How to Achieve a Chippy Finish with Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint is known for its natural ability to chip and give an aged, worn, well-loved feel to a piece.  But did you know that sometimes it is actually hard to achieve that look?

On raw wood, Milk Paint actually absorbs into the wood like a stain instead of sitting on top like typical paint.  If you want that chippy look on raw wood, you will need to use a resist like Hemp Oil.  That's right, Hemp Oil is not only a finishing top coat on your painted piece, it can be used to create that chippy look that we all love.

Enter this 1912 Lane cedar chest.  It was still as sturdy as the day it was made but the finish on top was a little too loved over the years.  It had water rings from cups sitting on it, chipping and peeling veneer and even a few gouges to the top.  Cigarette burns too!

My client wanted this piece painted in Mustard Seed Yellow and really wanted to see a lot of chipping on this piece.  However, the veneer on the top needed to be removed and the deep gouges needed to be filled.  That left me with raw wood on the top.  

Raw wood top with wood filler applied to the damaged spots.

After giving it a coat of stain, I sporadically applied Hemp Oil to the top and immediately started painting.  You do not want to give the Hemp Oil a chance to soak in.  You also do not want to over-work your brush or you will end up with Hemp Oiled stripes on your piece and the chipping will not look natural.

The front of the cedar chest actually still had some old varnish on it.  I lightly scuffed it will a medium grit sanding sponge, wiped it down and started painting.  Much to my surprise and excitement, I received all kinds of chipping!  I was actually a little nervous that it would be too much chipping for my client, but she loved it.

This is what Milk Paint looks like as it dries and begins to chip.  You can use a fine grit sanding sponge or a putty knife to gently remove the flaking paint.

I finished the piece with Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Wax and lightly buffed it.  I really love how this piece turned out.  Mustard Seed Yellow is such a fun color without being too bold.  It's vintage but modern.  I think it suits this piece well.

Do you like the chippy look?  Do you want to learn how to achieve the chippy look on raw wood?  Sign up for my next Milk Paint 101 workshop HERE and I will teach you how! 

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A Spring Gathering by Blue's Junk & Primitives 2014

It's been a while, but I've been busy, busy preparing for the annual Spring Gathering by Blue's Junk & Primitives.  It is this Saturday and Sunday, April 26th (9am to 5pm) and 27th (9am to 3pm) in Creal Springs, Illinois.  So pack up the family and head on down to this awesome vintage market.  There are over 75 vendors with primitives, handmade, antiques, collectibles, and good old rusty junk!  Make sure you bring a truck or trailer to haul your goodies home!  Oh and don't forget to stop by the big, red BBQ barn to have some of Sam's BBQ and beans!  Those beans are the best!

This is one of 2 of my big shows a year.  I will be filling a 10 X 20 booth full of my hand painted vintage and antique furniture.  I will also have Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint and coordinating products for sale, too!

It is supposed to be a gorgeous weekend with 70 degree weather!  I hope to see you all there!

If you would like to see some previews of the items I'll be taking, visit my Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/thepaintedchest

Blue's Spring Gathering 2013

Phew! I can finally breathe again!

I have been super busy preparing for my first big show.  It was Saturday, April 27th, in Creal Springs, Illinois.  I can guarantee that you all have never heard of Creal Springs, but the Blue family puts on one heck of an outdoor vintage/antique/primitive market twice a year...right on their front lawn!

There was more than 85 vendors and over 2,000 shoppers despite the chilly, rainy weather.  A great time was had by all!  The Gathering even made the local evening news.

Sale in Creal Springs bring in Big Crowd

I met many wonderful people and I'd like to welcome you all to my blog and to my Facebook page.  For those who were unable to attend, I thought I would share some pictures of my booth.  Forgive my cell phone pictures.

The crowds were lined up early to get in the gate.

And pictures of my booth.

I had a great first show!  Nearly all of my pieces sold and I received many compliments on my work.  It was just the ego boost I needed to feel like I'm doing the right thing by starting this little business.

Be sure to stop by and show a little love to Blue's Junk & Primitives and tell Gail I sent you!

It's been a year...

since my last post.  That's kind of crazy!  I feel like I'm still going through a transitional period.  Still getting used to being the mom of a preschooler.  Driving back and forth to the next town over for school.  Trying to manage/balance my time between my son and my new business.

Yes, that is correct.  I've started a new business adventure.  Everyone knows I have a love of vintage and antique furniture.  I also have a new love.  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I decided to merge my two loves and open up The Treasured Chest where I refurbish and paint vintage and antique furniture.

The big launch of The Treasured Chest will be on April 27, 2013, at Blue's Spring Gathering in Creal Springs, Illinois.  The Spring Gathering will host almost 70 vendors featuring handmade items, antiques, primitives, and good old rusty junk.  It's gonna be a great time!  So be sure to mark your calendars, you don't want to miss this!

Be sure to stop by the blog, I promise there will be many new posts featuring all of the pieces I'm currently working on.