In the past I have either stained and clear coated, just clear coated or painted (kids furniture, etc) my work. A woman that stages homes asked me to make a few pieces for her that would go in a kids bedroom. She gave me some pictures for reference.
The pieces are an off-white color with the paint “worn” on the edges showing the wood behind the paint. I am using poplar to build the pieces. Not sure how to go about creating this effect. Stain just the areas where I want the darker color exposed, stain the entire piece? Or use a brown paint, poplar doesn’t take stain well. Then just wipe off while the paint is wet where the under color should show or use something like steel wool after the paint dries? Other?
Any thoughts appreciated…
Denny
Replies
All of your thoughts will work. The problems with poplar and stain won't show if it just peeks through. I would stain entire surface. You could also use two colors of paint, milk paint if the style is country or rustic. You could also use some hide glue to create a bit of crackling, though don't over do it. You have to experiment with how much to dilute the glue and and how long to let it dry before top coating with the paint to craze.
Think particularly about where were would occur if the item were used. Not everywhere is rounded and worn. Again less is more.
As steve posted. I would add a comment to search the net about Faux painting/finishes. It is an effective way to create a antique or worn look.
I am not good at doing it but I have seen works that are amazing. A old friend has a very high end house. All of the interior trim is finished using Faux methods. All of the lower trim wood is white oak. The trim that will not be knocked around by children and normal house use is poplar. All of the crown molding (made from layering wood sections) is poplar with plaster 'carvings'? in the corners and for many arches. I suppose it does not matter, but all the poplar used was Cottonwood Poplar. Deltoides X Monilifera? Not sure if this is the correct spelling.
Anyway, All of the walls are 'true plaster' (as in.. not drywall). All of the walls are Faux Venetian. True plaster made to look like Venetian marble. It took three plaster workers about two years to do all the work. As you walk into the house you would think it is all real marble. Even the kitchen cabinets look like they are marble trimmed. Amazing work. My first thought was 'this could be, all of the same'.. Far from that. Every room looks different but all very beautiflul. Same Faux finishing methods with different colors.
I guess I got carried away... All I wanted to say is Faux finishing can do worders if you have the skill to do it. I know that I have a CD I bought from someplace on how to do Faux finishing but I cannot find where I put it! I wanted to send the title or send it to you. But..... I cannot find it... Maybe I gave it away to somebody.
You stated "poplar doesn't take stain well".. I agree and disagree. Gel stains work well on poplar as does milk or acrylic paints.
No expert, but using gel stains may be what you want. I 'think' that they tend to stay on the surface and not penetrated the wood very far and can be wiped off leaving some color underneath.
Just me and I am wrong often....
Easy antique
Another option is to paint the item in two contrasting coats of paint (vinyl/latex) work well, Do not use a primer.
When dry, moisten top coat and rub through to second coat with sanding pads, and in heavy wear places, through to the bare wood.
Finish with a coloured paste wax but do not leave the wax on for too long (5 minutes maximum). You can add more wax to the exposed wood area's to suit, dark oak penetrates and stains well.
Trial and error is the order of the day, give it a go
Thanks for help
Thanks for the thoughts. I did a toy chest not long ago and used milk paint. I have some left over and there is a store nearby that sells it. It seemed a bit hard to work with, but I did like the results. So down to the shop with a few things to experiment with.
Thanks again
Denny...
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