Transforming furniture into a timeless masterpiece doesn’t have to be complicated!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps shared by artist Becky George of Becky George Designs in her tutorial on creating a stunning black-wash finish with gilded accents. This versatile finish is perfect for furniture, cabinets, picture frames, and more. Let’s dive in!

Materials You'll Need

• Clean Slate
• Black One Step Paint
• Antiquing Glaze
• Gilding Size
• Gold Leaf
• Light Wax
• Dark Wax
• Lint-free rags
• Steel wool (0000 grade)
• Paintbrushes
• Water
• Paper towels (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean and Prep Your Piece

Start by thoroughly cleaning your furniture with Clean Slate to remove any grime, wax, or residue. If you’re working on raw wood, apply a gel stain first and let it dry overnight before moving to the next steps.

2. Mix Your Black Wash

Combine equal parts of Black One Step Paint, water, and Glazed Over to create your black wash. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it achieves a smooth, slightly cloudy consistency.

3. Apply the Black Wash

Use a brush or lint-free rag to apply the black wash evenly over your piece. Be sure to go with the grain of the wood. Once applied, use a clean lint-free rag to gently wipe off the excess wash, allowing the wood grain to show through. Let this dry overnight for best results.

4. Add Gilded Accents

Apply gilding size to the areas you’d like to highlight with gold leaf. Allow the size to dry to a tacky consistency—it will change from white to clear as it dries. Once tacky, apply the gold leaf using your ring finger to gently press it into place. Use tissue paper or a soft brush to burnish the gold leaf, ensuring it adheres well. Let it dry overnight, then use steel wool to lightly knock back the shine for a more antique look.

5. Seal the Finish

Apply light wax to seal and protect the piece. Use a brush to lightly apply the wax, offloading any excess onto a clean cloth to avoid over-application. To add depth and character, use a separate brush to apply dark wax in select areas. Blend the waxes carefully to create a natural aged effect.

6. Final Touches

Once the wax has set, use steel wool to soften any overly shiny areas and create a balanced, natural-looking finish. This final step enhances the beauty of the black wash and the gilded accents, giving the piece a stunning, timeless look.

Finished Result

Becky’s black-washed bureau showcases how this technique allows the wood grain to shine through while the gilded accents add a touch of elegance. This finish is not only versatile but also an excellent way to elevate your furniture pieces, whether for personal use, selling, or gifting.

We hope this tutorial inspires you to try your hand at creating a black-washed finish with gilded accents. Have questions or want to share your project? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on social media!

Happy painting!