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!

Butcher block makeover and dark wax fail & fix - So Much Better With Age

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!

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / butcher block that is too dark in kitchen - So Much Better With Age

One day I decided enough was enough so I hauled it outside to sand it.

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / sanding the butcher block outside - So Much Better With Age

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.

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / sanded butcher block back in the kitchen - So Much Better With Age

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!!!}

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / painting the butcher block - So Much Better With Age

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!!

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / butcher block turned over with dark wax on legs - So Much Better With Age

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!

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / cloth wiping off too much wax - So Much Better With Age

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!

Butcher block makeover and dark wax fail & fix / butcher block back in kitchen with fruit in baskets on top - So Much Better With Age

So just remember that if you fail with Annie Sloan Dark Wax…

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / fixed wax legs on butcher block - So Much Better With Age

…you can fix it!

Butcher Block Makeover And Dark Wax Fail & Fix / before and after pictures - So Much Better With Age

Looking for more ASCP Projects:

Flea Market Mirror

Flea Market Mirror - So Much Better With Age

Trash To Treasure

Trash To Treasure - So Much Better With Age

Here’s more about my kitchen!

Kitchen Tour

Kitchen tour - So Much Better With Age

Linking to these parties

& Common Ground & Jennifer Rizzo & Remodelaholic

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30 Comments

    1. 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

      Reply

  8. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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

    Reply

  11. 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!

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

  13. 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.

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

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