Contributors

Date

October 05 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

French Twist | Gold Leaf Drippy Design

Written By Gene Howard - October 05 2020

French Twist | Gold Leaf Drippy Design

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Tamara Hudson, is here to show us how she created the piece she calls "French Twist".....

I call this "French Twist" It's a classic vintage French Provincial chest of drawers with a modern Twist! 

Products (click below to shop):

Clean Slate

One Step in Black

Gilding Size

Gold Leaf

Mind Your Own Beeswax

 

Step One: 

I found this 3 drawer chest at Goodwill for $14.99 and I knew it would make the PERFECT bedside table for AND provide extra storage. I snatched that tag before anyone else could, bought her and took her home. The first thing I did was clean her up with Clean Slate. 

Step Two:

I applied 2 even coats of Black One Step paint to the entire piece.

Step Three:

I started applying Gilding Size with a china chip bristle brush in sections across the top of the chest. I only put enough size down to cover an entire row. I let it set a few minutes to let the size get tacky before applying the Gold Leaf.

Step Four:

I applied full sheets of gold leaf. I worked from left to right in a row. I lined them up side by side. I had measured before I started and the top of my piece would perfectly hold 6 sheets across. I repeated this process until the entire top was covered. Then I did one full row on each side and across the front too.

Step Five:

I used an artist brush to lay down more size on the sides and front to make it look like the gold leaf would be dripping down. I cut the gold leaf booklet into smaller rows to make it easier to work with. I also finished off the edges and any little spots that I may have missed along the way. I just kept adding Gilding Size anywhere I thought I needed more Gold Leaf. I fussed with this a bit until I was happy with the coverage. It's so easy - just remember that you don't have to get it PERFECT the first time. You can always add more size and more gold leaf it blends nicely.
 

Step Six:

I applied Mind Your Own Beeswax everywhere there was Black One Step Paint. I chose to keep the rest of the chest solid black, even the handles to give it a more sleek modern look. Remember to always off load wax from your brush before applying to your piece of furniture.

Step Seven: 

While I waited for the wax to come to tack I added the 2 new gold and acrylic pulls for the top drawer. It only took about 20 minutes then I used a white lint-free rag and I buffed the wax. I always say this is when the magic happens! Buffing the wax does 2 things, it hardens the wax for protection and it gives your piece a beautiful soft sheen. It really is magical. 

Step Eight:

I immediately asked Josh(my husband) to help me move it into the bedroom so I could set it up by the bed. I wanted to stay up all night staring at it and ENJOYING THE BRAGGING RIGHTS! 
 

Date

September 23 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

Whimsical Bookcase Makeover

Written By Gene Howard - September 23 2020

Whimsical Bookcase Makeover
Tamara from ENCORE is here to show us how she gave this bookcase a whimsical transformation!

Products Used:

Before

Step One

The back of this cute bookcase was barely hanging on, so I removed it. Then I used Clean Slate all over, including the removed back.

Step Two

 I applied 2 even coats of Tick Tock to the inside of the book case.

Step Three

I applied 2 coats of Cerusing Wax to the outside, top and front parts of the bookcase and let that dry. I waited a day to let it set up really good because it's been so hot and humid, then I used a lint free rag to buff the Cerusing Wax so it would harden and have a soft sheen.

Step Four

I wanted to use part of the Toile Mesh Stencil to add a little bit of whimsy. I put a little bit of Gel Art Ink in Hush Your Mouth, which is a really pretty navy. I strategically placed the first stencil to look like a monkey was peeking out from the bottom shelf. All ya do is use the spreader to lay down the ink just on the part of the mesh stencil that you want to do them pull up the stencil. I continued to do this until I had 3 cute monkeys perched precariously on the shelves. Then I attached the back on with staples.

Step Five

 ENJOY THE BRAGGING RIGHTS! Now the hard part...do I sell it or keep it???? 

Date

September 23 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

DIY Shabby Shutters Using Layered Milk Paints

Written By Gene Howard - September 23 2020

DIY Shabby Shutters Using Layered Milk Paints

 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

Clean with Clean Slate

Step 2 - Base Color

Paint a base layer of Credenza One Step Paint. After drying, I added one more coat. Be sure to lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats for an extra smooth finish.

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.

Step 4 – Layer Milk Paint

I applied one coat of each color of milk paint in the following order – Marche Grey, Custom color (10 part Calais Green Pigment Powder + 1 part Essex Pigment Powder by A Makers' Studio), Custom color (10 part Riviera Blue Milk Paint + 1 part Capri Sand Milk Paint or other grey).

Step 5 – Antique

Remove some layers of milk paint by using a sea wool sponge and Antiquing Solution. Dab and pull the sponge to get a varied look. I also use a metal straight edge like a flat head drive or scraper to scrap 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 -Wax

I use Dark Antiquing Wax on the corners and edges to give it a little age. Let dry 30 minutes. Apply either Light Antiquing Wax and or Cerusing Wax. I did both but let dry 30 minutes between coats. It gave it great dimension and picked up in the texture nicely.

Enjoy The Bragging Rights!!

  

Date

September 23 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

How To Make Your Carvings POP

Written By Gene Howard - September 23 2020

How To Make Your Carvings POP

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Kathy Kroening, walks you through her process of rescuing and restoring this gorgeous Bombay Chest. 

 

Before

 

Step 1: Clean With Clean Slate

 

Step 2: Base Coat

Apply two thin coats of Nottaway One Step Paint to the chest and two thin coats of Parisian Gray One Step Paint to the top of the feet.

 

Step 3: Make The Carvings POP 

Mix Glazed Over, Kensington Black Gel Stain, and Water (2:1:1). Apply with a sponge to entire piece and wipe off with clean lint-free cloth. The carvings will really stand out on a piece like this!

  

Step 4: Seal

Apply Matte Sealer to the entire piece.


Step 5: Add on beautiful hardware and ENJOY THE BRAGGING RIGHTS! 

 

Date

September 17 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

Kitchen Makeover Using Bauhaus Buff One Step Paint

Written By Gene Howard - September 17 2020

Kitchen Makeover Using Bauhaus Buff One Step Paint

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Tamara Hudson, gives you all her tips for transforming kitchen cabinets! 

Products used:

Step One: I used a white lint free rag with Clean Slate to clean all the surfaces to be painted...including inside all of the cabinets and drawers.
Step Two: I painted 2 coats of Bauhaus Buff on everything, inside cabinets, drawers, the bases, the doors inside and out and the island.
Step Three: The home owner had an AWESOME IDEA!!! Since we were originally going to do a glaze on her cabinets but she decided to go with a solid fresh white...she decided to paint the INSIDE of all the cabinets and drawers with One Step Paint Atelier!!!! Oh my goddess, it's such a sweet surprise when you open a door!!! It puts Kandee's stamp on them and makes her SMILE!!! 
Step Four: Using a large round brush I applied 2 coats of matte sealer to EVERYTHING. Anytime I am painting a kitchen I either glaze, apply matte sealer or wax because the one step paint is porous. I don't want it to soak up any messes I might make.
Step Five: The owner, Kandee, played around and did a GORGEOUS wash on her back splash to tie it all in. 
Step Six: Waiting on the contractor to come install the new counter tops!!!

Date

September 17 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

DIY Chippy Dresser Using Cracked Patina

Written By Gene Howard - September 17 2020

DIY Chippy Dresser Using Cracked Patina

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Leah Kendrick, created this gorgeous Old World Chippy Dresser. Pick your favorite colors and recreate this beautiful finish. 

Step 1 - Clean:
Clean well with Clean Slate and remove hardware.
Step 2 - Base:
Apply your base coat, Leah used Lou Lou One Step Paint.
Step 3 - Second Coat:
Leah decided to go with English Boxwood for her second coat to get a good base and custom color.
Step 4 - Cracked Patina:
Water down your Cracked Patina 15%.
Step 5 - Apply Cracked Patina:
Use a Chip Brush to apply the Cracked Patina mixture all over the piece. Apply it in the direction you want cracks to appear.
Step 6 - Let It Dry:
Let the Cracked Patina dry, when it is no longer sticky, it is dry.
Step 7 - Top Coat:
Apply Black One Step Paint all over the piece, be sure to not overbrush.
Step 8 - Pull Away:
As you are applying the paint, pull away some of the Black to reveal the green underneath. 
Step 9 - Clean Chip Brush:
Use a clean Chip Brush do some additional pulling away.
Step 10 - Dry & Sand:
Let the piece dry and then sand it down with 400 Grit Sandpaper. 
Step 11 - Repeat As Needed:
Repeat the process of Cracked Patina, Black One Step, and sanding as needed.
Step 12 - Seal:
Use a Round Hog Hair Brush and Mind Your Own Beeswax all over the piece to seal. 
Step 13 - Dry & Buff:
Let the piece dry, buff it, and ENJOY THE BRAGGING RIGHTS!

Date

August 31 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

Chippy, Old World Half Moon Table

Written By Gene Howard - August 31 2020

Chippy, Old World Half Moon Table

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!

Date

August 13 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

Patio Furniture Makeover | Using Our High Performance Lacquer

Written By Gene Howard - August 13 2020

Patio Furniture Makeover | Using Our High Performance Lacquer

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Heidi Marsh, is going to show you how to use lacquer to give your patio furniture a new lease on life! She calls this Bistro set Rosemary...

 

Supplies - Click Below To Shop:

Step 1 - Clean:

Clean with Clean Slate. Set up a spray area outside, blocking off areas of wind with cardboard boxes or tarps if needed.

Step 2 – Prep:

Paint a base later of Furniture Lacquer Primer. Let dry. After drying, I added one more coat.

Step 3 – Lacquer:

Shake the cans for 2 minutes and start spraying. Lay whatever you want to paint on its side so the paint doesn’t run. Then, start spraying at the point closest to you and then moving further away from you, in long passes without letting go of the valve. Keep it consistently spraying until you are done with the pass. I also start spraying just to the right or left of the piece and then move along the pieces until after I’ve passed the other edge.  Doing so will allow the overspray will get covered by new spray. If not the droplets will show up on your new paint. If painting on a vertical surface, start from the top and work your way down. As you continue to paint, overlap each area a little with the next and only spray on a think coat. Don’t go back over it with a second or third coat until its dry.  Given that lacquer is a little thinner than other paints, you’ll need to apply 2-3 coats.

Lighting sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats.

Step 4 – Apply top coat:

For extra shine, apply a top coat of Bright Idea lacquer sealer.

 

Date

August 10 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

A Porch Oasis | Using One Step Paint

Written By Gene Howard - August 10 2020

A Porch Oasis | Using One Step Paint

Follow along as Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Tamara Hudson, creates her dream Porch Oasis! 

Products used:

One Step Paint Ballet White

One Step Paint Black

A Maker's Studio Stencil - Floor Tile Traditional

Matte Sealer

 

Step One

I started this project off a little different than usual. This porch floor was pretty dirty, so my hubby power washed it for me!

Step Two

Once the floorboards were clean and dry I used a roller to paint 2 coats of One Step Paint in Ballet White

Step Three

Normally when I apply a stencil to a floor, I start in the middle. BUT I started by the door this time because I wanted full squares in the areas that everyone would see. I also purchased a total of 3 stencils for the job to help it go a little faster. I positioned the stencils where I wanted to start, and I used a small foam roller to lay the Black One Step Paint down.

Step Four

Looking back I should not have done this when the sun was blaring down on the stencils/paint. As soon as I would roll the paint on the 3 stencils, I would pull them up and head inside to clean them. THIS is the BEST PART...these stencils are so easy to work with!!! All I did was run a medium temp water over them...on the painted side, not the sticky side and use my hand to gently rub the paint off. Good as new and ready to go again. IF I had waited for the sun to move, I could have probably done a few more passes, but it was literally 98 degrees and I didn't want the paint to bake onto the organza part of the stencil and clog it up.

Step Five

After rinsing the paint off the stencil, I laid them sticky side up on a towel to dry. It only took a couple minutes and I could take them back outside for some more paint. I used the stencils to make 144 tiles on my porch. Which meant 48 trips in and out...but the result is sooooo worth it!!!!! After the last 3 "tiles" were painted and the stencils were cleaned and dried...I neatly put them back on the cards they come with and into their plastic sleeves for another project later!!!!

*Note: Since I was putting this "tile" look on my old wood porch floor boards, I knew it was not going to be crisp and perfect because of the boards. I purposefully went a little lighter in areas. I wanted the floor to look like it was made from hand painted Moroccan tiles that had faded over the years.

Step Five

I laid down 1 good even coat of Matte Sealer. 

Step Six

FINISH TURNING MY 10 x14 open air porch into my DREAM SCREENED IN PORCH OASIS!!! Enjoy The Bragging Rights!

Date

August 07 2020

Written By

Gene Howard

Brooks Grey Desk With A Custom Glaze

Written By Gene Howard - August 07 2020

Brooks Grey Desk With A Custom Glaze

Amy Howard At Home Contributor, Leah Kendrick, painted this beautiful Brooks Grey Desk. Read along as she explains her process. 

Step 1 - Sand

Leah started by sanding down the top with several grits of sandpaper to bare wood.

Step 2 - Clean Slate

Then she cleaned the body with Clean Slate to prep.

Step 3 - Gel Stain

Next, use 3 light coats of English Walnut Gel Stain applying it with a foam brush. Let dry thoroughly before each coat. 

Step 4 - One Step Paint

Leah then applied 2 coats Brooks Grey One Step Paint with a synthetic brush.

Step 5 - Seal

Then you want to seal the top with 3 coats of Matte Sealer.  Sanding gently with 400 grit sandpaper before doing the final coat. Next, seal the body of desk with two coats of Matte Sealer.

Step 6 - Time For A Custom Glaze

Create a custom Glaze using one part Glazed Over, 1 part Hazel Mahogany Gel Stain and a splash of water. Apply the glaze with an artist brush in sections where there was moulding on body of desk. Let the glaze sit for a few seconds then wipe back with a lint free cloth.  To remove more add some water to cloth. 
 

Final Step - Let it dry and Enjoy The Bragging Rights!

 

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