Butcher Block Makeover and Dark Wax Fail & Fix
Here is how I did a makeover on my butcher block and failed with the dark wax, but managed to fix it!
Do you love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint as much as I do? I’m trying as many creative projects as I can with it. I’ve used the clear wax before but this was the first time I used the Dark Wax on my butcher block. And let me tell you, I failed but fixed it!
Let’s begin by showing you what I was first dealing with. I bought this butcher block off Craigslist years ago and I love it. But with our dark floors, it was just toooo dark!
One day I decided enough was enough so I hauled it outside to sand it.
Did you notice the legs? It’s like someone dragged black paint over orange legs. Weird. And yuck!
It took hours and hours to sand the very top. The sides of the butcher block weren’t as bad to sand and the legs were easy peasy.
I loved the way the top looked natural so I haven’t put any oil or stain on it. I should oil it with something but haven’t done it quite yet.
So here’s the part of my story about my ‘fail and fix’ with Dark Wax.
First I painted the legs of the butcher block with 2 coats of Old White then 2 coats of French Linen because the legs were still black. Then I distressed the legs a little bit just so some of the Old White showed through.
Great! Awesome! I loved it! But then I decided it needed more. I decided to try some Dark Wax over the legs. Sounded like a good idea at the time!
{TIP: Before you apply Annie Sloan Dark Wax you need to first add the clear wax. This is the step that will save you in the end!!!}
It wasn’t a good idea. The Dark Wax made the French Linen look a little green in low light.
Not really what I was going for.
But how the heck do you get Dark Wax off????
Well, my friend, you just add more AS Clear Wax!!
Now in my attempts to get the Dark Wax off, I forgot to take photos {silly me, a camera should be attached to my neck at all times!}
It’s a bit difficult to see in this above photo but the leg on the right is what I’m going for and the leg on the left had more Dark Wax on it before I took the photo but it was still too dark for me.
TUTORIAL:
1. Wipe on AS Clear Wax over Dark Wax area {it doesn’t even matter how much time has passed, it had been 2 weeks for me!}
2. WIPE OFF!
It’s that easy!
I put quite a bit of Clear Wax all over the legs with that cloth {photo above} and then using a dry part of the cloth, buff off! The Dark Wax came right off the butcher block! Amazing.
Now if I wanted ALL the Dark Wax off, I’d have to really use some elbow grease but I liked a little bit left so now it’s perfect, in my opinion! What a makeover!
So just remember that if you fail with Annie Sloan Dark Wax…
…you can fix it!
Looking for more ASCP Projects:
Here’s more about my kitchen!
Kitchen Tour
& Common Ground & Jennifer Rizzo & Remodelaholic
Love this! What a great job!
hugs,
Sandra
The Adored Home
Thanks Sandra 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
Thanks for the advice. Since Haven, I’m soaking up all the advice I can get on Annie Sloan products! So addictive.
I know, I have so many ideas and so little time LOL
Thanks for stopping by 😉
Jamie
It looks so much better natural! Love the grey on the legs. You are way brave for trying the dark wax. I just don’t trust myself!
Thanks darling! Yes, the dark wax was a bit scary to use. Thank goodness there was an easy fix!!
Hugs,
J.
I think your lesson at Haven paid off! This is an amazing transformation! I am so inspired!
Thanks Heather! Yes, I’m so grateful I took that painting class at Haven!
Hugs,
Jamie
Absolutely lovely! Great job, Jamie!
Thanks so much, Shayna!
Hugs,
Jamie
So pretty – I love how you lightened and brightened it up… and of course it looks perfect in your absolutely stunner of a kitchen Jamie.
Awww, thanks for your sweet comment, Krista 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
I got to try out A.S. chalk paint and wax at Haven and LOVED it. Just looking for the perfect furniture project so I can justify buying some! Your butcher block makeover turned out loverly, m’dear!
You need to get a curbside find or a small project to try it on! Or scrap pieces of wood LOL. And then just buy some sample pots! Thanks darling!
Hugs,
Jamie
I love the look of dark wood but totally agree that it was too dark for the space. I love the redo with the more natural color and chalk paint. It just looks absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks so much, Angela!
Hugs,
Jamie
Boy, THAT was a lot of work! But soooo well worth it. It looks fabulous! I bet you enjoy chopping on that block!!
🙂
hugs x, Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
It was soooo worth it! Thanks so much, Crystelle 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
Oh I love it, love the lighter color. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Thanks so much, Marty 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
What a great Craigslist find! May I ask how wide your kitchen is? I have a similar layout and am wondering if I can fit a small butcher block/island. thanks!
Hi Rhonda,
Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you! Okay, here are the dimensions of my kitchen: from the left side of my kitchen to the fridge on the right side is 76″. From my sink to the edge of my kitchen, say to the edge of my fridge, it’s 110″. And my butcher block island is 19″x20″ wide. I think it’s the perfect fit! Any bigger and it would be too much. We actually love where it’s place too because when you open the fridge to pour yourself a glass of milk, you can put your glass on the island then pour your milk {that’s why my hubby loves it! He missed it when I was painting it ;)}. Hope you can find one to fit your space 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
Gorgeous transformation. I knew you’d get obsessed with the paint after trying it. Thanks so much for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays! x
Thanks Danielle and totally!!
Hugs,
Jamie
I would suggest using just mineral oil for the butcher block top. It enhances the natural color and protects the wood and is food safe. I have wood cutting boards that I do that with after every cleaning.
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know, Greg!
Jamie
Love this makeover! The ASCP legs are just perfect.
Thanks so much, Sarah 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
The finished product looks amazing! I have yet to try dark waxing anything because I am fearful I will get it all wrong. Great job!
Thanks for sharing at the Pinworthy Projects Party!
Thanks so much, Shannah! It’s so dark that it does kinda look scary but as long as you put on the clear wax before you can take it off 😉
Hugs,
Jamie