Sunday, August 31, 2025

A Coastal Cottage Faux Finish for Music and Spirits

A Coastal Cottage Faux Finish for Music and Spirits

A Coastal Cottage Faux Finish is a standard request here in SW Florida. The technique brings in the feeling of waves gently lapping the shoreline, a mild breeze dancing between sunbeams, and the bleached weathered look of fallen tree limbs. I’ve painted variations of the finish over the years on all types of furniture from picture frames, chairs, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, built-in surrounds, to fireplace mantles. But the most recent piece of furniture was a first. It was a homeowner’s beloved cabinet that had been passed down through the years. A family heirloom that was originally crafted as a victrola. Time had won the race against the mechanical parts and some of the intricate woodwork was missing. Since the cabinet could no longer play music, the owner had converted it into a liquor cabinet. (I thought that was quite genius). But the finish didn’t vibe with the casual beach look of their home. So I converted the finish with faux painting and some serious prep work.

Here's the Before and After:




 

As you can see from before shot, the decorative woodwork has large gaps. Too large to just fill in with wood putty.



 I took popsicle sticks and traced the missing curves. Once cut to the shape the pieces were glued in from behind (thank goodness there was just enough space to slip them in from behind). Then wood putty and some delicate sanding evened things out. Next it was primed in Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Then base painted a neutral beige. And then the fun part of being streaked in light grey and taupe with a final color of a light whitewash. The cabinet is then given a matt clear coat for protection:


Here's a close-up of the top:


Have your own piece of furniture that could use a change of look? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc 

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