The Washed Finish from our Everyday Guide is a beautiful way to add subtle, translucent color to your project. Jolie Paint, thinned with water, can be used to highlight carvings, texture, or wood grain for a look that works perfectly with a range of styles. We especially love this finish for coastal and Swedish-inspired interiors.
Read on for step-by-step instructions or check out our instructional video below.
Tools & Materials
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- Jolie Paint in one or more colors
- Jolie Finishing Wax - Clear
- Jolie Signature Brush
- Jolie Wax Brush
- Lint-free cloths
- Water
- Mixing Container
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- Jolie Paint in one or more colors
- Jolie Finishing Wax - Clear
- Jolie Signature Brush
-
- Jolie Wax Brush
- Lint-free cloths
- Water
- Mixing Container
Step 1
You can apply a color wash over either a painted surface or raw wood. To begin, pour some of your Jolie Paint color into a separate mixing container and add water in small increments until the paint is slightly transparent (about 30-50% water). The more water you add, the more sheer your wash will be. The paint should not be drippy or runny. Stir well. Brush on the diluted paint using a Jolie Signature Brush, making sure to work the paint into any details and texture. Do not allow the paint to dry yet.
Step 2
While the paint is still wet, remove some of it by gently wiping over the surface with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth in the direction of the wood grain, continuing to wipe until you are happy with the results. Allow the paint to dry completely. Please note: dry time will be shortened due to the thin quality of the coat.
Step 3
Use your Jolie Wax Brush to apply a small amount of Jolie Finishing Wax in Clear. Working in manageable sections of 2-3 square feet at a time, use a gentle sweeping motion to work the Clear Finishing Wax into the paint. Work in every direction, just as you did with your paint brushstrokes. You will see the Jolie Paint color become slightly darker after the wax is applied. Proceed to step four before beginning to wax the next section.
Step 4
Any surplus of wax should be wiped away using a lint-free cloth and applying medium pressure. As the cloth becomes saturated with wax, you will need to replace or move to a clean area of your cloth so that it will continue to absorb wax. Continue on to your next unwaxed section and repeat steps three and four until you have waxed the entire surface.
FOR LARGE AREAS: After waxing and wiping individual sections, apply a very thin coat of Clear Finishing Wax from one side to the other and wipe the surface to even out the finish.
The wax is dry when it no longer feels cool to the touch, usually within 1-2 hours. Leave the finish as is for a natural matte sheen, or allow the wax to dry for 1-2 hours before buffing with a soft, lint-free cloth for a more polished look. For surfaces that require more durability, apply at least two coats of Clear Finishing Wax. Wait at least eight hours between coats. Jolie Finishing Wax will fully cure and harden in two weeks. During this time period, be gentle and take care when using your piece.