Step 1

Instructions

1. Sand with 100-, then 150-grit sandpaper, and remove the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Apply primer and let it dry. Spray the stencil with adhesive and press the stencil onto a drawer front.

 

Step 2

2. To create the three-dimensional design, trowel the plaster over the stencil. Gently work the plaster into each cutout section by applying light pressure with the trowel. For a more pronounced relief, build up the layer of plaster by reapplying it with the trowel until you are satisfied. (On the cabinet shown, we repeated the troweling process.)

 

Step 7

3. While the plaster is still wet, remove the stencil by carefully lifting it from one corner and peeling it off the drawer front. Allow the relief to dry thoroughly.

4. Repeat this process until all drawer, door, and other raised-panel fronts are dimensionally stenciled and thoroughly dry. If unwanted edges form around the dry raised design, sand with 100-grit sandpaper. Remove the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

5. Paint the cabinet black. Let the paint dry.

6. To create the metallic look, apply silver metallic paint to all surfaces and let dry thoroughly.

7. Brush on black glazing liquid to accent the relief as shown. While the glaze is still wet, rub off most of the glazing with a soft cloth so that only the cabinet's raised panels and stenciling pattern are highlighted. Let the glaze dry thoroughly. To reveal the black, lightly sand the relief with 150-grit sandpaper. Remove the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

 

Step 8

8. Add glass cabinetry pulls to complete the transformation from drab to dramatic.

A Fresh Start with Old Furniture

Artful Mirror