Why I'm Not Scared of Bright Colors on a Statement Piece

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$Why I\'m Not Scared of Bright Colors (Painted Furniture)$

Hey there! Are you afraid of bright colors when it comes to painting your furniture? I used to be until I learned that you only need one bright color in your home. The problem comes when you use too many colors, and they seem to all run together. Pick a color you love, and go for it. Your guest will never be without words, and you can proudly proclaim that you painted it yourself. Later in the blog, I’ll tell you my inspiration for this piece. ♥

This post contains a few affiliate links to help you find the products I use. You are not charged extra to use any of the links, but any income I make will be used for more fun projects! To see my full disclaimer, click here.

Why I’m Not Scared of Brightly Painted Furniture

Here’s the before. Nice-looking chest, huh? She has all the curves in all the right places, and I have just the right paint colors, too.

Purple bright colors are going to rock on this tall chest.

Bright Colors by Dixie Belle Paint Co.

If you’re not afraid of showing your colorful side, you should check out Dixie Belle Paint Company. They have a wide variety of bright colors to choose from, and you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your next project.

Here’s my color! PURPLE!

Don't be scared to use bright colors on your next statement piece.

Here are the products and paint colors that I used for this makeover. You can purchase all these products through my affiliate link here. ⇒ DIXIE BELLE PAINT PRODUCTS

If you purchase from this link, I do make a small profit. That allows me to continue to paint and share with you here, and I love to share!

Amethyst Dixie Belle Paint #affiliate Bright Colors

Blueberry Dixie Belle Paint #affiliate Bright Colors

Blueberry Peek-a-boo

I began my project by cleaning it properly with White Lightning from Dixie Belle. It comes in crystal form, and you mix it with water. I have mine in a spray bottle ready to go. Simply follow the directions on the label.

Before the bright colors were applied, I used a beautiful complimentary color called blue berry.

The first coat of paint I used is called Blueberry. I only painted the areas that were going to be wetly distressed. There was no need to paint the whole piece, and there was no reason to waste good paint, right?

This is the underlying color that I will call my peek-a-boo effect. I allowed the Blueberry to dry completely, and then I painted over it with the Amethyst. WOW! This is a bold purple that is sure to be a winner on a statement piece like this chest.

Wet Distressing

Before the Amethyst (second layer) was dry, I took a damp cotton cloth and wiped back some of the paint where I had painted the underlying blueberry color. You can wipe back as much as you like, even enough for some of that beautiful wood to show.

With this method, there is no sanding, and you don’t have to worry about damaging the finished wood underneath.

I used a technique called wet distressing.

Applying Gilding Wax

I used a combination of Gold and Silver gilding wax to accent the details and applied it with the tip of my finger. I find it easier to control it that way. It was right where I wanted it. The gilding wax dries super fast. After it dried, I buffed it smooth with a clean cotton cloth.

Adding gilding wax over bright colors is a great way to accent the details.

I'm going to make everything around me beautiful and that will be my life with bold bright colors.

Shading With Black Wax

After the gilding wax had dried, I took a large wax brush and used black wax to shade around the drawers and various places of the chest. I wanted to deepen the color in those areas and give this piece a bit of depth.

I added black wax for shading after painting.

The Last Step… Easy Peasy Spray Wax

I sealed the whole painted project with Easy Peasy Spray Wax. This stuff is way cool! I sprayed a light mist and allowed it to dry for about 30 minutes.

I used a soft cotton cloth to buff the wax to a silky smooth satin finish.

I sealed the painted dresser with easy peasy spray wax by Dixie Belle Paint Co.

My Deep Purple Dream

As promised, my inspiration for this piece was from a childhood crush on the one and only Donny Osmond.

The song Deep Purple was sung by him and his little sister. I remember sitting in front of the TV on Friday nights at 7 pm watching the Donny & Marie Show. It was a bit cheesy, yes, but what else could children watch that was wholesome entertainment?

Some of my best childhood memories!

THIS! Bright color painted on this dresser is over the top! Majestic purple for the win.

Several years ago, my friend and I had the opportunity to see Donny in concert. It was so exciting! I thought to myself, now is the time to get his autograph on my Depp Purple dream. Well, at least an autograph on a picture of that special piece.

I tried my best to get Donny’s attention by waving this photo in the air and screaming like a 13-year-old. But it didn’t work. I was so disappointed! But I vowed that I would get his autograph and tell him about this special piece of furniture that I painted to match his song “Deep Purple.”

Signature Update

Fast forward three concerts later, I had the opportunity to meet him and even got this photograph with my friend. It was a birthday surprise gift from me to her.

I didn’t bring my photo to get that autograph, because the venue said no personal items weren’t allowed. So THEY said! I’m a rule follower, so I left it behind. I missed that golden opportunity.

But my best friend (not a rule follower) snuck in her Donny Osmond doll and a Donny and Marie transistor radio for him to sign. Lordy! But I’m so happy she did. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be honest. Never again. 🙁

However, I did manage to get my purple blazer signed by him! Pardon the cheesy grin. Better luck next time, and yes, there will be a next time. Vegas baby!