Hi there! Here's a quick tutorial for you on my favourite way to use the van Gogh french caffeine beeswax.
Let's start with this cute little side table. First it was given a good 'scuff' to rough up the shiny surface. Next it was van Gogh painted in 'Patina', and finally it was given a mild amount of distressing using a fine sanding block. It looks pretty good as it is, but I know that adding some beeswax to highlight the details will make it look a lot better.
Step 1: is to add the 'natural' beeswax overall. I like to use my large wax brush for this. As you can see in the picture below I have added the natural beeswax to the left door. The natural beeswax doesn't change the colour of the paint, it just adds a bit of depth and a smooth gorgeous layer of protection.
Step 2: is always a little scary at first. Before I even bother buffing in the natural beeswax, I take my medium wax brush and add french caffeine beeswax to all the details I want to highlight.
Here's a close up. Don't be afraid! That beautiful layer of natural beeswax that you put overall first is going to ensure that the french caffeine beeswax sticks only where you want it (in the nook and crannies to highlight the details and character of your piece.)
Step 3: is where it all comes together. Take a clean, dry, lint-free t-shirt rag and buff all the beeswax together. Make sure to remove as much wax as you can from the flat surfaces and leave the french caffeine wax built up in the details. This is what helps define the character and creates interest in the details. Just look at the difference between the left door and the right door - the left side has so much more character!
Here's a close up after the beeswax has been buffed. See how it's still built up in the nooks and crannies - really defining the details?
And here she is all finished!
And some glorious details (of the details, lol):
We also painted the hardware on this little table using van Gogh paint in 'Cashmere' - a beautiful soft colour that pairs well with almost everything! To read more about painting out your hardware, check out this previous post.
What are your thoughts? Do you love the french caffeine beeswax as much as I do?