Many of us walk by the pile of scrap wood in the corner, dreaming up all the farmhouse projects and rustic builds our hearts could want. Whether it’s building a cute console table or adding a rustic element to another piece of furniture, we find that the best way to give your project that authentic farmhouse feel is to pair milk paint with rustic elements like raw wood! For this project, we wanted to give this unfinished buffet a modern and neutral look by pairing Almond Latte, with the natural beauty of raw, unfinished wood. So, follow along to see how we go about painting raw wood!
Durability & Prep
Durability is a big key factor when it comes to paint finishes. You want your look to be timeless and classic, yet durable enough to withstand daily use. Rest assured that milk paint and raw wood are the perfect pair for a finish that can last decades. Milk paint literally soaks into the raw finish creating a tough bond that can withstand most surface scratches and dings.
When painting an unfinished piece, you want to ensure to open the grain by giving it a light scuff sand with 150 or higher grit paper. If the piece is unsealed and has been left open to the elements for quite some time, you want to ensure you also give it a deep cleaning with a 1:2 ratio of Fusion TSP Alternative and warm water. Fusion TSP Alternative breaks down tough grime and grease that can accumulate on a surface over the years, especially as the wood ages.
Preserving the beauty of the wood
The “raw wood” look is hitting a high trending point at the moment. It gives a natural, washed-out look that is perfect for those wanting to add some rustic and natural elements to their home. While most hardwoods can withstand wear and tear without too much damage, softer woods require a sealant to keep the wood and look intact. This is where Fusion soft waxes come to save the day! Not only are they perfect for providing a layer of protection for your project, but they preserve the natural look of the wood without changing the saturation and hue of the wood.
Layering wax for the right look
Since the colour of the wood on our buffet was fairly light, we decided that a mix of clear and liming waxes would perfectly preserve the look we were going for. Fusion’s waxes are soft, easy to apply and provide a durable finish that can be buffed to a beautiful lustre.
Isn’t the fresh, neutral look lovely? We took an ordinary buffet and added a subtle boost of colour while preserving the original beauty and craftsmanship of the wood top.
Fusion uses only the highest quality ingredients for our products. It’s why they were built to last and provide some of the best protection and durability that you can get in a wax. But even the best products tend to wear under continuous use which is why keeping your look fresh is easy with our creamy, buttery waxes.
Wax finishes will typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on environmental conditions. Finishes prone to more use and direct sunlight will wear quicker whereas pieces with proper temperature control and little exposure to use will last longer.
If your finish starts to look dull or matte, just wipe it down with a damp cloth and apply another layer or two of wax. You can even experiment with ageing and metallic waxes if you want to add another layer of texture and dimension to your piece. The variety of waxes that Fusion carries provides so many opportunities to play with design and finish that the possibilities are literally endless!
There you have it, painting raw wood inspiration!
