Mrs. Hines' Class

Teaching you to create a home and life you love

An Important Lesson in Furniture Painting

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I would get so nervous before a softball game that I’d pray for a rain out, but the rain didn’t come.  So there I was, suited up and standing on the field as the umpire yelled, “play ball!”

Fast forward to this week, the gray clouds were looming in the sky, and once again, I hoped for a rain out.

I have never painted furniture for anyone but me. This time, it was for a paying client.

See more of this armoire painted in ASCP French Linen and Old White at www.mrshinesclass.com

 

I had often thought of starting a furniture painting business, and now the ball of opportunity had been thrown my way.   Doubts ran through my mind like,  will she like it?  what have I gotten myself into?

But once again, there was no rain out.

So I picked up my paint brush, the doubts subsiding with each brush stroke.

See more of this armoire painted in ASCP French Linen and Old White at www.mrshinesclass.com

The first coat was done, leaving me wondering what I should do next.

After referring to the inspiration piece, I decided to dry brush Old White over the French Linen, wiping it off as I went along.

This French painted armoire served as the inspiration piece for my latest furniture painting project. See the reveal at www.mrshinesclass.com

inspiration piece

 

Now it was time for the finish.   Should I mix French Linen with clear wax or use dark wax, I debated.

I finally decided to apply a coat of clear wax, followed immediately by a coat of dark wax, letting it settle into the corners and crevices of the armoire.

 

The Before & After of my latest furniture painting project. See up close details at www.mrshinesclass.com

 

I spent a lot of time on the details, and being both glad and mad that I am such a perfectionist.   

After hours of labor, lots of sweat and a little frustration, I was finished.

Throughout the process, I questioned whether it was worth it.

But then I would realize that I was sharing my talent with someone else.

I learned what I would do differently next time.

And I gained confidence in my ability to do this for others…

Lessons I wouldn’t have learned if the game had been rained out.

 

I’m sharing this armoire at the Vintage Inspired Party with Angie at Knick of Time

See you in class,

mrs hines sig

Comments

  6. Sharon this turned out great, love the color choices. You have done very well girl and go for it if this would fulfilling a dream and something you enjoy. Life is TOO short.

    Cynthia

  8. As they say, the first time for anything is the hardest. Perhaps this is the opportunity for the successful confidence that you needed, in order to move forward with your dream to start doing it for others. You have what it takes…the next move is up to you. Go for it!
    Peggy

  22. Love, love, love your creativity! Love your finished product for your first paying client and love your writing style. Beautiful. You’ve been blessed with many talents!

  23. You know, I liked the original….but the color you used really transformed this piece…it’s gorgeous! Your perfectionism paid off! 😉

  28. Beautiful job Sharon. I am sure your client was very pleased. It is the perfect image of the inspiration piece. Thanks for your tips and tricks. Love your work.

  33. beautiful job Sharon! I love all the steps you took to achieve the end result. I’m sure your client loved it!

    gail

  36. Its beautiful! I understand completely how nerving it is to paint for someone else. It is much easier to do what you want and not worry about someone else not liking it! Great job!

  39. Thank you! Now the question is could I repeat those steps…LOL. I’m sure you know what I mean. The beauty in that is that no two pieces will look exactly the same.

  41. True. Now that I’ve done it once, I’m less apprehensive to paint for someone else. My latest client is my MOM. On second thought, it’s still unnerving. 😉

  45. you mentioned in your decision on what to use for the finish weather to mix paint with clear wax. Can you tell me what is the benefit to mixing the paint with the wax, does it give it a white washed look? I as a hobby paint furniture and I am always unsure what to use for the last coat to protect it, wax, or poly. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to what you find works best for you. I am interested in the paint and wax finish.

  46. Hi Debra. Yes, I chose to mix the paint with the wax just to tint the wax and give the armoire a deeper finish than the clear wax alone. Does that make sense?

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