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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Bling for the Bedroom

I picked up a pair of nightstands several weeks ago at Savers (kind of like a “Goodwill”). They were lovely, solid wood…just boring. But they sat…and sat…and sat…in my garage because they wouldn’t speak to me and tell me what they wanted to be! Ornery buggers.
teatray 016
(This is the best I can do for a “before” picture. I swear I took one, but I can’t locate it…sorry!)
Then, the magical day happened…I read a tutorial on The Ivy Cottage for a faux-silver-leaf wall, of all things! What’s the faux part you ask? Amanda uses tin foil and wallpaper paste! She said she had successfully used the technique on furniture, and that was all I needed to know…and off I went to Home Depot!
Be warned…this is not a technique for the faint of heart. There is nothing difficult about it, but it’s fiddly and time-consuming…and STICKY!!
Here’s a peek at my finished product:faux silver leaf
Here’s a brief description of the steps I took (again, many thanks the The Ivy Cottage):
1. Cut many, many, many squares of aluminum foil! I used regular old scissors. Amanda suggests tearing them with a straight edge, but I didn’t have a lot of luck with that technique. She also suggests using heavy-duty foil, but I missed that part! I would change that if I could.
foil silver leaf
2. Use a foam brush to spread a thin layer of wallpaper paste on your furniture. Apply a piece of aluminum foil, and smooth it down as best you can. On flat surfaces, I used a rubber spatula, but almost every where else, I had to rely on my fingers to get in all the grooves and details. You will get wallpaper paste on the surface of the foil (and possibly everywhere else). (You might also find funny red splotches as you smooth your foil on, and you'll wonder if the kids did a lousy job wiping the table--again--and you have last night's pizza sauce mixed in with the wallpaper paste now. But just before you yell at them, you might realize you sliced your finger open somewhere along the way, and you're bleeding into the wallpaper paste. Can't blame the kids for that one!) Go with it; it will be just fine! Make sure you overlap the edges of the foil.
aluminum foil nightstands
(I would like to note that wrapping the legs was a royal pain!)
faux silver leaf
3. When everything is completely dry, use a damp rag to wash away the glue residue. The foil is remarkably resilient, and it stood up to a little scrubbing beautifully.
foil nightstands
4. Apply a drop of black acrylic paint to the foil, and rub it in and around with a paper towel. If you get too much, dampen it and you can wipe it right off. This is really like glazing a piece of furniture. The paint darkens the foil and gets in the wrinkles, giving it some “age” and character. I really liked the change this made in the overall look of the piece..
faux silver leaf nightstands
Note: I realized…too late…that I hadn’t been very careful in placing my foil shiny side up all the time! I decided that that added “character” to the piece as well, and I left it! Then I had to make sure to do the same thing on the second nightstand.
5. Protect your masterpiece with two coats of Minwax Polycrylic. I chose to brush it on, rather than spraying it on, because brushing gives a thicker coat! Also because the electricity was out right then!
silver leaf foil
6. I chose to keep the original pulls. I sprayed them silver (Rustoleum Aluminum, to be exact), and then applied black Rub-n-Buff over the surfaces. I think it matched remarkably well.
faux silver leaf
So what do you think?
Is this a technique you’ve ever tried before?
Or would you consider it now?
aluminum foil nightstands

 10/2/12:  You can see another foil project here!
 
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This project has been featured at Beyond the Picket Fence, Craft Gossip, and

IhookedupwithHoHlamespice

Thank you!

Linking up to these great parties here, and be sure to check out Amanda's inspirational blog: .

75 comments:

  1. That is wicked cool looking although it must have been quite labor-intensive...I suppose I would try anything once!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  2. that does sound like a lit of work but they came out so cool! worth the effort!

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  3. Wow! I think you're onto something :)I just might give it a try.

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  4. Those look amazing! I would never have thought to use foil on wood... wow!

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  5. This incredible!!! I'm super amazed. I'm going to have to find a piece to try this on.

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  6. Wow!! I would NEVER have thought of doing that, or that it was even possible, haha!! Very cool!

    Julie

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  7. I think I am completely speechless!!!! It must have been a pain in the butt - but the results are stunning!!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  8. These turned out amazing! So pretty and unique!

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  9. Korrie - you are a constant inspiration to me! These are wicked cool! Thank you for sharing!
    Peggy @ {Re}Pear Tree Design

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  10. Great job. Funny post about the sauce and bleeding into the paste! I hope you weren't hurt too badly. The feet look great but I bet they were labor intensive.

    Holly

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  11. I love how those night stands turned out, the technique seems difficult but If I have the chance I will try it, thank you for the great tutorial!
    Have a wonderful 4th of July!
    XXX Ido

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  12. wish I lived where you do! I would buy these in a heartbeat. Love them!

    Jess
    www.rebelchildjess.blogspot.com

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  13. Okay, I have to ask now.... how much are you asking for these?

    By the way they are freaking gorgeous!

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  14. Way cool. I agree with Amanda, you rocked it girl!!

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  15. Beautiful.....who would have thunk it....hahaha..to use foil and wall paper paste....I did a picture frame with foil but used white glue....the glue worked pretty well but I will try the paste if I choose to do a frame again.....I might be so inspired to try a SMALL piece of furniture but you're the bomb....

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  16. I love these! If I find a lot of patience and a piece of furniture, think I'll try it. Looks beautiful!

    Pat

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  17. Wow , tin foil! I never would have thought.

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  18. Awesome! I always get so excited when I see your posts on my dashboard.... I have used foil on stuff, but never furniture. I am definately going to use this technique sometime soon. Thanks, as always, for the amazing inspiration!

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  19. I am just absolutely so impressed. Can you mail me some of your energy 8-)

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  20. Wow...those are amazing! I am going to find a piece to try that on! Curious, how long did each table take you? I have done brown bagging...much like what you did but using brown paper bags....it didn't take too long but I bet foil is harder to work with. Fantastic job!

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  21. Another amazing project! I've been wanting to silver leaf a sofa table but the cost of all the materials has held me back. I've seen tinfoil furniture before but yours doesn't look like tinfoil. I'm going to have to try it! Beautiful job!

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  22. Your tables look fantastic! My attempts of covering a plant stand with foil didn't turn out nearly so good. I didn't know to cut the foil into small squares. That would have really helped out. I wish I could take off the old foil and redo it. Thanks for telling me the right way to do this for future projects.

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  23. This is so incredibly fabulous, what a great idea! I can't figure out though why you need small sheets of foil? For instance, on the side, why couldn't you glue a large sheet on? Love it, I'm going to try!
    Cheers!
    Cyndy

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  24. I.LOVE.THESE.

    I love how the 'glazing' with the black paint made them look old. You did a GREAT job!!

    Thanks for sharing!!

    Hugs ~~ Suz
    inspiringcreativeness.blogspot

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  25. Those nightstands are amazing! I think I might like to try this on something small to start. Hmmm...what will it be?

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  26. Wow, The nightstands are gorgeous!! I am in love with this project.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  27. Tin foil? Really?!?!! They look awesome! They look like some really vintage Hollywood glam pieces! You did a great job!

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  28. Its worth what ever time and energy you put into it.
    Love it!
    x
    Carole

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  29. I think the estimate of $150 for the pair is actually just fine and you should have no problem selling these beauties. Best of luck that the Vintage Market has a good turn out!

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  30. That sounds like a ton of Work but they look amazing! I found you through the sunday scoop linky party and am your newest follower. Come and visit and follow back :)

    A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

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  31. I'm impressed. I might try it first on something smaller say a wood box.
    Lisa

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  32. I'm all about thinking outside the box. They are beautiful and unique.

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  33. Stunning. This is really a wow project!

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  34. These look amazing. Who would have thought of using tin foil. Thank you for linking up at http://diyhshp.blogspot.com I can not wait to see more great ideas next Monday.

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  35. Girl, you have amazing talent! I am quite amazed and impressed. Keep going with all that beautifying.

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  36. Bling is right! This is gorgeous! I am highlighting this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button.

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  37. So inspiring! Thanks for all the great pictures and tips!

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  38. Hey this is really nice, I like your work! I would love to try this at home! It would be nice if you provide some tips related to carpet cleaning, because I really need some!

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  39. Gorgeous! I wish I had them in my home:)

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  40. I absolutely love those side tables!!! I've been meaning to tinfoil a piece of furniture or two and seeing your gorgeous results I'll have to get on it sooner rather than later. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  41. That required PATIENCE! I would have given it up after one, if I ever had the gumption to start. Hats off to you!

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  42. Swati--had to laugh at your comment, because there were SEVERAL days that elapsed between nightstands one and two!

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  43. I would totally consider doing this! You make it sound so easy. ;) They are beautiful pieces. I love the look the foil and glaze gives it. GREAT job!!!

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  44. Amazing result. Amazing you did so very well on your first piece, especially with all those details. Amazing the commitment it took to finish this task.

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  45. When I first read the beginning, I was doubtful, but the finished look is gorgeous!!!! What a great job! I'm with another reader...why can't you use large sheets rather than cut smaller pieces???

    Suzanne

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  46. Those are absolutely awesome, you did a wonderful job! I've been wanting to do some metallic furniture but sometimes it's hard because you get a cheapy look, but I love silver leaf. I almost like this better, though. It looks beautiful and so cool!

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  47. Saw your feature on HOH and had to comment. Oh my word this is amazing! I hope you're able to look back at all the blood {literally} sweat and tears that went into this and say it was worth it. Cause it rocks! Wow... you have me inspired for sure! Thanks for sharing!!

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  48. These look awesome! I've featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/foil-finish-nightstand/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

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  49. I am so trying this. Thank you for the instructions.

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  50. I'm thinking you could use this on plywood and add a couple of wood embellishments to make a nice headboard - and you wouldn't have to deal with the difficult legs. Think this is a project for a winter afternoon. Thanks for posting the idea!

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  51. Super great job....I would have given up way before the first table was done....can't imagine doing two of those babies....GOOD JOB

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  52. This is probably the best tutorial on silver-leafing that I've found yet! I'm determined to silver leaf a thrift dresser that I bought for $20. It's art deco and needs some work. Do you think saving on the silver leafing by buying aluminum foil was worth it?

    -Espe

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  53. I will try this cool technique on a picture frame first, then graduate to furniture...your nightstands are just lovely, great job!

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  54. I'm wondering what the outcome of your attempts using modge podge were? And how to add a patina/antiqueing medium IF you have used modge podge?

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  55. Curious how this is holding up after a year's use. I'd like to do this to a table in my entryway, which gets a lot of use. Thanks!

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  56. Love the look! You did an awesome job. Your project brought back some good memories. Back in the 1980's we did a similar foiling technique to all manner of items. Wooden jewelry boxes, plaster forms (once even a birdbath), frames, furniture, etc. There were many, many colors of the foil which was quite thin to aid in a more finished look (so it is probably better that you didn't use the heavy duty foil). After sanding/cleaning/primer-ing the item as required, we used 3M spray glue applied to the foil then placed it on the piece we were decorating, smoothing it as best we could. We tore the foil into small irregular pieces so there were no straight edges and the pieces blended better. After the glue on the piece dried over night we did the antiquing process with another 24 hr of drying time. To seal several coats of clear Krylon spray sealer were applied. I preferred the Matte finish Krylon to the gloss. Wish I knew where to find the colored foil these days. I'm itching to try my hand at this technique again.

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  57. I have been reading faux silver leafing tutorials for days and yours definitely has the best outcome I've seen {the tables look so high end!} as well as the best instructions! I am going to try and copy the technique for a current dresser - hoping to re-purpose for a future nursery! :)

    Thanks so much for sharing this! cheers!

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  58. Hi! They're both lovely! Great job and such a great technique... Thanks for sharing!

    Feel free to come for a visit to my blog at

    http://funkymonkey-handmadecreations.blogspot.gr/

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  59. I would love to do this technique in my baby girls bedroom on her dresser/changing table and possibly crib. My only concern would be if these materials are safe in case she puts her mouth on the crib rail. Can anyone tell me their thoughts on this? Thank you for the idea!!! By the way, this is my first time blogging so I am sorry if I posted this twice by accident!

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  60. OH LOVE LOVE... can't wait to try it..and I think I have the perfect items..an old headboard I was going to use as the back to a bench seat..and the seat is an old army trunk..I see a vision of them both done in foil!

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  61. Wow! These are gorgeous! I have to try it. My heart rate shot up with excitement over trying something new!

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  62. ...awesome project! thank you so much for sharing...Mel :)

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  63. This is wickedly incredible. I have a piece I've wanted to silver leaf but was concerned with the cost. this seems the perfect alternative!

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  64. Just got my gold foil in and ready to start. Thanks for the inspiration and courage to tackle this new project. Your clear instructions and photos are a real help

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  65. This is so great. I just read The Ivy Cottage Blog with the tutorial on how to do a wall with the foil and I was wondering about furniture and then I saw your blog. This looks like fun. I think I will do my coffee table. Thanks so much!

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  66. I, too, would like to know why not use large sheets of foil? Thinking sbout doing a large dresser.

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  67. I am creating a wine bar out of a corner cabinet. I put in a pull out shelf and needed something to cover the shelf. So I tried the foil method you used. It looks so neat. I am in the final stages of putting protective coating on it. I think I will use 5 coats as it will be getting wet. I can't wait to surprise our friends at our next party.

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  68. I'm gobsmacked, Love it. I have the perfect table for this, and too many rolls of aluminum foil.

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  69. I just did this to a nightstand for my daughters bedroom. Silver leaf is so expensive, the table I found at a garage sale for 5 bucks, solid wood, just needed some love. The wallpaper paste was 6 bucks and the dollar store always has foil. Right now I am in the process of letting the paste dry. It only took me two hours to completely cover it in foil (octogon shape with two tiers) So far it looks really cool. I can not wait to do the black paint part!

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