Annie Sloan - Quick and Easy Paint Transformations: 50 Step-by-step Ways to Makeover Your Home for Next to Nothing

TIP When painting around a mirror the best way to do it is to place a piece of paper along the inside edge, replacing the paper when one piece gets too sodden. Any paint that gets on the mirror can be removed later.

Step 1

Begin by painting the chiffonier in Old White with a big brush, using a jabbing rather than a sweeping technique.

Step 2

As I was using light paint on dark wood and wanted to add texture, I needed to apply three coats of Old Whiteleaving each to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 3

Apply clear wax with a brush over the paint and then wipe it with a cloth to remove any excess.

Step 4

In a bowl make a mixture of equal parts dark wax and white spirit to form a thin watery liquid.

Step 5

Working one section at a time, apply the mixture over the white paint with a brush. Wipe off the thin mixture with a cloth so the dark color is left in the recesses and texture of the paint and the raised areas are clean.

Step 6

In some places you might want to remove some of the dark wax mixture if the result is too dark. To do so just use a tiny amount of clear wax on your cloth and rub the wood until you are happy with the finish. See .

TIP To achieve a good texture with your paint, allow it to thicken slightly as described . Using brush strokes in many different directions and going back over an area that has begun to dry will create additional texture. Dont worry about trying to keep the finish consistent throughout.

Step 1

Paint all over the cabinet unevenly, making brush marks in all directions. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. This may take slightly longer than usual as the paint will be thicker in some places.

Step 2

Apply a second coat, again thickly and unevenly. It is a good idea to return to an area of paint that has begun to dry a little and make more apparent brush marks. Try stabbing the brush in just a few areas to make a different texture.

Step 3

When the paint is thoroughly dry apply the dark wax to the whole of the chest one side at a time, making certain the brush goes in several directions to get into the texture of the paint.

Step 4

Wipe off the wax with a clean cloth quite firmly. The idea is that the dark wax stays in the textured surface of the paint. If you find that too much of the dark wax is being removed then leave it on to dry out a little more. Conversely, if too much dark wax is staying on the cabinet then use some clear wax to clean it off. If you leave the wax until it dries then it becomes difficult to remove. See .