Ideas

We had such fun with this project which we used as a demo during our launch at The Yard in Queen Street, Kensington.

Although, we used Daisy as the final colour, there is nothing stopping you from using any colour within our amazing palette of colours to achieve a similar look.

To start with, we had an ordinary timber door. 

Step 1:

Next we applied Chocolate Cake strategically on both sides of the door, focusing on the corners and edges, where a door would likely pick up knocks and bumps, as ultimately we wanted to achieve as authentic a look as possible. Allow approximately 20 minutes before moving onto the next step.

(Please also consider that when working with very knotty pine or mahogony or any red wood for that matter, it is advisable to seal the wood first by applying a coat of Granny B's Finishing Lacquer before you paint)

Step 2:

Before applying the first coat of Daisy, we rubbed hard candle wax over all the areas where we had applied Chocolate Cake. Any ordinary candle will do.

Once you are satisfied that there is wax where required, you can begin to paint the final colour.

Step 3:

We wanted an authentic shabby look so we only applied two coats of Daisy, a third coat would have resulted in full coverage and would have given the door a more modern look which we felt would not have worked as well with the distressing.

Step 4:

As our final step we lightly sanded with a low grit paper (around 80 grit), concentrating on the corners and edges. You will notice that when you try this yourself, not a lot of pressure is required to remove the paint as the wax will assist in the areas where it was applied. The reason why this works is because the paint sits on top of the wax and not the wood, if a little bit of the wood timber is exposed when applying this technique, it's not the end of the world as this is the look we're after. 

If you make any mistakes and want to correct them, simply paint over the area in question, allow to dry and start again. That's the great thing about our paint, it is very forgiving.

The marvellous thing about Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint is that you don't need to be a professional to transform just about any piece of furniture into a work of art. Added to that, our paint is extremely forgiving and there is no need to sand or prime beforehand.

Just take a look at how we transformed this Red enamel half moon table into a country chic work of art.

Here's a look at the table before we commenced any work on it.

Step 1) Start with the main colour first. In this case we used Midnight as our main colour and used Mushroom for the detail and both surface tops, we used a new green for the stencilling that we will be launching soon.

In this case, we weren't too concerned about finishing the detailing as this will be covered using Mushroom.

We did however mask using masking tape so that we could get a clean line.

Step 2)

We also masked the drawers once painted, in the below photograph you can see the mushroom being applied. Once the Mushroom was allowed to dry overnight, the masking tape was removed.

Step 3)

Once the Mushroom was allowed to dry overnight, we could start the stencilling.

We used a new colour which we will be launching soon, it's an olive green which was missing from the range.

Stencilling is quite an easy process, the trick is to ensure that your brush is almost dry when it is applied, a paper towel can be used to get rid of excess paint. Too much paint and the paint will bleed beneath the stencil. If you make a mistake, simply allow to dry  buff and start again.

In the image below, a stippling technique is used to apply the colour to the stencil, the stencil has also been affixed using masking tape to keep it in position.

In order to ensure that the stencil design was designed in a symmetrical pattern, we marked out measurements with a ruler. Each new design was applied within these measurements to ensure that everything was in proportion, this takes a little trial and error but the end result is worth it.

 Step 4)

For the side panels, we're going to give you a sneak preview on a product that we recently tested and will be launching soon...

Embossing Paste:

It allows you to add texture by simply applying it over a stencil. The end result is a raised (embossed) design of the stencil and it is so easy to use, we're certain that you will just love it !

Firstly measure out to ensure that the stencil is applied to the centre of the area, once again we used masking tape to help us keep it affixed in the right place.

Embossing paste has the perfect consistency to apply using a stencil, it really holds its shape and dries rock hard. A little cracking a texture is normal. Simply apply a reasonable amount to the end of a paint scraper and using a little bit of pressure, smear over the stencil until the entire design has been covered.

Once you are happy that the design has been correctly applied (i.e. full coverage) simply remove like a plaster. Gently remove the tape whilst holding the design in place, take care for it not to move as it will smear and smudge the design otherwise.

The below image is what you will be left with once the stencil has been removed. It is advised that you wash your stencils immediately to keep them in good nick.

Step 5)

Once the embossing paste has dried, we gave it a light sand to smooth it out slightly.

We then simply painted over it, paint adheres beautifully to the finished product.

Our final completed project, once everything was dry, we applied two coats of our Finishing Lacquer and also replaced the hardware (Knobs).

What a stunning country chic half moon table.

Another look at what the table looked like before Granny B got hold of it :-)

So Granny B herself commissioned me, her son to revamp her damaged coffee table. You'll notice wood filler on the first few images where her dog chewed off the corners.

TIP: If you try to fill a big hole with wood filler, use panel pins to support the wet mixture. This gives the wood filler something to hold onto and makes it stronger when dry.

Once the wood filler is dry, sand using a coarse grit to shape the area you are trying to fill. Once you are happy with the shape, use a fine paper to smooth it out. (This sounds more difficult than it is, you'll be amazed at how easy this is to achieve).

Now it's time for the base coat. In this case we used Daisy White which will come through when we distress as the final step.

Once completely dry apply the top coat, in this case we have used Tropical Cocktail.

(We suggest waiting about an hour. However, the paint will be dry to the touch within 30mins. If it were the same colour, 30mins wait time is sufficient for the next coat).

Once you are happy that you have complete coverage and the paintwork is dry, you can begin to distress.

There are a number of methods that can be used to reveal the bottom layer a lot easier. In this case we used steel wool and rubbed gently which also deposit some of the iron filings of the wool from the process. This is what creates the soft silver streaks.

We then sanded the entire piece using a medium grit paper. It's best to start slowly as you can always go harder if necessary. If you make a mistake simply buff lightly and start again.

Once the distressing process is complete, the stencil can then be applied. Per the image below we used masking tape (painters tape) to keep the stencil in place.

Do not stroke the brush, but rather stipple. This ensures that the paint does not bleed under the stencil and cause smudging. Stippling is a gentle banging of the tip of a dry brush until the design has been completely covered.

Allow the stencil to dry for about 15mins or so and then slowly remove, revealing the beautiful design.

We allowed the piece to dry for 24 hours to ensure that no moisture was left behind. We then applied the Granny B's Finishing Lacquer and job done.



Oh Golly we had so much fun transforming this although beautiful butter dish into a more vibrant example of the same piece.

This is what it looked like before we got hold of it with Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint:

After applying two coats of Daffodil (Golden Yellow)

And applying a Fleur De Lis stencil design in a slightly smaller size on the doors, larger on the top, this is the finished product.

You may have noticed that we also changed the hardware (the door knobs) with black numeral resin knobs which are also available online to purchase.

http://www.grannyb.co.za/collections/decorative-knobs-knockers

Here's another look with the before and after pictures on the same image:

This project took us an evening to complete (approximately 3 hours)

How stunning is this cabinet which was refurbished using a two tone colour technique using Old Fashioned Paint and our Metallic Paint?

Posted by a customer, the base tone was Dove Grey and the final layer was Charcoal Shadow.

This look is so easy to achieve.

Step 1:

Apply two coats of the base colour, in this case Dove Grey was used (This is the darkest colour on our palette and is almost black).

Step 2:

Pour a cup of tea and enjoy ;-)

Step 3:

Apply the final layer, using the Metallic paint, Charcoal Shadow in this case.

Allow to dry.

Step 4:

Lightly distress using a medium grit paper, take your time to apply gentle distressing. You can be as creative as you like, start off slowly as you can always go back and apply further distressing if required.

If you make a mistake don't worry, our paint is so forgiving ! Simply buff lightly to get the surface as smooth as possible and start again.

Step 5:

Invite your friends over to admire your clever skills after you have achieved this beautiful furniture makeover !

The options are endless with 26 colours available in our range.

This stunning picture frame was created using Peach Melba as the first coat and Daisy as the top coat. An easy to apply distressing technique was applied to reveal the first coat that was applied and then the décor item was sealed using Granny B's Finishing Lacquer.

Step 1:

Apply first coat generously and allow to dry. This will form the base coat so that when distressing is applied, this will be the colour that shows through.

Step 2:

Once the first coat is completely dry (approx. 30mins) you can apply wax by rubbing it in strategic areas, this will make it easy to lightly sand later on and reveal the base colour. There is no need to melt wax, simply rub it gently on the corners and the inside frame.Then apply your final coat. In this case we used Daisy (White). We applied 2 coats to ensure that the final coat was completely white and allowed this to dry for approximately 1 hour.

Step 3:

Once the final coat is applied and left to dry it should look something like this. The final distressing technique can be applied once the project has been left to dry for about 2-3 hours (This allows the paint to cure a bit better).

Step 4:

This is an image of the frame once lightly sanded to reveal the base colour.

Final product: