Have you ever heard of painting furniture with artisan powder? Me neither. But I tried it anyway. I’m excited to share a new color blending technique that you may find helpful with your diy projects. It makes blending soft color onto furniture really easy and n it helped transform this roadside makeover into a romantic Botanical-French-Country beauty.
So, let me back up a bit. Last Sunday, my sister and I ‘busted’ Dad out of the LTC home (an ongoing joke we have with him) and took him on a leisurely country drive before stopping for ice cream. As luck would have it, we found this gorgeous vintage dresser roadside for bulk pick-up. Well, you know where this is going. I need a bumper sticker that warns drivers that “I stop for ALL furniture finds”. Who could resist this though, right?!
After a thorough cleaning and a few small repairs, I experimented and played with some new products that were sent to me from [Re]Design With Prima. Thank you ReDesign for your generous box of goodies!
To my SI family, just a heads up. Bloggers get some great mail/products sent their way. However, you guys will only hear about the products I love and feel worthy of sharing. If it’s not going to help you or have a positive impact on your makeovers, I won’t waste your time sharing it. That’s a promise. 🙂
Anyway, included in this goodie box were a few powdered artisan pigments. I’ve obviously heard of artists using pigments to mix into mediums, but I’ve never heard or seen anyone using pigmented powder directly on painted furniture. I’m not even sure if that’s what ReDesign intended me to use it for, but I was feeling experimental.
Here’s the roadside rescue restyled. I L*O*V*E the way this colored powder blends seamlessly and adds a Parisian Rosewood hue onto the dry brushed paint finish. What do you think? Perfect for any romantic interior, right?
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Vintage Dresser – SALVAGED ROADSIDE!
- Paint Brush
- BOSS Stain Blocker
- Putty Chalk Mineral Paint
- Sand Bar Chalk Mineral Paint
- Prima Transfers “Time” x2
- Prima Artisan Powder “Parisian Rosewood”
- Gator Hide Topcoat
- Sponge Applicator
- Spray on Wax
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FURNITURE PAINTING WITH ARTISAN POWDER::
I’m sharing the steps I used to create this look but it was seriously all experimenting and having fun. I couldn’t tell you if this would work on darker pieces but I’m guessing if it was a darker artisan powder, it should. If anyone has more experience using these types of pigments, I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips.
Step #1 – Clean, Prep & Paint
After I thoroughly cleaned this piece and stain blocked it with BOSS, I dry brushed Putty and Sand Bar to create a weathered wood finish. I’ve included a full weathered wood tutorial link in the related posts below.
Step #2 – Add Graphic Transfers
After the paint was 100% dry and lightly sanded, I applied this ‘Time’ Graphic Furniture Transfer onto each door.
Step #3 – Brush on Artisan Powder
With a Purdy brush, I gently touched the ends of the bristle into the artisan powder. I used VERY little! A VERY small amount of powder goes a long way!
I added it around the perimeter of the drawers and then in random spots throughout the piece to blend.
If the color was not strong enough in a certain area, I dipped the end of my bristles again and brushed on more powder. That’s it. Nothing fancy or complicated. The powder is easy to control and blends seamlessly.
Just a word of caution though. Wear old clothes and make sure your work area is protected. The powder got on my pants and floor and it did stain. So will the paint brush you use.
Here’s are a few close-ups. In the first pic, you can see exactly where Parisian Rose Powder was added, and where it was not.
I would never have thought to use an artisan powder to add color to a piece of furniture but it works amazing! The key is to put VERY little on the tip of your brush bristles and rub in gently.
I hope this has inspired you to try painting with powder!
Update** Sorry guys! I forgot to mention this piece was top coated and sealed. I used Gator Hide on the top of the dresser because it’s waterproof and super durable – no worries if you throw your keys or anything else on there. And the body was sealed protected with this spray wax.
RELATED POSTS::
DIY Weathered Wood
How To: Graphic Furniture Transfers
Blending and Layering
Layered Stormy Seas Vintage Vanity Makeover
Artisan Powders with Frank and Addy
I’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS BLENDED FINISH. IF YOU USED ARTISAN POWDERS AND HAVE ANY TIPS YOU’D LIKE SHARE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy painting and have an inspiring day my friends,
Denise x
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Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Denise,
I am working on a project and my question is the gray paint im using (Milk Paint) is yoo light and needs some darkening. Can I use a few drops of acrylic
paint to darken the Milk Paint ? Would it affect the integrity of the Milk Paint?
Thank you, for always being here for us❣️
What a beautiful piece!!!
It always amazes me what people throw away.
I am also amazed that people complain when an “antique” hets painted…hey, I kept it out of a land fill.
Good job!
Thank Margie! And it always amazes me too but I guess I understand… tastes change or they don’t know how to repair etc. I wish I could swoop in and save them all tho. 😉
This is SO LOVELY! Perfect finish on this neat piece of furniture. I hope to try soon. Love the transfer. Enjoy your blog very much. So informative and user friendly.
Thanks so much Alice! xo 🙂
Just Curious, I have tons of the artisan powder. Tried to use to stencil and it smeared like crazy. Could be I used more than you did. Did it rub off at all after you applied it? I kind of was deflated after it smeared and haven’t tried again. Prima recommended using it in wax but when I added the rosewood to water it turned a perfect rusty color but not the same pretty color. Wondered if the liquid wax had any effect on the color?
Enjoy seeing your work, unique but beautiful!
Hi Janet! It did not rub off and the spray on wax had no impact on the powder at all. But maybe you’re right, maybe it was the amount you applied. When I put it on, I used very little. I hope you give it another try. It’s fun to work with and create some really neat effects. 🙂
So, i am curios… the link for the BOSS stain blocker is broken…can u give me more details on exactly what this is?
Thanks for letting me know Natalie! I’ve fixed the links above or you can go check it out here.
LOVE! I cannot wait to try this on a coffee table I salvaged!
Salvaged coffee table! woohoo! If/when you try this, I’d love to hear what YOU think Denise.
This is absolutely stunning, Denise! I haven’t heard of these powders but they look like a fun new product to work with. I can’t believe someone set this lovely piece out for the trash! XO
Hi Christy!!! These pigments were A LOT of fun to work with! And I can’t believe what people put out either but SO happy they did. 😉
Gorgeous 😊
Thanks Kaz!! 🙂
Love it! That’s just flat out gorgeous – you knocked it out of the park with this one! I might have to try these powders myself! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it with us!
Pleasure Allison and thank you!!! I’d love to hear what you think if you give the artisan powder(s) a go! 🙂
Oh my gosh this is absolutely beautiful. I have an old dry sink that I would like to do this procedure on. Did you sand it lightly before you did it. You sure do lovely work . Congratulations on this ❤️ lovely find at the side of the road. Regards Betty from Wasaga Beach.
Hi Betty! I’ve done some camping in Wasaga many years ago! Anyway, this technique would look stunning on an old dry sink, I think. 🙂 For this piece, I did not sand prior to sealing it with BOSS but I did give it a REALLY meticulous cleaning with TSP which removes any dirt, grime and even some of the old topcoat. That said, if you’re using products that require sanding for good adhesion (Dixie Belle does not require sanding), it’s always a good idea to do so. 🙂
Yes the powder painting of furniture is really awesome much nicer looking than chaulk paint to me not that thick paint look can you clear Cote over this powder finish and do you have a totorial from start to finish
thanks Rich
Hi Rich! Yes, I’m liking this soft color too. 🙂 I used a water based poly on the top of this dresser so yes, you can definitely use a clear coat over the artisan powder. The pigment doesn’t budge.
Wow!! That piece turned out beautifully. Great job, makes me want to paint something..,,
I’m glad you were able to spend some time with your Dad and bust him out for awhile. I’m sure it m ant the world to him, and you too.
Aw thanks, Sally… BIG compliment if it inspires you to go paint something, thank you! 🙂 And yes, we had a beautiful day with Dad. 🙂
Love how it looks., so light & fresh. Mind boggling what some people will throw out! Glad you found it, it was destiny!
Hi Tracy, and thank you! It boggles my mind 😉 and I wish we could rescue all of them!
Oh my goodness! What a beautiful piece. I’m so jealous because I never find curbside items.
And I’m loving the look with the powder. I’d love to give this family of products a try. Thanks for sharing! ~~ Susie from
The Chelsea Project
Thank you, Susie! I’m always thrilled when I find pieces like this because it doesn’t happen often – or at least not often enough for me. 😉
OMG! How beautiful. Wonderful job. would love to try this! Where in the world do you live to find such a gorgeous dresser on the sidewalk?
Thanks Kathy!! 🙂 I’m located in the Toronto area but this piece was found roadside in Lowville. Here in Ontario we have bulk pick up initiative where you can put out up to 3 large items once per month. If you keep your eyes peeled, sometimes you can find REAL winners. 🙂
I love this piece and especially since it was rescued! A question, tho. You listed a topcoat and wax in your supply list. Did you use them before or after the powder? I have learned so much about products thru you-thank you!
Hi Toia! Yes, great question and I’m sorry… I forgot to add that step in my tutorial. I used Gator Hide for the top of this dresser because it’s waterproof and SUPER durable. For the body (and this was AFTER the pigmented powder was applied and rubbed in), I used Dixie Belles Spray Wax. The spray is really easy to use. Spray on and wipe. 🙂
Awesome!! Can one seal with wax also after the pigmented powder was applied, or should one rather use the spray-on wax, Denise?
Hi Isobel! I used the spray wax partly because of the artisan powder – partly because of the image transfers – and partly because I had it in my inventory and it’s so darn easy to apply. That said, I’m fairly certain using a regular wax paste would work just as well. The pigment wasn’t budging even in spots I was trying to bring it down a bit. 🙂
Did you seal the whole thing after the powder? And if not how come it doesn’t wipe off and stain your hands?
I would think you could use makeup brushes to get it in smaller spaces. Fascinating technique. I’ve seen some powders use to age something in a burnt umber color. So glad they sent you these to experiment with, beautiful job.
Hi Lorin! I’m really glad I got to experiment and share with you also. Artisan Powder is NOT something I would have thought to purchase for restyling furniture but I can see so much potential. 🙂 Yes, I did seal/top coat the entire piece after. It’s sealed and no color comes off. And for sure about the makeup brushes to get into smaller spaces… brilliant!
Did you seal it with wax or any other type of sealing technique? Would wax cause it to smear. Does it become permanent by drying or sinking in? It just seems it would sit on surface and smear when touched?
Hi Caroline! Sorry, I forgot to add the top coat step into the post. I’ll go back and do that now. The top of the dresser was sealed with Gator Hide and the body with a spray on wax. I chose the spray wax because I had the exact same concern as you. I wasn’t sure if excessively rubbing a wax into the finish would remove some of the pigment but my guess is no. After the powder was rubbed in, it became ‘part’ of the paint finish and wasn’t rubbing off at all – very permanent! In fact, there were a few areas that I was trying to make it go slightly lighter and I couldn’t!
Hi there…. very retty. Always fun to see new products (to me, at least) in use. No need to seal the powder once it’s applied? Did you seal the paint before you applied the powder?
Hi Dale! Thank you. 🙂 I did not seal the paint before applying the artisan powder but I did seal and topcoat the entire piece AFTER I applied it. Gator Hide on top and spray on wax for the body. 🙂
Hi Denise. I’m green with envy. Why can’t I ever find such gems roadside in my area? I love how you refinished this piece and made it unique and French-fantastic. And I’m sure your Dad appreciated the drive and ice cream:)
Hi Monique! He did and we had a really nice day thanks. 🙂 Glad you like the makeover and I hear ya! I’m always grateful when I come across roadside gems like this. 🙂 Have a beautiful day. XO
Now that’s a fabulous roadside score, I bet you were doing the happy dance while loading into your vehicle! Another stunning makeover, Denise, your layered paint finishes are flawless. How pretty are the powdered highlights – so much softer than with paint. Added to my Must Try list along with the beautiful furniture transfer.
I wanted to do my happy dance but we had to load it super fast as not to block traffic that was coming up the hill on the country road lol. And ya, I’m looking forward to trying the sage green too. Can’t wait to see the effect that gives. Have a super day Marie and don’t work too hard my friend. xo
I am so excited about the artisan powder. I watched the video link also. Can’t wait to try it! LOVE how the dresser turned out. I’ve got a dresser and a vanity I’m already planning!
Hi Susan! I found the video interesting too. It can be used in so many ways and I love their colors. Have fun with your dresser and vanity (funny, I’m thinking my next piece may be a repurposed vanity too!) and I’d love to hear how you make out with the product! 🙂
Hello – What do you say about bleeding stencils? I use many stencils and I use very good quality chalk paint(s)-many I see on your blog you recommend and use. However, my “Works of Art” turn out nicely. However, I have to put in much effort to “touch up areas on stencil that I hand paint/bleeding thru in some areas. I could cut down on my time in my designs if you can recommend BOSS , will help? Yes, I realize it has to do with the paint consistency when stenciling-again, I don’t have any issues with the pain -its the stencils-when I apply – “I paint on my stencils, then I have to touch up some areas-takes extra effort- However, if BOSS will eliminate this issue for me, I would “buy/use in a Heartbeat”. i look forward to hearing from you ~
Hi Yolie! I’ve used BOSS numerous times now and yes, it’s a fabulous waterbased product that blocks bleed through, odor and stains. I’m also a HUGE fan of BIN Shellac primer, but it’s costly and because it’s shellac based, it does smell… but it works. Good luck with your stenciling and works of art. 🙂
Had to comment since I too will “bust out” my mother from her retirement home, take her for a ride and ice cream, too! What a gantastic piece, I would have been very, very tempted to stop….have too many projcets waiting on me all over my garage, basement and house.
Interesting post, thanks for the primer.
Thanks for stopping by Susan! I’m going to ‘hide’ your comment from MMM, because he’s going to agree with you 100% and say… “see, Susan has some discipline”…lol. I’m running out of room as well. And ya, it makes my Dad smile and feel like he’s getting away with something when we use that term, so we’ll take whatever smiles we can get these days. I hope you and your Mom enjoy your ride and ice cream as well. xo
This is really gorgeous! I’m curious if you sealed it at all after adding the powder, and if not, does the powder wipe off? Thanks.
Hi Dyan! Thank you so much.. I’m glad you like it. 🙂 It did not rub/wipe off after it’s applied but yes I did seal it. I used Gator Hide for the top and spray wax on the body. 🙂
Thank you I like this one very much.
look like using ‘goldfinger’.
Thank you so much Aviv. 🙂
Looks great! You always do beautiful work. You always find fantastic “roadside “ treasures.
I’m wondering if you can answer a question for me . When I do find something I really like, in store or by the road it will have a “strong “ musty, moldy, old cellar SMELL 😱😢 I won’t get it cause you can’t get rid of the smell😢
I had a trunk that I had tried the newspaper crumpled up and charcoal, For at least 6 months then spray down with fabreeze and carting it in and out of the house in morning and back in before night To sit in the sun ALL day the whole summer . You must come across this, please, HELP, what do you do?
Thank you Darline! And YES… I hear ya! It really depends on the severity of the piece in regards to how (and sometimes how long) it takes to get rid of musty smells. Because this is a common problem, I wrote an ENTIRE post on it here. There are some GREAT suggestions in the comments section too! Hope it helps. 🙂