This really is about how to use liming wax, but first I want to share something with you. You might call it TMI, but I think it’s important to put it all into context.
Have you been watching the new Poldark series? Apparently I’ve been watching it way too much, because I had a dream recently about Ross Poldark.
That’s Aidan Turner, in case you don’t know. I mean who knew someone could look so adorable in a tricorn hat? Well he was in my dream a few nights ago and he and I were chatting. And I thought, now THIS is going to be a good dream. We’re talking and really it’s getting so embarrassing because Ross is so taken with me. I tell him to stop, but of course he can’t help himself. I do a quick calculation on our age difference. It’s a bit Ashton Kutcher/Demi Moore, but hey I think it could work. Let’s face it, Demi and Ashton were married a long time… in between their other marriages. And then it happens… my husband shows up in my dream. Of course I’m annoyed. I think, “Seriously? When the bear is chasing me you are nowhere to be found, but as soon as I’m talking to a cute guy you show up!” I attempt to steer Ross away from Mr.CH,but to no avail. Mr.CH marches right up to him, and wait for it… invited him to church with us. I did not see that coming. It was at that moment, that I turned over in bed, and my arm hit Mr.CH. Who’s to say it wasn’t an accident?
So now you might be wondering what that has to do with liming wax. Well the point is I love Poldark and liming wax. They are two of my favorite new things. I knew with both it was going to be a beautiful friendship.
Liming wax is a wax that is tinted white. It’s one of the easiest way to achieve a white washed effect.
So here’s the before photo of the candlestick I found at a thrift store.
This is the way it looked when I bought it. I painted it with chawk paint in the color Stanley.
As you can see from the photo below, I did a sloppy job on purpose, and left a lot of places with no paint where there were crevices. I want those areas to be dark so it looks very old.
After the paint dried. I added a layer of brown antiquing wax. Here is the actual wax I used. (affiliate link) Antiquing wax. As you can see the wax made the candlestick look much browner. After I added it liberally to an area, I buffed it off leaving the wax only in the crevice areas.
Next I added the liming wax. Here is the actual liming wax I used. (affiliate link) Liming wax
Now this part is a bit trickier. So we just put a dark wax on, and now we are putting on a light wax. What? Well yes. The dark wax is for the inset areas, and the liming wax is for the raised areas. It’s contouring to help the piece look even more old. So now we just lightly add the liming wax on the raised areas.
Gently wipe off any excess and we are done.
Well what do you think? I really love it!!! And I did that in 3 easy steps – paint, dark wax, and liming wax. Can you see why I’m crazy about it? Oh and if you missed Poldark, go watch! I think you’ll see right away why it’s just an awesome show #AidanTurner
This is part of the DIY TIPS AND TRICKS series. Come see what the other fantastic tips and tricks we have for you this month.
Anita!
I waited with baited breath while Aidan Turner was trying to steal you away from Mr. CH – thinking he was going to tell you about liming wax? – just to find out that he had really nothing to do with it! lol
I’m going to have to check out that show and the liming wax! You are cute.
Have a great day! 🙂
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
I love how the candle holder turned out. I will definitely be trying this technique.
Love this and going to order some. I need to find some shops like the ones you frequent! I’ve never seen anything to compare with your candlestick at any of mine!
That’s what I was thinking!
I’m in love with alter candlesticks.
Swoon!
Oh how gorgeous. I have a can of liming wax that is unopened. Got to get it out! Pinning and featuring your project on fb!
Love the result of using the liming wax…I have never used it before so I need to search for a piece to try it on…love that gorgeous candlestick….
I’ve just discovered liming wax and am so taken with all the things I could do with it. Love this idea of layering it over paint:) Awesome candlestick too!
Well that certainly was an exciting story. lol I am certainly going to have to try liming wax.
I love that candlestick and how it looks after the liming treatment. A warning here about Ross Poldark. Do not read the first book without knowing there are 12 books in the series. If you read one, you will want to read them all. Been there, done that!
Thanks for a great tutorial! I have a couple of large candlesticks in my booth that are not selling–they are a very humdrum shade of brown. I think they could be vastly improved using your technique. I checked out your link to the liming wax and found that it is sooo much cheaper than what I bought some months ago. When I need more, I’ll know where to find it. I’ll try to remember to go through your affiliate link. Also appreciated knowing what dark wax you use–it’s a better price than what I have been using, too. Thanks again! Looking forward to seeing your new book!
This is exciting information, Anita-pinned! And Ordered your book from Barnes and Noble.
Do you ever make it up to Dallas? If you, do there are some readers up this way, who’d love to meet you!
Jemma
That turned out so pretty!
Love your dream ! Gave me a chuckle. Candlestick is beautiful.
Darn that Mr. CH! Very poor timing on his part! Love Poldark, so sad that’s over for this season. I may have to start reading the books just to get my “fix”. You crack me up! This post made me laugh out loud. Oh, and about that liming wax…..I’ve never tried it, but now I am intrigued…..definitely going to try this. Love that candlestick!
Love your blog, I am an avid follower. Regarding Poldark, as I said to my neighbour, I would leave home for that!!
The original finish would go better in my own decor, but I have to admit the redo looks better with yours and I’m Pinning this for the information about the liming wax and how to use it.
Screw the liming wax, share more of those really good dreams! Did you know he used to be a vampire (Being Human)? Totally hot. And he was the really hot dwarf the elf warrior fell in love with in The Hobbit? And now starring in your dreams…
Anita I just love your Cedar Hill Farmhouse blog. It is so informational and love the pictures. Please keep it up and also keep up with the before and afters. I love learning how to do these things like the liming wax and seeing your results.
He actually invited him to church?? Ah!! It’s keep your friends close and your enemies closer! So this way Mr. CH can keep an eye on him AND you too. I haven’t been much in the mood to do anything but your dream and waxing has given me inspiration. Thank you! Have a great Labor Day.
Just had to take the time to comment…this post cracked me up! I’ve also got a half done candle stick I might have to add some lime wax on, and I’m gonna google some pics of Mr. Turner and see if he strikes up a chat with me too.
I love the candlestick-can’t wait to try it myself. I was also impressed by the cabinets in the background. I’m buying my retirement home and want to make it French country and those cabinets would be the perfect choice. You know how you look and look for something and nothing is quite right? And then you see it and you just know-THIS is what I’ve been waiting for but didn’t have any idea what it was? Well that’s your cabinets!! Did you do them yourself and if so would you mind sharing the technique? I know this a super busy time of year and I so appreciate if you can find the time to reply. Thanks and have a great Christmas, Anita!
Here’s the post Dale.
https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/02/antiquing-cabinetry.html
This was such fun…I was laughing so hard, I started coughing…so Hubs inquired .Had to read it aloud. His comment, ” That lady should be a Writer” I fell off the sofa at that one! (oh, how I miss Poldark…we watched it last year, and it abruptly ended….is it back?) I must check…meanwhile, great tutorial, and great info.The candlestick is beautiful…I want it! So glad I am subscribed to your great blog !
Glad you enjoyed it Alice.
I have to admit I like the original color of the candlestick, but the waxing is nice too. I will think of trying this wax on a statue I bought that is too white-ish blue-iish grey-ish for me. It would be nicer in a warmer hue.
Well not everyone has the same tastes. Hope the technique works for you.
Now why can’t I have dreams like that???!!! I have to admit that was a knee-slapper.
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I have the perfect piece to “lime”. An “antique” lamp base painted gold (yuck) and with glass bevels hanging off of it. Epitome of shabby chic. Should look awesome when I’m finished with it.
Ha, ha!! Glad you liked it.
lOVE THE EFFECT OF THE LIMING WAX, PARTICULARLY THE ONE ON THE CANDLESTICK.
A great job on the candlestick! I am so enjoying your podcasts.
I can’t wait for season three of Poldark. Aiden Turner is without a doubt the sexiest man alive. I get a thrill every time I receive the Poldarked newsletter.
Oh yes Poldark! And I am so thrilled you are enjoying the podcast!!
I love the candlestick. Thanks for the tutorial on how to obtain that look, I have always loved pieces that have that look and never knew how to obtain it. Now I can try to do this on my own, thanks.
I actually liked both finishes. This is an interesting technique that I will pin. Your dream description was hilarious!! Isn’t it funny how you are conscious that you are dreaming during the dream? I have never been successful in trying to ‘steer’ any of mine the way I want them. Maybe one of these days….