If you've ever tried to blend colors only to end up with a muddy mess of colors, this blog is for you! This easy color blending tutorial is for beginners and demonstrated by a beginner.
Brody is new to the furniture painting scene. You may remember his most recent (and very first) single color nightstand project here. He did such bang-up job that I decided to advance him to a color blend project.
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Before color blending and design transfers!
We chose this three drawer chest and he tackled the project on live video.
He picked three colors to work with: Muscadine Wine, Rusty Nail, and Antebellum Blue.
PRO TIP (for beginners): It is always wise when blending colors to choose colors that are in the same color family. It is possible to blend colors that are in different families but you should practice within the same color family first. Trust me! It is so much easier and will give you the confidence to try new combinations.
Before I start any painting, I always thoroughly clean the piece and determine if it will need a primer coat. Learn all about how I prep furniture for chalk paint HERE!
Supplies Used: Bohemian Color Blended Dresser
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Easy Color Blending Tutorial for Beginners
Step One: Clean Coat of Each Color
After a thorough clean with White Lightning and a good rinse, Brody painted his first color Muscadine Wine across the bottom of the chest first.
He then added a row of Rusty Nail across the middle...being careful to not overlap his colors yet.
He followed this with a row of Antebellum Blue across the top, again not overlapping colors.
After all three colors had time to dry, he followed suit by adding a second coat starting at the bottom color again.
Step Two: Blending with the Big Daddy
This time, he added his middle row....and while both rows of color were still wet, he lightly spritzed with water and used the Big Daddy jumbo brush to swipe back and forth over and over and over along the line where these two colors meet....even spritzing with a bit of water.... until they were well blended and there was no longer a definitive line present.
The blend was easy and very successful!
Now to do the same thing where the Rusty Nail and Antebellum Blue meet. He added a bit of Rusty Nail along the hard line.....and then added his second coat of Antebellum Blue.
Then using the Big Daddy and a bit of water spray.....he swiped that brush back and forth over that hard line until the two colors were well blended and the definitive line was no longer there! Again....his technique and blend were perfect!
It's that easy!
Some may call this an ombre.....but it is also a form of a blend. Any time you marry two colors and create a blur between the two which creates a third color.....it is a blend.
PRO TIP: When applying colors, try to keep one designated brush per color....and a separate brush as your blending brush. Also have a rag handy to offload paint from the blending brush to the rag after each blending section.
This is how many brushes Brody used on his project....LOL.....just a slight overkill.....but having multiple brushes is helpful!
Even More...Color Blending Tutorial
For even more detailed (video) instruction, please check out my Check & Color Blending Tutorial. With over two hours of clear and direct instruction, you'll be color blending beautifully in no time!
Bohemian Design Transfer Application
Now onto the transfer application that I did without Brody!
*NEW* Bohemian Dream
This is the brand new Bohemian Dream rub-on transfer design.
I love the neutral tone which is not usually my jam....but it reminds me of the colors of a rock canyon and I'm always drawn to that!
The transfer is laid out in rows that you can cut to fit your project. You can divide these rows in any way you want which makes this design extremely versatile.
It was really easy to measure and cut, easy to cut around the three keyholes on each drawer, and even easier to rub on and release from the plastic.
My drawers were jut slightly longer than the transfer itself but there are TWO sheets of each row....so I just matched up end to end and kept going!
Take a Closer Look at the Design Transfer
I don't know if I have a favorite row.....its either the colorful band or the lacy row.
I really like that portions of the transfer are transparent so the color of your piece shows throughout the design....like the row of lace!
Because of this I think next time I use this I will try it on a color that does not exist on the transfer itself.....like maybe a shade of earthy mossy green!
The Finished Look: Bohemian Color Blended Dresser
I burnished the transfer using a finishing sponge and then sealed the transfer AND the paint at the same time using the Top Coat in Satin.
I really love this look!
We've had this piece in our family for YEARS and it is SO rickety!
I cannot offer it for sale for those two reasons.....but I do hope someone in my family will be able to work it into their home decor! It makes a great statement piece in an understated kind of way!
I hope this gives you the confidence that you need to try a simple blend for your very first time!
If Brody can do it.....you can too!
More Inspiration: Color Blending
As you probably know by now, I love color...and color blending is the perfect technique to get several colors on a piece while still looking natural and intentional! Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Floral Furniture Transfer Dresser - another dresser with a similar color blend palette but a completely different look
Floral Ombre China Cabinet - one piece...fives colors
Gold Leaf Ombre Nightstands - sophisticated gold leaf and color blended as part of a whole room makeover
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
Bonus Inspiration: DIY Projects with Brody!
A huge thank you to my son for always being willing to learn new things with me! Here are a few other projects that Brody has help me with in the past.
Antebellum Blue Nightstand - Brody's FIRST EVER furniture painting project
Rain Washed Mural Master Bedroom Makeover - a statement wall for a serene bedroom makeover
Sophie's Bedroom Makeover - a calming rose gold retreat
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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