Techniques

How to: Use Metallic Gilding Wax

So for this one, I’m going to do something a little more modern with the Gilding Wax. I’ve done a smooth coat with my Flat Brush using Provence. I’m going to do a line a right around the whole thing. Because these two come together, there’ll be a little bit of a gap there, but then I’m going to do this stencil, Tallulah, and I’m going to do it right in the middle.

So to begin with, I’ve got some masking tape. I could draw a line round it, but what I’m going to do is use the lines of the drawer edge. Because the blue is quite cool… the Provence is quite cool, and I want something warm, so I’m going to put copper with it. The whole copper thing is good because it slightly… it just works with it, I think, in terms of history.

Squeezing a little bit out on my MixMat, and now I’m just going to start applying it. So this will go a long way. If I want it very solid, I’ll probably do two coats. I’m using a Stencil Brush because they’re just nice and firm.

Just to reiterate what I’ve already done: I’ve painted it Provence, I’ve waxed it, and now I’m applying the Gilding Wax. So going back now onto the first bit which is now a little bit drier I always think it’s better to do two thin coats rather than one… one thick coat. It allows the first one to absorb in and then the second one will sit on top nicely.

And now the best bit! Taking the masking tape off… Ooh, I like it! Very pleasing this bit. I’ll leave this to polish tomorrow because, as I say, it’s still a little bit wet.

Ooh, that looks really nice! I’m very pleased with it. So I’m going to now put this stencil, Tallulah, right in the center of here. To do that, first of all, I’m going to mark up and find the center along here. I think I’ll go for the bright silver… I think the dark silver might go back into it a little bit too much. There won’t be enough contrast. This has got a little bit of copper on it because I’ve used this already, and I think this will actually be quite nice.

So instead of being completely flat, as this is, I’m going to blend it slightly. I’m just gonna put a little bit more copper at random places to give that slightly blended look. Ooh, yeah! I quite like that! I’m very pleased with it. It’s quite subtle. You’ll find as you move around, it catches your eye, and it shines beautifully.

So enjoy my Gilding Waxes! Have fun!

Follow Annie's top tips for applying Gilding Wax and adding a metallic touch to furniture

A touch of gold here, a hint of silver there – sometimes painted furniture just screams out for a little extra oomph. If your painted piece is looking a little plain or perhaps you have some beautiful carving work you’d like to bring out, then gilding is the technique for you. Gilding with loose leaf might feel a little daunting, so why not try gilding wax instead?

The lovely thing with gilding wax is it requires no specialist skills. You can use it on furniture, but why not try it on decorative items or on walls, too? You can create your own pattern on flat surfaces with masking tape or use a stencil instead. Choose a metallic to match your chosen Chalk Paint™ colour and then all you need to apply the wax is a lint-free cloth or a small brush.

Step by step guide to using gilding wax

  1. Use masking tape to mark off the area you would like to gild. You could do the same using a stencil, if you wish.
  2. Squeeze a little bit of Gilding Wax out onto a palette or MixMat.
  3. Use a small brush to start applying the Gilding Wax onto your painted and waxed furniture. Work in thin coats, adding layers of Gilding Wax to achieve the coverage you are after.
  4. Remove the masking tape or stencil when you’re done applying the Gilding Wax and leave the piece to dry overnight before polishing.

Once you’ve tried Gilding Wax, you’ll see how simple it can be. If you want to take it up a level, why not experiment with mixing and matching different metallics to create contrast. Perhaps highlighting raised details in a lighter metallic, for example. Remember that, with Gilding Wax, a little goes a long way! In every tube of Annie Sloan’s wax, there’s enough to cover a standard dining room chair. If you’re ready to get started, try to shop local by buying Gilding Wax from your nearest Annie Sloan Stockist.

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