---

---

I used following Dixie Belle products

• White lightning for cleaning
• Colonel mustard
• Terracotta
• Florida Orange
• Chocolate
• Coffee Bean
• Rustic Red
• Clear wax
• A mix of brown and black wax – I wanted a very dark brown for the look

---

First thing to do is to thoroughly clean the piece. White lightning is my go to product. Protect the areas you don’t want painted. I also covered the studs because I didn’t feel like cleaning them from paint afterwards. Always looking for the easy way.

Very important: do thin layers and keep building them up one by one! 

---

---

I mixed some rustic red with a bit of dark brown (here it’s Coffee bean) to tone it down. Then I started applying this color in corners with a blending technique towards the middle using my base color and the rustic red mix. Mist a little if you feel the paint is dragging or not blending well. Here’s what it looks like.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I knew I wanted some stenciling to go with the style I envisioned. Here are the ones I used on the chair. I decided to use some dark grey paint to apply them. I think that black would have been too stark on the piece.

• 

• 

• 

---

It’s waxing time after your piece is thoroughly dry. I just love using wax. See the before and after once waxes have been applied. This is when that old leather look comes to life. Isn’t it just a fantastic difference?

I applied clear wax all over first. You don’t have to and can go directly with the dark wax but if I go too heavy with the dark wax and want to remove it’s so much easier. Clear wax acts like an eraser.

I took off excess and then used a first all over coat with dark wax then took off excess again. After that to enhance and create darker edges and parts on the piece I applied the dark wax heavily in certain areas. I didn’t wipe this layer off.  It really is about creating character and the authentic look.  I let the waxed piece “harden” for several days and then buffed everything.  Check it out here

• 

• 

• 

---

Here is the finished and staged piece. I love it and it will go perfectly with our interior.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

I hope you’re inspired to create something similar. Have fun!

And if you have any questions then do get in touch.

Heike