Hi everyone!
I just finished painting and antiquing a beautiful china cabinet that my sister and I found… FREE! Gotta LOVE a spectacular free find!
It’s painted with homemade chalk paint mixed with recycled paint (more on recycled paint here) and “aged” with a diy antique wax.
Tinting furniture wax with paint is really easy to do and can be a great ‘Annie Sloan Dark Wax’ alternative.
I actually prefer tinting my own wax over purchasing it.
Having control over the colour and shade which best compliments my furniture make-over is great. Spending a fraction of the cost that brand name dark waxes charge is even better!
Tinting Furniture Wax with Paint ~ 5 Easy Steps
1. Purchase Natural Wax.
You’ll need some furniture wax. Minwax, Johnson Paste, CeCe Caldwell’s or whatever brand you like. I used Minwax. It’s under $12, it lasts forever, and I like the finish.
2. Stir in some dark paint.
For my china cabinet, I used 1 TBSP of wax to 1 TSP of paint.
Unfortunately, this is not an exact recipe. How much paint you add will depend on how dark YOU want your antiquing wax. Test a small area on an inconspicuous area of the furniture. It’s usually better to start off with less as you can always add more.
3. Stir the paint into the wax.
Stir small batches at a time. The wax eventually dries up once mixed with paint. I used a total of 4 TBSP of wax to completely cover this china cabinet, but I mixed one tablespoon at a time to keep the wax workable.
4. Brush on with any brush or rag.
You don’t need any fancy-schmancy waxing brush. Any brush or rag will do. I re-use a dollar store chip brush (as seen in the picture) over and over again and it’s just fine. Tip – Push the wax in while applying. (I call it schmooshing it in) with whatever brush/rag you are using.
5. Rub in and Wipe off quickly.
Work in small areas so the dark wax doesn’t dry up on you. Rub in the wax (schmooshing it) and wipe the excess off quickly. I don’t bother putting a layer of natural wax on before I add my dark wax but many people do. If I wax an area and it’s too dark, I simply take a rag with some natural wax on it and rub the excess off.
The paint mixed with the wax created an antiqued distressed look while adding more interest, dimension and depth. The detail was brought out by the darker tones, and after it was buffed, the cabinet feels smooth as glass. I’m really pleased with how this china cabinet turned out. I’m tempted to keep it for myself rather than sell.
This simple technique of tinting furniture wax works with all paint colours. Here’s a close up of a mirror I turned into a chalk board. The mirror’s frame was painted in cottage white and antiqued with a medium gold paint mixed with Minwax Furniture Paste. This DIY dark wax also provides great protection.
Tinting wax also works with stains and shoe polish. Experiment and have some fun! If you have any questions or have a few tips your own, leave a comment below.
If you’d like to see the full before and after of this “found-on-the-curbside-china-cabinet”, you can take a peek here.
Have a fabulous day!
Denise x
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. :) 
This blog has taken me from panicked to confident. I achieved an aqua paint color using old white and Provance and and about tsp of blue craft acrylic. But I didn’t like even a little but if dark wax mixed with clear over this as it is too yellow.
So, now I am experimenting with adding a grey acrylic to add to the clear wax just to give it some dept. This is my first Annie Sloan project and it has been so stressful. I gave the desk two coats of cocoa and it was totally the wrong brown. That’s when I changed to aqua. But the wax was a whole other stress.
My plan is to give it a good coat of clear then the grey wax. I am playing with that in a sample board first,
I’m so glad you’re finding the SI Blog helpful Jill. Sounds like you’re not giving up until your project is exactly what you envisioned… good for you!!!! Sometimes it takes some experimenting to get it just right. 🙂
THANK YOU SOOOOO SOOOO MUCH Denise!!! I just stumbled upon your blog… AMAZING!!! The tips you’ve shared (plus the help of all the other responses) have helped me BEYOND measure!!! I’ve recently re-vamped and created some really cool furniture pieces but have been afraid to complete them because of the struggles I’ve been having with the wax of a particular brand. I’ve had an old can of Minwax paste around like ‘forever’ and have always liked the application and finish but wasn’t sure if it could be used over top of my new found love of chalk painting. Now I’m more excited than scared to finish up my pieces! You are a GENIUS!!! THANK YOU!!!!! AND… LOVE LOVE LOVE your work!!!
I loooove your comment Debra… that’s a big ego boost first thing in the morning…LOL! 😉 A warm welcome to the SI Blog and I’m so happy you’ve found the tips and tutorials helpful. Wishing you all the best on your project(s)! 🙂
Glad I found you and this again!
I see at the end you mentioned using gold paint added to the wax. Did you use a metallic gold paint or a deep yellowish “normal” paint?
For this particular piece it was a gold color paint.. not metallic gold. However you can add either/or Jennifer!
You are incredibly generous with your time and advice. I started a project today and will simply follow your advice to a successful finish. So appreciative of your experience and demeanor.
This blog “saved” me time…And my piece! after doing a sideboard in white I used the dark wax. I stood there thinking it would be perfect gray. Thinking I was going to have to set it aside for a few weeks and do a wash over… I stumbled onto your blog. Thaaaaaaaank You!!!! A simple wonderful tip
I’m so glad Jennette! 🙂 thanks for taking the time to leave your comments! x
I have to say, after days of searching.. your instructions were informative and exactly what I was looking for. The results look beautiful. I’m going to try it out tomorrow! Thailand for the tutorial.
That was supposed to be thanks for the tutorial! Lol darn auto correct!
I get some amazing comments and people dropping in to say ‘hi’ from all over the world. I thought you were from Thailand Ric…lol! Thank YOU for dropping by to leave your comment and all the best with your waxing project. I stopped by your site and you guys do great work!
Dang it! I just paid $18 for the tiniest can of dark wax before I saw this. Thanks for all the tips! I also used the homemade chalk paint recipe with plaster of paris using 1 cup of paint, 1/3 cup plaster of paris, amd 1/3 cup of cool water. Turned out great! I used it 2 weeks later and it was just as good as the first time. Awesome website!!
So glad to hear your success with the Homemade Chalky Paint Becky! And if you give DIY Tinted Furniture Wax a try, I’d love to hear how that goes for you as well! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
How do you get the hard wax ( I have johnsons wax) to mix with the paint?
Thanks
Joan, I use a plastic spoon or large wood craft stick (the ones that look like Popsicle sticks) to mix the paint with my wax. Just press the paint into the wax until it softens up and all mixes in.
Hello from New Zealand! As everyone else would agree, you have a great website here and I’ve so enjoyed finding out about chalk paint! I can’t wait to try using some.
Some of the products you suggest have different names here. I’m just wondering if you could explain what a glaze is and how it is applied. (i.e. instead of using wax)
We can buy B.I.N. spray cans here, which are $30 for a small can! I noticed you had it in a tin that I presume you brush on. I will have to find out if that is also available here as it would probably be a cheaper alternative. I am also wondering what you have found is the best type of product for cleaning down old furniture before painting. I have some old chairs to work on and the seem quite dirty in places.
Many thanks for all the time you spend answering everyone’s comments and questions and writing your wealth of information…it must take you hours! It is very much appreciated. I agree with someone else who said this was the best site about chalk painting on the internet!!!
Hello Dale from New Zealand… Such a pleasure to meet interesting people from around the globe! $30 for BIN spray can… WOW…here the cans sell for half that price…great primer though isn’t it! In the future I’ll write a full post on glazing but until then here’s a great explanation on Glazing Furniture. I prefer using natural cleaning products to clean my furniture ie warm water/water-vinegar solution but if a piece is really grimy, TSP (Trisodium Phosphate Powder) cuts through everything. Have fun with your chair project and thanks for reading Dale. 🙂
Hello,
I am so excited to of found your site. Actually my husband told me about it. He’s a Painter and he told me about your technique and was excited as I am.
I have a few questions…But first, I have several Japanese pieces of furniture and I’ve always taken care of them with, Mineral oil, and then Johnsons paste wax to seal them.
But!!! I have a few old western pieces I want to try this technique on, and I can’t wait!!!
So to be clear, FIRST: I clean, Then I wax the piece? (that’s where I’m confused) I also saw, I think, that you paint it first with what ever color you want, and then do the wax tint? Is that correct?
I want to do this. I have a half piece of an old vanity I found in my neighbors garbage years ago, and started sanding it with intentions of painting it, but now I’m glad I waited. It will be a side table when all finished. This is going to be my first experiment piece.
Again, Your work is just amazing, and I can’t wait for more ideas from you.
Thank you
Tina
Exciting projects Tina! To add age and character to your pieces using tinted wax, the wax is applied AFTER your furniture has been cleaned, sanded, and fully painted. The dark wax is the very last step. It provides the antiquing and sealing of the furniture all in one step.
Does waxed chalk paint stand up to outdoor elements? Can you use a sealant like Thompsons sealant?
Yes and yes Sherryl. 🙂
Love your tip on adding dark paint to wax.What a great cost efficient way to achieve this effect. Love it!! Would you be able to tell me what kind of paint did you use flat ,eggshell or what do you recommend ? ( I noticed the can said clay paint ?)I also love the idea of inexpensive brushes !!! Why not!!
Hi there Eleanor! Yes, for this particular tint I used CeCe Caldwell paint which is a chalk/clay/mineral based paint. ANY paint will work though! I would just stay away from super glossy if you want an antiqued/aged finish.
Hi! I don’t know why but I have this obsession with wanting to add almost a wash of color to dark stained pieces to get a sort of “water color” painted look, if that makes any sense. Do you think I could do that with the tinted wax technique? Like for example, if I mixed a turquoise colored paint with wax & applied it to a dark walnut stained piece. Or will it just look like I smeared some paint here & there? Just wondering if you thought it might work. I have a tendency to think I like how something looks when I try on a small area & then halfway through I realize I don’t like it. I tried to create a red wash like stain by mixing red ink from a bingo dauber (it was all I had on hand at the time for color) with mod podge & applied it to a light colored piece of scrap wood, but the red ink wouldn’t seal in & got on my hands every time I touched it. Thanks!
Yes Jen, many furniture stylist use white or light tinted wax over dark stained pieces which gives a really nice “washed/aged” patina. I think you have the right idea though… test before applying it to your piece just in case its not quite the look your after.
What a great blog you have here! I have been searching for a few weeks, and to be honest was a bit overwhelmed and confused, as so many different methods and preferences. After reading yours, I decided to jump in and actually started two projects! Will let you know how they turn out. Thanks again for the helpful tips!
So happy you’re “jumping in” and giving it a go Brandy! I would LOVE to hear how your 2 projects turn you for you!!!
Thank you so much for your site and all your helpful comments !
Have you ever used liquid wax ,the one i have is water based clear bee’s wax ? I have some paste one also but i had read it is called “soft wax ” so i am not sure it is the right consistency .( French , ” Liberon ” )Would love to get your advice .
Also when you need to wax again later for protection do you use your painted wax or clear wax ?
I’ve never tried liquid wax Catherine. If your bottle says it works for furniture, I’m sure it would be just fine. “Soft-wax” works beautifully on furniture! Also, when you reapply your wax in the future, most of the time a clear coat is all that’s needed. This is because the paint used to tint the wax usually adheres while the wax eventually rubs away. If you notice you would like to darken it up, applying a new layer of tinted wax will work too!
When tinting the minwax clear wax…is it best to use arcylic or water base paint?..i had read in one of previous comments about using the shoe wax? Which do you prefer?
Melissa, I like to use latex/acrylic based (both water based). It’s a great idea to experiment and few methods, then decide which you prefer. 🙂
I love your blog! I spend my summers fixing and beautifying furniture that my family hands me down. But I must say, I have never used furniture wax, looking foward to my next project. Thank you for sharing all your tips.
Me again! I did the DIY dark wax and it’s all good. Thanks a million for the wonderful info on tinting wax. When I put a mixture of paste wax/dark acrylic craft paint onto DIY chalk paint, it seems to completely rub off not leaving enough dark wax to add depth. So I let it dry a bit instead of wiping right away and it seems to stay more. (Maybe I need to create more brush strokes in the chalk paint?) Then I buff to required shine. Am I doing it right? Also, re the dark wax that stays in crevices (such as on ornately carved picture frames), is it ok to not be able to buff in the cracks & crevices, therefore leaving a darker color in those areas? In other words, the dark wax that is left in the crevices, doesn’t get buffed right? Is that ok? I’ve been practicing techniques on small decorative pieces before tackling actual furniture. I gotta stop worrying so much! LOL.
You are doing AMAZING Tracy… and it sounds like you’re getting the hang of all these techniques! Yes, the more brush strokes in the paint will provide more patina (dark wax) in the crevices. Ornately carved pieces do not need to be buffed in every nook and cranny because that would be near impossible. When I work with detailed pieces, I just make sure I’m not leaving a “build-up” of wax in the detailing because that doesn’t look too good…lol! I’m so happy your pleased with your projects. DIY Dark Wax has UNLIMITED potential for custom patina’s and antiquing. So glad you gave it a try!
Thanks for the encouragement Denise. Going to try dark glaze to see how that compares to dark wax. Really nice to know that you are accessible for info and appreciate you taking the time to respond to everyone.
Pleasure Tracy… anytime! And I think you’ll like using glaze too. It’s nice to have different options for different applications. 🙂
Can a piece of furniture that has been chalk painted and waxed be REPAINTED with chalk paint again (had a much better colour idea after waxing was done) or will the wax repel the chalk paint? Thanks!
Hi Pat…great question! Yes, you can repaint over waxed pieces using Chalk Paint. I don’t recommend painting over a freshly waxed piece because the wax is still soft. So no issues arise, wait until the wax has fully cured and completely hardened (usually a full 3-4 weeks depending on climate/humidity) before repainting.
Oh, so glad I stumbled onto your site! When you refer to buffing after waxing, what are you using to do that? Is it just rubbing/buffing by hand? I have a very large piece-7ft buffet with a detachable top that I want to do this to…
Hi Cindy… so glad you stumbled upon SI too! Yes, I wax/buff everything by hand with a lint free soft cloth… even my large pieces. 🙂
Hi. Such Great ideas!! I was wondering if you can use this technique on chairs where it will get a lot of use and will it rub off eventually. Thanks. Elissa
Hi there Elissa… great question! A wax finish is semi-permanent and will eventually require re-application for protection on high traffic pieces such as tables and chairs. If you’re looking to achieve a similar look, I would recommend using a tinted glaze/topcoat. Looks beautiful, great protection, and no re-applying down the road required.
You are a true inspiration and so generous to share all your secrets & tips. I have quite a few “bargain” pieces to work on but have been afraid of trying the gazillions of techniques out there. My problem is deciding on colors & under colors to show through, but you’ve given me courage and I’ve now plunged in. Thank you. One question, can I dark wax over an existing varathane finish just to add some depth to it? Or should the varathane be removed first?
I’m SOOO happy you’ve taken the “plunge” Tracy… and I’m cheering you on from my end! To answer your question, you CAN apply a wax over a poly/varathane. (Note ~ You can’t apply a poly/varathane over a wax!) If you’re unsure of how it will look, just test a small inconspicuous area before you wax your entire project.
Thanks so much for your info.
Pleasure Tracy 🙂
I have pine furniture which is very orange in appearance. I don’t want to refinish. Is it possible to make a grey wax to wipe over the finish to tone down the orange?
Most definitely Diane. I would test a small area to make sure the wax is compatible to the existing topcoat (if there is one) and that the color is what I’m looking for. 🙂
Thank you so much for your post! It has answered my last questions before attempting chalk painting/waxing. I have just one question. I am going to use Minwax, but does it have an odor?I also read in all the different blogs etc. that the wax brush can be cleaned with Murphy’s Oil Soap and detergent (one blogger simply used Dawn). Is this how you clean your brush? I also read that many use mineral spirits which I would like to avoid. The mineral spirits cleanup prompted the “odor” question of the wax. If it cleans up with it, it must have MS in it to begin with.
Hi Kathy! Yes, Minwax Furniture Paste does have an odor. I apply my wax with a lint free rag (my 1st choice) or a cheap chip brush and then dispose. If you’re cleaning your brush, Dawn should do the trick.
Is there anything that can be applied to the piece after the wax, so that we don’t have to go back later and rewax? Trying to avoid having to do that! Thanks for all the info you’ve shared!
Unfortunately not Pam. Once your piece is waxed, another top coat (poly, shellac etc) will not adhere properly. If you want the “antiqued-dark-wax-look” but don’t want to use wax, possibly a dark glaze may be a better option for you.
Wow! Just what I was looking for, a DIY dark paste wax. Thanks for the comment that you don’t have to use clear wax BEFORE using the darker wax.
Oh, I just found this. So excited! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing, fantastic tips am excited to try out homemade chalk paint and wax!
Tinting the Wax…Can I use a white paint to tint the clear wax….I want to highlight the carving on my piece with white…
Yes, you can tint wax with any color including white!
Hi,
Love your info. Will the tinted wax rub off down the road when I have to rewax it?
Cheers,
Tia
Wax is NOT a permanent surface protector. Depending on how often the furniture is used and cleaned, small amounts of wax are rubbed off and eventually it’s a good idea to re-wax just as you’re suggesting Tia. I’ve never had the experience of my “dark-wax-antiquing” rubbing off when I’ve re-applied wax. My guess is the paint I use in the wax cures and hardens onto the furniture even if small amounts of wax are being buffed on or off.
Hi Denise, thanks for all your great advice on wax. I have a beautiful corner piece furniture that has a decent coat of a Gray blue latex paint on it. Do you think it would work to distress it some and then apply a coat of dark wax on it?
Yes Yvonne, but I’d be careful not choose a dark tint/wax with strong yellow undertones. With a grey/blue paint, a “cool” dark wax will look stunning!
Do you warm up the wax before you add the tint? Also do you wait to apply it so it hardens a little ? I love your blog! It has inspired me to possibly go into the business myself. Thanks
Shelly, you just made my day with this comment… It’s a fun business to be in!! In regards to to the wax, NO need to heat it up… I never have.
Does it matter what kind of paint you mix with the wax? Thanks! Cant wait to try this!
Ashley, I’ve used latex and acrylic with excellent results but any paint will work. Just keep in mind the ratio of paint to wax WILL make a difference. If you’re unsure, always to a “test spot” before apply to your entire piece. 🙂
Woohoo! I am excited to see you can tint plain wax. I haven’t been able to find dark wax and love the look of it. Off to tint some right now. Thanks!
LOVE this idea!
Adding your own color to the wax really takes your piece up a notch.
I cannot wait to try tinting my own wax! I have a huge container of clear minwax just waiting.
Love the tinting wax ideas. Fabulous tips and I anxious to try them out.
Thanks for the great tips. Just finished my first project but it looks too good. I think waxing it would give it the depth I’m looking for. Thank You
I just made a new headboard and I waxed it with Minwax but the color isn’t dark enough. I am glad to hear that it is possible to alter the color without buying a new can.
Off to mix some paint and wax.
Thanks for the info,
Tracey
Hi Denise,
Did you do a coat of un-tinted wax before you applied the tinted wax? I’ve read some people do that, just wondering if you did!
Becky, on this particular piece I did not. I lived on the edge and just started dark waxing. 😉 However, I have applied a “clear-coat” of wax BEFORE applying tinted-wax on MANY projects. It’s a great way to obtain more control over the dark wax finish. It makes the dark wax much easier to remove if you find it’s not the look you’re after.
Thank you Denise! I just finished reupholstering a sofa that I got for a steal on craigslist and it has beautiful carved wood on the rolled arms, bottom front of the sofa as well as the feet. I’ve painted them a great muslin color and am getting ready to wax them today. I’ll let you know how it turns out! So happy I found your blog…you are awesome and an inspiration to me 😉
Oh my goodness…I am soooo happy that I just found this idea on pinterest…thanks so much for sharing it with all of us.
Blessings,
Linda
Dee, I, for one, am so glad you decided NOT to keep this lovely piece and that I was the lucky person who managed to pry it away from you. The pictures so not do it justice. The paint and waxing you did on it are perfect! I often look at the details of your piece when I am working on a piece of my own and use yours as a guideline…. You should be doing workshops 🙂
Carole
Carole, you’re good for my ego!;) Thank you so much for dropping by and leaving this comment. You just put a BIG smile on my face!
Hi
Great tutorial, thank you.
Can I use shoe polish for waxing furniture?
Jasmine, I wouldn’t wax furniture just with shoe polish but by mixing small amounts of shoe polish into furniture wax, you can achieve some great tinted wax results.
Hi, Thank you so much for the wonderful tips! I have just started refinishing furniture and I couldn’t find any dark wax in the stores near me….found you on line and absolutely fell in love with the idea of tinting my own wax! I tried it on an antique dresser that I had painted light blue. I tinted the wax a darker grayish blue. The dresser turned out fantastic! It ended up looking like denim!
Thanks again for sharing!
Corey
SOOOO thrilled to find this post. I went to the hardware store today (I live in Germany) and they don’t have dark wax or light wax or aging powder or anything like that. In fact, when I described how I’ve painted a wardrobe and am trying to age it the sales guy looked at me like I’m insane, commenting “most people paint furniture to make it look new again.” 😛
Hello Amy in Germany…Your story gave me a little chuckle and I’m glad you’ve found the post useful! Hope your painted wardrobe turns out gorgeous! 🙂
wonderful information on paint and waxes, thanks for sharing. Aloha Ral
what type of paints can you use? U only mentioned CeCe Caldwells..what other options are out there? I have acrylic crafting paint…will that work?
Maya, any chalk-paint/latex/acrylic paint will work. I have used acrylic crafting paint to tint my wax and it works beautifully!
Hi, is a wax finish durable enough for a dining room table? love your cabinet and the idea of tinting my own wax. thanks
Yes. Wax is durable enough for a dining room table. A few tips ~ apply it thinly (really buff it so you get a “hard” wax finish) otherwise it will attract more dirt and not be quite as durable. Also, with a wax finish, it’s a great idea to re-apply periodically so it stays protected.
Thanks. Do you have a suggestion as to what color I can add to my wax to give my white finish a sense of depth (and bring out the distressing) without muddying it up?
oooh this is a tough one Char! Without seeing the piece, I wouldn’t want to suggest a specific colour. I’ve used MANY!! I really like charcoal or warm brown/golds to give a white some depth. I mix a colour which I “think” will look great and try it on an inconspicuous area. I can then adjust darker/lighter etc and know I’m making a good choice. Another thing I sometimes do ~ I apply clear wax on the large flat surfaces and use the tinted wax ONLY on the areas I want to have some depth. This method may alleviate your fear of a “muddy” looking piece. Let me know how it goes!
How do care for the piece once it is finished.
Good question…just as you would any other furniture Sylvia. The wax hardens and creates a very durable barrier. You can wipe it down with a soft cloth to remove dust, a damp cloth to remove dirt or even use furniture polish if that’s your preference.
Hi Denise,
How did you get this colour for the china cabinet? Is it painted pale green and antiqued with dark wax?
thanks .
Yes exactly. I used Loop Premium Recycled Paint in Light Green to mix my Homemade Chalk Paint and Minwax Paste w CeCe Caldwells Vermont Slate for my dark wax.
What is loop premium recycled paint and where do you obtain it.
Lee, LOOP is a Premium Re-cycled Paint which is manufactured in St.Catherines ON and available in most Canadian Walmart Stores. This company works with industrial partners to reduce waste paint and creates a new latex tinted product. They have other retailers as well which you can check out here http://www.looppaint.ca
Hi Denise ~ been enjoying browsing around your blog, love it! This hutch makeover is fantastic! Love the color you chose!
Thanks for the compliment and taking some time to browse Sandi!
thanks for all the good tips…..