To begin the black glazed tabletop, apply two coats of Black One Step Paint, allowing 30 minutes to 1 hour of dry time between coats. Once dry, lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper.

To create a sheer black glazed finish, stir Glazed Over thoroughly, then mix equal parts Glazed Over, Black One Step Paint, and room-temperature water until smooth. Brush the glaze over a small area at a time, working it into any details or recessed areas, then immediately soften and remove the excess with a clean synthetic brush or lint-free cloth. Let the glaze dry for 15 to 20 minutes and cure for at least 3 hours before waxing. Apply Light Wax, let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes, and buff with a lint-free cloth

To make the apron appliqués ahead of time, work in a well-ventilated area and wear the mask and gloves supplied with the WoodCast. Pour about 1 ounce of 100% acetone into a small glass container to keep the WoodCast soft and workable. Press a small amount of WoodCast into the Alexandria Mould, filling all details and corners, adding a little acetone as needed to keep it pliable, then smooth the back. Let the casting dry overnight, then gently flex the mould to release it. If needed, warm the casting in the microwave for about 30 seconds to shape it to the apron, using a plastic spatula to remove it from the oven.

To prepare the apron and appliqués, paint both with Aubergine One Step Paint before attaching, allowing 30 minutes to 1 hour of dry time between coats if applying more than one. Attach the appliqués with Titebond Quick & Thick glue and hold them in place with painter’s tape while the glue sets.

To soften and age the apron and appliqués, mix equal parts Butterfly Kisses Milk Paint and water, mix well, and let it rest for 1 hour before use. Apply it over the apron and attached appliqués, allowing 30 minutes to 1 hour between coats if applying more than one, and let the final coat dry thoroughly. 

Lightly dry-brush Going Plum Crazy One Step Paint over the mould details to highlight them. Apply Light Wax, let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes, and rub lightly with a lint-free cloth.

To create a deep, glazed shelf, paint the bottom shelf with Black One Step Paint and let it dry thoroughly, allowing 30 minutes to 1 hour between coats if applying more than one. Mix equal parts Aubergine One Step Paint, Glazed Over, and water until well combined, apply the mixture over the black base, and let the glaze dry. Apply Light Wax, let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes, and buff with a lint-free cloth.

To create the crackled aubergine finish on the legs, apply a thin, even coat of Cracked Patina over the stain and let it dry for 20 minutes to 1 hour. Apply Aubergine One Step Paint over the Cracked Patina and let it dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Apply a second even coat of Cracked Patina and let it dry for 20 minutes to 1 hour, then finish with a second coat of Aubergine One Step Paint. Brush over each area only once or twice to avoid overworking the paint, working in sections if needed.

To bring out the crackle and deepen the color, use the side of a clean brush to lift and distress the paint as it begins to crack, then gently shape the texture with your fingers and allow the finish to dry. On a palette, mix Mind Your Own Beeswax and Black One Step Paint in a 1:1 ratio and apply it with a wax brush to soften the purple undertones and deepen the aubergine color.

 Let the wax dry for 15 to 30 minutes, then buff with a lint-free cloth to a soft finish. Allow all waxed areas to cure for 5 to 7 days before regular use. Enjoy the bragging rights. You have absolutely earned them.