The Finished Product.
Step by Step Instructions
Supply List
- 100, 150 grit sandpaper, sanding sponge
- Chalk Paint 2 colors
- Crackle Medium
- Durham Rock Hard
- Plastic Grocery Bags
- Brown Latex Paint
- Light Brown Glaze
- Antiquing Glaze
- Wipe On Polyurethane
- Throw Away Chip Brushes
- Nail Heads
- Nail (to start hole for nail head)
- Needle-Nose Pliers
- Hammer
- Putty Knife (metal)
- Steam Iron
- Thin Tea Towel or Parchment Paper
Step 1. Prepare Piece for Finishing: This piece's top was literally chipping and peeling. Most of it had lifted quite a bit from the substrate below. If there is just one or two loose areas, you can glue them back down but this was all pretty bad. So, I decided to remove the veneer on the top completely.
I lightly sanded the whole piece with a sanding sponge and wiped it down with a damp cloth.
Ready to Begin
Step 2. Remove the Veneer: Although somewhat tedious, if the surface is lifting it really has to go. I could remove most of it prying it up with a metal putty knife, but some of it was stubborn. To remove simply place a thin towel or parchment paper on the surface and place a hot iron (using steam) on top. Move it around so you don't burn the wood, This will melt the glue below. Pry up the loosed areas until all veneer is removed.
Step 3. Create Faux-Leather Top With Rock Hard: This stuff is awesome! You can find it at any Home Improvement big box chain. A little goes a long way. I mix mine in cottage cheese containers or yogurt containers (something plastic). Place a few scoops of Rock Hard in the container and add a bit of water; stir with a disposable plastic spoon or knife. You are going for cake batter consistency- not too runny; not too thick.
Although you will be apply a THIN coat to the surface, make more than you need so you don't run out. Apply a thin coat to the entire top with a putty knife. Immediately, wad up a plastic grocery bag and begin mushing it all over the surface; change direction often.
This is what it should look like. After completely dry, sand to knock down all peaks. You should see texture but remember this is a horizontal surface so it should be relatively smooth and flat.
Smooth but tons of texture
Step 4. Glaze Top: This is when the top comes to life. I painted mine with a medium brown color that I had on hand (latex). After that dried, I glazed with two colors: a lighter brown and a dark antiquing glaze. You can always add more paint, glaze as needed until you get the result that you like!
Step 5. Paint the Body With Base Coat: Because I wanted a dark color to peek through, I chose a charcoal gray. I wanted it to be darker and cooler than the raw wood color.
Step 6. Apply The Crackling Medium: I worked with McCloskey Weathered Crackling Medium. Apply liberally but do not let it pool. Wait between 1-4 hours. Surface should be a tacky but not sticky. If you wait longer than 4 hours you will need to re-apply the medium.
Step 7. Apply Top Color: Honestly, this step is always tricky because you cannot overlap strokes. You must lay the paint on ONE time-no overlapping. I find it best to apply either with a sponge roller, or a wide brush. Load the paint on the applicator well. Apply to a section and get off, move to another section and repeat. If you have never worked with this definitely test your technique on a piece of cardboard first to get the knack. Once the surface begins to dry, cracks will appear. Leave it alone and let it dry!
Step 8. Apply Nail Heads: Measure the area that you will cover, use a calculator to figure out spacing. I find that 1-2" spacing looks the best. After you determine spacing (sorry, some math involved), mark each Nail Head point with a pencil.
I put a regular nail on BOTH ends and tie a string tight so I get a good horizontal line. The Nail Heads WILL vary slightly because they tend to bend a bit as you hammer them in, but if slight your eye will not notice.
Find dead center and begin there (you can always tweak the ends), work your way out from the center. Pre-drill OR hammer a starter nail in each Nail Head spot (this makes it much easier). Hold the Nail Head up to hole with needle nose pliers and hammer into place. Repeat until all are in place.
What a difference Nail Heads Make!
Try this yourself. I am sure that it will be gorgeous!
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