Something Blue



Studying the finish on vintage furniture and antiques is an invaluable source for understanding how patina and wear patterns develop over time. This image of an antique pine cupboard was found on Pinterest. Around the edges and knobs the paint has worn off through continued use. The blue has become faded in some areas and darkened in others. If you are trying to replicate this beautiful blue, you can use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the colors above, layering and blending them. It takes a little more work but the result is oh so worth it!

If you love blue as I much as I do, check out my posts, Chinese Apothecary Cabinet where I use a combination of ASCP blues, Country Blue Wardrobe  and how to make a Denim Blue.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Leslie, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this piece!!!!! What order did you layer the colors? Left to right starting with Graphite? Did you do a wash with any of the colors? or sanding? distressing? TIA for information and tips :)

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  2. Kim,
    I didn't paint the beautiful finish on this antique cabinet. It is a photo I found on Pinterest and used as inspiration. That said, you can easily get a very similar finish with layering colors of chalk paint. I would probably mix some graphite into Aubusson blue, and paint the first coat with that. Then paint on some Aubusson without graphite to give it more depth. I love the areas where it looks like the paint has worn away. You can dry brush on some Barcelona Orange and Arles on the edges to get that effect. It helps me to have a picture to refer to when Im painting, especially if someone has asked me to match a color Another way you can do this is to paint the edges where you want to simulate wear first,and then paint the layers of blue over them. You can sand back the blue to expose the orange and yellow. It is really which technique works best for you(I don't like sanding). This would also be a great look to use the dark wax on, over the clear, for the shadowy areas. Thanks, Leslie

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