Dark Waxing Made Easy

When I found the blog Stiltskin Studios and their post on ASCP wax I jumped on that posting because I was having some issues with AS waxes.  I already bought Minwax finishing paste to use instead of the clear wax.  But I still had to use the AS clear wax if I wanted to use the dark.  Their posting gave information on mixing the AS dark wax with mineral spirits to make it more of a glaze.

First I painted a plate rack with two coats of my homemade chalk paint in Behr Outback. Once it was dry I sanded it smooth and distressed it slightly. Then I made the dark wax "glaze".  You will need the mineral spirits (I wound up buying paint thinner because it was a little cheaper and they both have the same basic ingredients), AS Dark Wax, a small container, something to scoop/mix with and rubber gloves.

I mixed approximately half dark wax (about a tablespoon) to half paint thinner.  **If you have leftover it will solidify, just add more paint thinner and it will soften up to be used again.**

It takes a few minutes of mixing, but you'll want it to be a hot fudge type consistency.  

I used a scrap piece of drop cloth to dip in the wax and WIPED IT DIRECTLY ON THE PAINT!  I did not use the clear wax first!  I know the wax police says not to apply the dark wax directly on the paint as you can ruin your paint color or will not have the opportunity to "fix it" with the clear wax.  But since the wax's consistency has been changed by the paint thinner, you have time to wipe it off if you put too much.  And you want it to change the color of the paint--otherwise you wouldn't be using it in the first place.

Here is a before of what the paint color looks like without the dark wax glaze on it.  It's very light and one dimensional.

This is that same green color with the dark wax glaze:

I applied the dark wax glaze all over and wiped it off with the same piece of drop cloth by turning the cloth over to a dry spot.  It really is like using glaze--you'll want to wipe it off so it is not too wet, just leave the hint of the color.  I think it looks very consistent and not blotchy at all. 

It brings out all the marks in the wood and adds so much depth to the piece.  It darkens the color to give it a worn look to go with the distressing.

It also saves the step in the process by not having to apply the clear wax first.  I waxed this piece just with the dark wax "glaze".  Once it was cured (no longer sticky to the touch), I buffed it with a clean piece of drop cloth and it is smooth as can be.

This is one of my new favorite techniques and I cannot sing its praises enough!  You should definitely give it a try, I think you will love the results.

Linking to:
Life on Lakeshore Drive
Craft-O-Maniac
The DIY Showoff
i should be mopping the floor
Homemaker on a Dime
Skip To My Lou
Coastal Charm
Kammy's Korner
Cozy Little House
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Kathe With An E
Elizabeth&Co.
Today's Creative Blog
Sugar Bee Crafts
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Lovely
Homemaker on a Dime 
Vintage Gwen
{Primp}
Debbiedoo's
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Beyond the Picket Fence  
I Gotta Create
Embracing Change
House of Hepworths
Miss Mustard Seed
My Simple Home Life 
Lovely Crafty Home
The Shabby Nest
Redoux
Six Sisters Stuff
Funky Junk Interiors
Classy Clutter
Nutmeg Place

I was featured!
Lovely Crafty Home