It was a beautiful day on Saturday and perfect for one of the painting projects I needed to check off my list of outdoor clean up. It looks so inviting now - perfect for its shady spot in my yard.
Before painting, the wood on the bench was weathered, but still in excellent shape. I was not looking for perfect or glossy coverage, but an aged and somewhat weathered look. My technique to achieve this look was to use white exterior paint, thinned with water. I used a light touch and a pretty dry brush while painting the slats also. Full coverage is not the goal here.
As you can see the wood still can be seen in spots, but the whole bench is brighter and lighter and really stands out in my yard. By not going for perfect coverage, this technique is very forgiving and the whole painting job took me only fifteen minutes. That left me plenty of time to enjoy a glass of tea in this quiet spot.
My thoughts go out to Oklahoma today as they take stock and begin the recovery from the tornado. So many lives changed by the power of nature. And once again, the teachers show how they are unselfish heroes towards the children under their care.
{Linking with these friends}
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
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Beautiful! I have one that needs a fresh look also! Have a blessed day, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite technique for weathered (and even new!) wood. Such a lovely spot. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you updated this bench - it's both fresh and rustic - a look I like a lot, but not always easy to attain. This is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love the new look you gave the old bench! I really like your pillows too.
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice. And it probably dried quickly as well.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great, Vicki!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect place to sit and look at all the pretty surroundings.
ReplyDeleteListen Watch Be Still . . .
I used the watered down dry brush technique on a few galvanized pieces this spring. I like it too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, Vicki. I have some old window frames on which I would like to achieve the same look. I'll try the thinned paint and dry brush technique on them. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Vicki and will serve as the perfect spot to relax with a good book and the beverage of your choice:)
ReplyDeletexxleslie
www.4aroundthetable.com
I was standing at the window looking at 2 benches that need help this morning. Thanks for the idea to go forth with paint! for what it's worth
ReplyDeleteVicki, you nail a great finish on this bench!!! Thanks for sharing it at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I have three benches that I want to refinish soon. I love the colors in the cushions too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely gave it a new and brighter look. I did this a few times to an old garden bench I had like that. She finally bit the dust. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I like the lighter look. I need to do that with my bench as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
I'd enjoy sitting on that pretty bench. '-)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea - the lighter look is perfect. It looks like a great "get-away" place!!
ReplyDeleteyour technique worked beautifully!
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice. We had one of these benches for years and redid it a couple of times until the wood just gave up. Really you could replace the wood too if you wanted to. Yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteYour bench looks beautiful and I love the cushions too. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteLove the white-washed look - I need to paint or stain a bench - haven't made up my mind which. Maybe I'll take a poll :)
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
I have a chair that needs some help; I wasn't sure if I wanted to paint it. This could be the answer.
ReplyDelete