HOW TO APPLY GILDING WAX TO YOUR PAINTED FURNITURE PROJECTS| THRIFT STORE DEMILUNE TABLE MAKEOVER
Wondering how to apply gilding wax to your projects? The application of gilding wax is easy. And I’m the first to admit, I’m always on the hunt for products that are easy to use yet make a HUGE impact! Redesign With Prima sent me a box of goodies which included decor wax in a variety of colors. I tested a few colors on today’s Demilune Table Makeover and absolutely LOVE this finish!
Here’s the before and after… My goal was to keep the classic-vintage-integrity of these pieces yet update and create a ‘richer’ look. What do you think?
And am I the only one who didn’t know what demilune meant??? Thank you, Laura! Demilune being French for half moon. (Tracy, I know you’ll see the humor in this!) . Anyway, I’m always happy to learn something new. 🙂
I’ve been working with furniture for all these years and some pieces still stump me. When I saw this in the Thrift Store, I posted to Facebook asking if anyone knew what they were.
I’m familiar with half moon tables (and I was instantly attracted to these curvy legs with all this gorgeous detail) but I’ve never seen TWO half-moon tables that can fit together as one… well they kind of do… but not really. (pic at end of this post)
These half mooners are perfect for a narrow hallway, sofa table, plant stand, entrance way or maybe even nightstands on either side of a bed. Super versatile for tight spaces …and super cute.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Demilune Table – SALVAGED
- Shop Towels
- Paint Brushes
- Aubergine Chalk Mineral Paint
- Decor Wax Element (similar)
- Decor Wax Milky Way (similar)
- Decor Wax Gravity (similar)
- Black Wax
- Gator Hide
I’m not sure if these decor waxes are new to the Redesign with Prima line but I couldn’t find a direct link for them. I’ve linked to similar colors on Amazon or you can also find similar gilding wax colors here.
HOW TO APPLY GILDING WAX::
I painted this piece in Aubergine and then applied a layer of black wax. Applying a layer of wax before applying the metallic gilding wax provides a buffer and makes it easier to ‘erase’ if you don’t like the look.
After last weeks antique mirror update, I received an email asking what I used to apply the gilding wax to the frame.
My go-to tool for applying all brands of metallic wax is my fingers. Gloves are not required because the wax easily washes off with soap and water – but I prefer wearing gloves for pretty much everything.
If it’s a tight spot that I need to be a little more precise, I use a small artists brush. A small amount of this decor wax goes a LONG way!
And for larger areas like on this dresser here, I use a larger brush. I’ve also used a lint-free cloth which works really nicely too.
It was fun to experiment with different colors and the iridescent highlights really add gorgeous dimension to these tables.
I was having so much fun I ended up turning them into ‘sisters’ not ‘twins’.
This is what they look like put together. They look like they should fit perfectly together but they don’t. There’s a noticeable gap so I’m not sure how they were used as one…maybe they never were??
I like them better individually anyway… or as sisters on either side of something. Super cute!
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS DEMILUNE [HALF MOON TABLE] MAKEOVER… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU – IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
OHHH, and before I sign off I have some EXCITING news! I’ve been asked to be part of the Furniture Fixer-Uppers!!!
Omgosh, I’ve been following stalking this talented group of ladies forever… and if you’re not already following them, I’ll introduce you on Thursday!
I promise YOU A TON of inspiration and how-to-tutorials that’s going to boost your creativity into high gear 😉 …. can’t wait!
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
How To Use Gilding Wax on Painted Furniture
How To Antique A Mirror
Somewhere In France Gold Tallboy
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
Paint Laminate Without Sanding
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Oh, Denise! I’m so excited to see you use Aubergine! I LOVE that color in the bottle, but haven’t used it yet. Those tables are SOOOO gorgeous! The blue touches are fantastic. As usual, your creation is just stunning!!!
I was excited to use Aubergine too… it was my first time cracking it open! You’re going to LOVE it!🤗
Hi Denise, now I will be looking more for details on furniture. Those legs are gorgeous. I haven’t tried the wax yet but I am going to very soon. What color is Aubergine? Thank you for your inspiration. Every week I look forward to your Blog and i’m just in love with you and your pieces.
Thanks so much! 🙂 Aubergine is a really deep purple… almost like a black plum or eggplant color. (I included the link to the one I used under the “Source” section) After I applied the black wax, it deepened it even more!
You really gave these sister deminules a new life. Love how you blended different colours of wax, subtle but stunning. Looking forward to your posts with Furniture Fixer Uppers too..
Thanks so much Tracy. And from now on we’ll call them Deminule Tables…lol…I like your idea. 😉
OMG you turned them into gorgeous gems for someone to enjoy for many years. I like how you named them sisters not twins for there is a difference in the two pieces. Plus the color on both are different one is darker than the other like you did not know that , i preferably leaning more toward the darker one but thats my preference and to each their own , but being that said these two pieces will go any where In the house and will brighten up any room. Your work is so amazing and i would love lessons ( oh if i only lived closer ) id work for free to just take those lessons lol a girl can dream . Keep up the amazing work you do and i look forward to the next piece you put a spin on.
Hi Ruth! Free help?… come’on down… I wish you lived closer too LOL. 😉 All joking aside that’s a HUGE compliment! Thank YOU! And glad you like the tables. 🙂
Thanks for the detailed instructions and the photos. Love the outcome. I’m going to try my hand on a highboy dresser and mirror that has chip carving. I think the gilding effect would make the detail stand out nicely. Love your work! and congrats on being asked to join that blog or show that you mentioned. I’m not familiar but will google them!
Lucky you Elizabeth! I love working on highboy dressers. And I agree… gilding wax on the carved mirror will look amazing! I hope you come back and join me this Thursday so you can meet this talented group of ladies. They have some amazing before and afters and I’ll provide a link for you so you don’t have to Google them.;) I’ll also have salvaged makeover before and after…working on it right now! 🙂
Hi Denise I’m new wax Iusing gilding wax so Im gona need to know everything lol
I get it! 🙂 When I was new to gilding waxes it felt a little intimidating. I didn’t want to ruin my piece by adding too much… or applying it in a wrong spot… or using the wrong color etc. A great way to start is using it on a test board or even a piece of paper just to get a feel for it. You’ll find a little goes a loooong way. oh, it can add a little sparkle to old hardware too. 🙂
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Thanks Barbara! x
My gosh – you find the BEST cast offs! The detail on these is great, but your multi-colored gilding makes them magical. I’m guessing they were never used together but served as a matched set. Would be so cute as nightstands. Another great makeover, Denise! Thanks for tips on the Decor Wax – cool product and colors!
I nearly didn’t buy them. They were selling for $40 and my thrifty side was humming and hawing. Then the cashier gave me a $10 coupon and I was all over that..lol. And I agree! I think they’d make really cute nightstands too! 🙂
Hi Denise, Do these gilding waxes work the same as Dixie Belle gilding waxes? Love the tables!
I find they feel a little creamier than the Dixie Belle Gilding Waxes – but yes, they work the same. 🙂
Absolutely lovely! Question about the top surface–did you just polish it up? LOVE your site! Thank you for inspiring me.
Thanks Cate and ya, the top was also dark waxed and then buffed to a sheen. 🙂
Hi Denise. These little side tables are boho beautiful! I am so impressed by the colour combination you used and the depth added in using the waxes. Gorgeous outcome. I have also never seen two of these tables as a pair. Only as a lonely half moon. Lol. Quick question….will you be providing a link to the new furniture fixer upper group you’re involved with? And I trust this is in addition to your weekly blog? I need my Tuesday Salvaged Inspirations fix with YOU! 😉
thanks Monique, I’m pretty impressed with the waxes too. They’re really fun to work with. And YES! Still a Tuesday blog post every week and in addition once a month I’ll be joining the Furniture Fixer Upper’s… and for sure, I’ll provide you with a link to each and every one of them! I’m looking forward to it. 🙂
I love these two tables. They look fabulous with the different coloured gilding waxes. I’ve never thought to use different colours on the same piece before and it looks great! BTW I don’t think they are ever meant to ‘join’ together, but you often do get pairs or even sets of four or more in the big houses here in UK. They often sit at either end of a big hall with large mirrors above them, or either side of a fireplace etc. Quite like your idea of bedside tables though.
I seeee! They stumped me because they really look like they should fit together nicely but they don’t. And yessss, I think they’d look amazing at either end of a hallway with a large mirror above them!
Oh my goodness, they are gorgeous! Love that – sisters but not twins. I think they’d make gorgeous night tables or flanking a sofa. The Aubergine base color is very pretty but the gorgeous gilding wax colors make it sing. P.S. I always enjoy your staging and photography too, Denise.
Thanks Marie! I was surprised how deep/dark the Aubergine turned with the black wax on it…very regal looking color imo! And ya, once I started testing colors with the decor wax I was hooked…lol. Can’t wait to join you guys on Thursday. XO
Love! Love!! Love your work!!! Can you tell me what your secret is to cleaning brushes after gilding wax?
Hi Tina… thank you! And it’s not a big secret or anything fancy. I use soap and water. I always have a large bottle of the original blue Dawn dish liquid in my workspace. 🙂
I am lusting after these fabulous tables! Even before you worked your magic I would have snatched them up in a heartbeat! But what a gorgeous paint job with gilding. This is truly ‘gilding the lily’…I’m so jealous!
Thanks Denise! 🙂 Ya, I’m very grateful for everyone who encouraged me to get them when I posted them on facebook. Now that I have them I can’t believe I was on the fence!
Nicely done! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Candace! xo
Stunning my friend! The waxes are a game changer when adding details. Beautifully done.
Thanks, Do! We had our May24 long weekend so I was on holiday hours yesterday. I’ll have to scoot over to your blog to see what you’ve been up to! 🙂
Cute tables! FunnyI didn’t even question what demilune ment until you asked the question, then my high school french kicked in and I thought ‘mais bein sur’ in my best french accent 😂😂
thank Annie!!… and what is ‘mais bein sur’ ???… now I have something else to ‘google’ LOL
So beautiful…as always! Love demilunes. And this week, I had no trouble (no empty black screen) pinning..
Thanks, Susie! I looked into it but it was pinning okay for me ?? Technology seriously stumps me sometimes! Sorry about that tho!