Readers/Followers of my blog and brand know I am a Fusionista. Meaning I almost exclusively use Fusion Mineral Paint and Homestead House products on all my projects. I absolutely love Fusion/HHMP and every one of their products has always given me a beautiful, durable finish. You could say I am loyal to the core. But every now and then, the creative in me likes to branch out to try new products and techniques. It’s good to branch out to new brands and try new products to for two reasons:
- The FIRST being that it can make or break the products you already use. You could find something off a different brand that works better for you and makes your refinishing process easier. It could be more cost effective if the products is not only cheaper in price but outperforms what you’re already using. On the opposite end of the that, it could reinforce your investments in the products you already know how to use, and how they perform, especially if time is a concern.
- The SECOND is, it promotes creativity. Sometimes our projects don’t always go as planned. Trying new products could help you quickly switch gears and salvage what could have been an impending disaster by getting your creative juices flowing. It keeps your projects from getting stale and helps you to grow as a furniture artist.
So why the long justification on trying something that isn’t Fusion/HHMP? Well this is one of the projects I completed a few years ago so I though it would be good to write about it. And even though Im brand loyal to Fusion, this brand/product is still amazing for those who want a very specific look/finish.
*This post contains affiliate links.
The project itself was a petite mahogany buffet with a super dark finish on it. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the color “French Linen” to lighten up the exterior and keep some of the dark wood contrast. One of the things about this piece that caught my eye was the smooth, flat surfaces and rounded edges. It had a bit of an art deco look to it.
The wood was also in really great condition, so it just needed a refreshing. I used Danish Oil in Dark Walnut to refresh the top and legs and really bring out the aged mahogany color of the original wood.
A light distressing really goes a long way on pieces that have a large surface. It helps to break up all the paint and bring out the detail in the furniture. Light distressing is my method of choice for pieces like this when you want a slightly aged look without it looking overdone or forced.
You can’t forget all the details like hardware and drawer liner on pieces like this. These details make all the difference to these pieces and the “look” can be changed by simply switching these out as your tastes change. Below is a supply list with sources in case you want to get this look!
SUPPLY LIST/SOURCES:
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint “French Linen” – Discontinued
- General Finishes Top Coat “Satin”
- 220 Grit Sandpaper for scuff sanding and distressing
- Watco Danish Oil “Dark Walnut”
- Ceramic Drop Pulls – Hobby Lobby (Discontinued)
- Dotted Floral Paper – Hobby Lobby (Discontinued)
- Felt Ball Garland – Little City Farmhouse
- Hobnail Milk Glass Candle – Home Goods
- Printer’s Trays – Vintage (No Source)
- Gallon Glass Jug – Vintage (No Source)
- Faux Lamb’s Ear – Hobby Lobby
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