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Easy DIY Pottery Barn Dupe table painting tutorial

Create a Faux Pottery Barn Finish with Country Chic Paint

July 20, 2024
Author Rosanne Korteland
Do you love the Pottery Barn furniture look but not the price tag? We'll show you how to recreate that beloved rustic wood finish for a fraction of the cost!

Creating a Pottery Barn-inspired finish using Country Chic Paint can elevate your furniture and decor to a new level of style and sophistication. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieving a Pottery Barn finish!

Materials Needed:

Step 1: Find Your Project Piece

This can be done on just about any furniture, but if you don’t already have a piece of furniture in mind for this technique, keep an eye out at your thrift stores as well as local buy and sell sites.

To really mimic the pottery barn style most accurately, pay attention to the details and shapes that you love in your Pottery Barn catalogue and watch for second hand furniture with similar features. For example, we loved this table because of its four curved legs and ribbed centerpiece that matched our Pottery Barn inspiration table so well!

Before photos of table being painted with beige furniture paint

Step 2: Prepare Your Surface

Ensure your furniture piece is clean and free from any dirt, grease, or previous finishes. Lightly sand the surface if needed for better paint adhesion.

Click here for full surface prep tips and instructions.

Step 3: Apply Paint

Shake and stir your jar of Country Chic Paint (we used Road Trip) thoroughly to ensure an even consistency. Use a synthetic-bristle brush to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, following the grain of the wood.

Allow the first coat to dry completely (1-2 hours) before proceeding to the next step.

Flatlay collage photos of scalloped edge oval side table painted with beige taupe furniture paint and brown glaze

Apply a second coat of Road Trip if needed for full coverage. Let each coat dry thoroughly between applications.

Step 4: Apply Furniture Glaze

After your final paint coat has dried for at least 12 hours you can begin applying Furniture Glaze (we used the color Smoky Quartz) using a separate brush. A coarse bristle brush or broom works best for creating texture.

Here are some suggestions of the types of brushes you could try:

Tool ideas to create a faux pottery barn finish on furniture - brooms, bristle brushes, sponges, and scrubby pads

Working in small sections, apply the glaze and then drag your course brush through it to create a textured, faux wood grain look.

Repeat this step with the second tinted glaze if desired, layering for more richness and complexity.

Step 5: Apply White Wax

After allowing the Furniture Glaze to dry for at least 24 hours it’s time to apply the Country Chic Paint White Wax. Using a Wax Brush, apply a thin layer of White Wax over the entire piece. Work the wax into all crevices and details.

Use a lint-free cloth to buff the wax until dry. You can always add a second coat of wax and achieve your desired level of white-washed effect.

For more detailed tips on applying furniture wax, click here.

Not only will the white wax add dimension and highlight the details of your piece, but it also protects your paint and glaze from wear and tear!

Flatlay collage photos of scalloped edge oval side table being painted with beige taupe furniture paint and brown glaze

Enjoy Your Pottery Barn-Inspired Finish

Once the wax is dry and cured, your furniture piece will boast a beautiful Pottery Barn-inspired finish, characterized by subtle color variations, depth from the glaze, and a soft, white-washed effect from the white wax.

Faux pottery barn finish on round scalloped edge side table

Additional Tips:

  • Experiment with different types of course brushes when applying your glaze. You might prefer one type of brush over another, or you could use a combination of brushes for a more varied, natural finish.
  • Work out the kinks in advance! Practice on a small test piece or sample board before applying techniques to your main project.
  • Always allow adequate drying time between coats and finishes.

With these steps and materials from Country Chic Paint, you can transform your furniture into a stunning piece that embodies the timeless elegance of Pottery Barn style. Enjoy your newly refreshed and stylish home decor!

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