My Experience With Gray Washing Furniture
As an interior designer, I love experimenting with different finishes and styles. One trend that caught my eye was the gray washed look popularized by Restoration Hardware. I decided to try it out on a piece of furniture I had lying around.
How To Gray Wash Furniture Like Restoration Hardware
The gray washed look is achieved by layering different shades of gray paint and then sanding it down to create a distressed, vintage look. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a piece of furniture to gray wash
- Remove any hardware or knobs
- Clean the surface of the furniture
- Apply a coat of gray paint, let it dry
- Apply a second coat of gray paint, let it dry
- Sand down the edges and corners to create a distressed look
- Apply a coat of clear wax to protect the finish
- Reattach hardware or knobs
Top 10 Tips and Ideas:
- Use different shades of gray paint to create depth
- Experiment with different sanding techniques to create varied textures
- Try using a dry brush technique to apply the paint for a more subtle look
- Use a natural bristle brush to apply the wax
- Let the wax dry completely before buffing it out
- Don’t be afraid to mix in other colors like white or beige for a more unique look
- Consider using a chalk paint for a more matte finish
- Use a sanding sponge for more control over the amount of distressing
- Protect your work area with drop cloths or newspaper
- Take your time and enjoy the process!
Pros and Cons:
Like any painting technique, there are pros and cons to gray washing furniture.
Pros:
- Creates a unique, vintage look
- Can be customized to match any decor style
- Relatively easy and inexpensive to do
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces, not just wood
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming, especially if the piece of furniture is large
- Requires some skill and practice to achieve the desired look
- May not be suitable for all furniture styles or finishes
- Can be messy and requires proper ventilation
My Personal Review and Suggestion:
Overall, I was very happy with the gray washed finish on my piece of furniture. It added a unique touch to my home decor, and I received many compliments on it. My suggestion for anyone wanting to try this technique is to start small and practice on a smaller piece of furniture before moving on to larger ones. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of gray or sanding techniques to achieve the perfect look for your space.
Question & Answer:
Q: Can I use this technique on outdoor furniture?
A: Yes, you can use this technique on outdoor furniture, but make sure to use an outdoor-rated clear wax to protect the finish from the elements.
FAQs:
- Q: Do I need to sand down the entire piece of furniture?
- Q: Can I use a different color besides gray?
- Q: Can I use this technique on laminate or veneer furniture?
A: No, you only need to sand down the edges and corners to create a distressed look.
A: Yes, you can use any color you like, but keep in mind that the more contrast there is between the base color and the top coat, the more noticeable the distressing will be.
A: Yes, but make sure to sand the surface lightly first to help the paint adhere better.