Even If You’ve NEVER Painted Furniture Before – You Can Do This! | YouTube Video
Today I’m sharing one of the EASIEST paint finish… a 3-step black paint wash. Even if you’ve never painted furniture before, YOU CAN DO THIS! This paint wash takes very little paint and very little time, and the results are stunning.
I love a good blanket box makeover, so when I stumbled across this one selling for $20 it was a no-brainer to pick it up. They sell quickly because they are so useful and versatile. And aside from all the repairs that were needed, this was the perfect piece to showcase the EASIEST PAINT FINISH ever, so easy it feels like cheating!
In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing –
- One of the EASIEST paint finishes – no painting skills required
- The type of furniture to use this paint wash on for the BEST results
- My favorite paint for this technique
- And more…
Here’s how this imperfect thrift blanket box came together!
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Bonus, it’s Furniture Fixer Upper Day! If you’re new here, on the fourth Thursday of every month, I join four super-talented friends (Christy – Confessions of a Serial DIYer, Kathy – Petticoat Junktion, Natalie – A Ray of Sunlight, and Gail – My Repurposed Life) to share our before-and-after furniture restyles. I’ve included the links at the bottom of today’s post, and I hope you join me in seeing what they’ve created this month! I always learn something new from these talented ladies.
Here’s the wood blanket box I found at my local Mission Thrift Store. It looked much better in the store than it really was, as you’ll see in the next photo.
When I brought it home and unloaded it from my car, it fell apart! 😆 Challenge on and perfect for Furniture Fixer Upper Day.
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YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s the full step-by-step YouTube tutorial for you. Then, keep scrolling for all the products, supplies, colors, and step-by-step details! Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 59.9K, so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already. You’re the BEST, and I appreciate your support! 🙂
SUPPLIES
Mission Blanket Box – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Auto Sponge
DeWalt Impact Gun Drill Set
Palm Sander For Scuff Sanding
Sanding Sponge
Glue Syringe for Glue Ups
Continuous Water Mister Spray Bottle
2″ Round Paint Brush
Anchor Black Silk Mineral Paint
PREPPING THE BOX FOR ITS MAKEOVER
To start prepping, I removed the top off this blanket box and gave it a good cleaning with my heavy-duty furniture cleaner and a sponge. Then I let the box dry overnight.
The following day it was time for glue-up repairs. I like using Titebond Wood glue with these single-use glue syringes; they work amazingly by squishing glue into tight areas you wouldn’t normally reach with the glue bottle. After I added glue, I used a mallet to hammer the parts together and then clamped and let everything dry overnight.
Now let’s fix the broken foot in the back. I stood the box on its side and removed the existing half foot off the base. Using a scrap piece of wood in the same thickness, I traced the shape of the foot. Then cut it out using my chop saw and jigsaw. To adhere it to the box and existing half foot, I used No More Nails and a couple of screws. Overkill – probably, but because I didn’t router out a joint like in the original foot, at least now I know it’s not going anywhere.
3-STEP PAINT WASH – SO EASY!
Now for the fun part – let’s give this dated-looking box an elegant new look using the EASIEST paint wash ever! This paint wash is so easy to do in three (3) steps. I used one of my favorite classic colors: Anchor Black Silk All In One Paint. Instead of mixing it with water as you would a traditional black paint wash, I used the LAZY girls paint wash technique, which I’ve used on this bombay chest here and this side table restyle here.
To apply this paint, I used my synthetic DB 2″ round brush, but any paint brush will work. Then using this continuous water mister, added a little mist and then wiped back the excess paint to reveal the grain and beautiful warm stain. This makes the blanket box look much more modern and textured and turns the tired stain into a warm rich look.
Working in sections –
- Brush on some paint.
- Spray it with a continuous mister spray bottle.
- Then, using a rag/shop towel, wipe back the excess.
And that’s it!
This takes such a small amount of paint I used under a quarter cup for the entire chest. After wiping back the wet paint, if you’d like to smooth it out, use a dry fluffy brush to manipulate the paint where you want it to go. Honestly, in most cases (unless working with a super smooth finish) this isn’t even necessary. If you have a piece with some grain texture (real or faux – which I did on this sewing cabinet here) the wet paint sinks into and settles into the grooves to create a gorgeous look.
EASY PAINT WASH TIPS
One of my favorite things about a paint wash is how little paint you actually need. Because you’re thinning the paint with water, a little goes a LONG way. This is the perfect project for using up that small amount of leftover paint sitting in the bottom of a jar from another makeover.
My favorite paint to use is an All In One Paint – primer and topcoat included. This saves so much time. No need to primer before the applying the paint wash and no need to topcoat afterwards.
And here’s the best part… it doesn’t have to look perfect! The variations in where the wash settles, how much wood shows through, and the lighter and darker areas are all part of the charm. In fact, that’s what gives a paint wash so much depth and character. Even if you’ve never painted furniture before, you can create a gorgeous, rich finish because you’re not trying to make everything perfectly even.
The easiest furniture to use a paint wash on is a piece with beautiful natural wood grain and a little texture. The wash naturally settles into the grain, grooves and imperfections and basically does a lot of the work for you. On a super smooth surface, you’ll have to manipulate the wash a little more with your brush or cloth to keep it looking organic rather than streaky. So when you’re thrifting, keep an eye out for those grainy, textured pieces — they’re PERFECT candidates for this technique.
Work in small sections and don’t overthink it. Brush the wash on, wipe or feather away any excess, and then MOVE ON. The more you fuss with it as it starts drying, the more likely you are to create obvious brush marks or pull off areas that were already looking beautiful. If one area dries a little darker than another? That’s okay. That’s character! Once the entire piece is finished, all those subtle variations come together and give the finish that gorgeous layered, collected look.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Because I used Anchor Black All-In-One Silk Paint, a topcoat is NOT required and I didn’t use one. I thought it looked perfect as is! However, if you’d like more shine, a water based topcoat can be applied or a clear or black wax. Either one would look amazing, but again, it’s not needed, so you can save yourself some time. 🙂
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THE BIG REVEAL…
Here’s the finished look! What do you think!?
I love the warmer tone the paint wash adds. And check out the beautiful bouquet of dahlias my neighbor Sue brought me from her garden! And do you recognize my embroidered pillow from the What I Thrifted VS What I Did With It?… can’t go wrong for $6!
And I know this isn’t the most exciting image ever, but I had to share how well the DIY’s back foot turned out. I’m so happy with my handywork!
And here’s a closer look at the gorgeous black paint wash and Sue’s dahlias.
And just for fun, I prompted an AI to generate this black washed blanket box in a dark moody roomscape. Here’s what it generated. I LOVE it! The blanket box half-circle detail looks like it’s been a little gilded or something, but other than that small detail, GORGEOUS!
Easy Ways To Style A Blanket Box
A blanket box is one of those pieces that can be both pretty AND practical. It gives you loads of hidden storage, but it can also be styled to look like it was always meant to be part of the room. And because they offer so much storage, they’re perfect for hiding away all those everyday things we don’t necessarily want on display. Blankets, pillows, toys, books… you name it!
Here are a few ideas…
- Use it as a coffee table – A blanket box makes a gorgeous, character-filled coffee table with the bonus of tons of hidden storage inside. Style the top with a tray, books, greenery or a few favorite finds.
- Create an entryway drop zone – Place one near the front door for somewhere to sit while putting on shoes AND hide away hats, gloves, scarves, reusable bags and other everyday clutter.
- Turn it into a window-seat moment – Tuck a blanket box beneath a sunny window and add a couple of pillows or a folded throw. Such a pretty spot to sit with a coffee, book or just enjoy the view.
- Use it at the end of the bed – This is probably my favorite! It instantly makes a bedroom feel more finished while giving you the perfect place to store extra bedding, seasonal linens, pillows or bulky blankets.
- Give your creative supplies a beautiful hiding place – Yarn, fabric, craft supplies, sketchbooks… even furniture painting supplies! A vintage blanket box can hide a LOT while looking so much prettier than plastic storage bins. 😉
And now for some FURNITURE FIXER UPPER FUN!
You’re going to LOVE what these creative FFU ladies do! Below are the BEFORE photos. Visit the links to see the amazing AFTERS and learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek, too!
1. A RAY OF SUNLIGHT
2. SI (HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!)
3. MY REPURPOSED LIFE
4. CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYER
5. PETTICOAT JUNKTION
Here’s another look at this mission thrift blanket box before and after.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I love how this black washed blanket box turned out. This super simple paint wash toned down the dated stain and gave it a much more modern look that can be used in any room. I hope this makeover inspires you to try a wash finish on your furniture projects.
Thank you so much for being here and for following along with our September Furniture Fixer Uppers Tour. If you have a question or want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below — you always brighten my day!
Happy creating, sweet friends! 💙
Denise x
RELATED POSTS:
COFFEE BEAN PAINT WASH DRESSER
VINTAGE PAINT WASH FINISH
HOW TO APPLY A COLOR PAINT WASH
HOW TO WHITE WASH WOOD WITH PAINT
HOW TO APPLY A CLASSIC BLACK WASH ON FURNITURE
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This looks so elegant now! Wow! I can’t believe the difference. That foot you made was spot on, too, I never would have guessed it wasn’t original. Love the way you styled it. It would be so hard to let go of all of this beautiful furniture!
Thanks so much! I’m really happy I tried replicating the foot and I’m pretty pleased how it turned out as well – it was a great opportunity to get more comfortable using a jigsaw. Wishing you an amazing week! XOXO
This is SO good, Denise! The black wash really brought out that beautiful wood grain. 😍
Thanks my friend! Loved your makeover as well! XOXO
Wowser!
That AI photo is gorgeous! Love this project.
Thanks Mary, so happy you love this project and I agree – I wish I could prompt my house decorating and end up with something like this!😆
Oh my goodness, this is stunning, Denise! I LOVE IT! I’ve been seeing the paint washes with black paint, but I haven’t tried it… YET. I’d grab those blanket boxes all day long. Gorgeous, and I can’t wait to try this finish out. Thanks for sharing as always. PINNED 📌 xo
Thanks my friend, and I can’t believe you’ve never tried a black wash. I remember a blanket box/chest you restyled (darker) but maybe that was a dark wax you used?… it was gorgeous! And yes, I agree, these blanket boxes are SUPER useful and sell quickly. thanks for the PIN and have a great weekend. XOXO
Hi Denise. You are so talented, artistic AND handy. Once that box fell apart, I would have been tempted to give up. I’m so glad you didn’t. The paint wash, new leg, and fix turned this blanket box into a keepsake. Beautiful job.
Thank you so much! I was shocked when it fell apart, but I figured it makes for a perfect furniture fixer upper project! And it gives me an opportunity to learn how to repair as well. XOXO
Just…. Wow. This trunk is now so stately and Elegant. So glad you are the one to bring this back to life.
Your handywork skills are amazing. The new oot looks perfect.
But… this finish steals the show. So elegant. The half circle detailing adds so much character.
It looks like a vintage estate sale find. Love it !! The color is now so rich.
Perfect timing for me. I’m hoping to tan/taupe wash my dad’s WWII cedar foot locker. I’m hoping to tone down the cedar orange wood to better blend with my miscelaneous bedroom furniture finds. A little neutral would be great. A paint wash feels like the perfect solution.
I’m sure i’ll be watching your video – several times – before attempting this.
Thanks for being so good at what you do – and so inspiring.
I’m so glad you love the finish enough to try it P! I’ll have the video available for you this weekend and if you have any questions or need a hand with anything feel free to reach out anytime. Have a wonderful weekend. XOXO
Where are you selling these beautiful items? I’d love to purchase some..is there a way?? Please do tell!!
Hi Dorri! I’m slow at listing my items on FMB but I have a few there as well as ppl inquiring here on Salvaged Inspirations. If you’re in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) feel free to email me anytime. I’d also love to ship to the US but shipping is quite costly now. 😐
I love this and I have an old side table I’m going to try this on. Thank you for the clear-easy to follow tutorial Denise! I always look forward to your emails. 🙂
Thanks my friend, I’m so glad you like it! If you decide to paint wash your side table, I’d LOVE to see/hear how it all turns out! 🤗
This turned out incredible, Denise! And I honestly thought you were going to say your first staging photo was AI ha ha…it was SO good! LOVE! XOXO
awwww thank youuuu!💙💙💙 I love the way this all came together, and it’s funny because the repairs took soooo much longer than the speedy quick paint wash!😂
Beautiful Denise
Thanks Teresa! 💗
Denise,
I love how you jumped right in and made those much-needed repairs. Some may be intimidated, but your directions are clear that it’s not as difficult as it seems.
This is a beautiful chest and will make someone very happy!
Pinned!
gail
Thanks so much Gail! Usually peices look so much better when I get them home and down into my studio – but not this time.😂 I’m so happy how it all came together too! Thanks for the PIN and have a fabulous weekend my friend. XOXO
I love this!!!
Yay, thanks Tiffany!😊
Denise,
This blanket box is stunning. Yes, I was impressed with your handiwork on the leg. This piece would be so ha ndy to have…first, it is a lovely piece of furniture, secondly it is useful to store all kinds of blankets and decor that needs a place when not in use. I love the paint finish, looks so stylish.
Aw, thank you Lorri, so glad you like it! I think it looks so much better too – much more modern/upscale looking with the black wash on it… and so darn easy to do. It took me SO much more time to repair the piece and then the finish was speedy fast.😃