Inspiration

Diluted Chalk Paint™ Cabinet with Olive Detailing

by Oliva Lacy

Here Annie’s Painter in Residence, Olivia Lacy of Pigeon and Pip, dilutes Chalk Paint™ to create a thin Chalk Paint™ liquid. The technique will be effective on any carved surfaces.

Olivia Lacy's diluted Chalk Paint® cabinet

Olivia applied two coats of Country Grey directly to the wardrobe. The first coat served as a primer on the slightly shiny, lacquered finish of the wood. Whilst the second coat was still wet, Olivia used a damp brush to blend Old Ochre and Old White into the front panels, over the Country Grey.

Olivia Lacy's Chalk Paint® cabinet after one coat of paint

Once that was dry, Olivia mixed Chalk Paint™ in Olive with water (1:1). She applied this mix in small sections, painting along the edges and areas of detailing which she wanted to lowlight. This emphasizes the structure of her piece and the unusual ornate detailing perfectly. She used a clean damp brush to soften the edges where necessary and to clean up any excess drips. Make sure you rinse or wipe your clean up brushes often! Once the Olive was dry, Pigeon and Pip used Country Grey to touch up any areas of overspill she had missed.

Close up of Olive Chalk Paint® detail on Olivia Lacy's cabinet
Close up on Olivia Lacy's Chalk Paint® cabinet

She then used the same technique of diluting Chalk Paint™ in Old White with equal parts water to create a white highlighting shade which she applied to the areas of her furniture which would catch the light. Remember when you’re painting furniture with lowlights and highlights to be consistent with imagining where the light is hitting from – ideally reflect the natural light in the room where the furniture will live, for maximum impact.

Olivia Lacy using Old White Chalk Paint® for detailing on her cabinet

Finally, once Olivia was satisfied with her painting she applied a coat of Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax using a lint-free cloth to finish and protect.

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Olivia Lacy's demonstrating detailing on her Chalk Paint® cabinet
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