Artful Bloggers Party- How to Paint Furniture

Yes, I am back for a second time today, but wanted to get an early start on the Artful Blogger's Party hosted by Kari.  I am leaving for a family reunion tomorrow (and hope to post from my sis's house while gone) but needed to get my part of the party started before I go!

I just looked and Kari already has 3 party guests with their "how to's" up and running, it promises to be a big bash!

I bought two of these chairs (hand carved and signed on the leg!) at a garage sale for a great deal. Some think it is a shame to paint old pieces, but if they are unwanted, and unused as is, then what is their true value?

  I start with light sanding. You don't have to sand it to the bare wood, a light touch is all that is needed.

  I like my power sander, but a piece of medium sandpaper by hand works too.

I keep a beat up, old, fluffy brush to dust off sanding residue and spider webs.

ALWAYS PRIME!

Make sure your primer says "bonding" or "will stick to glossy surfaces".  Zinzer and Gripper are good ones.  But read the label and make sure it will BOND. There are many kinds of primer out there and the wrong one will ruin your project.

For these chairs, I used 3 colors, white, tan, and taupe.  I poured a bit of each into the paint tray, with the colors butting up next to each other, and mixing as I used them.

I dipped my sea sponge into all 3 colors at once, smooshing and mixing it together as I dabbed it on.

I keep a cheap-o 50 cent brush around for pushing paint into crevices.

Notice how the paint starts to blend together in the pan? I add in fresh paint a little at a time if it starts to get too mixed together.  Also, I dampen and rinse out my sponge regularly in a bucket of water I keep nearby.

Once the chair is painted, I start on the details, I painted the oval emblem white.

I got out acrylic craft paints in the colors I'd need for my flowers.

At first, my roses are blobby.  But that is only background color. I let it dry, and I painted the scroll work around it, green.

Over the background colors, I swirled highlights over the roses and leaves.

Because the backs of the chairs were such a cool shield shape and show every bit as much as the front, when pulled up to the table, I added flowers to the backs also.

Again, I did a background color for each flower, and kind of sketched it out with paint.

I dipped my brush into more than one color at once as I applied the paint, so that the flowers had more dimension.  I started with the base color sketch, in the darkest shades.

To the darkest shades, I started adding highlights and details.

Its important to let each application dry before adding more. If you try to add the highlights to wet paint, you just get smears.

Letting the coats dry in between will give you layers and depth.

Sometimes, you need to go back in with a little bit more dark paint, like I did in the center of the rose.  But mostly, the last layers are all lighter and lighter colors as you add them.

Once the flowers were done, I added metallic gold paint, with a 1" wide brush, twisting it to a point  as I pulled it down into a swirl.

To give the chair some age, I used a medium grit sand paper on the edges, for distressing.

I "distressed" right across the hand painted flowers too.

To complete the "aging", I used a stain and poly mix.

I buy throw away brushes at estate sales so I don't have to wash them out with turpentine when I am done, since I hate the smell of that stuff!

I brushed on the poly/stain in small areas at a time and wiped it off with a soft cloth.  An old tee shirt cut up works well.

I used "rub-n-buff" on the bead trim around the oval.  It is a metallic wax that comes in a tube, and goes on with a fingertip.

Ta dah!

Thanks, Kari for hosting the Artful Blogger Party and congratulations on your publication!

I am on my way to a family reunion, but might be posting and checking emails from Sissy's house.  If you have any furniture questions, I'll try to answer from there, but it might have to wait till I get back.

Kari's work is published in Somerset's new magazine about blogging. I can't wait to get a copy.
This Cottage Collage Kit is going to be in a Somerset magazine also. 

If you would like to win one, just leave a comment (as many times as you'd like) to enter my August drawing. 
If you aren't an artist and would rather have a finished item instead of a kit, just let me know (when you win) and I'll make something for you instead!

Enjoy all the rest of the Artful Blogger's Party by checking out Kari's site!

Comments

[Stacy]

what cool chairs. you did a beautiful job. Please enter me in the contest to win those yummy goodies!

[Elaine]

Karla,

Seeing the sequence of your photos was amazing! Now, I want to try painting and distressing something. I just have to push myself to try.

Thanks, elaine

[Bonnie]

wow, this is amazingly beautiful! Such intricate and detailed work! Thank you for sharing! I would also like to enter your drawing and I have a giveaway on my blog too.

[Laume]

All I can saw is - WOW! Those chairs look fantastic! I've been working on aging some walls and I've learned that it's not as easy as it looks.

[Miss*Laurence]

This is just amazing! I'll have to restrain myself not to have a go at every piece of wooden furniture in the house!!!
I'd love to enter the draw if you don't mind sending to the UK.
I'll carry on hopping all day, what a brillaint party!!!

[Tracy Rizzo]

Love the chairs-I am about to refaishion a wicker sofa found in the trash! Thanks for the inspiration-

[Eva Birdthistle]

Thank you so much for such detailed instructions! I am trully inspired and have a book case at hoem that needs altering :-)

[connie]

omg.. those chairs are stunning!!...
thanks so much for sharing...

Connie from Aust...xxxx

[Kathleen Grace]

Great tutorial Karla! I paint furniture all the time but still gleaned some great tips that I will use on the next project. Happy Anniversary! Mine is Aug. 9th and it will be 27 years! As always drop y name in the hat for the goodies:>) Have a great visit with your sis.

[Phyllis]

I did learn some things! Wait for each layer to dry...okay. I think my kitchen walls want this technique on them. Now to peel off the wallpaper...
Have a nice trip be careful in the heat!

[Kathryn]

Even with the step-by-step pictures, I'm still amazed by the chairs in the last photo! Thank you for another detailed and beautiful post! -- Kathryn

[Grace]

Have a great time on your trip. Those chairs are so awesome! Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.

[marsha]

Wow, the chairs look amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[Dawn]

That is a gorgeous chair! Thanks for the great detailed tutorial. I have always said I wanted to do something like that, just never gotten around to it. Maybe I need to go find me some grungy ol' furniture *grin*

[shelley davis]

Wow Karla,
You have out done yourself on this wonderful tutorial! A tremendous amount of work and time went into the work and photographing I am sure. You make everything look so easy.
Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful family reunion!
Shelley

[jennalee]

love your tutorial, that was awesome. Thanks for partying and sharing your artfulness.

[Laura Bray]

I don't which I enjoyed more, the pictures or the tutorial! Beautiful work!

[Karla]

So that is how you do it! Stunning! Have fun at the reunion - I know everyone will want a copy of your painting!
Karla

[Michele]

How wonderful: both the tutorial and the final product. You are right...I have some pieces I'm scared to paint, but what good is it if they just sit in the garage? Thanks!!

[clarice]

Karla, thank you what a wonderful tutorial on how to paint furniture. I have not really done much of this but you inspire me. have a yummy day. love Clarice

[karen benson]

This is a wonderful tutorial!!! I love your painted furniture! Please enter me in the contest for all those fun art goodies! karen

[Natasha Burns]

Karla you never cease to amaze me!!! Wonderful job!

[Mrs G]

...and to imagine that I think I'm pretty Hot Stuff when I just whip out the can of spray paint! LOL

[Karin (creativechaos)]

Karla....LOVE your work as usual. Beautiful!!!

[Judy]

What a great tutorial. I have a small table/stand that needs something and I think I will try this. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it. Wish you lived closer I'd be at your house begging for help. Have fun at your reunion and happy annivesary. I'd love to win this month!!!

[Mizsmoochielips]

Faaaaabulous!!! Thank you so much! I learned alot from this... like the whole "you don't have to strip to bare wood" part. I didn't know you could do that!!!
I think I might be able to try a headboard now :)

[Kathryn Johnson]

Very beautiful. It's so much fun to "rescue" old pieces and breathe new life into them. Thanks for sharing!

Katie

[Fiona]

Thanks for all the really helpful info. I love to paint furniture. If it stays still long enough it gets painted. I'm going to try mixing the shades next time. Good tip.

[Bethany Hissong]

I hope I caught you before you leave.... Have a great trip!!! and your tutorial on painting chairs is really great! You could teach classes locally (maybe you already do??) I wanted to say yesterday (but forgot) that I love your wedding picture...you both look so happy and you look beautiful! You'll have to celebrate late. I think that's what we're doing this year also (it's 15 for us on Sept. 5). I also LOVE LOVE LOVE your Cottage Collage Kit! I have never been good at doing things like that, so I'm very impressed with your talents.. Did I say LOVE?!!!!!

[Linda]

Wonderful tutorial! I have always wondered how to get that lovely aged look over the painted furniture. This was great.

[Linda]

Wonderful tutorial! I have always wondered how to get that lovely aged look over the painted furniture. This was great.

[liz elayne]

what a fantastic tutorial! those chairs are gorgeous....wow! and your puppy is super cute...

happy artful blogging party to you!

[Angie]

Beautiful Chair, thank you for the great painting tips!

[Genevieve]

What an amazing job, and so easy to create. I have always been too much of a whimp to tackle a painting project like that, but now with the help of your tutorial I think I might just try it out!! Enter me in that lovely contest too!!

[Cre8Tiva]

wonderful painted chairs...fab tutorial...want to see more...blessings, rebecca

[Sharon]

Wow! I'm in awe. Great tips and step-by-step instructions. I *might* have to give it a whirl. THANK YOU!

[Julie G. Baxley]

Wow Karla, you made that look easy! What fabulous chairs!! And that stash of collage giveaway goodies; yeah, please put me in your drawing!

[Becky]

Wow You can come paint any and all of my furniture. Thanks. Please enter me in your give away

[Kris]

Wow! Your whole blog is eyecandy, not just hte chairs! I'm in love with the chairs. I really need to attempt this on some that I have. Thanks for the tutorial and the gorgeous pictures!

I've joined the Artful Blogger Party too (as you can see on my blog!)

Please enter me in your contest. Thanks!

[Amy Carver]

ah ha. I have heard you mention rub-n-buff numerouse times. I have wondered what the heck it was. Now I need to have some. I asked at walmart they had no clue what I was talking about. Your chairs are emaculent. Don't you just love takeing junk and turning it into art.
It scared me a little to see you sand over your pretty roses. But, it did look really good.

Lovely lovely "howto parties"

[Amy Carver]

Sheesh, have you seen how many people commented on this tuturial. Here, I thought I was your biggest fan. Apparently I have a little compititon. Anyway, I forgot to tell you to have fun. Have a safe trip and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. ta ta

[Raised In Cotton]

Karla,

How amazing and creative you are!!!! Just beautiful and Thank You for showing us how!!!
Hugs:)
Carol

[Jessica Canham]

Your chair is just stunning! Thanks for all the close-up shots of the roses, it was very interesting to see how you paint them. I'll remember your tips if I ever paint something! Now those old chairs are worth plenty. :)

[Michelle Cummings]

WOW,WOW,WOW!
This Art ful blogging is the best! I'm learning soooo many new things! Thanks for your craft idea!

I LOVE it!

[Chia]

Wow, what a great project. Now I just need to get my son to move out so I can redo his room as a "pretty" guest room!

[carole]

Karla:
You always do and have interesting things going on!!!
What fun
Thank you
carole

[Jennie Outterson]

Love your blog. Beautiful painting. Please enter me in for the wonderful goodies!

[Linda SS]

Beautiful chairs and what a great tutorial! Thanks for showing me how it's done & please give me an entry into your drawing:)

[Maggie]

I just loved reading your tutorial and process of how you painted the chairs. You're right, if noone want the chairs why not give them "new life?" Count me in to win! :) Great party by the way...

[María Elena]

Thanks. It's a worderful tutorial. I wish you a happy anniversary and a great vacation.

[Kathy]

THANK YOU! I bought a sander and want to redo my dining room chairs (thus the sander) but just haven't started and now I have a great article to guide me!

[michelle]

What a great tutorial! I have always wondered how your roses turn out so lovely, and the whole piece was just amazing! Have a fun trip!

[Hanna]

Your roses are beuatiful and so well made - I'm impressed and inspired! Thank you for sharing so many photos in this tutorial!

I'd love to win so count me in!

[sara]

Just found your blog - what a wonderful tutorial! Beautiful, beautiful chairs!

[hb]

Yea for Vic linking me to this glorious place! WOW! Please enter me in your drawing... oh, and I would SO rather have a peice of your art than mine! LOL

[Heather]

WOW, WOW, WOW!!! You are so talented! LOVE these chairs!

[s.patel]

joining in the party---love the furniture painting tips! great inspiration!

[SentimentsbyDenise]

The chairs are amazing! And your tutorial is great, too! It almost makes me think that I could do something like that!
However, I think I'll stick to paper and cloth for now. Wood/furniture may come later.
Thanks for sharing your creative talent!

[Maureen]

Lovely tutorial! Happy anniversary too!

fyi: I have awarded you the Thoughtful Blogger Award. Check out my blog for details! Have a great day!

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Great tutorial, Karla. I have loved that chair since it first appeared on your blog. Beautiful!

[Fran M]

Enjoyed the tutorial - please enter me in the contest - these goodies look gorgeous.

[the Feathered Nest]

What a wonderful tutorial and the chairs look fantastic.

Manuela

[Kelly Boettcher]

Wow! Gorgeous chairs! I love the painted roses and the distressing, I wish I was brave enough to try something like that...

[Tera]

I love the chairs!!! Someday I will have time for some bigger projects like that!!!
Tera

[Flea Market Queen]

Oh my...the chairs are gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing...love them!

[Bejeweled]

Your chairs are just STUNNING!! I'm so glad I discovered your blog through the party - it's so beautiful! I added you to my blogroll so I can stop by often :)

Thanks so much for this awesome step by step tutorial, and with such great photos! I've never painted furniture, but this really makes me want to try! I had a question ..I wasn't sure what you meant by poly/stain mix. Is that a type of colored varnish one can buy off the shelf?

Thanks again for the awesome tutorial!

[sheri leseberg]

woah ... ok you hve like 66 comments here so you might not get this one but i nominated you for the thinking bloggers award here http://blendedcolors.blogspot.com/2007/08/tag-your-it.html ... you never cease to amaze me with all the creative things you paint!
sheri

[karla]

Thanks for all the nice comments, everyone. I am enjoying my trip, and hope to get answers to everyone when I get home! I want to visit all the other's tutorials on Kari's site too.

And yes, the poly/stain is a combination product bought directly from the shelves as is. I use a dark walnut usually.

[Katherine]

Great tutorial and I love the results. The chairs are gorgeous. You are very talented!
Please enter me in your draw for a try at one of your kits. Your blog is so inspiring.

[Cami]

In love w/ your talent!!! I've learned so much perusing your blog (not to mention the eye candy!). Enjoy your reunion.

[Theresa Meyer]

Great tutorial. I picked up a magazine rack at a tag sale - I'm going to try painting it!

[Kahshe Cottager aka Jen]

Karla, it is always so nice when people show the step by step instructions along with picture. I might not be able to do what you do but at least I am beginning to understand the steps and one day I will give it a try too!

Your chairs are so beautiful!!

[Amy P]

I've been traveling too and just now getting to all the party festivities! Your work is gorgeous! I so wish I could paint. I can do the sponge painting part the roses are out of my realm lol! TFS and I'll be back!

[Karen Young]

Wonderful tutorial. It almost makes me think I can do it. Might just give it a try

Karen
Bluemuf

[fromthepines]

Karla,
Great post! That collage kit looks great!

Thanks,
Cheryl

[Jennie Outterson]

Your work is just amazing. Great step by step tutorial. Love distressing things but don't think I could do what you do.

[carlene]

great tutorial Karla...there's still NO WAY I could do that tho, lol!

[Stephanie]

You give a great tutorial, Karla! Those chairs went from yucky to yummy!! Just beautiful!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

[Caby]

HI Karla

well i have read allmost al of your blogs,
What beautifull stuff you make, its really incredibal, what you make..

I got some lovely idea's to make for my girlfriends, thank you for that.

Im am an Dutchwoman haha , age 34 and i have to make my first swap...so i was surfing on the internet en find you blog..

So far but so near....you blog is on my favorite's on the computer!

Have a nice day..

Kiss

Caby from HOlland( the netherlands) Vlaardingen!