Join me and see how i used Annie Sloans Graphite and Dark wax to achieve this subtle rustic scandinavian look. For this project i used a dark grey chalk paint and dark wax to achieve this aged look. Let me know what you think of the end result.
I love how easy this look was to achieve!
Redesigning furniture is so fun! YOU can transform a piece into pretty much whatever you WANT!
Rustic Norwegian Pine Black and Brown Corner cuboard.
I love the difference that can be achieved with only two products!
This creates an aged antique look with minimal effort.
This has been a very popular look where i live here in Norway. I have noticed how people have been very keen on buying the pieces i have refinished in this style.
There is something quite lovely about this rustic old look that people seem to love.
I will walk you through the steps i took to create this look.
Let me know if you have any questions?
Now lets get started….
Step by step guide
Step 1 – Cleaning
This little cuboard was not very dirty but even so i gave it a good hoover and clean. I always wash my projects with a product similiar to TSP which i buy in my local hardware store. After i wash with this i always wipe over with water to wash off any residual cleaning product.
The prep in any painting project is very important. It all effects what the end result will look like and this will save you a lot of time and stress later on.
If for example the project is not cleaned properly before painting this can lead to peeling, uneven finish or the paint not adhering.
There is nothing worse than getting to the end of a project and realising that the paint is not sticking, it slides around on the surface because for example you have not sanded enough.
Ohhh this has happened to me more than once, prep is boring and you just want to start PAINTING
– it is the fun part!!!
Step 2 – Painting x 2
I used Annie Sloans chalk paint in the color Graphite to paint this piece of furniture. I love this color.
It is a beautiful dark charcoal – before you add a sealer then it suddenly turns to a deep dark black.
I did thin coats and misted throughout the whole process, misting helps to level out the chalk paint and spreads it further, it also makes it more smooth.
I ended up doing 2 coats of graphite.
When using chalk paint, it can depend alot on the color you are using and the surface you are painting when it comes to the amount of coats you will need.
Step 3 – Waxing
The last stage of this project was the waxing stage. This part took a little elbow grease but is so WORTH it for the result that is achieved.
I have a neat little trick were i use steel wool to apply the dark wax, this is best done with dark colors and for a distressed look.
This really was a god send when i heard of it through a video made by the lovely OriginallyWorn.
In some ways this process makes no sense to me but it works amazingly.
You take a little dark wax onto a paper plate for example and you take a little steel wool and scrap up a little dark wax with the steel wool.
You then use circular motions to almost massage in the dark wax, I like to think of this process as a moisturiser and skin. You are massaging the dark wax into the dry chalk paint.
When you are distressed you use a little more pressure over the areas you wish to distress, for examples edges and areas that might be naturally worn.
This takes a little practice.
I would advice going a little gently at first. It is always best to test a small hidden area first to see if you like the effect.
Products i used for this project-
- Steel wool
2. Graphite Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan
(Find a stockist near you)
3. Dark wax by Annie Sloan
4. Paint brushes
5. Spray bottle
I hope you liked reading this, check out my other posts for other inspirational makeovers.
Have a great day everyone!
Anna x
