Sunday, June 10, 2012

I need some painting advice

I never know what order these pictures will show. The very last one is the before of this shelf. Have you ever heard of Calico Cottage. It was a home party that sold these dark wooden pieces. That's what this shelf was. The other tier shelf was from my MIL. The before picture was supposed to be on here but it isn't. It was also very dark wood. The next to the last picture was when it was just painted white. I know it is hard to see. First I painted them then distressed them and then stained them. Should I go back over it with the white paint or leave it alone. I seriously am not looking for compliments but suggestions. I am not totally happy with the results. I have other painting projects I want to do so I want to learn from my mistakes.

An after picture
Just painted....these spindles are a painThe shelf before..........not too pretty. I tried to sell it in a garage sale for $5 but no one bought it.
Okay, bring on the comments.

15 comments:

Vera @ Cozy Little Cabin said...

Debby - I'm not the queen of painting and don't have any ideas, but there are many painting techniques on Pinterest. . . maybe you'll find inspiration there?

Me? I pretty much just paint it and then let nature distress it for me naturally!

I hope you get some good suggestions - I'll be looking for them!

Jo said...

Idk what kind of stain you put on it or how long you left it on for, but that maybe what you don't like abt it. I usually put the stain on w a soft t shirt rag and use very little as I can always add more. If you don't like the way it looks paint over start again I know we have been having issue with DIY chalk paint getting the right mix.

At Home in English Valley said...

Hi Debby, I think the paint looks fine but maybe more
distressing ...take a sanding sponge to the edges, down past all the paint and stain. I never heard of that party plan, I thought I had gone to all of them...Creative Circle, Home Interiors, Party Lite, Tupperware, Southern Living at Home, Pampered Chef...LOL... Love, Penny

NanaDiana said...

It is kind of hard to tell from the pictures, Debby. It looks like the stain over the paint might be a little splotchy? I think I would take a brush with that same white paint and just dry brush (you know-take off almost all of the paint) right over the stain...I think it will kind of even it out a bit.

I think I would sand all along the edges and hit the high points on the dowel parts.

Well, that's MY two cents. Never ask me anything unless you want an answer- xo Diana

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

OK Debby- I agree with the above two comments. Either one of those would tone down your shiny stain a bit. That's what I think might be the problem.
Is what you're using to "distress" really glossy? Maybe it just looks that way in the pics. But I find that I like it when there is a matte finish.
LOL Was that too straight forward and harsh? :)
The shelf is super cute! I would have bought it for $5!
Erica :)

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Me again! LOL I took another look. I think I'd get the sandpaper back out! :)

Jane said...

Hi, Debbie, I don't know anything about painting so will just say that they look very useful.
Now I wonder about your pictures not showing up where you want them. I don't know much about that either, so mostly just have them in a straight line. When one lands at the top, ahead of where I want it, I cut it/remove it & try again. Be sure to put the cursor where you want it before you go to 'add picture'. I always center it too. I don't have much luck trying to drag them around to position them; just easier to remove & do it again. Not sure if any of this is helpful. One of these days I hope to become more adept at all this :)
Take care! Jane

Nan said...

Debby just highlight the picture you want to go in first then load it. They go in order that you click on them and highlight them.

Anonymous said...

I agree that dry brushing over the shelf would make it look aged but tone down the stain. You could also try adding another white-ish color for the dry brush to make it look really aged.

If you are having trouble with your pictures, delete them off of your post. Then click where you want the pictur to be. Go through the process of addng pictres again, but instead of loading a new picture, find the picture you want from the pictures you've alread loaded. Select that one and it should be in the right place in your post. Repeat until all the pictures are up.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I am a real newbie when it comes to painting furniture. We were always the kind to strip the paint off! I've been interested to read everyone else's comments because I want to try painting furniture myself (if I can keep my husband from freaking out about it).

Anonymous said...

If you've thought about using Annie Sloan Chalk paint and dark wax, that might be a good solution. It will cover up almost anything and you might just get the look you are going for. If you don't want to try that, I would just sand the edges a lot more to give them that distressed look.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

well..I am probably the only one that does this...but..I never, ever use a brush anymore. Spray paint has become so useable..and easy with a little plastic handle that is fantastic..
I have painted so many things..my patio set..end tables, coffe tables, stools, name it and I've painted them. Tiny things and big things..I have all different colors in my garage. The main colors, of course, are white, black, red, yellow, butter yellow..etc.

I just take the item out and put in on an old small rolling table and spray away. When it is done and dry enough to touch..I take an old clean WHITE wash cloth and rub the edges to show wear.
Works for me.
I do sometimes rough up the piece with fine sandpaper...but usually I am too lazy. Everything turns out beautiful. Don't get too close..and do it early in the morning before the heat or evening breezes set in. Wonderful thing, Spray Paint!!
That's my word on the subject!
Hugs, :)
Mona
P.S. My impatient personality is showing, I know, but with a tiny bit of prep..works great. I'm no pro though!

Susie said...

Debby, Try them for a while like you have them....once you put things on them they will look differently. Then after some time, you can paint them again if you aren't happy. That's the good things about painting :):) I have been amazed at some of the things people paint any more. Smiles, Susie

pogonip said...

I admire anyone who can distress their furniture after all the work painting. I found I'm happier with a clean look and letting the wear happen naturally, lol. That said...I hand sand the edges and add brown acrylic craft paint for the distressed look. I also thin down the brown paint with water and then rub it off for a glazed, worn look. Keep playing with different techniques!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I don't know if you are still looking for suggestions, Debby, but I think the stain might be what you don't like. I'd sand them a little bit and repaint them white. Then do your distressing but don't stain them. See what you think then.