A few months ago, I told you about how the lovely and talented Amy Howard brought a handful of bloggers, including myself, down to Memphis for a few days for a training session and some fun pampering. We got to hear her story about how her company began, and how it transitioned into having her own line of paint. She also spent some time teaching us some new techniques, and I got to use some products that were new to me.
Once we got home, she most generously sent us some products to work with on our own, and I thought I would share my first project with you today.
I picked-up today’s dresser at an estate sale this summer.
The piece was had great bones, but one side of it had some serious water damage.
The paint I used is called Amy Howard One Step Paint. It’s made in the USA, contains no methanol, no VOCs, and it’s certifiable green. You can use it on almost any surface including glass, plastic, wood, formica, and metal.
The first thing I did was I cleaned my dresser off with Simple Green (you can get that at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, etc).
I then made double-sure to mix the paint extra well to bring up any pigments that might have settled down to the bottom.
During my first coat (I used Black), I realized why it was called One Step Paint.
I have used tons of different brands of paint, but this one gave me the greatest coverage. With most brands, you have to use 2-3 coats plus touch ups, but with One Step one coat covered almost the entire piece — I just had to touch up a couple of small areas.
If you do need to use a second coat, make sure you let it dry at least 30 minutes before going over it again.
After I painted my piece, it was needing a little pizazz, so I decided to try my hand at a little gold leafing.
I taped off the areas with Frog Tape that I wanted the leafing to go on.
I then went a small section at a time. I lightly painted on a layer of gilding size, which is a special adhesive for the gold leaf.
I then waited 10-15 minutes for it to come to tack (get sticky). I then took my book of gold leaf and cut it into quarters. Pulled the tissue back, and while holding onto the tissue and the gold, turned it toward the piece and held the end with my left hand and lay down firmly.
I’m not going to lie, it does take a little getting used to do this. While holding the tissues in place, rub your fingers back and forth, burnishing it into the surface.
When you pull up, pull the tissue away. (When laying multiple pieces, do not try to match lines. Overlap for full coverage.)
The first 5 minutes I worked with this, I wanted to throw this stuff out the window. Be patient, and the longer you work with it the better you will get. Take a rag or some super fine (0000) steel wool and rub over the area you just completed to remove any excess.
If you are wanting your piece to have that “chalky” or flat look leave it as is. One Step paint does not require wax to seal it.
Since the piece I worked on was going to be in heavy use as either a dresser or tv console, I decided to give it a coat of Amy Howard’s Clear Wax.
Amy Howard At Home One Step Paint can be found at Ace Hardware stores. To learn more tips visit Amy’s You Tube Channel.
*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post through Amy Howard at Home. I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my review. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.
Parties I link to:
DesignDiningandDiapers, SugarBeeCrafts, TaterTotsandJello, HomeStoriesA-Z, TheHappyHousie, FunkyJunkInteriors, CupcakesandCrinoline,CedarHillFarmhouse, TheHeatheredNest, DIYShowoff, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, TheChelseaProject, SkiptoMyLou, SavvySouthernStyle, LilacsandLonghorns,TheStripedHouse,MadeInaDay, AddisonMeadowsLane, 11MagnoliaLane, MySoulfulHome, FrenchCountryCottage, AGlimpseInside, MyRepurposedLife
Wow I love how the gold leafing really makes those details pop! Such a beautiful piece now. I really want to try her products on a piece, luckily we have a retailer nearby that stocks them woo hoo! 🙂
Wow, the dresser looks great. I recently found your blog. I feel like we are kindred spirits! I live in Wichita, volunteer/foster for the Humane Society, and I sell my upcycled/repurposed stuff at Absolute Vintage Boutique.
Shanna, this is absolutely stunning. Along with your dining set, this is my favorite piece you’ve ever done. ::slow clap:: xo
That dresser is amazing! I absolutely LOVE the gold leafing…great work friend ox
I saw the Amy Howard paint at my local Ace Hardware and was wondering how looked, performed etc. Thank you for this post! I’m seriously considering using her paint for my kitchen cabinets when I saw she had the perfect shades of a soft sage green and a cream shade that I want.
With kitchen cabinets would you recommend using the clear wax? Or I also have the varathane water based floor finish – which do you think would be better on cabinets?
You sold me at one coat. Seriously, just one coat and NO WAX!! I’ve seen a few projects using Amy Howard’s products from your fellow participants and I have to say I’m liking the sounds of her products more and more. I need to do some research on where the nearest retailer is. The dresser is stunning Shanna, especially with the gold leaf! It can be intimidating the first time you leaf but didn’t you find it actually fun to do once you got the hang of it?
What a beautiful piece. I love your vision for details.
That is absolutely gorgeous. Great job Shanna. You constantly impress me.
This is just gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to try the gold leafing and love it with the Amy Howard Paints! Beautiful! Pinning!
The gold leafing is perfection on this piece. I so much enjoyed trying out Amy Howard’s paints last summer at Haven. We don’t have an Ace Hardware in my area but if I see one when I’m traveling, I’m going to stock up.
Oh my gosh! The gold leaf pops and adds a ton of elegance. Love it.
It looks so classy! I’ve never tried gold leafing but hope to someday.
The dresser looks wonderful, especially with the gold leaf. I am definitely going to try Amy Howard paint. I can’t decide on the color but I really like how your dresser looks so black may be the one.
Wow this look beautiful. Even if it was in perfect condition before and not water damaged I still think the after here is waaaaay nicer. One of the nicer black and gold pieces I’ve seen so far. Thanks for showing it..
I’m getting ready to fix up my first piece of furniture and I think I can really learn a lot from you! I love the dresser and I think I’ll have to try the Amy Howard paint!
What an impressive paint! You’ve really given this piece a new lease on life. Thanks for sharing at the creative circle link party!
Awesome!