Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Winner and a Rut?

So here's a big GIANT thank you to the Fab First 100 (and beyond!) folks following my blog! You guys rock! And, we have a winner of the drawing for Chick-fil-A yumminess!


And the winner is......Shiela G from Plum Doodles I sent an email through your blog, but, please feel free to contact me at Chrystal@theshabbiestchick.com...Congrats!




As one a little late to the stenciling party, I have been doing my best to make up for lost time! This is the third piece in a week that I have finished with my harlequin stencil. In my defense, one was a client request based on this piece. I promise that I will give it a vacation for a while after this. This is a phase, not a rut. Right?




This one is a very common style of buffet that I seem to see a lot of on Craigslist. Pretty flat, pretty average, pretty... boring? Not so much any more! She's dripping in diamonds!




I started by removing the raised trim pieces on the large drawer and doors. I wanted to paint them gold to match the stenciling. I could have taped everything off and painted them on the buffet, but this is soooo much easier! Just slide a putty knife under the trim and gently pry it off.




The entire piece was then painted with two coats of ASCP Granite. Then, out came the stencil which was applied to the top and three center drawers. At this point the entire thing was sanded with my palm sander and 220 grit sandpaper. The gold paint was definitely harder to sand than the ASCP so I had to be careful not to over distress.


Because I wanted to darken the color, I waxed first with dark wax followed by clear wax.


Here's the best part. Instead of buffing the wax with a cloth like I usually do, I grabbed a 3M Finishing Pad. The white one, for final finishing. I just thought I'd try it, to see what would happen. Oh. My. Word. It is by far the best, smoothest, most streak free finish I have ever had! With the least amount of effort. I don't think I will ever go back to rags. I am hooked on these! I may ask for some for Christmas.












Sorry for the weird pictures. These are taken in the basement. Its raining outside and this is too heavy to carry upstairs to make pretty. I seriously need to look for lighter furniture to paint!


This piece is in my booth at As Time Goes By in Greenwood, MO




Wanna go to a party?


Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm Pin It

17 comments:

  1. Love the two colors, and thanks for the tip on the 3M finishing pads!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yay for me and Chick-Fil-A! Thank you so much! :) And thanks for the tip on the finishing pads, will definitely have to check those out. This piece turned out great- you are much braver than I, removing those trim pieces- yikes, I break way too much stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You do a beautiful job! Hey, I'm giving you the Liebster Blog Award ... it's to support up-and-coming bloggers. Check out my post today to find out more about what it is and what you should do with it. Love your blog. Check it out at:
    repurposedvintagefinds.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Do you use the finishing pad by hand or is it one that goes on a sander? This is a new concept for me! Would love to learn a shortcut!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I used the rectangular white one and buffed it by hand. It was super quick! I have tried the ones that go on a sander before, they were ok, but not nearly a great as this was!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chrystal, I saw this beauty at the shop today. The pictures really do not do it justice!!! Amazing transformation!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awww thanks Amanda! It was sure fun to do! And I need to tell you that your sweet pink dresser makes me wish for a baby girl! Sigh...

    ReplyDelete
  8. OH, I like! You did a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! This looks wonderful I love the colors and design, and I have to agree with you finishing pads are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What paint did you use for the gold part?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great job, it looks wonderful:-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's amazing! The colours are gorgeous. I'm your newest follower. I'd love it if you shared this beauty at my Saturday Splendour Party which is still open: http://www.megandmums.com/2011/12/m-ms-saturday-splendour-no-2.html
    Megan :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am really feeling the need to get a harlequin stencil

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh my, that buffet is gorgeous! I have to ask - what kind of stencil did you use? I've never had one that stood up to a sander!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Chrystal, any chance you can share a picture of the 3M finishing pad you spoke about. Using cotton rags, micro-cloths and cheese cloth has not given the results I'm looking for plus waaaay too much work.
    I just found your blog and put it on my favorite list....your pieces are amazing!

    ReplyDelete