Honestly, until about a month ago, I’d never heard of Pure & Original paint. And, what I’ve learned in the last few weeks is that it is a highly-refined paint made from all-natural ingredients. Because of the way these ingredients are milled, the resultant finishes are super-silky…..without sanding.I know!!
It sounded too good to be true. So naturally, I had to give it a try.
I received free paint from Pure & Original in exchange for writing a review on the blog. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.
Luckily, Pure & Original was the sponsor of this month’s Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest. And I was one of 60 lucky bloggers with a chance to put this paint to the test.
Three Colors and One French Chest
First, colors were chosen that best fit the contest theme “Pure Colors, Original Elegance” and the piece I planned to paint. And I gotta tell ya, the colors are totally dreamy. All of them. I had a really hard time choosing.
But this old gal, who had been hidden away in a closet for about 20 years, was more than ready for a swanky updo.
First, she was washed down with mild soap and water. Sanding really isn’t necessary for this paint, but we prepped the piece before the paint arrived…with the all important directions. 🙁 So, ooops. This piece was lightly sanded.
The First Layer of Paint
Next the first coat, a medium-deep green called Sea Moss, was brushed on the entire piece. The paint was very thinly applied at the centers of the drawers, sides, and top. Then a heavier coat was spread to the edges and corners.
The paint is actually pretty thick, but responds beautifully to a damp brush and a drop of water. Anytime the brush began to “drag” on the wood, it was actually just a little dry. Dipping the brush tip in water and dabbing on a paper towel remedied the drag every time.
In fact, this is the most hydrophilic (water-loving) chalk paint I’ve ever used. By adding a drop of water now and then, the paint worked with great ease and could be manipulated until I got the look I wanted.
The Second Layer of Paint
The second layer, an icy-blue called Lagoon Water, was heavily applied in the centers and lighter at the edges. This gave the look of having been distressed, but without any sanding.
The Third Layer of Paint
Then a third layer, a green-tinted white called Kiwi White, was applied to the entire piece.
An artist brush was used to apply additional Sea Moss into the nooks and crannies. A damp cloth was used to wipe excess paint away while it was still wet.
To achieve an exact match, the decorative pieces on the left and right sides were finished at the same time.
The same Sea Moss also adds a pop of color to the drawer sides.
The Finishing Layers of Paint
All of the paint colors were layered-on until they melted together. The Sea Moss is highlighted in crevices and the other two are layered together on the flat surfaces. If you get really close, the layers are evident; but, from a distance, the piece just looks like it has good depth of color.
The Hardware
The hardware is original to the piece. It is an antique brass with a lovely patina. I had no intention of polishing or coloring this hardware so it was really important to work with the colors until they played well with the hardware.
As the vignette was assembled for the photos, my mind returned to the theme, “Pure colors, original elegance. ” And, for the life of me, I couldn’t think of anything more pure than white linen……
…….or more elegant than Pure & Original paint on a French-style chest.
Many thanks to The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest for hosting this wonderful event and to the most generous #sponsor, Pure & Original.
If you enjoyed this makeover, I do hope you will share it with your friends.
The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest Team:
Also linking to these Fab Flippin Hosts:
Carrie at Thirty Eighth Street
Stacy at Anastasia Vintage
Bloggers interested in joining future contests should contact: info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com
#puredesign #pureoriginalpaint #fffc2016 #fabflippincontest
Linking at these great parties:
Inspire Me Mondays via Sand & Sisal
The Scoop via StoneGable
Project Inspired via Cupcakes and Crinoline
Inspire Me Tuesdays via A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesdays via Savy Southern Style
Best of the Weekend via Sweet Pea
81 Comments
Beautiful job! The paint colors you chose fit perfectly with the style of the piece.
Thanks so much, Susan. Appreciate your visit and kind words so muvh!!
Oh. Dear. Heavens. This gorgeous chest is up near the top of my list of my favorite pieces of furniture!!! Susie, I am amazed at the magic you work with paint layering and know which colors play well together. *standing ovation* <3<3<3 I'll be share this piece all over SM!
Thanks so much, Sarah. YOu are a so wonderful! Appreciate so much.
I love French style and your paint finish is delicious! Well done!!!
Thanks so much, Lisa. You’re the best!! XOXO
She is gorgeous Susie!! I hope I get a chance to try this paint some time.
Have a great weekend!!
Maxine
Thanks so much, Maxine. Wish you were nearby…I’d share my colors. Back at’cha for that great weekend!!
It turned out beautiful! I didn’t think it look bad in the before picture but the after is stunning. Great work, it was definitely worth the wait.
Thanks Jolena. The finish was damaged (I think from hair spray…eck) and it was yellowing, too. But, you are correct in that it didn’t need any repair work. Just a refresh. Thanks for stopping by.
Your french chest looks gorgeous! I love how you used the three colors to achieve that finish. By the way, you did a beautiful job styling the photos!
Thanks, Jeanie. I LOVED working those colors into one. It really gave the chest depth. Thanks so much for visiting. Appreciate much.
It turned out beautifully! I love the pop of green too!
Thanks, Mary. I’m so crazy for color and these go with everything…especially the green.
What a beauty! I love this paint too!
Thanks Darrielle. Yes, this paint is so excellent in so many ways. I enjoyed using it very, very much.
This is gorgeous! I love the Pure & Original colors you chose on that fantastic piece! 🙂
Thanks Carrie. The colors did not disappoint….they are totally awesome.
Night and Day, that’s the difference from the old to the new. You brought daylight to that chest. I wish it was for sale because I would totally bubut it!
You are so skilled at paint layering, please do a FB Live or something similar to teach those of us who have only painted with one color at a time.
Thanks Toni. If I can ever get my courage going…I’ll be glad to do a FB live. LOL.
Oh my goodness, Susie, absolutely stunning makeover! Love the layers of color you choose and I can’t wait to try this paint sometime soon – you guys have had me at “no sanding”. I’ve also got to compliment your eye for staging this piece and the beautiful photography. Pinning to share this beauty and I’ll catch you on IG too!
Thanks so much, Marie. Yes. It is quite amazing that a chalk paint has a smooth finish without sanding. Wish you lived nearby…I would share my wonderful colors with you!! Thanks for the pins and shares.. See you over on IG.. XOX
It’s so beautiful!!! Stunning 🙂 the details are gorgeous.
Thanks, Michelle. I tried to bring out the details with that delish deep green. I have aleady refinished a serpentine chest with these paints. OH joy!! Can’t wait to share on April 21. XOXO
You brought this piece to the level of elegance that it deserved my friend! Super job. I wish I could see it in person! ;o)
Thanks, Lucy. You are so kind..thanks so much. I wish you could see it in person, too. Maybe someday.. XOXO
You did such a beautiful job on this little French piece! I love all the details and the way you highlighted all of its charm with paint layers. Bravo!
Thanks Nancy…Appreciate your expert eye and kind words. XOXO
Great job Susie!!!! I love it, and you expertly styled it. Wonderful piece 🙂
Thanks so much, Sue. You’re the best!!! XOXO
Susie this is truly amazing. I am in awww if your talent and creativity!! You knocked it out of the park.
Awww, Michelle.. Thanks so much. You’re the best.
ahhhh.. I dont even need to finish my piece now since you clearly have the most gorgeous makeover ever! this is beautiful!!
LOL…..thanks..but you keep working. I know the kind of pieces you turn out and every one is always more beautiful than the last. You’re a doll for leaving kind and encouraging words. Appreciate so much.
I have fallen in love with Pure & Original paint and I never thought I would find anything that I loved more than ASCP. I may even be a wee bit obsessed! Your french makeover is gorgeous, love it!
Thanks, Cindy. I am so thrilled to have you visit the post and leave such a kind and encouraging comment.
Gorgeous piece! I loved how you layered all the colors (and you explained it all very well :D). This paint has been fun to work with. So glad you kept the original hardware — it’s beautiful! Looking forward to seeing all the participant’s projects! Take care, Cynthia
Thanks, Cynthia. It was a joy to work on this piece.
Well after being hidden away for 20 years, this gorgeous gal is making one heck of a grand entrance! I love the light, fresh colors you chose and they blended together perfectly!
Thanks a million, Amy. Yes…the old gal surely has made a fabulous comeback. No more closet for her. LOL… XOXO
It’s fantastic Susie! I think you’re gonna win the contest 🙂
Thanks, Melanie. You’re so sweet, but I know at least 59 other bloggers who would beg to differ. LOL. But it’s so nice to hear from you….someone whose work I admire so mcuh. Thanks again. XO
I just love chest of drawers! The colors you chose are stunning! Amazing work!
Thanks, CarolAnn. You’re the sweetest. Thanks so much for visiting the post and leaving such a kind comment.
What a fabulous makeover! It doesn’t even look like the same cabinet. Adding feet was a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Thanks so much.
Susie…another beautiful reveal! Love it!
Thanks so much, Sue. Appreciate your visit and kind words.
Great goodness, I am so loving those subtle layers, beautiful piece Susie!
Thanks, Brenda! You are so kind. Appreciate much.
[…] The remaining paint, a combination of Kiwi White and Lagoon Water, was layered on using a dry brush technique. The specifics on using this technique with Pure & Original (affiliate link) paint are on an earlier post (click here). […]
Everything looks great !
Thanks so much, Becky! I love my old/new litle French chest!!
This is lovely, I like the colors you selected. It looks like an easy paint to use.
Thanks, Debra. Yes, I found it to be an easy paint to use. It likes water and likes to be manipulated with a brush. Some chalk-type paints will fight these, but Pure & Original seemed to be made for this type of technique.
WOW what a beautiful transformation! I love your technique and your photo’s are beautiful! 🙂
Thanks, Sam. Isn’t it great when you surprise yourself? That surely did happen here. 🙂
Such a sweet and elegant piece. Great job.
Thanks, Grace. Appreciate your kind words so much!
Susie! Both your color choices and your layering techniques complement the demure quality of this lingerie chest. The result? The best sort of makeover! Lovely work! 🙂
Thanks so much, Rachael. Appreciate your stopping by and leaving such a kind and encouraging comment.
Just beautiful! Lovely choice of colors! I never would have thought of using the Sea Moss color on the details. That Pure and Original paint is really lovely!
Thanks, Stephanie. Yes, the Sea Moss did great as an accent color. I think I must keep it as a go-to paint. It really loves the tight places and moves well with the brush.
Beautiful job Susie! I needed that hardware for my piece so if you find yours missing…
LOL….Karen. I’ll know where to look!! Thanks so much!!
This transformation is spot on Susie! Love, love, love how it turned out!
Thanks so much, Marie. Appreciate your kind words so much.
Great job Susie! Perfect, and your staging was spot on! Couldn’t wait to pin this lovely piece!
Thanks so much! You’re awesome!
Oh wow! I’m in love with this piece! The paint layering is gorgeous and your styling is beautiful!
Thanks a million, Meghan. You have no idea how much I appreciate your kind words.
[…] French Chest Makeover […]
This looks so good! It doesn’t even look like the same piece of furniture!
Thanks, Catherine!
I love the paints that you’ve used, especially that Sea Moss. Beautiful makeover!
Thanks, Marilyn. Another post….called… How the Serpentine Chest Found its Bliss….. Features the sea moss…
[…] French Chest Makeover […]
Beautiful chest ! great job Maria
Thanks so much!
[…] Click here to see the French Chest […]
[…] As for furniture redos, this French chest that had been stashed in the back of the closet for over 20 years was the hands-down fan favorite. Now, she’s all spruced up and back in action. Click here to see how she got her new look. […]