One of the easiest ways to add richness and depth to a piece of furniture is with using Dark Wax to finish it!!! Dark Wax ages a piece and gives it a depth of richness compared to nothing else! This posts is specific to Annie Sloan products, but keep in mind- whatever is your product of preference- explore using Dark Wax like on this Bombay dresser shown below.
First, before I begin- I should preface in saying that using wax as a protective top coat only makes sense when you have painted with a product that is porous and can absorb the wax. Chalk Paint or Milk Paint are two perfect examples of porous paint. Using wax as a top coat- has been the process of finishing furniture for 100's of years. Wax as a top coat, does not apply when you have used Latex paint because as you may know- Latex has a rubbery surface and the wax cannot penetrate it. Latex literally floats on the surface - which is why you always use a primer first to give the Latex paint something to "bite" to. Also, this is why when you bang into a piece painted with Latex- the latex typically chips or flakes off.
But back on focus regarding wax. There is an incredible Bombay dresser here at my shop that belongs to one of my customers and I have the honor of doing a custom paint job on it. It is a family piece and has sentimental value- I even found some postage stamps that were from Italy postmarked 1977 inside of it when I was cleaning it.
When it first arrived it was not in the prettiest condition. But it has come a long way. I still have the top and feet to finish, but so far- the body has been painted with Primer Red & Graphite Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paints by Annie Sloan. The dresser below also has been waxed with one coat of Annie Sloan Clear Wax. No Dark Wax has been applied yet.
It looks nice....but oh boy! It can be so much better ...and all I needed to do was just apply Dark Wax to it!
The Dark Wax adds depth and ages a piece perfectly! I love how the Dark Wax catches in the grooves and little "imperfections" which makes it look even nicer!
When I applied the Dark Wax, take note that there was already a coat of Clear Wax that had dried. Having a base of Clear Wax is important- especially when applying Dark Wax and wanting just a HINT of antiquing/aged effect - OR when applying Dark Wax over a light colored Chalk Paint™, like Old White or Louis Blue. I also feel that by having a base coat of Clear Wax- it is easier to apply the Dark Wax. It spreads smoother. The initial layer of Clear Wax first will also prevent the Dark Wax from "staining" the paint color. So, let the Clear Wax dry first, and then apply the Dark Wax. This will also allow you to have better control over your toning layer or antiquing effect.
Now- if you intentionally want the piece to be much darker...for example- many of you wish we had a pure black....so when you have a piece painted in Graphite and want to really darken the hue- apply the Dark Wax directly- skipping that clear wax suggestion above! Sometimes if I am unsure on how I want the piece to look- I will do a test spot on the back of the piece with only Dark Wax and no clear to determine if I like the look.
When you apply your Dark Wax, let it sit for a few minutes...BUT NEVER over night or for extended hours! When I worked at the Boston Annie Sloan Workshop back in April, 2012...one of the trainers stated that you can leave the Dark Wax on UP TO 5 minutes (but no longer!- and the heat temperature where you are should make the number of minutes LESS) Meaning if it is very warm, do not let the Dark Wax sit long because it will start to thicken. After applying the Dark Wax, using a clean lint free rag (cut up old white men's undershirts..or buy bags of rags at Home Depot or Lowes in their paint departments) - rub it all off. Always wipe off the excess wax of your initial wax application, almost buffing and you should not have the stickiness issue. Wait at least 24 hours for the wax to cure and harden before adding another layer of clear wax for more shine.
When using Dark Wax- make sure to PUSH the DARK Wax into the little cracks or dents in the furniture so to capture the Dark Wax in the unique characteristics of your piece.
TAKE NOTE!!! A helpful hint that many stockists do- is that they cut the Dark Wax with Clear Wax prior to using. Mixing the combination in a separate container- you can do a 50:50 ratio - less or more- depending on how dark you want the wax. By adding Clear Wax – it smooths out the consistency and allows for better application and control. I sometimes say- that the Dark Wax seems less “gunky”- for a lack of a better words!!!
For this Bombay dresser- I actually added about a tablespoon of Mineral Spirits to some Dark Wax in a separate container to "thin" the Dark Wax just a smidge. When mixing the Mineral Spirits with Dark Wax- incorporate it really good. By adding a small amount of Mineral Spirits- I am thinning the consistency of the Dark Wax. I did not make a glaze or a stain with it. I find that by adding a small amount of Mineral Spirits it allows me to work with the Dark Wax more and it doesn't dry or cure as fast. Meaning get too thick - too quickly.
As always- I recommend using a wax brush- and feel that a wax brush is worth its weight in gold! When I apply Clear Wax - I work in about 1 foot sections … I use a circular motion when applying the Clear Wax. Sometimes- depending on the piece- (except when going for that Rustic look or when you have a textured piece) I will apply the wax in the same direction as my painted brush strokes. Either way….....circular or not…. when I have finished waxing a whole surface- I ALWAYS complete a few clean wipes with my rag in the direction I waxed.
But when working with Dark Wax- depending on the final look I am going for- I often apply the Dark Wax in long strokes. What determines how I apply the Dark Wax is the end result I want on the piece. In this case- I applied the Dark Wax in long strokes to accentuate the curves of the Bombay dresser. I stroked from from top to bottom or bottom to top per side that I was working on. You can see the effect that it has in these photo.:
Depending on the product line you like to use- if there are workshops offered to learn proper techniques and application - I always recommended taking one! You will learn all the professional tricks of the trade and take your furniture pieces to the next level!
The Purple Painted Lady will have a second location soon over at The Shops On West Ridge in Greece! Just walk in the front doors- and BAM! I will be the store immediately in front of you on the right!!!! Thursday, August 9th will be our Grand Opening. So, visit me at 3200 WEST RIDGE RD. Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan Demos happening from 11am till 6pm on Aug. 9th.
Thanks so much and remember- don't be afraid of the dark wax- or color for that matter! Life is too short for just black & white.
Stay well!
Tricia Migliore Kuntz ~ aka…The Purple Painted Lady
