Vintage Milk Paint Dresser...our "new" western beauty

People ask me all the time "So is your house full of your vintage items?"  The answer may be surprising...but, no, it actually is not. My husband is very "Western" like in the cowboy sense...or at least he used to be when we built our home, so most of our decor is  natural woods, lots of earth tones, etc. Now don't get me wrong, my girls' room is vintaged out in white and turquoise, vintage dresser,  and so on, as well as I have little things here and there such as vintage books, antique kitchen decor, and a vintage distressed dresser that serves as an entry table. I refurbish so much for "work" that I am just  too tired to do my own furniture :)  Great problem to have, so I am thankful for this "problem"!

I am getting better about keeping pieces I fall in love with though, or knowing the instant I find a piece if it is going to be a keeper.  For example, this desk below was just what I was looking for and from the moment I saw it, I knew I was going to love "her" for quite some time! I really wanted to have "my own" space in our bedroom where I could craft, blog, or just work in general.  However, our bedroom has kind of an odd shape with funny nooks here and there due to our large furniture inside this odd layout.  So, the desk had to be small, yet functional. Enter this beauty:

I apologize I did not get a "before" picture, however I am still trying to get into this blog groove! This desk had a beautiful shape, a beautiful "natural" wood shinning through its chipping stain, and the coolest part?? It is collapsible!! Yes, collapsible! The top can fold down and the sides can fold in for "flat" storage. It is so amazing because this thing is OLD and is all done with these really cool vintage hinges.  Since it was already such a beauty in it's rough state, I really did not want to cover her in paint, plus I needed some natural wood-like finish for it to match our current decor.  Here is the process I used from start to finish.

This piece had a lacquered finish, with some minor peeling, so I sanded the entire piece with an electric sander. I sanded it as lightly as I could with the electric sander, as I wanted some of the natural wood and wear to be seen.   It was in really good shape, so I did not have to do any filler, gluing, etc (Hallelujah!!!)   I then took Antique White Milk paint and painted the legs and body ONLY.   This piece was so chippy on its own that the milk paint just stuck to it perfectly and after one coat, I knew I had made the right choice.  I let that dry and then applied a second coat of milk paint. This piece had such a desirable distressed look to it that I did not have to put the milk paint on perfectly. I even used a brush and let my brush strokes show.  I then let the paint dry over night just because I was exhausted...I know, not very professional, but midnight at night months pregnant seems more like an all nighter!!!  The next morning, I took 220 grit sand paper and went over the entire body and legs, really focusing on the most distressed areas.  I then took tinted brown wax and waxed the ENTIRE piece...I did the and drawers to bring out that natural darker stain of the wood. I wanted the natural wood parts to really show its age and enhance it's beauty...also to seal and protect it.  I then applied  the wax over the milk paint, really focusing on bringing out the more distressed areas.  The most  fabulous part of wax is that it really lays into the texture of the paint and draws out the areas that have been distressed, making it look so natural. Really rub it in and work it over your entire piece thoroughly.  To finish the piece out, I let the wax sit for 2-3 hours and then I buffed it down with a clean, lint free rag.  TA-DA...it really was easy and I am hoping you can see her beauty in the  picture below (yes, it is crooked and the light is not the most desirable, but hopefully you can still see its form and finish)!!!

This beauty is exactly what I wanted and it fits perfectly in our space.  I know I should probably sell it since that is what I do, but I love her and am already attached :) 

Happy Painting and I hope you find your own beauty in all that you do!

The Finishing Touch

My last post on distressing led to more questions on how to finish out a piece, so what to post next was a given. Finishing a piece is what gives a piece its timeless quality and really "seals" the piece. As with all my tips, this is just what I do...my opinion...there are so many options out there and you honestly need to play with them all and determine what works best FOR YOU! I do 7-10 pieces a week, so it makes more sense for me to invest in pricier products, supplies, etc. If you are only working on a single piece, you may not choose to invest in a full can of wax, etc.


First, you need to consider WHAT you have painted, take into account what type of paint you used, is your piece going indoors or outdoors, and what look is desired for your piece. Since I typically work with vintage furniture, that is what I am going to focus on for this post (I do promise a little blurb on other items).


I currently only paint with CeCe Caldwell's Chalk and Clay paint. I paint my piece in desired color(s), distress it (which some do AFTER waxing), and then I apply CeCe Caldwell's Clear Wax (which you can tint if you want a darker finish). CeCe's WILL BE RELEASING A DARK WAX and I am pumped!!! You apply a coat of clear wax, then a coat of tinted wax (or the Dark Wax). If you get too much, no problem! Add a bit more clear wax and the heavier spots will work right out....are you now seeing why this stuff is so ideal??? It seriously makes it SO EASY! Once the wax cures, it seals the piece and hardens the paint, therefore protecting your piece. Wax and distressing help give your piece that worn, antiqued look. Please see example below:



When I used Latex paint, I would cure with MinWax or good ole' fashioned Lacquer. MinWax is the same principle as CeCe's or ASCP wax, it is just consists of strong chemicals (a.k.a. STRONG ODOR), and is a thicker base, making it a tad harder to work and blend in. I never tried tinting it, so I honestly have NO idea if that is possible or not. Sorry,this is where I have to admit that I don't know everything! Also, please note that you can use CeCe and ASCP waxes on latex pieces!!! I have done this many times and it works great! Again,the options are endless!!!

With lacquer, it is important to note that lacquer will always have its place in refinishing!! It is a hard sealant and will seal anything! I no longer use it regularly, but if a piece that is going outdoors or for a piece done in latex paint, I just feel better when I finish it out with Lacquer. I use spray lacquer as I found the brush on lacquer always had a streaky finish. NOTE that lacquer gives your piece a shinier finish, so if you are going to more of an antiqued, worn look, this may not be your best option. Spray lacquer is fairly inexpensive and a good option if you are on a one-piece budget or if you have stained a piece instead of painted it. Word of Warning...it is a strong chemical so the odor is awful. You need to use it in a well ventilated space and I recommend wearing a mask. I DO NOT USE LACQUER WHILE PREGNANT...I know some refinishers do, but I highly recommend you don't. Here is an example of Latex paint with a coat of lacquer as the sealant.


For pieces like metal, outdoor furniture, etc. I only have experience with latex or spray paint and lacquer. I have not yet done an outdoor piece with Chalk paint, nor have I used wax on anything other than my solid wood furniture. I promise to research this for you, try a few pieces, and let you know what I think. For now, I will say that I normally spray paint these types of furniture, allow dry time, then spray with lacquer. Now that I am addicted to CeCe's paint, I am going to have to find me some outdoor pieces and get busy! :)

Finishing your piece really is an important step as it is like adding the bow to the top of a present! It will not only protect your piece from chips, scratches, etc, but will also complete the look you want for your project. Good luck and happy finishing!