Faux Stained Legs
I recently created a Bold Orange Furniture Makeover, but did you know that the legs were not actually stained as they appear to be? I wanted this piece to have a wooden element to the design, but I did not want to have to work with harsh oil based products. Especially when it was just four little feet that are also really close to the ground. As an alternative to those oil based stains, I created this faux stain technique. These feet were painted to look like they were stained and made to look like they had some age to them.
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Read on or click the links: see why I want to fake it, a product list, steps 1-4 to get this look, how to seal it, and the final look.
Why I want to fake it...
I would like to say first that I do like stain finishes. I think they can create an absolutely beautiful pieces, but there is a time and place for everything. When it comes to oil based products - I look for alternatives first, and here is a list of personal reasons as to why:
The harsh fumes - Oil based products must be used in a well ventilated area which is a little harder for me to do in the winter. I only have my shop to work in, and I don't think it is ventilated enough. I definitely do not want headaches.
It stains everything - I am a very hands on person who does not like wearing gloves because I can't feel what I am doing. Getting stains on your hands is so hard to get off, and I always get some on me. Even when I wear gloves. I think I'm just build messy like that 😅
The rags you use can spontaneously combust - yeah, they can just catch on fire. You have to be careful about how you dispose of them and do it properly.
Long Looooong dry times - I am so impatient. Ha! No, but it's even longer when the temp is in the 50s. Which it was.
They are so harsh on the environment and on me.
It was a small work area - It is just four legs that are so close to the ground. From a far they do look like like they were stained. You might can tell if you are up close, but that is just painting... With painting you are going to see paint.
The technique I used dried fast - recoat times and touch ups went a lot faster than it would have been with an oil based stain.
I didn't have to completely sand every inch of the old finish off - I was able to add extra paint into the areas where I was having a harder time sanding. This option makes it easier to bypass that work.
the product list...
Good Bones Paint Products:
Use my coupon code and link to save 15% on your entire order from GoodBonesPaint.com
Coupon Code: KHICK
Products from Amazon.com:
Also needed:
Water
Here is how I created
I started with sanded / partially sanded wood that shows grain. The "harder to sand" parts in the cracks and details weren't the biggest deal with this technique. You can see the leg in the photo in step 2 was even less sanded than the first and I was still able to cover it using this technique.
↓ Check out the 4 steps below each photo ↓
Step 1
- Paint Wash -
First I started with a paint wash with the color Mr. Bean from Good Bones - Chalk Type Paint line. I mixed paint with water and then applied the wash over the entire leg. This paint wash I didn't measure anything.
The easiest thing to do is to pour a little of the paint into a small container and water into another container. Lightly dip the brush in paint then swirl it in the container of water. Get the brush wet then press the brush against the edge of the container and allow some of the water to run back into the container. We want it runny, but not so runny that it runs right off the piece. Cover the entire surface area section.
Step 2
- Wipe it Back -
I used a lint free cloth to dab and wipe back the excess I wanted a translucent look. Leaving the paint thicker on the detail areas that I wanted more coverage on. Like where I wasn't able to sand completely - we want that covered.
Step 3
- Shading -
I slid my brush along the edges of the feet to add more of the Mr. Bean Chalk Type Paint. Doing this adds depth and makes it look like an aged stained finish. I also did this in the areas that I wanted to hide - mentioned above.
Step 4
- Blending -
Then I blended it with my fingers while it was still wet. It didn't take much effort. Just a few swipes for my finger, and it was blended in. Easy Peasy!
Sealant
I sealed this piece with Miniwax Spray Polycrilic. I sprayed three coats over the legs. Even strokes - staying along the wet line with the new line.
Keep the nozzle clean and your finger away from it the best you can. If bubbles or drips formed I quickly and lightly smoothed it out with my finger. A clean brush near by would be perfect for the job, too.
the results...
I love the way this piece came out. I think that the Mr. Bean faux stained legs came out great. They elevated this piece's appearance. That can also be taken literally.
Want to see the full makeover of this piece?
Check out this blog post by clicking here: CLICK
or by clicking the photo below!
Thank you so very much for reading this post today! If you love this makeover or if you want to try out this technique let me know! I would love to see your furniture art, too! Don't forget to use your coupon!
Paint your art out!
-Kristen
Khicktiques
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