Decor Makeovers

Turn a Thrift Store Find Into Weathered “Concrete” Using Paint and Wax!

It happens to me all the time at the thrift store…I find home decor that has perfect lines, just the right look, “Good Bones” but it’s finished off with sloppy details, or an ugly color, or in this guy’s case, iridescent glaze! One look at this bunny and I knew I wanted to make him look like weathered concrete!

before
His features are so sweet, he is a perfectly proportioned bunny, just can’t see myself or anyone else fitting iridescent purple into their Spring decorating!

Follow along with me here as I explain how easy it is to make him look like weathered concrete.

I used the following products to achieve this look:

    1. Dark Grey paint – I paint two coats of a nice dark, charcoal gray. Any dark grey or black would work for this. On most surfaces, this paint does not require prep other than a good cleaning and drying. If you find, however, your first coat not wanting to adhere, you may have to prime your surface. For small decor items, I use a gray spray primer, even the cheapest one at the hardware store does the trick.
    2. White Wash – I pour a small amount of white chalk paint into a small bowl and add 2 parts water. Then dab and brush it on with a cheap “chip” brush. A wash is usually workable for about a minute before it dries so you can blot and wipe in areas to give it a more weathered look.
    3. Finishing Wax – I start with a clear wax and add a bit of teal paint to tint then work this in the surface with a small wax brush making sure to get that good, green, weathered look into all the nooks. Then I use a dry, soft cloth to rub and buff the surface to a matte, weathered finish.

That’s it! So easy! Amazon links are connected to my Amazon Associates account and I am compensated *minimally* if you happen to click the link and order, otherwise I am not being paid for this post, just sharing what I love to do!

Transform your thrift store finds with Heirloom Traditions paints and finishes! This weathered concrete look is easy to acheive with just three products!

5 thoughts on “Turn a Thrift Store Find Into Weathered “Concrete” Using Paint and Wax!

  1. I love it! Is it weather proof? Can it withstand instance heat without melting the wax off? We live in Scottsdale AZ where temperatures can reach 120 degrees in the summer.

    1. As is, this could be placed outside on a porch or covered patio but it’s not extreme weather proof meaning I wouldn’t keep it outside year round, especially in an area it would get rained on or in high humidity. If you want to try to make it weatherproof, skip the wax and seal with an outdoor topcoat. Thanks!

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