A very important element in using Annie Sloan Paint is the application of the wax. This is when the "magic" really happens! Annie makes two waxes, one is Clear and the other is Dark. The Clear Wax pretty much looks like a tub of Crisco and the Dark is well....very dark, a very rich brown.
When you are finished painting your piece you will want to first apply a coat of clear wax. This is very important. If you apply your brown wax first it will stain the color of your paint. The clear layer acts as a barrier and gives you a "platform" to work on the brown wax.
A wax brush is a very helpful tool when applying large amounts of wax all over a piece. You may also apply the wax with other natural bristle brushes and soft lint free rags. But, once you have used this brush, you will be hooked and won't be able to imagine life without one. It is made of horse hair and retails for $34.95...worth it! If you will be waxing often we also recommend two. You will want to keep one brush for clear and one brush for dark. We purchased ours at Total Bliss in Summerfield, NC. Check with your local Annie Sloan Paint stockist to see if they carry it....many do.
In this photo I have applied a layer of clear wax, liberally applying with my wax brush. I then wiped off the excess with a lint free rag and then distressed. I then began to apply the dark wax. I applied a fair amount, pushing it into the detail, and into the nooks and crannies.
Once the piece was covered in brown wax I began wiping off the excess. If my wax was difficult to move or wipe, I used additional clear wax to smooth and even it out. When your wax is fully dry...usually in a few hours, {or you can wait up to 24 hours} buff it to a beautiful shine with some cheesecloth, or a soft lint free rag.
Working with wax is really quite easy once you get the hang of it. It is one of the techniques we teach in all of our Annie Sloan Workshops at Total Bliss. So much can be achieved with these two waxes! Again, this stuff is limitless!
Can you see how the brown wax has merged into all the nooks and crannies and into the brush marks? I love it! The sloppier you paint the more brush strokes you make for wax to stick in!
This piece was painted with Paris Grey and Old White. A fabulous combination!
To find out where you can purchase Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Waxes
visit Annie Sloan Unfolded!
I don't think I'll ever get the hang of the dark wax. It never just 'wipes off' for me. I keep reading you're supposed to put the dark on the clear while the clear is still wet. This never works for me, it just absorbs.
ReplyDeleteI think next time I'll try clear, let dry, buff it, THEN apply the dark wax so I can move it around, etc. But so far to date, every attempt except one done on a spindle - failed. I'm frustrated and have no idea how everyone is pulling this off.
All mine look like the bottom of the 4th picture. But doesn't come off for me. I find using clear to remove the dark removes ALL the dark wax and there's usually a clear blotch that I can never even out.
ReplyDeleteTry taking a workshop from one of the trained stockist locations it is so worth it. There are several techniques we know from taking the workshops that help alot. That's how we met Trish and MJ as well as other ASCP "addicts". Aren't they great!
ReplyDeleteHow long does the wax take to get hard....i find my pieces seem soft for a time and im afraid to put anything on the top because it makes marks in the wax....im making sure i dont apply too much..
ReplyDeleteMy dark wax doesn't want to wipe off either, and it seems to take in a really blotchy pattern rather than a smooth wash-like look like you have above. Do you have to use a particular brush stroke or anything? I always apply clear first, but should I be waiting for that to harden before I put on the dark wax?
ReplyDeleteI've just done my first piece with Annie Sloan paint and clear wax. I confused about the order in which you paint, wax and distress. I painted then distressed with sandpaper then waxed. I've been reading that you paint then wax then distress after waxing? Can you please explain why you would do it in this order and does it matter if you do it the way I did it? Maybe it makes a different to the look? I thought you would wax at the end so you seal the final product?
ReplyDeleteCut first coat of wax 50/50 with mineral spirits, apply and buff off immediately.
Deletework in small sections, let dry for an hour and apply clear wax full strength, buff off excess wait one hour.
Apply dark wax , work in small sections , buff off excess immediately and let dry for an hour, buff.
Enjoy!
I haven't used these paints yet but in my experience with antiquing things..after the initial wax coating dries you distress it. Then do the dark wax....the 2 waxes will just mush together otherwise . Try it on something first...not on the piece you're working on...get the feel for it ..even if you have an old junk piece of wood. You'll be happy you did.
ReplyDeleteHow do you thin dryed out black wax? The lid didn’t seal tightly & its new
ReplyDelete