It’s been about a week since I painted those shutters I picked up at the antique mall. Just to refresh your memory, the picture below is what they looked like before painting.
I painted them in Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint after gluing on two wood embellishments at the top of each. Since I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go, I waxed one with clear and dark wax, and the other with just clear wax.
I like both of them in their own way, but am having a hard time deciding which way to go. One day I am drawn to the one with the dark wax, and then the next day the one with just the clear wax.
I asked my daughter’s opinion and she liked the dark wax option because it seemed to go with the gold of the mirror better. I agree. Until a day later when I am looking at the other one!
I want to apply a bit of clear wax to the dark wax shutter just to adjust the streaky dark look (or I may have to add more paint). I always tend to be heavy handed with the dark wax, but can usually make adjustments to it with the clear wax. Unfortunately, I need to get more clear wax.
I could use some input and then, since I can’t make up my own mind, I think I will go by the majority vote. I can’t live with two different shutters much longer, so which do you think, dark wax or clear wax?
Oh wow, they both look good. I think maybe the dark, only adjust it a bit with the clear. Both are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI, personally, like the dark wax shutter. I think it gives the shutter character and makes it stand out. :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer the clear wax... but it is such a personal decision! I'm sure you will figure it out. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lin
The clear looks more formal..Less obvious..The dark looks rustic..I prefer the clear but it's your decision..You have to live with it..Good luck..
ReplyDeleteI'd do one side of the shutter with clear, then flip them over and do the other side with dark...you can use whatever side you're in the mood for...
ReplyDeleteI think the dark waxed one looks better with your overall area but I would lighten it a bit as well. It's a little too distressed.
ReplyDeleteI love the way the clear waxed shutter lets your mirror and the vignettes below stand out. Tough choice! They both look great.
ReplyDeleteI like the both, but am leaning toward the clear wax one. You can always dark wax it when you get ready for a change. And that's easier than repainting! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, Love your shutters both ways but here with the mirror, I love the dark wax. It just gives such a rich look and works so well with the mirror and other treasures below.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful display Kathy.
Hugs
Tough choice! They both are pretty. I love the dark wax it picks up the colors of the console and that gorgeous mirror! xoox
ReplyDeleteI vote for clear wax! BTW, that little nook looks straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Love it!
ReplyDeleteJeanine
Clear, definitely!
ReplyDeleteI like the clear wax. I think it stands out better in your wall.
ReplyDeleteI like them both, but lean toward the clear wax. Maybe just add some dark wax to the embellishment to bring out the details, and leave the rest white.
ReplyDeleteI like the dark wax as it has more of an aged look and as your daughter said it blends well with the mirror. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteDark!
ReplyDeletexoKathleen
Kathy, I love the contrast of the dark wax. I, too, am heavy handed with dark wax. It can be very challenging. Whatever you decide I know it will be perfect because you have such wonderful taste and style!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the clear wax one!
ReplyDeleteJudy
dark wax! though both are pretty. I do think the darker wax goes better, at least in that spot. you cant go wrong either way.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
xoxo
vivian
after reading thru the comments, I don't know how you'll choose the shutter finish K! eeney, meeney, miney, moe.....
ReplyDeletexo
Hard choice! They both looks beautiful. The clear makes it very elegant and the dark looks a little more rustic. Maybe you can do the dark wax but go a little lighter. Take care. Maria
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! WE did the same when we painted my friend's cabinets. We opted for no antiquing, but I agree in this setting, the dark looks perfect! Have fun deciding!!
ReplyDeleteKathy,
ReplyDeleteI vote for the clear wax. As much as I like looking at shabby chic in other homes, I really am much more traditional... fresh paint, no wrinkles kind of girl. So, the clear wax looks better to my eyes.
Judith