Leo Martínez
The Restoration Hardware finish is a popular look for furniture and home decor. It is characterised by a soft, raw wood finish that is simple to achieve and can be done on any surface without the need for stripping or bleaching. This finish can be achieved using a variety of paints, such as chalk paint, latex paint, or gel stain, and can be customised to the desired level of ageing and wood tone. The process typically involves painting, distressing, and waxing, and can give new life to old or outdated furniture pieces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of paint colours required | 2 |
| Paint type | Chalk paint, gel stain, latex paint, Jolie paint |
| Paint brand | Jolie, Varathane, Annie Sloan |
| Number of coats | Minimum of 2 |
| Technique | Dabbing, smoothing, distressing, glazing |
| Tools | Brush, sponge, sock, lint-free cloth, syringe, cup |
| Surface | Raw or finished furniture |
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What You'll Learn
- Use latex paint instead of chalk paint for a cost-effective option with more colour options
- Apply a base coat of Coco paint for a Restoration Hardware look
- Mix Old White and Paris Grey paint for a light finish
- Apply wax for an aged look or blend it for consistency
- Use a natural bristle brush or sponge brush to apply gel stain
Use latex paint instead of chalk paint for a cost-effective option with more colour options
When creating a restoration hardware finish, you can use latex paint instead of chalk paint for a cost-effective option with more colour options. Latex paint is made with different materials than chalk paint, including resins, titanium dioxide, and limestone. It is designed to be used on walls, but it can also be used on furniture with some extra preparation.
Chalk paint is more expensive and comes in fewer colours. It can be easier to use on furniture because it doesn't require prep work—you can simply apply it to the surface without any need for sanding or priming. However, if you are looking for a specific shade, latex paint may be a better option as it comes in a wider range of colours.
Latex paint is also very durable and flexible. It can be applied to any colour of furniture and you will still get the same Restoration Hardware finish. For example, you can start with a white piece of furniture and get the same result as if you applied the process to a darker piece of furniture.
However, using latex paint on furniture does require more preparation than chalk paint. You will need to sand and prime the surface before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly and doesn't chip or peel. You will also likely need to apply more coats of latex paint than chalk paint, typically 2-3 thin coats for a smooth finish.
Overall, if you are looking for a cost-effective option with more colour options, flexibility, and durability, latex paint is a great choice for creating a Restoration hardware finish.
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Apply a base coat of Coco paint for a Restoration Hardware look
To achieve a Restoration Hardware finish, you can use paint instead of stain to have more control over the final look. While chalk paint is an option, latex paint offers more colour options, durability, and flexibility.
To apply a base coat of Coco paint for a Restoration Hardware look, start by painting a coat of Coco over your entire piece. Depending on the colour of the surface you're painting over, you may need two or three coats of Coco. This will ensure that you don't accidentally wipe away the colour during the next step. Paint straight out of the can without watering down the paint or wetting your brush first.
Let the base coat dry completely before moving on to the next step. The drying time will depend on the type of paint you use. For example, if you're using Jolie Paint, the first coat may dry within 15 minutes.
Once the base coat is dry, you can distress the surface if desired. This step is especially important if the piece has a black or coloured surface underneath. Use a small amount of finishing wax and apply it with a sock, working in small sections at a time. Then, use a clean, absorbent, lint-free cloth to remove the excess wax.
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Mix Old White and Paris Grey paint for a light finish
If you're aiming for a light finish when creating the restoration hardware finish with paint, you can mix Old White and Paris Grey paint. Paris Grey is a soft, gentle, light dove grey with slight blue undertones, inspired by elegant French and Swedish interiors. Old White is a classic neutral that can be paired with Paris Grey for a light and fresh look.
When mixing paints, it's important to note that adding white or black will generally desaturate the mix, resulting in a more pastel tone. If you're looking to create a lighter shade of grey, you can mix Paris Grey with Old White to achieve a softer, paler colour. The amount of each colour you use will depend on the desired shade, so it's best to start with a small amount of each and adjust accordingly. You can also experiment with adding small pops of colour like Provence or Barcelona Orange to keep the overall look light and fun.
To achieve the restoration hardware finish, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare the surface by cleaning it and ensuring it is free of any dirt or debris.
- Apply your chosen mix of Old White and Paris Grey paint to the surface. You can use a brush or roller, depending on the size and texture of the surface. Allow the paint to dry completely.
- If desired, you can distress the surface by sanding or using a distressing tool to create a worn, aged appearance. Focus on areas that would naturally experience wear over time, such as corners and edges.
- Apply a clear wax or topcoat to protect the paint and finish. This step is especially important if the painted surface will be subject to use and wear, such as a table or cabinet.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow the specific instructions and drying times recommended by the paint manufacturer. By following these steps and adjusting the proportions of Old White and Paris Grey, you can create a beautiful, light restoration hardware finish.
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Apply wax for an aged look or blend it for consistency
To achieve an aged look, apply a small amount of finishing wax with a sock or a brush, working in sections of 2-3 square feet at a time. Use heavy coats of dark wax, leaving larger patches of solid white for a rustic look. The wax will settle into any grooves, scratches, and the grain itself, creating a beautiful, soft finish. You can also use mineral spirits to erase the wax from areas that appear too dark.
For a consistent look, blend the wax evenly into the paint. Use light coats of wax, and be cautious when using dark wax, as it is easier to darken a piece than to lighten it. Use a clean, absorbent, lint-free cloth to remove excess wax.
If you are working with wooden furniture, you can use Restor-A-Finish to restore the depth of grain and remove blemishes. Choose a colour that matches your wood finish, and apply it with a small cloth or a soft toothbrush, wiping it dry immediately. After 30 minutes, apply a coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax to protect and maintain the finish.
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Use a natural bristle brush or sponge brush to apply gel stain
When creating a restoration hardware finish with paint, you can use a natural bristle brush or a sponge brush to apply gel stain. This is because gel stains work differently from liquid stains due to their composition.
Natural bristle brushes are typically used for oil-based stains and finishes, while synthetic brushes are used for water-based stains and finishes. Natural bristle brushes carry a substantial amount of stain for quick, full coverage, which is especially helpful on softwoods that soak up a lot of stain. However, you need to be careful to avoid brush marks, runs, and drips when using natural bristle brushes.
Sponge brushes are another option for applying gel stain. They work well, but you need to be careful only to dip the first half inch or so into the stain, as it will loosen the adhesive holding the foam to the handle. Foam brushes are softer than natural bristle brushes, which can help reduce brush strokes. However, even with a foam brush, you may still need to apply multiple thin coats of gel stain, allowing each coat to dry in between.
It's important to note that the brush you use for gel stain should be as soft as possible to avoid brush marks. Additionally, you should use long strokes that follow the grain of the wood and apply the stain wet enough that the finish can flow back together. If the gel stain is old, you may need to thin it before use.
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Frequently asked questions
Latex paint is a good option as it is more affordable than chalk paint and offers more colour options, durability and flexibility. However, chalk paint dries quickly and has a matte finish.
First, paint a coat of Coco over the entire piece. You can then mix equal parts of Old White and Paris Grey and lightly brush this mixture onto the piece. Next, use a damp cloth to smear the paint into the Coco. For an aged look, leave areas of heavy dark wax. For a more consistent look, blend the wax evenly into the paint.
Paint your piece with two light coats of chalk paint, allowing some of the grain to show through. Then, rub dark wax directly onto the painted finish. You can apply a light coat of white or clear wax first, which will allow you to manipulate the strength of the dark wax and remove it from areas that look too dark.
Paint your piece with two light coats of paint, allowing some of the grain to show through. Then, apply a small amount of finishing wax with a sock, working in sections of 2-3 square feet at a time. Use medium pressure to remove the excess wax with a clean, absorbent, lint-free cloth.
