shabby painting effect on furniture?

Question

i know i've already asked this question a couple of months ago, but i'm still unsure; when painting furniture a white colour to then sand back to give it a distressed look, what paint finish should i use? i'm not sure if i should get, i.e., matt, low sheen, semi gloss, etc. some advice would be appreciated.
thanks.

Answer 1

I'd use a satin/low sheen paint. The main thing is to let it dry well, a couple of days will be best. I've tried sanding too soon and the paint comes off too easily and doesn't give you the effect you want.
Here's a technique I've been using that might work for you.
Recently I painted an old table yellow and wanted it to look like it had been blue before. Using a dry brush technique, I painted the blue into spots that would get the most wear, and on the edges.
I then sanded some areas to let the wood show through, so it looks like it was wood, then blue then yellow.
We did a hutch at my daughter's that we painted black and then dry brushed red at the handle area, on the edges, anywhere it might get most worn, and oh my is it just beautiful. Turned out just how we wanted. Everyone compliments how beautiful it is and wants to know how old it is.
Good Luck. (one thing to remember about shabby chic, it's hard to mess it up)

Answer 2

Probably not old because old furniture tended to have lots of curves and recesses while the snap together particle board stuff doesn't, although you could buy trim pieces from a hardware store and add them for the old style effect. The paint will adhere better if you lightly sand the surface and look more aged if the paint is thick (not so thick it runs) and applied with a brush rather than sprayed on. Keep brush strokes in the same direction per panel to slightly create the effect of underlying grains in the wood, or you can take a very coarse piece of sandpaper and press down hard sanding in only one direction that you're going to paint in too, to help create a slightly grained effect. Of course after sanding you have to clean the dust off before painting. I wonder if it is worth the trouble, you might be able to find old painted wood furniture for cheap at a yard or garage sale.

Answer 3

latex flat wall paint , latex gloss on trim and doors, It adds so much to all architectural features of the room. Contrast color and finish is nice to show off furniture.

Answer 4

I would use matt or low sheen. Why don't you practice your painting technique on a cheap scrap board to see what you like?

Answer 5

I would not use a full gloss. Semi gloss is as high as I would go. Personally, I would use a satin finish.