Balayage Painted Furniture Technique You Have To See!

This Balayage Painted Furniture Technique was inspired after hair! We went from full paint coverage and gradually distressed this converted media console for a unique rustic paint finish! Learn our painting technique with this easy DIY furniture tutorial!

I'm WAY overdue for a hair style change so I've been looking at different women's hair styles lately and I'm finding myself gravitating more and more towards getting some blended balayage coloring. "Why, you've already got chalk paint in your pony?" Ha! You're so funny... ;)



While I'm busy finding a really great hair stylist I thought I'd try my own hand at a little balayage furniture painting. ;)

PAINTED FURNITURE TECHNIQUE INSPIRED BY BALAYAGE HAIR HIGHLIGHTS

What Is Balayage?  

Pronounced | ba·lay·age balˈ yäZH/ noun. |

Balayage is a technique for highlighting hair.  The dye is painted on in such a way that it creates a graduated, natural-looking effect.

And that got me wondering...

I wonder if this hair coloring technique could be applied as a furniture painting technique? 


I don't know but we're always up for a furniture painting challenge! 


Our plan is apply the concept of balayage highlights by its very definition and try it out as a furniture painting technique to give this furniture piece a unique paint finish. 

We're calling this project The Winchester Console. 

Disclaimer: I received paint from Country Chic Paint to complete this furniture makeover. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy.

Take a peek at the before picture. The poor little soul that sold us this piece had already sanded it part way before he gave up on it.

Sanding furniture is not for the weary friends! But we were beyond thrilled to get this dresser in this furniture refinishing stage. 


Not only did we get this piece for a really low "get it outta of here" price tag but a good chunk of the hard work had already been done for us! 

In just a few short hours, we had the rest of the piece sanded and cleaned up.

HOW TO CONVERT A DRESSER TO A MEDIA CONSOLE 

Before we could try out our Balayage furniture painting technique we wanted to convert this old dresser into an entertainment center. 

Here are the steps we took to turn this dresser into a TV stand. 


Step #1. PLACEMENT: 

Determine how many shelves you want for your TV components and their placement. 


Step #2. DRAWER REMOVAL: 

Remove all the dresser drawers you want to convert into shelves. Remove all drawer rails if applicable. 

Step #3. CREATE THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BOX: 

If you are left with an uneven wood surface the easiest thing to do is simply add a new piece of wood to bottom of each shelf to make it flush. This is easy to do!


Simply take measurements for the bottom of your shelf.


Cut a piece of 1/4" finished wood to your measurements and then use wood glue and clamps to secure it in place.


Once the glue set time is complete you can remove the clamps.

Step #4. CREATE THE SIDES OF YOUR BOX: 

Next, create your box. You'll do this by taking measurements for your side inserts. Then, you'll cut your wood to size.

Apply your wood glue and some finishing nails to secure them in place.



Step #5 PAINT: Paint or Paint Retouch up your shelves. (See our project tips)


We painted the inside of our shelves with one last coat of fresh black paint. 

If you are looking for a really sturdy furniture paint brand, I highly recommend General Finishes in Lamp Black!

PROJECT TIPS FOR TURNING A DRESSER INTO A TV STAND

PROJECT TIP #1: I painted my bottom wood pieces before I glued them down. A little touch up paint was required but it was sure a lot easier to paint the wood outside of the dresser than inside!


PROJECT TIP #2: If you don't own a table saw, zig saw, or circular saw to make your wood cuts, some big box home improvement stores will cut the wood for you (if you ask really nicely and they aren't busy) if you bring in your measurements.

If you are looking to purchase a saw, here are some of the most top rated saws.

PIN THIS FURNITURE MAKEOVER FOR LATER!

BALAYAGE PAINT FINISH VS. OMBRE PAINT FINISH

The idea behind a Balayage painting technique for furniture is that there's a gradual transition between colors or in this case (a lack there of). 

A Balayage finish is different then an Ombre paint finish.


When you're using the Balayage technique you leave dark pieces of hair at the bottom. 

In the hair world, this creates dimension and a more natural sun-kissed look. We wanted to see if we could get that same sun-kissed look on furniture!


Before you start, mentally divide your piece of furniture into thirds. The top third will have lots of color, the middle third will have less color and the bottom third should have almost no color.

HOW TO GET A BALAYAGE PAINT FINISH FOR YOUR FURNITURE

STEP #1. SAND YOUR FURNITURE PIECE: 

I personally think it's easier to start with a sanded down piece of furniture. 

It doesn't have to be completely sanded. 

But, at the very least the bottom half of your piece should be sanded thoroughly with additional various areas throughout the rest of your piece. 

It's much easier to get the Balayage look by adding the paint color than taking it away via distressing and sanding.

STEP #2. PAINTING: 

Start at the top of your furniture piece and paint for full coverage (mostly). Leave areas here and there where the original wood peaks through. This helps tie in that gradual look.


(Top third section) As you work your way down your piece. Take your freshly dipped paint brush and start your brush stroke at the top of your piece then sweep it in a downward motion so that the bulk of your paint color stays in the upper region of your piece.



(Middle third section) Put less paint on both your paint brush and this section of your furniture piece. Take a rag and rub the paint into the wood (like you would a stain). Be sure to overlap with your top section and leave areas near the bottom third section untouched to preserve the distressing.


(Last third section) Then, take your paint brush and dry brush paint in various areas along the bottom of your piece to bring some dark color back into your furniture.



STEP 3. WET DISTRESS

Lastly, take a damp rag and wet distress heavily along the bottom of your piece. Gradually get lighter with your distressing as you go up your piece.




Be sure to view the short demonstration video down below. Once you've watched it, come back and re-read these directions. I think it will help you to understand them even better!


And now for the reveal! Tada! I think it turned out pretty darn neat!....

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

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RELATED FURNITURE PAINTING POSTS:

• How To Beautify Your Furniture With A Color Wash
• 22 Black & White Home Decor Pieces You'll LOVE!
• Dry Brush Painting Technique That Makes Furniture Look Like Art!
• Fool Proof Natural Distressing Technique That WORKS EVERY TIME
• Interior Decorating Tips For Your Home

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BALAYAGE PAINTING TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATION

Grab a drink, put your feet up and watch us work away on this Balayage painted furniture piece!

If you have time for one more furniture makeover, this Restoration Hardware Inspired Dresser Makeover will catch your eye! 

We hope you've been inspired to try something new this week!

If you enjoyed this tutorial and furniture makeover, we would love it if you'd share it on Pinterest or Facebook!


Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street

PIN THIS PAINTED FURNITURE TECHNIQUE FOR LATER!