Homemade chalk paint~ Part 2 ... with reveal

As in any furniture redo, there is a process. In Part 1, I showed you how to mix the homemade chalk paint and the surface application. On to Part 2!

Next step~ sanding and distressing

This paint dries very quickly... but to be safe, I allowed it to dry for 24 hours before sanding. I decided I wanted my mirror frame to have the distressed look. I found that this took courage for me! Typically when I carefully take the time to paint a furniture piece, I am very protective of it. The thought of distressing it causes me distress! :) 

But I took a deep breath and gathered up various sheets of sandpaper along with my sanding block.

Since this was my first time working with the homemade chalk paint, I needed to test out various grits of sandpaper. I started with a very fine grit 220. It barely cut through the paint. So I moved on to a medium grit 120. This worked well for generally smoothing all over. But I wanted to sand enough to make the green paint show through and give an aged look to the wood. To accomplish this, I resorted to coarse 60 grit. It was very effective in cutting through the top layer of paint to reveal some of the first layer.

As you can see in the photo above, I was not yet aggressive in my distressing...oh, I didn't want to mess it up! But as with anything, no risk...no gain! So I took another deep breath and with my teeth grit :), I applied more pressure with the 60 grit paper and just had fun with it! In some places, I sanded down to bare wood.

When the piece "felt" right and spoke to me, I knew it was time to stop. 

 Final step~ waxing

Before applying wax, it is always important to be sure the wood is clean and free of any sanding dust. I decided to first wipe it well with an ever-so-slightly dampened cloth. To be on the safe side, it would not be a bad idea to give it a fast vacuum. 

I opted to use what I had on hand: clear Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. 

This was an easy and fun step: take a clean, dry, lint-free cloth-- I used an old white cotton sock-- and follow the instructions on the can. Apply a small amount to your cloth and rub onto the wood. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Take another clean, dry cloth to buff. Presto! A beautiful finished look that feels glass-smooth! Seriously, I could not believe how sleek it felt! I was extremely pleased with the results! 

My new mirror

 

Close-up of distressing in above and below photos

The BEFORE and AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Thank you for joining me in this little journey! I welcome your comments! Happy painting! Cheerio! ;)

Participating in Link Party at Dumpster Diva.

Participating in Open House Party at No Minimalist Here.

Participating in Link Party at Miss Mustard Seed. 

Participating in "All Things Furniture" Link Up at Perfectly Imperfect.

 JOIN THE FUN at each of these!