Shabby Chic; Volume III

blushingbride_3

steve_2012 wrote: »

ive started a new piece today and would like some advice as ive not done a natural wood and paint finish before.
one problem i am having as seen in pic 2 is the handles cant be removed, what would be the best way too strip them.
i can sand some it but its really awkward and slow, should i use nitromors?.
pic 3 is similar to the desired finish.
im not certain on colour yet but would like the wood part finish as light as possible.
ive sanded the 2 main boards but the grain is still holding some dark, would nitromors also pick this up.
any tips would be helpful.
thanks.

PS:opinions on an order of work would be helpful, my plan is sand down tops and handles, sugar soap the rest, paint (masked wood areas), wax paintwork then wax woodwork.
this one is potentially a keeper so i might splash on AS, would a litre do it, im not sure it would.

Is that the finished product? if so it looks fab! welldone

steve_2012

emma_kate wrote: »

Is it oak? If you want it really pale you could try wood bleach? There are different types for different reasons, like lightening wood, lifting stain or dealing with watermarks. Or you could do a thin dilute paint wash over the wood bits. You can still see the wood through the wash and you varnish or wax as normal. I use both these techniques on my dining table recently. The paint wash is great on oak as it will sit in the grain.
If you can't take the handles off, it's just a matter of stripping in situ. I think Nitromors is pretty stinky. I prefer the Wilkos version. Stripper and wire wool will get the stain out of the grain.
Yes 1 litre will be plenty.

thanks emma,
it is oak.
i will look into everything you have said.
im really looking forward too this one.
it only cost £25 but it is a real solid piece of furniture made by ercol, which is how after googling around im 99% certain it is oak.
i will update as and when i need help or have progressed forward.
thanks again emma.

blushingbride wrote: »

Is that the finished product? if so it looks fab! welldone

no,:o the finished one is a pinched ebay photo and is sort of how i think i want it to look.

steve_2012

a few pics of some recent bits ive done recently.
all these are HMCP homebase life of colour matt emulsion.
now although i think ive done a reasonable job here i feel that what i am doing has become a little bland.
i dont mean this too be conceited and that im better than this but the early challenge is sort of fading if that makes sense.
what would or could be the next step in the learning process of restoration.
one thing i want too try is stencilling but although i have some pdfs ready to print i am thinking that might just be running before walking.
if anyone has a few suggestions please give post them.

hmo

Steve What a transformation good luck with yours

emma_kate

They look great Steve. I can't stand stencils. They just look like stencils. Pop over to the Graphics Fairy site where she has tons of cool graphics and several methods to transfer them to your furniture for a wow factor!
Look at these blogs for inspiration; Miss Mustard Seed, Knick of time, A bit o' Whimsy and A little bit o' Shizzle. They are some of the best decorative painters. They might have links to their most popular posts or a before and after page.
You could try milk paint, wet distressing or using multiple colours? Or dark wax? That can take some mastering!

http://www.abitowhimsy.com/2012/08/fabulous-french-armoire.html
I love this one!

steve_2012

emma_kate wrote: »

They look great Steve. I can't stand stencils. They just look like stencils. Pop over to the Graphics Fairy site where she has tons of cool graphics and several methods to transfer them to your furniture for a wow factor!
Look at these blogs for inspiration; Miss Mustard Seed, Knick of time, A bit o' Whimsy and A little bit o' Shizzle. They are some of the best decorative painters. They might have links to their most popular posts or a before and after page.
You could try milk paint, wet distressing or using multiple colours? Or dark wax? That can take some mastering!

http://www.abitowhimsy.com/2012/08/fabulous-french-armoire.html
I love this one!

thanks emma,
i said stencilling i meant the transfer method using graphite paper or other methods described on graphics fairy which was where i downloaded some pdfs after resizing them on block posters but i believe i should just try this on a piece of spare wood for now.
im not very arty but would love to semi master that.
i think more colour and multi colour or textures ie: wood and paint would be the obvious short step of progression.
i have about 20 pieces stocked up now bureaus,wardrobes chests of drawers and occasional type tables.
i am a touch weary on colours but only because i may be limiting my market.
i have found that in the past month nothing is really selling much too my wifes delight on some pieces.
i think or am hoping that the school holidays have caused a blip but who knows, at one point i couldnt paint them quick enough but my shed garage and conservatory are full with either ready too go or waiting to be done.
ive even bought a large enclosed gazebo to work in :eek:
one good thing about the lull in sales it did mean that i was purchasing for very low prices.
i couldnt i dont think make a living doing this but much prefer it satisfaction wise than even tiling which can be very satisfying albeit hard on the body over the years.
i dont seem too have the vision at 50 odd of what people really want and when i do i find it hard to say seriously distress a piece when it looks "to me" perfect how ive painted it but realise thats not what everyone one wants.
i dont want too make fortunes but just some cost cover and small reward for my work.
ive just read back and im now rambling so ill stop now

emma_kate

I think the problem is that everyones at it. It's very hard to do it for a living. You just don't get a worthwhile price for the time and materials put in. Sometimes you can make a big profit on the un painted furniture, as this is what everyone is after. Then it really is money for doing nothing!
I know people who cannot stand distressed furniture so don't feel you have to do that.

steve_2012

occasionally ie: i buy 4 pieces sell 3, paint one and as you say you can sometimes get more for them unpainted than you can painted.
the above method gives you the better piece of the 4 for free and enough to paint as well then some at times.
it does involve trolling the ebays and gumtrees of your area but it certainly helps out.
just wish i didnt have these 4 50s wardrobes as you sort of cant paint them till you gat a buyer but many buyers have less vision than i do, catch 22 sometimes.
small items are certainly better for profit but i dont want it to be tedious.
i tend to paint in 4s now as you can get 4 done in the same time as 2 more often than not, you always have fresh paint and there always something to empty the paint up on at the end of the day.

steve_2012

blimey, i dont think im ready for them just yet, well not 4 a day anyway lol.
http://www.abitowhimsy.com/2012/08/fabulous-french-armoire.html

beautiful_ravens

I love reading this thread, some great befores and afters!
I read this recently, and was wondering if the origin of shabby chic was known to everyone -

http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/5686593/the-death-of-shabby-chic/