OMBRÉ EFFECT ON FURNITURE

"TURN JUNK INTO FUNK!"

For this project I wanted to create a real funky designer look with with a two-tone gradient effect

looking both dramatic and luxurious.

I picked up this vintage dressing table for a mere £20 from a local junk shop, with no added transport cost as it fit just snug in my car.

MATERIALS USED

- thin sand paper

- damp cloth

- chalk paint in 2 colours 1x250ml 1x500ml

(amount will vary on the size of the furniture)

- 1 spray bottle filled with cold water

- 2 slim brushes

- 2 wide brush

- chalk paint wax in clear and a cloth

- new drawer knobs (Ebay)

VINTAGE FURNITURE You can use any wooden furniture you may be tired of, vintage or more recent.

STEP 1: SAND DOWN

Sand down the furniture using a strip of thin sand paper wrapped around a square piece of wood (makes it easier to keep a regular sanding pattern going and easier to grip)

STEP 2: WIPE IT DOWN

Wipe the whole furniture down with a damp soapy cloth to remove any excess dust.

STEP 3: PAINT

Paint the bottom 2/3 of the furniture in one colour using the wide brush.

STEP 4:

Paint the top 1/3 of the furniture in another colour using a slim brush (it is easier to create the gradient if the two colours are near in tone)

STEP 5:

Spray lightly with water where the two paints meet. Using a slim brush lightly brush down with the top paint colour all along the line to diffuse it.

STEP 6:

Lightly brush up with the bottom paint colour and keep repeating these two steps until you’re happy with the gradient.

I went for a very uneven look on purpose, so that it is quite forgiving.

STEP 7:

If you can bear it (and have enough paint), paint the inside of the drawers, it helps to make them feel clean again, and help to take away any smells.

STEP 8:

Leave to dry overnight.

STEP 9: WAX

Once the paint is totally dry, brush some wax on small areas at a time and rub in with the cloth following the wood grain.

STEP 10: FIT THE NEW KNOBS

Fit the new knobs in and leave the wax to dry for ideally two weeks before you start using the furniture.

STYLE TIP!

Upcyling project usually work out much cheaper so you can afford to splash out on nice "statement" knobs,

go for it! It will make all the difference.

See the full video tutorial over on my instagram @thepurplestylist

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SHOP THE LOOK!

Chalk paints and wax from Annie Sloan

Mother of pearl drawer knobs from Ebay