Showing posts with label autentico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autentico. Show all posts

Monday, 28 October 2013

How To Completely Transform Old Picture Frames

 I have a thing about picture frames. I find them peculiarly difficult to resist when I see them lying, unloved, in thrift stores or charity shops. 


They're spectacularly easy to transform into show-stopping pieces with a little know-how.

Step this way, please....

One tatty old frame....


However, underneath the scritches and scratches and knocks and bumps, this has good bones. Solid wood. Chunky and sturdy. Definite transformation potential.


I turned to my trusty can of Autentico Nearly Black Chalk Paint for a speedy lick of lusciousness. No sanding, priming or preparation necessary. I've painted tonnes of little bits and pieces like this, plus the desk in the study and the tin is still pleasingly full-looking. A little goes a long, long way.


With this particular piece, I wanted the gently matte sheen that comes from Autentico's Clear Wax. This is so easy to apply.


Following the clear instructions, brush the wax sparingly onto the surface of the frame, wait for the fifteen minutes it takes to dry and then buff with a brush, or cloth.


And, ta-daaaaa, this easy-peasy, cheap as chips way to utterly transform a frame from past-it to pizzazz!


The British Isles Typography print is from Rose and Grey.
Isn't it gorgeous? 
I love the detail of all the different names...
take a close-up look....


Rose and Grey stock loads of must-have quirky finds and, as quoted by The Sunday Times, 'upbeat, colourful home wares with a whiff of salvage." Yum!


This British Isles Typography poster caught my eye in an instant.


I love the sheer slate colourway but it's also available in Duck Egg.


A craft project that's good for the Modern Country soul, and for your bank balance...everyone's a winner!


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Friday, 27 September 2013

How To Create An Ultra-Matt Finish Using Chalk Paint

Welcome to Part 2 of my Beginner's Guide To Chalk Paint. Autentico Chalk paint can easily be used to create a super-smooth, ultra-matt finish with no need to prime. Huzzah!

I'm including lots of How-To photos so you can be confident about repeating the steps in your own home.


Here's how easy it is...


I applied the gorgeously rich Nearly Black paint using a paintbrush. No priming needed but I did make sure I sanded the bare wood extra well to give a lovely smooth surface. 


I used a large paintbrush to cover the bulk of the surface and a little 'un to cut in around the edges. It gives the best and smoothest results if you apply the paint in long sweeping strokes. The paint looked pretty patchy when drying but each coat dries very fast and magically morphs into a thick, perfect finish!...


Nearly dry...


Gorgeous!...


Once you have the paint coverage that you need (this needed two coats) then you have a choice of finishes, which I'll cover in more detail soon. For any surface that needs to be really hard wearing, such as a desk or tale top then I'd whole-heartedly recommend using sealant, rather than wax. Autentico's Sealant is water-based and gives the mattest finish that I've come across. Perfection in a tin!


However, as you apply it, don't panic if it looks a it like this...


...as long as you use thinnish coats of sealant then it will dry clear and smooth and matt, matt, matt.


And that, my sweets, was as easy as 1,2,3...
Have a go, and tell me how you get on!


Our Modern Country Style Office is starting to take shape! 


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Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Beginner's Guide To Chalk Paint

In our new extension, we have an alcove, which was crying out to be an office area. We designed a bespoke desk and oak shelving to fit the space perfectly......


but it definitely needed a bit of Modern Country Styling....



I've only recently discovered Autentico Paints, which come in a range of more than 130 colours. Just take a look at this palette....


Aren't those shades beautiful?
There's a grey to suit every mood...


Inspired by this view outside our window, I picked out Nearly Black, a very dark charcoal, for the desk. The Autentico Chalk Paint can be left with its lid off to thicken up, for a textured, aged feel...


 ...or can be layered for a super-smooth finish.


Coming up on Friday.....

Beginner's Guide To Chalk Paint Part 2: 
How To Get A Super-Smooth Matte Finish With Chalk Paint


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