After visiting flea markets, estate auctions and garage sales, you may have a piece of furniture that needs just a bit of work before it adds that touch of distinction to your decor. The question is, How do you turn that flea-market find into a treasure?
We turned to artist Beth Halstead of Alternative Situations in Toronto for inspiration, and she came up with this textured finish, which is a mix between decorative painting and decoupage. It has a mellow glow that will make any piece look as if it were finished in another century, but it's simple enough that any do-it-yourselfer can achieve the same great results. And the best part is that you probably have most of the materials already – just get together some paint, tissue paper and glue and you're on your way.
Take a look at a larger image of the refinished chair.
You need:
• Plastic sheets or old shopping bags
• Masking tape
• Medium fine-grade sandpaper
• Cotton or polyester rags
• White craft glue
• 2-inch (5 cm) latex brush
• Tissue paper (in any color)
• Small paint roller
• 1 litre each latex eggshell paint in moss green and antique white
• Acrylic low-sheen varnish
• Epoxy
To make:
1. Cover work area with plastic drop cloth or newspaper. Protect existing upholstery with masking tape and plastic or simply remove it if you are going to redo it for the finished piece. Remove any loose paint and debris from chair by lightly sanding entire chair frame. Clean chair with damp rag to pick up any dust residue left after sanding.
2. Mix 4 parts glue with 1 part water to make glue solution. Starting with small and inconspicuous area, apply solution with latex brush. Immediately begin putting crinkled tissue paper on glued area. Use brush to glue down any edges and folds that may be loose, then roll over with roller to remove air bubbles. Continue until entire chair frame is covered. Allow to dry overnight.
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Page 1 of 2 -- Find out how to complete the finishing process and begin recovering the fabric seat of the chair on page 2
