Creating a colour wash - Part 2 - A furniture wash

Creating a Colour Wash - Part 2 - A Furniture Wash

A colour wash can also be applied to furniture to great effect.

Colour Wash on Furniture

YOU WILL NEED:

• A piece of furniture to paint (I am using a reproduction piece from Scumble Goosie that comes readily prepped)
• Filler and a sander as required
• Eggshell paint in a colour of your choice (I am using Oval Room Blue, by Farrow & Ball in the Modern Eggshell finish)
• Paint kettle
• Paint stick
• Water
• Scumble glaze if you want to
• 2 x standard decorators brushes (You need 1 for the wet wash and 1 to act as a softener brush)

Step 1

This technique works particularly well on unpainted furniture as it allows for the grain of the wood to show through. If your piece is antique or second hand you will need to prep the surface by sanding it back to remove any varnish or lacquer and rub it down with sugar soap to get rid of any grime or grease.

Step 2

I use a thicker wash consistency when using this technique on furniture, and will also use eggshell paint instead of emulsion. The ratio is roughly 1 part paint to 1 part water, but it's up to you and the effect you want to create.

Step 3

Load up your brush by dipping it into your mixture, tapping the brush on the edge of the paint kettle to remove any excess water.

Step 4

The motion for painting on furniture is less crisscrossed and more reactionary to the shape of the furniture you are painting. Sweep around the curves and crevices, aiming for an even coverage across the whole piece. You can also layer up to create a more textured look if that's what you prefer.

Step 5

I do use the dry brush when applying a colour wash to furniture, but less frequently - it helps to blend and move the paint around to achieve the coverage you want.