using pearl plaster...

pearl plaster is an opalescent topcoat used over chalk paint® decorative paint by annie sloan.  it is one of the finishes we most often get asked about in the shop...probably because metallics are the perfect neutral and everyone wants a little glitz in their life!!  we started with a sofa table or entryway table that was mostly laminate wood (i apologize for not having a "before" shot...we were just too eager to get our hands on this one)!  

here is our step by step process:

• begin by cleaning your piece with an ammonia based cleaner such as dirtex (this applies to reasonably "dirty" pieces i.e. dusty, "normal" dirt) for truly greasy or grimy pieces a more thorough cleaning process may be necessary!
• once the piece is clean, paint two coats of chalk paint® by annie sloan in french linen allowing proper dry time between coats 
• apply a coat of pearl plaster in crazy, x mark brush strokes creating texture in the pearl plaster (this will come into play when you get to the dark wax)
• occasionally I apply a second coat of pearl plaster once the first coat is dry.  usually I do this on the flat areas of the piece (the top and sides) the curvy, detailed areas usually only need one coat.
• when the pearl plaster has dried (it is a very quick dry time just like annie's paint!) apply annie or miss mustard seed's dark wax thinned with a bit of citrus solvent or mineral spirits.
• wipe the dark wax back with a soft lint free cloth

voila!!

i've included pictures of some of our other pearl plaster projects...enjoy!!