Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I absolutely L-O-V-E this product!

I've read several blogs lately that had tutorials that were awesome (http://isabellang.blogspot.com/, and since i have such a difficult time trying to post, i thought i would share the following:

Since alot of our finds require some sort of facelift (we probably all will when we're 100+), we'll repaint, distress and glaze. I thought I might share one of our little secrets (since nobody is beating down the door to pay us for it) and show you the finished product. We purchase the gallon at Home Depot (approx $36) but sometimes you can get it in a quart also (just depends what customer 'service' technician helps you). Start out with a freshly painted piece (picture frames are great too) and distress till the cows come home. We are very fortunate to have to use of a sign shop which has a DA sander! Gotta love those power tools.
Have a basin of clean water, clean rag (t-shirts are best), the Smoke glaze and a good quality paint brush (the cheap ones leave bristles in your work-invest in a good brush...you'll probably spend about $15 but it will pay for itself in the long run).

It's best to start in a small area (2x2) like a drawer or cabinet door, to get the feel of how this product feels.
HUGE Tip: You can always add more if you like...but you can't take it away!
Brush the Glaze over the entire surface, drawer pulls too, and let it set for a couple of minutes. Submerge your rag in the water and wring out most of the water. You will then begin to wipe off the glaze (its more like dusting your furniture rather than scrubbing the toilet). When you're just moving glaze around, rinse your rag and start removing more glaze. You'll eventually wipe as much excess glaze off your piece as you prefer.
Another tip: This product dries much darker.
This particular section required Q-Tips, which i realized AFTER I started.

The end result gives you a piece that has an aged look (ya know...dirt in the cracks) and takes away that 'fresh painted' look. No offense intended for those of you who like that look.
PS: Don't forget to do the inside of the drawers and cabinets...it gives it a much more finished look.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment and i'll do my best to answer!
Off this weekend to Expo in Portland!
Happy shopping.





11 comments:

patricia@ReFind Home&Garden said...

Hi Guys, I just found your blog and I loooooooooove it!Will be checking back often.Warmest Regards, Patricia

Amy'svintagecottage said...

Hi Kim!
Oh I'm bummed we didn't see you in Portland. We had so much fun running into everybody! It's been a long winter and it's nice to get out finally!
LUV my tundra!
Amy:)

Diana Leitner (Buggie, Back Up Grammy) Donna Cedergreen (Grammy) Debby Uppinghouse (Best Grammy Ever) said...

Hey Kim-it was so terrific to see you at EXPO-you are just one of my favorite people! I wish we lived closer to you guys. Just know I am thinking of you and hope all is well with you and yours. Diana

Diana Leitner (Buggie, Back Up Grammy) Donna Cedergreen (Grammy) Debby Uppinghouse (Best Grammy Ever) said...

Hey Kim- I hope this is not a repeat of my first comment as it disppeared somehow-I am so dangerous with computers. Great Seeing you and hope you like the treasures-thinking of you and hope all is well with you and yours. Diana

Martha, Vintage Trifles said...

Hey Kim! Hope you can make it to the sale. Would be great to see you. Appreciated your tutorial. Hugs, M.

Karen said...

I've never tried that stuff, I'm going to have to give it a try! Karen

Sherry Williams said...

Thanks for the information about this product! Your piece turned out so beautiful!!
Sherry

Auntie Joy said...

Hi Kim,
I'm so so so happy I finally found you! I am so lame! I love your blog, but please I know your not busy, could we have more?? (lol) I want to come to one of your shows at your shop do you have a schedule when the next biggie is?
Hope you are getting lots done, and I will see you at Farm Chicks!
JOY!

Jan Z said...

Hello,
Did you have the Ralph Lauren technique glaze MIXED or was it off the shelf? I went to purchase the glaze and the attendant said the glaze on the shelf was CLEAR?? Did you have a smoke color mixed??

Jan Z

Kim said...

Jan Z-
We purchase directly off the shelf. Our Home Depot has a Ralph section...in this section there should be a brochure that shows examples of 4 different glazes and results of each. It would seem that HD should be able to mix the correct tint. Maybe suggest they look it up in their computer! Good Luck!
Kim

Missy H said...

Thanks so much for all of your advice yesterday! You ladies are the best!
Look forward to seeing you soon!
Glad to have you here in the Yak!
Melissa