When I bought this buffet, I knew it had some great bones, but it really needed some refreshing. I mean it’s kind of dull and boring as it is. It sat for a while because I just couldn’t decide what to do with it. Then it came to me – color washing!
Color washing is a fun way to add layers and texture to a piece while still keeping it bright and colorful. Glazing can tone down a piece quite a bit, but layering color keeps it bold and interesting.
As I did it I updated my Colorwashing tutorial, it needed a fresh spin just like this buffet. So here it is… a full length tutorial.
What a difference.
I heavily distressed this piece, I wanted it to have lots of interest. When I was done it reminded me of turquoise, almost southwestern in feel. I added these detailed cup pulls and it just made it all come together.
No more dull, boring brown. Hello beautiful color!
I’ve done this finish, before and just to show you you can do it with different combinations of color, here are some examples…
I used it to makeover my cedar trunk in my living room. This went dark navy blue over the cedar. You can see the makeover here.
This is another Patina Green example on a mirror, no blog post with this one, but this is a great finish for mirrors!
This dresser was done in lighter blues, and turned out so pretty. Post and tutorial here.
There you have it. Color washing at it’s best. What colors are you going to try this with??
Until next time,
Jenni
Hey jenni,
I love watching your videos. I just got a few pieces of furniture from my dad passing and most are dark wood so looking to brighten them up. Do you have to strip the furniture prior to painting on top of a stain or dark finish?
I’m new to this and a piece I’m looking at right now has a lot of details.
Your videos have already been so beneficial.
Thanks,
Jeanene
Hi Jeanene,
Nope, you sure don’t! Just scuff it up and clean it well, then paint! Here’s where you should start: http://www.rootsandwingsfurniture.com/blog/furniture101
Hi Jenni,
I am building a headboard using an old door, I have two end tables and two dressers to paint as well. My comforter is base white with a couple shades of blues patterned. I love the water color process but I am not sure I want it all to match. I would love to hear your opinion and recommendations keeping mind I was thinking about keeping the headboard and end tables base color white.
What about a pearl finish instead? Something to take it up a notch, but not get too far from white. Check out this video I did… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZhN8c8tU0U&t=323s
Hi Jenni,
What color combos did you use for the green mirror patina?
I loved it!
Thank you for the videos!
That was General Finishes Patina Green with color washing of Coastal Blue I believe. I loved that mirror!