French Commode Transformation: How to make a chest look like a beautiful antique!

Ah, yes, just before the holiday, 

today I was able to crank out a couple more pieces before the rain cometh.

This was a client's piece that she wanted me to paint…..

 Yes, probably hand painted but not in this country….
The owner was over the "flora and fauna"motif.

A few finish issues……..

 But it has nice curves, nice pulls...

I painted the base in two coats of 

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Gray.

I also painted the pulls in Pure White.

Here's what it looked like with the painting finished.

 

Here's what it looked like with Wilma laying claim…

(she has a great time checking out
all the new and different items that are constantly

coming through the SheShe ranch.)

Today, I moved it outside and added waxes: 

First clear, and then I used

some dark wax on a small chip brush 

to lightly "hit" all the intentional brush strokes

and imperfections, edges. etc., 

to really bring out all this great texture.

and to simulate age.

I did the same with the pulls:

Added dark wax to get in the nooks and crannies..

Here you can see the dark wax treatment a bit better.

See how you can highlight all the imperfections 

to make the piece appear time worn and antique?

After bringing it inside (just in the nick of time, I might add,)

and after the wax was dry, I buffed it to bring out a lovely sheen.

Parlez vous français?

How "she she!!!!!"

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!!!

Don't forget to support your local small businesses this Saturday!