon!
As always, happy crafting!...
