November 04, 2012

Custom Red Boudoir Set

My client Erika wanted to update her old dressers and she wanted to go bold!
I painted a dresser red (click here for that post) and it was a huge hit. Red has been the most requested custom color lately. I also have an update on the color I used for all of those who asked.
 
BEFORE
 
AFTER






 
I usually fill holes and chipped veneer but this time for budget reasons we decided to leave them. I am so glad we did. The glaze makes them pop and they add great character to the pieces.
 
 
Okay, onto the color I used.
With this red dresser and this red dresser I used Gumball Red and added a darker paint to make the red darker. I never measure when I mix so it was hard to answer any questions I got about it.
I found a color that was very close to the custom mixed color.
 
 
The new red I use is Posh Red by Valspar and there is no mixing involved.
 
This is what Posh Red looks like without glaze and with glaze.



If you are going to paint something red you will need a few coats of paint. The first coat (or maybe two) might look orange and sometimes pink. It will dry darker.
 
I used homemade chalk paint (1 cup latex paint to 1/4 cup baking soda) with these dressers. If you use homemade chalk paint you need to lightly sand with 220 grit before you glaze or wax. The color completely changes after you sand...yes, it's normal.....no, don't panic! Use a damp rag to wipe off the dust and the red will re-appear!
 
 
On these pieces I used Posh Red, glazed, and waxed.
I added new black iron pulls from Hobby Lobby.
 
I hope you guys like red because I have two more custom pieces that are being painted red and I will have them up next week.
 
 

20 comments:

  1. I have been afraid that there is not a market for bold colored furniture but maybe I should take the plunge and just try something! They look really good!

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    1. The first time I did red was for a piece I was selling. It was a hit and it is requested a lot!! I think it will be a hit, you should try it : )

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  2. They look wonderful, you are so good at what you do! Thanks for including the paint color and tutorial when you share a piece, I so appreciate it!

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    1. Thank you!! You are more than welcome for the tips and paint color. Thanks for stopping by : )

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  3. Love the red and the chunky legs. Once again another fabulous makeover!
    Anne

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  4. Been lusting after this red look so it made my day to see this post. I can do it now! I noticed you went from double holes to a single pull. What do you fill the holes with. And the glaze is Ralph Lauren? Awesome pieces!

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    1. Glad to help : )
      I use regular wood filler. I usually fill, sand and then fill again if needed.
      I use a stain to glaze but it isn't something I would recommend unless you are use to glazing. It dries fast and doesn't work like normal glaze. I have used RL glaze before and it is super easy to use!

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  5. Another beauty Helen. You + Gumball = Winner.

    Bliss

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    1. Thank you! I upgraded gumball to Posh Red....even better and it sounds cooler.

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  6. Ilove it! Do you use semi gloss or eggshell paint? I am wanting to take the plunge and try homemade chalk paint.(thanks to your inspiration!)

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    1. Thank you, Janet. I have used both finishes but this was satin. When you wax though you lose a lot of the shine and it looks more matte (which I love).

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  7. Love this set ! Can you tell me what kind of glaze you used? Is is tinted with stain? Applied, then wiped off? Thanks for sharing !

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    1. I use a black stain as a glaze. I wipe on the stain, use another cloth to wipe it off and then use a rag with wax to move the stain around. Then I use another rag to remove the wax. YES, that is a lot of steps but I like the look it gives. I'm going to play around with adding stain to my wax and seeing if I can eliminate a few steps. I will keep you posted. I would recommend using glaze if you have before because it is super easy to use compared to the stain.

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  8. You have inspired me to paint my next piece red! Love it.

    Thanks,
    Susan
    sunflowerhugs.blogspot.com

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    1. YAY, I love to inspire people! Good luck and I would love to see your red piece!

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  9. Oh I love these. I think you made them look quite modern, which is an accomplishment for that style of dresser. I love the little (actually I guess they are quite large, aren't they?) feet too!

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  10. Love these! Quick question...do you apply the glaze directly on the chalk paint, and then wax? Or do you wax first, glaze, rewax?

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  11. Nice job! These are gorgeous! Pinning!

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  12. This turned out great! My go-to red is Posh Red as well. I like the shade of it - refined looking I think. It's my favorite and I even used it in my boys' room on the chair rail. You did a great job on this - love it!!

    xo,
    Kathlrrn

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