SWMBO has seen a floor finish she really likes, painted and
distressed, she calls it French shabby chic.

Has anyone any suggestions for achieving this look. I was thinking
along the lines of a coat or two of primer or emulsion, followed by a
couple of coats of matt or satin varnish. Ideally a low odour and
quick drying solution. Not looking at spending weeks on the project
either!
The floor is in a hallway, no children, two adults, light traffic.

Thanks

"johno" wrote in message
...
SWMBO has seen a floor finish she really likes, painted and
distressed, she calls it French shabby chic.

Has anyone any suggestions for achieving this look. I was thinking
along the lines of a coat or two of primer or emulsion, followed by a
couple of coats of matt or satin varnish. Ideally a low odour and
quick drying solution. Not looking at spending weeks on the project
either!
The floor is in a hallway, no children, two adults, light traffic.


A few of the techniques I know:

Wire brushing to roughen the surface and bring up some of the grain.
Thinning the paint right down so that you can see the wood grain through it,
then clear varnish on top.
Thinned paint brushed on and then wiped off with a rag so that it stays in
the imperfections and nail holes only.

Don't know what your wife wants of course. Really it needs experimentation
unless you are experienced enough to just do it straight off.

Tim W

On Nov 15, 11:15*pm, "Tim W"
wrote:
"johno" wrote in message

...

SWMBO has seen a floor finish she really likes, painted and
distressed, she calls it French shabby chic.

Has anyone any suggestions for achieving this look. *I was thinking
along the lines of a coat or two of primer or emulsion, followed by a
couple of coats of matt or satin varnish. *Ideally a low odour and
quick drying solution. *Not looking at spending weeks on the project
either!
The floor is in a hallway, no children, two adults, light traffic.

A few of the techniques I know:

Wire brushing to roughen the surface and bring up some of the grain.
Thinning the paint right down so that you can see the wood grain through it,
then clear varnish on top.
Thinned paint brushed on and then wiped off with a rag so that it stays in
the imperfections and nail holes only.

Don't know what your wife wants of course. Really it needs experimentation
unless you are experienced enough to just do it straight off.

Tim W

Finish she is after is one of a painted floor that has had some use,
worn but not totally bare. My thoughts are along the lines you
suggest, thinned paint and clear varnish to finish. No problem doing
it straight off.
Have done this on small items of furniture using similar methods, just
wondered if anyone had experience of doing a floor and had any tips to
pass on.
Cheers

On Nov 15, 11:38*pm, johno wrote:
On Nov 15, 11:15*pm, "Tim W"
wrote:





"johno" wrote in message

....

SWMBO has seen a floor finish she really likes, painted and
distressed, she calls it French shabby chic.

Has anyone any suggestions for achieving this look. *I was thinking
along the lines of a coat or two of primer or emulsion, followed by a
couple of coats of matt or satin varnish. *Ideally a low odour and
quick drying solution. *Not looking at spending weeks on the project
either!
The floor is in a hallway, no children, two adults, light traffic.

A few of the techniques I know:

Wire brushing to roughen the surface and bring up some of the grain.
Thinning the paint right down so that you can see the wood grain through it,
then clear varnish on top.
Thinned paint brushed on and then wiped off with a rag so that it stays in
the imperfections and nail holes only.

Don't know what your wife wants of course. Really it needs experimentation
unless you are experienced enough to just do it straight off.

Tim W

Finish she is after is one of a painted floor that has had some use,
worn but not totally bare. *My thoughts are along the lines you
suggest, thinned paint and clear varnish to finish. No problem doing
it straight off.
Have done this on small items of furniture using similar methods, just
wondered if anyone had experience of doing a floor and had any tips to
pass on.
Cheers- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Paint the floor, and walk on it? Wouldn't take long to look shabby. I
imagine that's how the French floors that your wife wants to emulate
came to look the way they did.

Cheers
Richard

Paint the floor, and walk on it? Wouldn't take long to look shabby. I
imagine that's how the French floors that your wife wants to emulate
came to look the way they did.

Cheers
Richard

Hmm,

She wants it to look a little shabby and stay that way, rather than
get shabbier! But a good point well made ;-)