5 DIY Furniture Finishes to Recreate
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
Transforming your furniture with stunning finishes is easier than you think!
In this workshop, Amy Howard demonstrates five unique furniture finishes using waxes on top of our black One Step Paint.
Each technique brings out the beauty of your pieces in a different way, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect finish for your style.
Here’s how to recreate these looks at home.
Step 1: Clean Your Furniture
Before you begin applying any paint or wax, it’s crucial to start with a clean surface. Amy recommends using our "Clean Slate" Wax Remover to thoroughly clean your furniture. This ensures that the paint adheres properly and that the waxes apply smoothly, giving you a professional finish every time.
Step 2: Apply Black One Step Paint
Our newly reformulated One Step Paint is a game-changer! Now with essential oils, this self-leveling paint comes in 100 beautiful colors, offering excellent coverage with no need for a sealer. For these finishes, Amy uses the classic black shade to create a rich, deep base that allows the waxes to truly shine.
Step 3: Create a Natural Waxed Patina
For the first finish, Amy uses "Mind Your Own Beeswax" to create a simple, natural waxed patina over the black One Step Paint. This technique adds a subtle sheen and enhances the richness of the paint, giving your furniture a timeless, classic look.
Step 4: Experiment with Custom Red Wax
Want to add a pop of color? Amy shows how to mix "Chinese Red" One Step Paint with beeswax to create a custom red wax. This finish gives a distressed, layered look that’s perfect for adding character to your pieces. Apply it with a dry brush over the black paint and enhance it further with "Dust of Ages" for added depth.
Step 5: Achieve a Soft, Dry-Brushed Effect with Cerusing Wax
Next, Amy demonstrates how to use Cerusing Wax, a blend of carnauba wax and calcium carbonate, to create a soft, dry-brushed effect. This technique adds texture and interest to the black paint, perfect for highlighting intricate details on your furniture.
Step 6: Combine Light and Dark Waxes for Depth
One of the most versatile techniques in Amy’s toolkit is the combination of light wax and dark wax. Start by applying a layer of light wax to seal the paint, then follow with dark wax to add depth and richness. This method works beautifully on both black and non-black painted surfaces, making it a go-to for any project.
Step 7: Add a Metallic Touch with Gold Embellishing Wax
For a touch of glamour, Amy finishes by applying gold embellishing wax to the raised details of the furniture. This metallic wax adds a subtle shimmer, especially on carved areas, and can be refined with steel wool to achieve the perfect balance of shine and subtlety.
Step 8: Explore the Versatility of Waxes
Amy emphasizes that these techniques are just the beginning. The different waxes can dramatically transform the look of black One Step Paint, offering endless possibilities without the need for glazes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create custom finishes that are uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
These five DIY furniture finishes are a testament to the transformative power of waxes.
With a few simple steps, you can take your furniture from ordinary to extraordinary, all with the help of Amy Howard’s trusted products. So, grab your supplies and start experimenting—you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Try these finishes on your next project and share your results with us on social media!
#AmyHowardAtHome #FurnitureFinishes #DIYDecor
