If you love the look of peeled back layers, layers of paint, paint that’s been worn away to
reveal pieces of beautiful old wallpaper, you are likely to appreciate the finish created on this
little chest of drawers!
This project started with a dark, dated piece of furniture and a roll of vintage wallpaper
purchased at an antique show. Whatever paper you choose for your background, whether it
be wallpaper, fabric or even scrap booking paper, take it to any printing business that uses a
laser jet copier and have color copies made in the size and quantity you will need for your
project.
Once you have prepped your surface with a good cleaning and a coat of paint, (Paloma was
used for the base of this piece) cut your image to size, brush on a coat of Artisan
Enhancements Transfer Gel and lay your print, image side down on the wet gel.
Gently smooth out the paper onto the surface, working out any air bubbles with your fingers.
It is best to let the gel dry overnight before proceeding, however you can speed up the
process with a hairdryer.
The next step is to dampen the paper with a kitchen sponge and work away the fibers with
your fingers. Work slowly and carefully as too much pressure may rub away the image.
Once all of the paper fibers have been removed and the finish is dry, apply a generous coat of
Crackle Tex. Crackle Tex is a great medium not only for adding crackle to a paint finish but
also for the texture it provides. It allows for a top coat of paint to be pulled off in places to
reveal layers below, all while adding an authentic looking chippy finish.
When your Crackle Tex layer is completely dry, apply a coat of paint right overtop of it. Louis
Blue was used here. Be careful not to overwork
the application of this paint layer as the wet
paint will quickly start to reactivate the Crackle Tex.
Within moments, cracks will begin to appear. At this time, you can grab your lightly damp sea
sponge and start distressing. Push the sponge down into the paint and then lift it off.
Remove as much of the top paint layer as you like until you are satisfied with the overall
finish.
After allowing this layer of paint to completely dry, it is time to add a glaze to create yet another layer of interest to the finish. Scumble is a transparent, tintable glaze-like medium.
Start by brushing on a quick slipcoat of untinted Scumble, straight out of the container. This will create a good workable surface. While your slipcoat dries, mix 5 parts Scumble to 1 part paint to create your tinted glaze. Old White was used here to soften the overall appearance of the piece and to add the look of an additional layer to the finish.
Scumble has an “open time” of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, which means that you have
plenty of time to work with the glaze and create a finish you like before the product starts to dry.
As soon as your Scumble glaze has dried, you are ready to seal your finish. Clear Topcoat
Sealer by Artisan Enhancements provides a durable, clear, matte finish and has no VOCs or
harmful chemicals which are often found in other sealers. Brush on two thin coats, allowing
24 hours dry time between each application.
Have fun creating weathered, chippy, finishes with Artisan Enhancements Transfer Gel,
Crackle Tex and Scumble! Consider this look not only for drawer fronts, but for doors,
cupboards, wooden boxes and more! The possibilities are endless!
Disclosure: This is an Artisan Enhancements sponsored post, however the opinions and ideas expressed here are mine and I will only ever promote products that I enjoy using and feel may benefit my readers.
Thank you so much for your visit today!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda
Sharing With:
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours
Friday's Unfolded at Nancherrow
Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
What's it Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
