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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