Hi guys, we are back with another installment on decor. Today we will have a brief look at the various Decorative Finishes out there to help you breath new life into your solid wood furniture.
Your furniture can be transformed with a coat of paint, varnish or wax.
Wax
Waxing wood is called liming.
Applying a coat of wax can enhance your solid wood furniture and place emphasis on the natural textures and colors of wood. The number of paint techniques and applications are numerous, however adding a little paint powder or stain to varnish or wax can both enhance the natural color and add a subtle color change.
This methods is very noticeable on woods with open grains. The powder or wax residue remains behind in the grooves and cracks of the wood. Closed grain woods, like Pine, needs a little more work.
To open the grain of the wood, a wired brush is used to create grooves and scratches where the powder and wax will settle.
Varnishing
Varnishing is used to seal wood surfaces, giving it a hardened shine or matte finish.
Varnishes are available that are either, Oil based, Water based or Alcohol based. Oil based varnishes come in matte, semi matte and gloss finish. Oil based varnishes can be easily mixed with tints and oil based paints, giving one a wider variety of colors.
The easiest option for a quick drying effect is the Acrylic varnish.
Glazes
Oil glazes can be applied directly to the surface of the wood or a paper motif, sealing the design to the furniture piece. Oil glazes are also easily mixed with tints and will dry to smooth and translucent layer. The color below will remain visible.
Stains
Wood stains can only be applied to untreated wood and won’t seal wood surfaces.
Colorwashing
This method entails applying a water based paint directly onto the wood surface, creating a thin transparent layer of paint color.
Colorwashing of furniture pieces is an inexpensive and easy way of to change the color by playing on the existing textures and grains of the wood. The more diluted the paint, the more the grain of the wood will be exposed, creating a worn appearance.
Adding a light color to light wood will produce a light stained effect whereas adding a darker color to the piece composed of a darker wood, will produce a more dramatic effect.
Examples of Colorwashing Methods
By applying 3 colors, a rich and intense finish can be created.
By applying a layer of wax to the surface and then applying a layer of paint, a streaked paint effect is created, once the wax is rubbed off.
Paper
Paper such as wrapping paper can be used to decorate your furniture pieces. When applying paper, it is best to apply it to flat, clean surface. Paper is strong and comes in a variety of textures, thicknesses and designs; not to mention colors. Interesting surface decorations can be added to a freshly painted piece. The designs can be chosen to tie in with your décor style of the room.
Well guys, these are just a few methods you can implement to change your favorite furniture pieces without spending to much. I would recommend a trip to your local DIY center.
See you guys next time
Cheers