One of my business advisors (business advisor…i.e. friends, family or anyone with an opinion or advice about how I should run the business. I have MANY!) told me earlier this week, “Michele! You have to do a better job of promoting all of the custom work you can do!” So, I’m taking her advice and showing off one of the custom pieces I finised up for someone this week.

(Oopsies…this is only a partial before picture). The task was to take this loved chest and clean it up with heavy distressing. It had been poorly painted and as a result of improper technique, everytime the owner laid pictures, newspapers or magazines on the top, they would stick to the surface literally absorbing itself into the wood. It was a hot mess! This picture was after a heavy cleaning but you can still see much of the residue left behind from magazines.

The piece had been originally painted with a high gloss Benjamin Moore paint (good paint)!

The finished piece!

There was no new paint involved in this job, just time, technique and a lot of sandpaper.

I softened the finish so that it did not look so thick and glossy and added a protective finish, guaranteeing my customer that papers wouldn’t stick to the surface anymore!

On a side note, this is an extensive project I’ve been working on in stage two of what I believe will be a six stage process.

Stay tuned for more on this project.

And, this is the last week to be entered into my drawing for a $25 gift certificate to knot too shabby. Just become a “follower” of my website and you will be entered into the raffle. The deadline is August 23rd…or if you are already a follower, “like” us on facebook to be entered.

Good Luck.