Restoration Hardware has generated quite a following with their white washed wood. And let’s be honest, it’s yummy! If you have a grainy wood like oak and some white wax or stain it’s an easy look to replicate. But what if your piece is already painted or the wood is a smoother grain like maple?? Well I’ve got a simple two-step technique that can give you a Restoration Hardware look. I recently got this bookcase at an auction and decided this would be a great piece for this technique.
After the inside got two coats of Plaster, I painted the outside with Algonquin, a soft brown. It’s always amazing to me how wonderfully Fusion self levels. I gave it a couple of days to dry before applying the next step. The secret sauce here is Fusion’s White Stain and Finishing Oil. Now you don’t want to use a good brush with this stuff. I use a cheap chip brush or foam brush or even an applicator pad, depending on the details on the piece. I work a section at a time, brushing on the stain and then wiping it back. On the details I use a lint free rag to wipe back. On the large flat sides I used an applicator pad.
The great thing about this technique is that you can wipe off as much or as little as you want. By wiping in straight lines it leaves streaks that resemble grain. I just love this look!
So that’s how simple it is! Paint and then stain. It’s a great way to get that Restoration Hardware look with little cost and time investment. And that’s why I love Fusion so much! It allows me to get a high dollar look on a budget! How about you? Do you have a piece that could use this update?
I love the Restoration Hardware look.
I know, right!!