Does color and color blending scare you? It can be intimidating, right? It doesn’t even matter how gorgeous the color is. If it makes a strong statement and has a personality of its own — it’s cause for pause.
I totally get it because, after all these years of painting furniture, I still find experimenting with strong colors intimidating. What if it doesn’t match, what if I ruin the piece and have to repaint, what if it doesn’t sell, and on and on.
So, I’d love to say this Blueberry Painted French Provincial was my plan all along, but I had an external nudge – actually more like a push.
Last Wednesday was “Bring Your Kid To Work Day” and I was flattered when my goddaughter Jules chose to shadow a self-employed online publisher/furniture painter for the day – moi. :). After going on a few furniture runs, we headed back to my studio and she picked this piece from my inventory to makeover.
When she saw my project, this French Provincial Dresser, Jules encouraged me to use Blueberry off the Dixie Belle Color Card.
The thing is, I don’t carry Blueberry in my stock because it’s not a color I would usually order.
No problem was her response. She grabbed a few colors and started mixing. I swear she could be a paint mixologist because within minutes she nailed a Blueberry identical to the card swatch! Unfortunately, I didn’t keep track of her exact “recipe” … oh ye have little faith… because I didn’t think she was going to pull it off.
Here’s the dresser with the Slick Stick and first coat of Blueberry…
And here’s the color blended ‘after’… I L*O*V*E this blue blended combo!
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
-
- French Provincial Dresser – SALVAGED
- Water Mister Spray Bottle
- Paint Brushes
- Slick Stick for Laminate
- Blueberry Chalk Mineral Paint
- Bunker Hill Blue Chalk Mineral Paint
- Black Wax
BLUEBERRY PAINTED FRENCH PROVINCIAL DRESSER::
If you’re interested in achieving a similar look, here are the steps and products I used.
Step #1:: Clean & Prep
After giving the piece a thorough cleaning and letting it dry, rather than sand the laminate, I gave it a coat of Slick Stick. This is SO much easier than sanding and ensures the paint will adhere to the laminate 100%.
Step #2:: Paint Base Coat
Next came a basecoat of Blueberry which I shared above.
Step #3:: Color Blend Two Colors
Once the basecoat was completely dry, I added Bunker Hill Blue to the perimeter of the drawers, body, and top. While the Bunker Hill Blue was still wet, I used a new brush and added Blueberry to the middle – then blended the two colors with my spray mister and brush so the transition looks smooth.
Tip:: The key to this color blending technique is to work in smaller sections so you always have a wet edge.
Step #4:: Top Coat/Protect
For the topcoat, I brushed on black wax adding it slightly heavier to the perimeter and with a lighter hand in the center.
Step #5:: Allow Wax To Dry
I’ve had a few questions on this ‘brushed-on’ waxing technique and how long it takes to dry. Depending on how heavy it is applied, it can take a few weeks. What I like to do is apply, wait 24-48 hours then give it a very light wipe down. Rinse and repeat until no black wax is coming off on the shop towel. This waxing technique requires more time/patience, but I love the look and believe it’s well worth it.
Oh, and I have to share Jule’s after too. She did an amazing job with BunkerHill Blue and Copper stenciling!
I hope this Blueberry Painted French Provincial inspires some color ideas for your upcycling projects. You guys always inspire me so thank YOU!
I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR QUESTIONS AND/OR TIPS AND WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS BLUEBERRY DRESSER MAKEOVER. FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. 🙂
Happy furniture painting my friends… and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving for those of you celebrating this week. 🙂
Denise x
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Love this Blueberry colour – the chest looks stunning and the handles set it all off too 🙂
Thanks so much Denise! x
Beautiful work.
thanks Janis! x
Hi Denise! I must say I love you. Straight UP. Ok so I have watched Brushed by Brandy and I take online tutorials from Do Dodson and they are very good at blending but I get lost. So please tell me, you say that you just painted the Bunker HIll on the perimeter of the drawers and body and top. Why would you have to go back an add more Blueberry to the middle? Just a light blending maybe? I am scared to death to try blending but it is so pretty. I want to find a piece with detail around the drawers like this one so it is not so free hand? Is that what I mean? I have a few pieces of my own that I am going to paint before i venture out and paint to sell. I really am excited about this new adventure I have started and I love your style. Thank you!
Really gorgeous! I love anything with blue so this would fit well in my house 🙂
Thanks Sami! I think blue is a fav for many. 🙂
I would love to try this combo on a dresser with attached mirror, but I have never tried blending. It doesn’t have the provincal curves like yours so I guess my question is….would it look good anyway? I wish I could send you a photo of the dresser? It has a flat front to the drawers but it is a cute country charmer. Do you have atutorial on how to blend?
Imo, I think blending would look good on any type of furniture – even a flat type drawer. I have a blending and layering tutorial here.
This one speaks to me, Denise.. NIce choice of colors. Stunning!
Thanks so much, Do! Wouldn’t have tried the Blueberry without encouragement but I’m so glad I did! 🙂
STUNNING!!! As always, I love seeing what you create. Your Goddaughter is adorable as well. Fun to have a helper!
Thanks so much, Teri! And ya, we had a really fun day together. 🙂
Stunning Denise! Happy Belated Birthday my friend 🙂 XOXO!!
Another year just whizzed by! 😉 Thanks so much Teresa!!! And thank you for the beautiful condolence card. Our mail service in on work to rule (or something like that) but I did get it. XOXO
Hi Denise I just fell in love with this blue fantastic update looks awesome cheers to Jules I always lov your work full of inspiration and a talented lady hugs from Georgina (Cyprus) 🤗g
Hi Georgina! I always joke with MMM (who’s also Greek) that blues and whites have to be his favs 😉 lol… but I won’t make the same bad joke with you. hehe Glad you like the dresser and I’m cheering Jules right there with you. Have a super day! xo
Denise,
Love the Blueberry French Provençal!!
You are right the blending of colors is somewhat
Scary but I still want to try it !
As always, thank you for. all the instructions & advice
we all appreciate. You!
Carli E
Thank you Carli! 🙂 I appreciate all of YOU! XOXO
Drop dead gorgeous, blended to perfection. Blue is so soothing. Jules’ piece has a boho chic look, loving it. How lucky to be working with you!
Thanks. 😀 And Boho Chic… she’s going to LOVE that you said that! Have a beautiful day Tracy. XO
Absolutely gorgeous, Denise! You inspire me to brave the color blending technique and I thank you for the tutorial. How sweet that Jules chose to job shadow with you and judging by her amazing talent for mixing paint and the outcome of her table, she has an artistic eye like her godmother!
Thanks Marie! I was super flattered that she asked to spend the day with me. Oddly, I thought as a grade 9 student, she was going to gravitate to my work online – blog, social etc but nope, she b-lined to the studio for a makeover. I had a wonderful day with her. 🙂
This dresser is ahhh-mazing! The blended blues look spectacular together. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Thanks so much, Nicki!
Wow Denise, I am LOVING your blueberry dresser. Blue is my absolute favorite color and this piece is irresistible. Your god child’s little table turned out nicely as well.
Thanks, Monique! And she did a beautiful job, didn’t she! 😀
Your stuff is so freaking awesome! You are very talented.. love your furniture redos.
Thank you Michele! You just put a big smile on face. 😀
I’ve been reading your posts for sometime now and have never commented….but this blueberry transformation is a real stunner! Absolutely love the color blending effect! While blue has never been a color I’m drawn to, this piece has definitely inspired me to get outside my comfort zone! Kudos to Jules for giving you the push in that direction. Btw, her piece turned out adorable. Looks like you have some competition!
Hi Patti! First, thanks for reading and taking the time to drop in and comment!!! And ya, kudos to Jules for giving me the push for sure – she was definitely the inspiration for this piece. And I couldn’t agree more… her piece is adorable! 🙂
Gorgeous!!!
Thanks so much, Norma!