It's been awhile since I had the opportunity to create a deep moody blended finish, so I was thrilled when my client brought me a printed out inspiration photo that she loved and asked if I could do something similar. Presenting my plum crazy color blend damask nightstand!
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Before any painting...
Sadly, I forgot to get a "before" photo of this piece but it had been previously painted by someone else. It had a very flat chalky finish but was in tact with no peeling or flaking. The piece itself is quality - being real wood with solid functioning drawers and doors. I gave it a quick clean with White Lightning and was ready to roll!
I did not prime this piece as I knew I'd be painting it in deep dark colors. To understand my exact thought process for this (and all my pieces), click here to learn all about how I prep furniture for chalk paint HERE!
Supplies Used
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Plum Crazy Color Blend Damask Nightstand
My client asked for a deep pink with charcoal shading so that is exactly what I did. I chose Plum Crazy as my overall base coat.
It required two coats since I was painting over black. I used the paint and roll method on the top which gave it a really smooth finish.
Using the Victorian Damask Stencil
I applied a few damask patterns to the side panels and the drawer front. I also removed the little panels in the two front doors and place a single large damask in the center of each one.
The stencil was done in Muscadine Wine in order to create a subtle tone-on-tone finish similar to my clients inspiration photo.
Adding Shadowing for Contrast
I initially tried shading with Gravel Road, which is a deep gray....but when blending with the Plum Crazy it just wasn't dramatic enough. So I switched to Midnight Sky, a velvety black, and it gave me the exact finish I was after.
I used this black to shade and shadow every framed area, drawer and door edge, and all trim work. I absolutely love this look and have missed doing it!
This look requires a deep contrasting color to your base coat, a lot of water, and several brushes to blend it out softly.
I found the best brushes for this technique to be a craft brush to apply initial black, the French Tip to begin the blend and then the Big Daddy to finish it off!
It was the perfect combination of tools.
Leveling up Your Paint Project
Before shadowing the piece was a bit one dimensional.
This is a really good example of taking a basic paint finish from simple to fabulous!
Even More...Color Blending/Shadowing Tutorial
For even more detailed (video) instruction, please check out my Check & Color Blending Tutorial. With over two hours of clear and direct instruction, you'll be color blending beautifully in no time!
The Finished Look
The finish really came to life when I applied two coats of Top Coat in Satin!
Just look at the gorgeous sheen reflecting off the surface.
This little nightstand is ready to hold its own in my clients over the top dramatic bedroom!
More Inspiration:
Love this look? Here are some additional designs for your inspiration:
Romance & Roses - French provincial with strong contrast shadowing
Blue Color Blended Dresser - the transformation is shocking
Zebra Wine Bar - What is a Zebra Wine Bar, you ask? Check it out!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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