An easy way to age a piece of furniture is distressing it with tinted wax.
(Tinted wax is furniture wax that has been tinted with paint.)
Most chalk paint companies are making tinted wax.
But it’s easy to make your own tinted wax, using chalk paint.
Using custom tinted wax makes your each piece unique and custom.
I found this vintage sewing machine drawer many months ago.
I love the patina on this piece as it was, but it’s also nothing special either.
These drawers are so fun!
These old drawers can be used on a table with flowers, or hung on a wall as a shelf.
Distressing with tinted wax is very easy, let me show you how easy it is.
I took out my Heirloom Traditions paint in Aqueduct, and my container of wax.
I am using Miss Mustard Seeds clear furniture wax because that’s what I had on hand.
But Heirloom traditions does make a wax very similar that I will have to try.
In an empty wax container I mixed a tablespoon of wax and two tablespoons of paint.
Next mix this up well , I used a wood paint stick.
To apply the wax on my piece I dipped my cotton rag into the wax and simply wiped it on, going in the same direction.
After I applied the tinted wax, I gently wiped it off.
You don’t want to wipe all of the wax off so be gentle.
Let this dry and buff.
If you want a darker color then add another coat of wax, let it dry then buff.
But remember this is going to look distressed, you want to see the wood or paint underneath.
What does tinted wax do?
Tinted wax brings out all the imperfections and highlights them.
You can tint with any color paint.
( I have only used this method with chalk type paint)
White makes a pretty tinted wax too!
Using a white tinted wax on a light or dark piece will give you pretty highlights and a slightly different look, depending on the paint base color on the furniture.
Here is what it looks like.
Can you see how it really makes all of those imperfections pop out.
And just gives it a touch of color.
Distressing with tinted wax is a another great alternative to give a piece and aged look.
The tinted wax really gets in the nooks and crannies but unlike paint all by itself you can still see the wood grain.
My Advice on painting
Think outside of the box and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques.
Chalk type paint is meant to be more of an artsy type of paint.
There is so much you can do with it, and so many different ways you can distress with it too.
This technique of adding paint to wax is very simple.
Can you add acrylic paint to wax?
Or how about Milk paint?
Why not?
I think that’s something I will try next.
If you are afraid to try this on a precious piece of furniture than don’t do it!
Don’t experiment on a family heirloom if you are afraid to take a chance on a different painting technique.
Instead find thrifty piece at a garage sale and practice on that first.
Joining:
Anne,
Thanks for sharing this idea. I am starting some painting projects tomorrow, so I think I will get idea a try. I would love to have you share this at my Show and Share Party…hope to see ya there.
Blessings,
Linda
Thanks Linda for inviting me!
Thanks for that clever idea. I have several items that I didn’t want to overwhelm with color and still see the graining. I’ll be using this.
Thank you Eileen, it’s a great alternative for distressing.
Thanks for the tip, Anne. Am anxious to try it..Happy Wednesday..Judy
Your welcome Judy thank you!
I like the look it gave a drawer. Some times you just want a wash on liven up a piece. I like this a lot. Jo
Thanks so much Joanne!
Thanks so much what a great idea. Can not wait to try this,have a great day.
You’re welcome Marlene you too!
That looks great! Just thought I’d let you know that you can use acrylic and latex paint to make tinted wax. I’ve been making tinted wax for a few years now and I’ve never had any problems. Just thought I’d pass along.
Peace,
Debbie@FlowerChildDesigns
Thank you Debbie! I was wondering if you can use acrylic paint,or even milk paint.Good to know!
Great idea, would like to try that on a piece soon. Personally I’m not as crazy about how addition of white looked think I’d want to try several different colors to wax and also white and let it sit to see how I’d feel about it after looking at it for while, Distressing isn’t well favored here but maybe lighter use of distressing would go over better. People get an idea in their heads and won’t even consider or bother to really look at it, give themselves a chance to consider a different look. I’ve had to learn to think about different techniques that produce different look, need to have more open mind. Glad you shared this idea so we can think about it and learn from it.
Happy New Year
Thanks JaneEllen. I know many don’t like painted pieces. And I don’t think every piece should be painted. I do love pieces with lovely patina. But I also think it’s a choice, I agree it’s good to keep an open mind 🙂
Good Morning Anne,
This is very cool. Love the texture it gives to the piece too. You are so clever love this.
Kris
Thank you Kris!
So cool! Thanks for sharing.
Can this be done with metal objects??
You are welcome Janet.Hmmmm not sure if you can use this on metal…I guess I will have to try it and see 😉
Gorgeous and I will have to dry this with a aqua paint! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Darrielle!