How to Dry Brush Furniture

How to Dry Brush Furniture

 

Hey guys!

 

Today I bring you a piece that was so fun to transform. I slowly worked on this little washstand during my Tuesday nights LIVE on the Dixie Belle Paint Facebook page.

 

I envisioned adding a lot of character and texture to this little piece, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity for dry brushing.

 

Dry brushing is a painting technique in which the paint brush has very little paint, in fact, it is relatively dry. This technique gives pieces an older and worn look, it adds texture and a scratchy looking finish.

 

 

How to dry brush furniture

 

*This post contains affiliate links. You don’t pay any more from ordering from these links but I earn a small commission so I can continue to bring you more fun projects! They also allow me to show you exactly what I use so you know what I’m referring to! * 

 

Material List:

 

 

The painting details 🎨

 

As usual, my first step was to clean my piece with White Lightning cleaner and then gave it a coat of primer in BOSS white.  My recommendation is to always clean your pieces before painting. Primming, on the other hand, isn’t always necessary. However, primming yields better results: it facilitates for the paint to adhere and reduces the chance of bleedings. I prime 99% of my pieces!!

 

Here is a video on how I prep my furniture before painting. I have used this method for years and it has never let me down.

 

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PF_qkI1Njc&t=17s

 

 

Before I started painting I added mouldings to the piece. You can find all the mouldings I used at the Dixie Belle Page.

 

After the mouldings were firmly glued, I gave it a coat of Caviar followed by a mix of Caviar with Sea Spray for texture.

 

The next steps were way more fun! I applied one coat of Copper Patina Paint and let it dry. Then I applied one more coat of Copper Paint and while it was still wet I sprayed it with both the blue and green activator spray. You don’t have to use both but I like to for a more crusty look. I let it dry.

 

How to dry brush paint furniture

 

On to the next step!! I used these 3 colors: Fluff, Mermaid Tail, and Florida Orange.

I dry brushed these over the whole piece focusing on the edges to give it that multi-dimensional look. I focused on getting those details to stand out!!

 

How to dry brush furniture

 

PRO TIP: Dry brushing will not only enhance all the details in your piece, it will also highlight paint drips!! But do freak out, paint drips are a natural part of the painting process, just be ready to sand these areas to achieve a more professional finish.

 

Lastly, I finished the top with Colonial Black Gel Stain and sealed it with Gator Hide. Then I sealed the whole body with Matte Clear Coat!!

 

I kept the top classy…

 

How to dry brush furniture

 

But I added some fun details to the drawers, because, who has time for simple?!

 

How to dry brush furniture

 

 

I love how this piece turned out.

 

This piece is available for $550 – The dimensions are: 19” Deep-33”Wide-28” Tall. Shipping is available within the continental US. I totally see this as a side table next to a big sofa. Where do you see a piece like this fitting in?

 

This is not the first time I have used dry brushing on a project.  Check out this other video where I used the same technique.

 

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyw_3iOGjbo

For additional FREE painting tips and tricks,  subscribe to my YouTube channel.

 

And do not forget about, taking my quiz and determining the home decor that perfectly matches your personality, and share with me your results on Instagram or Facebook

Leah

Leah Noell Design Co. 

 

How to dry brush furniture