Picked up some shutters from a rummage sale? AHAH Contributor, REVIVE by Heidi, is here to show you how to transform them! She calls these shutters, Ava and Ella.

Step 1 - Clean

Step 2 - Base Color

Step 3 - Add Texture

Step 4 – Layer Milk Paint

Step 5 – Antique

Step 6 -Wax

Enjoy The Bragging Rights!!

AHAH Contributor, Heidi, is showing you how to achieve a beautiful, chippy, old world finish today. She calls this piece, Celine. Shop this blog post by clicking on the bolded products!

Step 1 - Clean:

Clean with Clean Slate and sand out any imperfections where stain will be applied.

Step 2 - Stain:

Apply English Walnut Gel Stain with a natural bristle brush to top.

Step 3 – Add Texture:

Apply two coats of Cracked Gesso with a natural bristle chip brush. Be sure to allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper so it's smooth and not jagged or rough to the touch.

Step 4 - Paint:

Layer one coat of milk paint in the following order – Marche Grey, then Noir.

Step 5 – Antique:

Remove some layers of milk paint by using a sea wool sponge and Zinc Antiquing Solution. Dab and pull the sponge to get a varied look. I also use a metal straight edge like a flat head screwdriver or scraper to scrape off random parts of the paint and gesso where its think to achieve a chippy look. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper to make the entire piece smooth to the touch.

Step 6 – Gild:

I used a very fine artist brush to randomly apply Gilding Size to the edges and highpoints on the carving. After coming to tact (about 15 min), I applied Gold Leaf and buffed it with steel wool to dull the shine after brushing off the excess with a stiff bristle brush. Don’t overdo it, just here and there will make it look authentic.

Step 7 – Add Dimension:

I added a touch of Atelier One Step Paint to some Antiquing Glaze and applied it to the top over the stain. This gave it a subtle striated look.

Step 8 - Wax:

I used Dark Wax on the corners and edged to give it a little age. Let dry 30 minutes. Apply Light Wax or Mind Your Own Beeswax.

Final Step - ENJOY THE BRAGGING RIGHTS!

Follow the steps that Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Leah Kendrick, took to mix Milk Paints and create a beautiful antiqued piece.  

Step 1: Clean

Clean with Clean Slate

Step 2: Base Coat

Paint the entire piece including the hardware with Weybridge White One Step Paint. Two to three coats will do!

Step 3: Milk Paint Mixing *Leave Overnight*

Take Venetian Green Toscana Milk Paint with about 20% Riviera Blue Milk Paint and lukewarm water to create your paint.  Let the mix sit overnight at room temperature.  Mix well before applying paint. You can strain the Milk Paint before use.

Step 4: Lay Flat

Lay the piece flat to avoid drips and apply your Milk Paint!

Step 5: Sand

Once the Milk Paint is dry, sand the piece with 400 Grit Sandpaper.

Step 6: Pull Off Milk Paint

Use Antiquing Glaze and a seafoam sponge to pull off Milk Paint in an organic fashion. Rinse the sponge with water and repeat by dipping into the Antiquing Glaze and pulling off Milk Paint in areas where you would like to distress.

Step 7: Dry and Seal

Let the piece dry and then it's time to seal! The bottom portion of the hutch and shelves were sealed with Matte Sealer for extra durability. The rest of the piece was sealed with Mind Your Own Beeswax with a large round chip brush. 

Step 8: Custom Mica Powder Wax

Create a custom Mica Powder Wax with Copper Penny Mica Powder and Meteor Mica Powder mixed with Mind Your Own Beeswax. Use a makeup brush to gently add small amounts of wax (after offloading onto cardboard) to the hardware to add a patina. Also, add the mixture to the edges of the piece and the back wall panel.

Last Step: Enjoy The Bragging Rights!