This petite French buffet was painted for our Shizzle Design office but we sold a couple large pieces at Not So Shabby and had to fill the void. So much for decorating our own place; everything else takes priority.
I started out as I always do by giving her a good cleaning.
I gave her a base coat of American Paint Company’s Wild Horses, my go to color for base coating. The color looks off in this picture but it’s a deep rich brown which looks fabulous alone or layered with any other color.
Don’t let the delicate shape and petite size fool you ~ this thing is heavy!
It was in tip top condition with the exception of some messed up spots on the top. No worries ~ a little added texture took care of that. I dumped Home Plate, Rushmore and Smoke Signal in a paint tray (aka, leftover container :D) and slapped the colors on any which way. I use the same brush while I do this and dip into whichever color(s) I need as I go along.
To build even more dimension, I went over everything with a wash of Desert Cactus to pull in the extra warmth it needed to coordinate with the wall color in our office. I sealed it with clear wax, working in sections so I could pounce American Grit into the finish while the wax was still wet.
American Grit is so much fun to play with and adds so much more to textured finishes!
I love how the grit settles into all that texture!
I have to apologize for the quality of my pictures lately. It’s been such a horribly cold winter that most of my pictures have been taken indoors under fluorescent lighting and I don’t know how to correct it. If anyone is willing to share ideas on how to correct this when I shoot indoors, that would be awesome!
We’re clearing out all remaining CeCe Caldwell’s Paints Inventory at rock bottom prices both online at our Shizzle Shop and locally in our Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, Michigan.
We pulled everything else from our other shops this past week to make room for our growing inventory of American Paint Company Paints.
Did you know that…
We’ve opened up a Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, Michigan 49428? This is where Cathy and I paint our furniture but we want our customers to know that we’re here for you. We encourage everyone to stop in any time to buy paint or to get your questions answered.
We’ve taught people from all over the United States and Canada how to paint furniture Shizzle Style using chalk and clay paints? Join us for a fun and relaxing workshop. Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
You can Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints?
Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE? It is ~ so what are you waiting for? Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page? We share all sorts of additional tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page?).
Shizzle Design is an American Paint Company’s Chalk/Clay/Mineral Paints in West Michigan locations and sell both domestically and international online? Click LOCATIONS or Online Shizzle Shop.
Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers
Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s
It’s been a cold snowy winter in our neck of the woods with temperatures and wind chills in the negatives. With a blizzard in tomorrow’s forecast, I’m looking forward to the lazy hazy days of summer.
I picked up these drawer pulls for another dresser but ended up using them on a coffee table that was started last summer.
It had a sterile white factory finish when I bought it. One of my friend’s painted it gray then I layered over it in turquoise but the turquoise was way too bright for my taste. I covered it up with a drop cloth and have been using it as a work bench ever since.
I kept imaging this piece in a lake shore cottage so I busted into several new colors from American Paint Company and poured some of each onto a plastic take-out container. I brushed them on with no real rhyme or reason, layering them and dry-brushing until I liked the way it looked.
This is the result. The primary colors I chose were American Paint Company’s Treasure Box, Voyage, Waist Coat, Beach Glass, Surfboard, Blue Jeans, Limoges and Parchment.
We’re clearing out all remaining CeCe Caldwell’s Paints Inventory at rock bottom prices both online at our Shizzle Shop and locally in our Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, Michigan.
We pulled everything else from our other shops this past week to make room for our growing inventory of American Paint Company Paints.
Did you know that…
We’ve opened up a Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, Michigan 49428? This is where Cathy and I paint our furniture but we want our customers to know that we’re here for you. We encourage everyone to stop in any time to buy paint or to get your questions answered.
We’ve taught people from all over the United States and Canada how to paint furniture Shizzle Style using chalk and clay paints? Join us for a fun and relaxing workshop. Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
You can Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints?
Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE? It is ~ so what are you waiting for? Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page? We share all sorts of additional tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page?).
Shizzle Design is an American Paint Company’s Chalk/Clay/Mineral Paints in West Michigan locations and sell both domestically and international online? Click LOCATIONS or Online Shizzle Shop.
Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers
Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s
My sister and I both used to dread waxing furniture when we first started painting furniture especially when using dark wax. We spent over a year trying different brands and experimenting with different methods, techniques and suggestions with little improvement.
I contacted several manufacturers and stockists try and figure out what I was doing wrong but never got the hang of achieving a solid finish. I ended up more frustrated with each failed attempt, then I got sick, very sick, with what seemed like a never ending pneumonia. This went on for four months before specialists figured out it was the chemicals I was working with that were causing the problems within my lungs.
That was a blessing in disguise because it led me in search of products that are ALL natural, better not only for my health, but the health of everyone else around me me too. I work in the house often, so not exposing my family to anything is essential.
American Paint Company’s Waxes(referred to as “Vintage Antiquing Wax”) are all natural. They’re not made with toxic chemicals or horrible smelling ingredients found in many other waxes and finishes.
Have you ever taken the time to read the ingredients on your wax? You haven’t? Really? If you haven’t – you should; especially if you’re using them without a respirator, in an enclosed area or around your family. Your not using other waxes around your kids – are you?
Hmm – better go grab your can of wax and read the ingredients on the back. If your wax makes the hairs on your nose curl when you open it, it’s probably bad for you and your family. The ingredients should be listed on your can. If they’re not – beware! Either get rid of it or contact the company and demand to know what you’re exposing yourself to.
I experienced respiratory problems which cost me thousands in medical bills before I found out the exposure to chemicals in the products I had been using was the culprit. Not that everyone will have those issues, but I certainly can’t use them and would never recommend those products to anyone working around children, anyone who’s pregnant, or has any type immune deficiency.
My doctor cut me off and said no more. I was told to change my career or find a green alternative. From that day forward, I have sought out healthier alternatives, choosing green whenever possible.
American Paint Company’sVintage Antiquing Waxesare non-petroleum based. The ingredients are listed on the can so you don’t have to guess what’s in it. They’re much easier to use than most other waxes and they don’t stink because they’re not laden with awful chemicals.
American Paint Company’s waxes are softer than a paste wax and glide on like butter. They can be applied with a rag or a brush. It’s a personal choice. A lot of people like using rags to apply it but I have to have my favorite brushes. Everyone has something they “HAVE” to have. For me, it’s my pillow, my LaZboy, my heating pad and my brushes. Everyone has “something” they have to have whether it be certain clothes, cars, ice cream…
I don’t need fancy cars or fancy clothes, but I do have a thing for good brushes!
I’m light handed when I paint but when it comes to waxing, I’m not. I work the wax into the paint, almost scrubbing it in with my brush. The method in which wax is applied varies from one person to the next, some wipe on then wipe off (I don’t), other’s apply with a rag. I recommend trying different methods to see what works best for you.
I prefer to apply wax with brushes; the process is very quick. I really scrub my wax into the paint to make sure it provides a thorough seal. The color of the paint immediately deepens as the wax goes on so you can see where you’ve applied it and then it will lighten back up to it’s intended color once the wax has dried and is buffed.
I also choose to apply my wax generouslyhowever, I do NOT waste the wax by wiping it back off with a rag. I work in sections scrubbing the wax into the paint. I let it set a few minutes then continue onto the next section. When my brush has less wax on it, I go back over the first areas and use the brush to sweep any wax that didn’t soak in onto the next area… Does that make sense? I can shoot a quick video it that would help.
Because it brushes on so easily, you’ll be amazed how much time you save. I’m not kidding! I used to dread waxing, especially when working with dark wax, but now I look forward to it. I know that sounds totally geeky, but I’m serious. This stuff is awesome!
American Paint Company’s Wax is available in Clear Antiquing Wax and Dark Antiquing Wax, more simply referred to as Clear Wax and Dark Wax. I have a very limited supply of Light Wax (which has been retired) and will hoard all of it unless somebody wants some. We have it at our Shizzle Design Paint Studio if you’re interested.
It is used to seal and protect. It’s super easy to apply using a rag or brush and creates the most incredible finish. I love the feel of a waxed piece of furniture when it’s done right which is so easy to do with this brand (directions are on the cans). Cathy and I also include our personal tips with each purchase in the store and at our Online Shizzle Shop.
Your finished piece will feel silky smooth. It won’t be tacky or sticky or smeary. Is that even a word? American Paint Company’s Clear Wax doesn’t change the color of the paint but it will create amazing depth of color as soon as you combine it with our clay and chalk based mineral paint. Can you see the variations in color?
This is more noticeable on more deeply pigmented colors than it is on whites and pastels, but regardless, the finish is amazing. It’s the combination of our paint and wax that creates this magical finish!
If you’d like to give your freshly painted piece of furniture an antiqued look, you’ll love American Paint Company’s Dark Wax!
I know it looks weird butAmerican Paint Company’s Dark Wax is by far the best available dark wax on the market. It’s not sticky or tacky. It goes on easily and buffs up to beautiful finish.
The other nice thing about American Paint Company’s Dark Wax is that it’s pre-mixed. You won’thave to thoroughly cut and stir and mix and blend a bunch of chunky lumpy layers of wax before you can use it which can mess up your finish if it’s not completely blended because American Paint Company’s Dark Wax is ready to use when you buy it. You can give it a quick stir if it ever needs it, but that’s all it will ever need.
It won’t leave you with a smeary mess that doesn’t cure right. You apply it, give it a quick buff and you’re done!
This is the best way to pop those amazing details on furniture, cabinets, lamps and picture frames.
Dark Wax will affect the color of your paint if applied directly over it creating a more dramatic antiquing. I prefer using it directly over dark colors such as Lincoln’s Hat, Wild Horses, Cannonball, Freedom Road… but I also love it over deeply saturated colors such as Peacock, Firework’s Red, Waistcoat, Bordello…
American Paint Company’s Dark Wax over Peacock
American Paint Company’s Dark Wax over a wash of Waistcoat
If you want an antiqued look but are worried about changing your paint color or getting it too dark, the easiest way, in my opinion, is to seal your piece with Clear Wax then come back over it with a chipper brush dipped very lightly in the Dark Wax.
Another thing you an do is mix a little Clear and Dark wax together. Mess around with it a little on a spare piece of wood or in an inconspicuous area of what you’re painting to see which method is easiest for you.
How do I care for my waxed piece of furniture?
I recommend caring for a hand painted and waxed piece in much the same way as you care for a fine piece of wood furniture. You’ve either put a lot of time into refinishing the piece yourself or you’ve invested a lot of money into paying someone else to create a one of a kind piece of art, so you want to take care of it.
It it’s a coffee or end table, use coasters. If it’s a dining room table, put the pads on it and cover with a tablecloth ~ just like your mother did with her solid wood dining room table.
For every day cleaning, it can be wiped off with a dry or slightly damp cloth. You don’t want to saturate the cloth with water an wipe down every single day because the constant exposure to water can start breaking down the wax. If you’ve doing something like a kitchen table that is going to be used and abused daily, seal the top with American Paint Company’s Top Coat instead of the wax. Looks milky white in the bottle but dries clear.
One of the cool things I like about having a waxed piece is the ease of buffing out any imperfections. For instance, you can wipe off marks by putting a little bit of American Paint Company’s Clear Wax onto a cloth and simply rubbing the spot. It works similar to one of those magic erasers, poof ~ it’s gone. The biggest thing you want to avoid with a waxed piece is oil, that’s why for kitchen tables and kitchen cabinets, I don’t recommend using wax. It can and has been done, but I wouldn’t do it in my kitchen because I’m a messy cook.
Did you know…
Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan. My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture. We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
Cathy and I empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience. Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
Did you know we are not paid employees of American Paint Company? It typically takes me 10 hours to publish one of my blog posts. Everything from shooting the photographs, writing the content, editing, cropping… is given freely. The only way we make money is if someone purchases paint, workshops or painted furniture from us. If you enjoy the information you get in our website, please share and let us know.
We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada. Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops. Learn in our casual & relaxed environment. Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE? It is ~ what are you waiting for? Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page. We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
Shizzle Design is an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints. We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio, 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428. We also stock several other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS. Not from Michigan? No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies worldwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.
Hello Gang! It’s Sunday and that means it’s time for me to share some more amazing transformations performed by of the guys and gals who have attended our Paint Your Own Furniture Workshops.
Rose brought this table to refinish
and left with this!
Rose painted her table to coordinate with her super cool chairs from Pier 1 Imports, Who doesn’t love Pier 1? I sure do, especially when I can get a great deal! Want to save on something fabulous? Click HERE for your coupon code. To create this type of a finish, create one of our beautiful teals such as Beach Glass or Anguilla and do a wash over Espresso or Deep Chocolate.
My favorite part is seeing the excitement in student’s eyes then they realize the masterpiece they’ve created!
I don’t know… do you think she likes it?
Sheryl transformed this worn out parlor table…
…into this gorgeous table. You can create this too by using American Paint Company’s Navajo White and Freedom Road.
It always boggles my mind when people travel for hours to come in from out of state or Canada for one of our workshops. We are humbled and truly blessed by each and every one of you!
Carla brought in this oak floor mirror
I love base coating pieces in a rich deep colors. American Paint Company’s Espresso Brown is perfect for this.
It’s so much fun sharing paint techniques with a room full of people who share the same passion! Hey… how do you paint all day long and still look so stinkin’ cute without a drop of paint all over your clothes? Are you guys keeping something from me? huh? HUH?
Carla wanted to paint her mirror to match the buffet she bought from us
She was really questioning the color of the wet paint
I don’t think she was buying the fact that it was the same color until it started to dry
There’s a picture of the finished mirror in the last picture of this post.
All the color and activity reminds me of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
I love seeing everyone’s ideas come together!
I swear I have the most talented students EVER! They come in doubting themselves and walk out true superstars! Most come in having never painted with chalk/clay paints but they walk out of here having totally blown me away!
Just look at all this talent! These girls were so much fun!!
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a hui hou ~ Shelly