We’ve had a lot of questions of late about refinishing furniture. First, let me just say, we love your questions. Like big-puffy-heart love. 
Second we are not professionals like Marian or Shaunna. But we have refinished a few of our own pieces. And after refinishing and glazing our coffee table and hutch, using a mixture of Behr’s Faux Glaze and whatever paint we had on hand, I was more than happy to stumble onto a much simpler and less messy option! (You know since we have no garage or basement to work in).
(Our blanket box redo, using this technique).
And all you need is 1 (that’s right, just one) product in 2 colours and some thin lint-free rags or cheese cloth. Wanna know what the product is?
Wait for it…
…
…
…
Surprise!
It’s Minwax Paste Finishing Wax in Natural and also in Special Dark finish!
Now do you want to know how to “glaze” or antique your very own piece?
In 3 easy steps, no less?
Step 1.Paint your piece. Easy peasy, right? Use any colour you like. Some of our favourites are Behr Swiss Coffee and Annie Sloan Old White. We also stained the top of this piece with Minwax Special Walnut.
Step 2. Wax the whole piece with Minwax Paste Finishing Wax in Natural. This totally makes the next step easier. Typically this is done by grabbing a teaspoon full of wax and wrapping it into the rag or cheesecloth. Then by buffing in a circular motion, the paste wax pushes out through the cloth creating a nice even layer.
Step 3. Use your index finger wrapped in a clean cloth, dab on a little bit of Special Dark and accentuate the edges and details you want to stand out. Buff to even out and blend in.
That’s it! You’re done like dinner!
If your piece is a much used piece – like a dining or coffee table – you may want to apply some Minwax Rub-On Poly using a staining pad (for no brush marks) as a precaution. But for a nice antique rustic look the wax will be enough protection.
What do you think? You could do this, couldn’t you? Any pieces pop into mind? Do share!
P.S. We weren’t paid or even perked to write this post. We just loved the finish the Minwax gave us and thought you’d love it too! ‘Cause we’re nice like that!
thank you so much
this is much easier
btw where did you get the NEST stencil?
I’m hoping to try this but haven’t found the minwax paste in the dark finish yet. maybe I should just put my glasses on next time I’m in Lowes. That might help
Thanks for the tip.
It does seem a little harder to find that the natural. Home Depot and Sherwin Williams stores also carry minwax, do that may be worth a look!
This is a great technique for sure…if I could make one suggestion and that is to use a wax like one from CC Caldwell or another brand that is natural and non toxic (note the warning on the front of the minwax can) also,I like to beat the wood up alot before I stain and wax mine..makes a cool old wood finsh
I just recently tried Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Wax and Antiquing Wax – both non toxic – AND TOTALLY FABULOUS! So I hear ya! Thanks for the suggestion.
Looks sooo much easier then glaze. I just finished painting (OIL BASED PAINT) an antique serpentine dresser and am afraid to do the glaze step. Do you think the wax will work on my piece?
It probably would…minwax is made for oil based stain. Just read the label and/or test it on a not visible spot. Let us know how it turns out!
Love the Miniwax. I have tried all of Annie Sloans wax and it is great, but have tried some other kind that cost only $11.00 a can and it was great, especially hte clear wax. It had oil in it and did a great job and had a great finish. Thaks and please add me to your email list. Your chest or trunk was great looking and thanks for sharing.
Betty Whatley
Thanks Betty!
I have some Annie Sloan chalk paint and dark wax, and wondered if anyone had ever tried to antique or glaze anything with her dark wax – like rubbing it over a piece that was painted with paint other than ASCP? I know the other waxes (like Minwax) are cheaper, but I have this big can of AS wax. Suggestions??
Thank you – great blog!!
I haven’t tried…but I don’t see why you couldn’t?!
I have the natural Minwax paste and use it all the time. Now I just have to find the dark (our Home Hardware didn’t carry it. ) Thanjs for the tip, your trunk looks awesome.
Oh, do find it! It’s great!
Thank you for the simple instructions. For those of us who are not so crafty it is such a joy to meet people like yourselves that are so darn smart. Thanks again. Gloria
FINALLY! An actual easy step-by-step! Every other one I read gives me a personal account of every darn thing EXCEPT how to use the light and dark wax in conjunction! Bless you!!!
Oh yay! I’m so glad we could help! xo, S.