Tone on Tone Stenciling: How to Paint with Tinted Wax

Let’s face it: nice furniture can be expensive! That’s why thrifting and upcycling furniture is so popular.  I love that I can find furniture in great condition at Goodwill and update it by stenciling it with just paint.

I found this little nightstand at my local Goodwill for just $8.  There was nothing wrong with it, it was just dated.  I remembered having something very similar to it when I was a kid.

I decided to use DecoArt’s Americana Chalky Finish Paint to update this piece.  The great thing about this paint is no priming or sanding is needed, not even on this slick laminate.  This piece has undergone heavy use in the last year, and the paint finish is still perfect.

To create this tone on tone design, you just need one color of paint plus wax.

Supplies:

• Chalk Finish Paint in Relic
• Soft Touch Varnish
• Distressed Harlequin Stencil

Step one:  Wipe down the night stand and paint the entire piece (including hardware) with the Relic Chalk Finish Paint.

Step two:  Mix Soft Touch Varnish with Relic Chalk Finish Paint.  Use a mixture that is 3 parts varnish to one part paint.

Step three:  Tape the stencil to the top of the night stand and use a roller to apply the tinted varnish.  Repeat to cover the surface.

Step four:  Use the tinted varnish to paint the hardware, sides, and accents like the lines on the top and bottom of the drawers.

Have fun crafting and stenciling with thrifted items!  You never know what you might find.