How to Create an Old World Effect When Painting Furniture

I've been itching to start painting this piece for awhile now—it's a beauty, right?!
Even though its aged and distressed finish 
is already pretty gorgeous, as part of a
bedroom revamp, this baby needed an update.

Before: A beautiful piece ready for its Milk Paint Makeover

Here is the inspiration behind the armoire's new colour.
The bedding gave a lot to choose from, but going with a blue-green 
worked best with the rest of the elements in the room. 


Typically I figure it out as I go along,
but in this case, it was a unique colour that could go wrong.
Therefore, I worked out my thoughts
with sample boards to ensure the perfect end result.

The armoire's inspiration and the sample boards to help with colour choice

The handy Milk Paint Mixer and the all natural bristle Medium Dual Paint + Wax Brush

The first step was mixing Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Kitchen Scale 
with a hint of Layla's Mint using the 
MMSMP Mixer and painting with the Dual Paint & Wax Brush. 
No Bonding Agent was added as the existing finish was a bit rough
and textured and chipping seemed unlikely.

Getting started: leaving a bit of the original finish to come through

One coat of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in a custom mix of Kitchen Scale and Layla's Mint

As the outside was drying  I used 
Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Mora and Grain Sack 
to give the inside a tidy up.

Giving the inside a fresh coat of MMSMilkPaint in a colour mix of Grain Sack and Mora

Once dried, the paint was sealed with MMS Tough Coat Sealer.
I love adding the topcoat, it brings the paint to life!

Sealing Milk Paint brings the paint to life beautifully

Even though I loved the colour after one coat with 
a bit of the original finish poking through...
I had it in me to try one more thing. 
I mixed MMSMP in Mustard Seed Yellow 
and added a rough wash. 
When wet it had a bit too much contrast, 
but with Milk Paint, I've learned to give it time.
Once dried, the subtle two-tone patina effect was striking.

My plan all along was to finish with MMS Antiquing Wax.
I love the smooth, rich, odour-free silky finish and wanted this piece aged,
 but I have been  considering whether to stock 
the Antiquing Tough Coat Sealer and thought this 
the perfect opportunity to test it out.

I have to admit...I'm in love... in LOVE!
 I will have this in stock very soon, email me if you'd like to pre-order 
or be notified when its arrived.
Honestly, it's heaven in a bottle.

Email me to preorder or to be notified when the Antiquing Tough Coat Sealer is available

Testing out Antiquing Tough Coat Sealer

Adding an antique finish to the MMS Milk Painted armoire

Nearly finished, just waiting to dry

Creating a custom Old World patina on furniture

Close up detail, loving how the paint and topcoat sits in the carved areas

Moved into its newly vamped up home...looking quite happy I think!

It's all here...for the love...
Sada