How To White Wash - A Nightstand Redo

Recently, I have had a little obsession with whitewashing. It started small when working on my signs from Board & Brush. It was appealing to me because I started trying it on a small surface and then this weekend, I got the bright idea to try it on a piece of furniture. This nightstand came from a local thrift store here in Wisconsin, something like this. 

I just loved all the great curves and details of this little piece. It was calling my name, like a lot of pieces do. So into my car it went. Kristen @ NAK Home recently tried FolkArt's Home Decor chalk paint from Joann's in black, so I thought I would give it a try on this piece and keep the wood top. I got it to this point and didn't love the top.

So I thought I would try a white wash. I had some leftover Fusion mineral paint in Limestone, so I added a little water to it and started. 

Here is what it looked like after I did this. The trick is not to let it sit on their long enough to dry. I quickly painted it on and then right after I had fully covered the top, I took some paper towel and wiped it off going all in the same direction. Here is what it looked like after.

I loved how it turned out with the different shades of color. Next, I slightly distressed some the paint to bring out the details, put some poly on the top and wax on the rest of the nightstand and here she is!

What do you all think? 

Thanks so much for reading,

-Shayla

Linked up to: The Crowned Goat | Chic on a Shoestring | A Stroll Thru Life | Making It In The Mountains | Chic On A Shoestring | Patina Paradise

Painting with a Sprayer

Well, it finally happened. I bought this sprayer from Amazon a few weeks ago and finally got it out and painted this past weekend. It is amazing, I wish I would have done it so much sooner. My favorite furniture bloggers all spray their furniture for the most part and I finally decided to get it a try myself. 

I started testing it out first with cardboard and water to get a feel for how it sprayed and the different settings. 

Once I thought I had a feel for it, I thinned out some eggshell black Behr paint I have had for awhile from the Home Depot oops rack. It suggested to thin it down about 10-15%. with water. Once I had the paint thinned down, I poured it in the container and got my garage and the piece ready.

I was so nervous at first and I don't know why. Once the first coat was finished I waited a bit to see how it started drying and it looked amazing. It was so great not to see any brush strokes and I think it took me about 8 minutes to get the first coat on. 

I let this dry overnight and then did another coat early on Sunday and then staged it late in the afternoon while the sun was still out for pictures. I am still learning, but overall the first piece went well. I also did a chair since I had mixed way too much black paint, The set/up and cleaning take the most time, I am still trying to master the cleaning process. I thought I had it all cleaned out and then some black paint still dripped out of it an hour later. And I even bought the cleaner that attaches to the sink/hose as well. Hmmmm. Anyways, I would highly recommend this product. It saves time and creates a flawless finish on furniture. 

Anyone have any tips for cleaning?

Thanks for reading,

Shayla

Linked up to: AKA Design | 58 Water Street | A Stroll Thru Life