![\"DSC_0332\"](\"http:\/\/www.muralsbymarcy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/DSC_0332-e1373724867447.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWax on, wax off… I could almost feel Mr. Myagi watching over my shoulder as I was working in my garage this week. \u00a0Fortunately, I wasn’t forced to wax a car like the Karate Kid. \u00a0I was trying out a new technique on a piano I painted, using Annie Sloan’s Clear and Dark Wax.<\/span><\/p>\n If you’ve been following my posts for any length of time, you know that I often give things a distressed look when I’m done painting. \u00a0It gives an added dimension. \u00a0It takes something flat and gives it character. \u00a0But there are many ways to achieve that look.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the easiest distressing techniques for me, is to take a damp sponge and apply a couple of drops of black or brown paint, then lightly rub it over the edges of whatever I’m painting. \u00a0It takes a little practice to get just the right amount on, but it’s fast and inexpensive.<\/span><\/p>\n Another technique is to use glaze. \u00a0Glaze is clear, so you can have it tinted whatever color you choose. \u00a0It’s fairly easy to apply as well. \u00a0You can just roll or brush it on, then wipe off any excess. \u00a0If you want it darker, you keep layering it on. \u00a0Easy Peasy.<\/span><\/p>\n I was going to use glaze on the piano I worked on, when I learned about Annie Sloan’s SoftWax. \u00a0First of all, Annie Sloan is known for making Chalk Paint, which is WAY COOL because it requires no sanding or priming. \u00a0But Annie (I like to think we’re on a first-name basis) also makes Clear and Dark Wax. \u00a0The Clear Wax you apply as a protective covering after you paint a piece of furniture. \u00a0(It’s kind of like using Minwax, only it’s completely clear and has no heavy fumes. \u00a0Or it’s like using a spray\u00a0<\/span>polyurethane, which I highly recommend.) \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So here’s how the Annie Sloan distressing technique works: \u00a0You first apply the Clear Wax, giving your piece a nice smooth finish that is now protected. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Then, you take the Dark Wax and apply it liberally to the areas you want highlighted. \u00a0They even make a special brush just for pounding in the color, although I didn’t buy one. I used just a regular old paint brush that was perfect for getting into the grooves of this bead board.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you have your Dark Wax on, you put some Clear Wax on a clean cotton cloth (I used an old T-shirt) and use it to wipe off any excess Dark Wax. \u00a0Take off as much or as little of the Dark Wax as you want. \u00a0Hence the “Wax On, Wax Off.”<\/span><\/p>\n The process is pretty easy and fail-proof, so I would definitely recommend it for anyone who’s distressing furniture for the first time. \u00a0But Annie Sloan products are pricey ($27 for just one can of wax) AND they’re not easy to find either. \u00a0I live in the 5th largest city in America, and there were only four shops in all of Phoenix that sold it. \u00a0(To find a location nearest you go to http:\/\/www.anniesloan.com\/acatalog\/North_American_Stockists.html)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Audrey’s at 11649 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix<\/p><\/div>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0I ended up driving 45 minutes to get what I needed, but it was worth the drive because I’m not only happy with the finished product, I found a new boutique to go to for inspiration. \u00a0It’s called Audrey’s and they carry some of the best up-cycled and repurposed furniture I’ve seen, not to mention great chandeliers, vintage clothing, and other knick knacks. \u00a0Here’s a couple of pictures of furniture using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n