This technique starts with pre-wetting the wood.  I like using a 2nd paint brush, dipping it into the water and then 'painting' the wood with water.  

Then taking a second paint brush, I paint a section of the wet wood with Chalk Paint® decorative paint.  A small amount goes really far.  When you're no longer able to spread the paint, grab a towel and start wiping off.

After finishing the whole surface, step back and look at the whole piece.  If there are spots with more paint than you like, brush on some water, spreading the paint thinner, then wipe off with a towel.  

Conversely, if there's a spot with less paint then you like, dip your brush in a little water, a little paint, and re-paint that area, spreading the paint around.  Then dry with a towel.

This is a fast project and usually by the time I'm done with 'washing' on the paint it's ready to be waxed.  

Remember - You're washing the color into the grain.  You aren't painting the piece.  You want the grain to show through.  

This oak cabinet door was washed with Chalk Paint® Graphite and finished with dark wax.

This barn wood bar was washed with Chalk Paint® French Linen, finished with clear wax.

Yesterday I had an iced venti espresso that had a lot if condensation build-up, so I set it on our Emperors Silk & dark wax finished countertop. 

After 15 minutes, there was a significant amount of water.

I removed the cup and wiped off the water ring with a paper towel.  

I then set my timer for 15 minutes.

After 7 minutes, the ring had faded about 50%.

After a total of 15 minutes, the water ring was completely gone.

(I had to change my photo orientation because I kept casting a shadow over the spot😞).

This was just a quick test.  We've had lots of customer & team accidents with drinks, ice cream, food, candy, and of course the 6-inches of flooding at Re-Find Living. There's no need to panic, gently clean up the wetness, allow it to completely dry.  Íf the ring persists, lightly sand & re-wax.  

This really is amazing paint!

B

Truly.  It's unbelievably beautiful.

It's made out of SOLID Maple and Pecan woods.  Put together so beautifully solid.  The joinery is artistic.  This is my first Henredon set, and I almost kept it.  

But I could see exactly how I wanted to paint it, so.....I did.

I started with a Pure White Old Ochre Chalk Paint® custom blend.

Then I painted Louise Blue on top, quickly wiping off with a cloth. (It's hard to see the blue in the picture)

After clear and dark wax and a light sanding, I highlighted the curves with gilding wax.

Next, I painted the upholstery.

Intrigued?

B