For the Love of the Craft

I've been asked if I use chalk paint on my projects.  The answer is no, and I probable never will.  When it comes to finishing, I don't really like to take short cuts.  I don't use spray paint and I don't like to slop globs of paint on unprepped surfaces in a haphazard manner.  I prefer to take my time.  I'm not a production focused factory trying to pump out finished goods.  I'm an artisan who is trained with woods, metals, paints, stains, etc. and I understand the craft of refinishing a piece of furniture.

When I was a kid, my dad used to watch This Old House and frankly, I wasn't a fan.  Fast forward twenty something years and I now receive their monthly publication.  I guess 5 years of architecture school will do that to you.  

It's no secret Josh and I appreciate good quality.  Whether we're purchasing B&B Italia or Herman Miller from Centro, or we're picking up an unsigned antique from an estate sale, our primary focus is craftsmanship.  At Maison Bord de Mer, we hold our work to this same high standard.  

Eames Lounge and Ottoman for Herman Miller and some Estate Sale finds.

We begin each piece by making any necessary structural repairs - not usually an issue.  Then we sand off the existing finish so that we're working with raw wood.  If we're planning to shabby chic a piece, we don't typically seal the wood before painting, but in rare cases we might.  Then we apply two or three coats of paint (with light sanding in between each coat) before giving the piece a weathered, distressed appearance.  

Distressing is the fun part, but you've gotta be careful not to over-do it.  We do a little bit of sanding and a whole lot of steel wooling. Not a verb I know, but it's what we do.  And sometimes, we like to give the piece an aged look by applying a stain which is promptly wiped off, leaving a tea-stained appearance on the paint.  Lastly, we sign the back or bottom of the piece and seal it with a clear topcoat!

Painted and Distressed wood pediment by Maison Bord de Mer.

Everything we do is done by hand.  No spray guns, no cans.  Just old fashioned paint brushes.  Why do we do it this way?  Because we love what we do and we enjoy the process.  

Thanks for reading!  

Merci,

Angela