Furniture redo with stencil reliefs

I absolutely love painting furniture. This time I didn't put much thought into what I was going to do but I ended up with a piece I am pleased with. Different then the typical re-do don't you think? This tutorial was done on a sample board because I finished the furniture before taking any photos.

1.Choose a base color. I chose Anne Sloane Chalk paint because I had it on hand and I didn't have to prime. I mixed Paris Blue and Old Orche (not sure of the amount but very little Paris Blue was added). Before the paint dried I took old white (also chalk paint) and just dipped my brush in the paint and used what was on the brush to create some interest with horizontal strokes. Although there isn't a photo posted of this you can see it in later photo's.

2. Once that was dried you can use a stencil any stencil. Use a good amount of Joint compound to create a raised relief stencil. Place an even coat of spackle over the stencil making sure to cover the entire stencil. Then remove stencil.

3. After the Joint compound dries paint over the relief. I did not seal prior to painting but I'm sure it would help to keep the raised stencil crisp. If you don't seal just make sure you don't over work painting the stenciled areas.






4. Next I loaded a paint brush with Vandyke brown and offloaded most of it onto a paper towel. Then gently brush over the recessed areas. I sanded back the corners on the furniture to give it more of a distressed look.


5. Now all that's left is to seal the piece with a clear coat (your choice). I sprayed my piece using a water based lacquer. FYI, To create the relief you can use a number of different products. I have used Venetian plaster with excellent results in the past. This is not a piece that will with stand abuse and the lacquer will aide in protecting the stencils.

The end result.