Painted furniture

[shropshirelass]

Hi - I know this isn't really a general discussion subject but it doesn't seem to fit in house renovations or antiques so please excuse me for posting it here. [:D]

I have bought some unpainted furniture and want to paint it in the French distressed faded sort of way.  What is the simplest way to achieve this effect - I'd like the pieces to end up generally off white but with odd bits of colour showing through.  Do i need special glazes and if so what should I look out for - what are the french names? I don't particularly want them to be crackled all over rather the edges worn off etc. 

Many thanks [:D]

[tj]

Hi

Easiest way is choose two colours, use one as undercoat and then one as top coat, then use sanding sponges to distress the bits you want.

 

 

[phylisbide]

Oddly we call this 'French Style' in the UK - in France it is called 'Anglais' - the method you are suggesting does work btw.

[Pierre ZFP]

If you want a less distressed (Mildy upset?) look you could use wire wool insted of the sanding sponges, it takes a little less of the top coat off

[shropshirelass]

Thanks for the advice - it's good to hear that it isn't too difficult.   Fingers crossed that it works out!

[:D]

[Lesley1952]

I have just finished painting some furniture after I had base painted it I then painted butterflies and flowers on it and colourwashed it with some watered down white emulsion or you could dry brush the white on but i find the colour washing easier and if its to thick you can just keep dabbing it off with a rag until you get the effect you want