Mixing Paint Colors

I enjoy working with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I understand it and for the most part, I know what to expect from it.  However, and I am not sure why, I rarely use her colors straight out the can.  I'm always adding a little bit of this, or a little bit of that!  I don't understand what drives me to mix colors...because her colors are lovely, just the way they are.  Oh well...I mix colors, so let's get on with it.

I found a beautiful vintage chest, with the prettiest details.  It was in sad shape, with some veneer damage.  It had been stored in someone's basement for many years.  I apologize for not having any 'before' pictures.

We are in the midst of a long, cold winter, and I'm in the mood for a soft aqua. I pull out Provence, Duck Egg Blue and Old White.  I'm not quite ready for straight Provence....I think it is a very strong color...and if you look at my other projects, I tend to be very conservative with my color choices.  I had just completed a French chest in Duck Egg Blue and it really was so lovely.  Hmmm...let's start mixing and see what I come up with.

I love using white paper plates to play with colors.  It's not very fancy, but it works!  :)  As soon as I put the Duck Egg and Provence on the plate, I knew I would use some variation of Provence.  After adding Old White in different ratios, I've arrived at the color value, but it's too baby bluish.  Maybe a little Aubusson Blue will deepen it just a tad.  Oh look, I have a custom mix from a previous job that is comprised of Aubusson Blue and Old Ochre. 

Here's a picture of the chest done in this custom mix of Aubusson Blue & Old Ochre:

I drizzle a little of this darker mixture in to my Provence/Old White mixture and come up with a lovely aqua.

I know I want to have this piece feel layered, so my first coat is Old Ochre.  Then a few coats of my 'magic aqua', some distressing, clear and dark wax....

We find these pieces, we give them love...and this one has a custom color which makes it truly a one of a kind piece.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robin

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