FRENCHIC WAX & PAINT - HACK
Light "oak surface" without sanding for dark log beams!
Yes! The Frenchic Beam Hack or Wax & Paint technique was originally developed to create a light oak appearance on dark ceiling beams with Frenchic products
Here's how to do it:
You need brown Frenchic wax and off-white Frenchic paint. The surface is first painted with Lazy Range Crème de la Crème and then Browning Wax is applied.
This simple technique makes it possible to completely transform the look of dark, stained or previously painted wooden beams without expensive, messy and time-consuming sanding or sandblasting.
This wax & paint technique is most effective on surfaces with texture (as old log surfaces usually are) that Brown Wax emphasizes and defines as the wax collects in the grooves and grooves of the surface structure.
This technique creates a natural and light, like new wood surface effect.
Our videos on Instagram and TikTok show some ways to create texture, check it out to get the most out of this look!
As ceiling joists are generally not prone to wear and tear, the wax can be applied quite liberally, which emphasizes the toned wood effect.
What about surfaces other than logs?
Over time, customers have started to try the same method in other areas around the home as well. This includes all types of interior wooden parts -
However, using the wax & paint technique to create a natural oak look on such surfaces, which are often smooth, is a different process than regular painting and requires a bit more time and effort.
Then a brush or something similar is needed for finishing, which is used to draw the grain of the wood or the desired striping into the wax surface, if you are making a Pottery Barn-type surface.
Another option is to make the smooth surface grooved: You can also make a texture on the smooth surface yourself: scratches and indentations using a hammer, saw, various blades, etc. Scratch and scratch the surface, and you get grooves and indentations where the wax sticks.
In addition, regular maintenance is likely to be required over time, especially in areas and surfaces with heavy wear.
We recommend trying it on a small area first - before a larger project, so that you can see what the end result will be with the technique you have chosen on the surface you have chosen.
Wax on - Wax off
When using wax, it is best to apply it in several thin layers with a wax brush, allowing the wax to dry completely before applying the next layer.
Wax layers that are too thick never dry and remain sticky. So make the desired shade and surface with several thin layers instead of one thick layer.
Between each layer, the excess wax is wiped off (lightly polished): wax on - wax off.
When you have reached the shade you want, finally polish the surface with a strong rotating motion with a lint-free cloth. A polishing step is not necessary when waxing ceiling beam-style surfaces, because they are not in any surface use. Thus, a thicker layer of wax does not hurt. Evaluate the use of the surface of your own project yourself, and take the necessary steps depending on whether the surface is touched or not.
Like paint, wax also has a certain curing time during which it hardens.
Buy your accessory package for your own wax & paint project here: https://frenchicpaint.fi/products/vaha-ja-maali-frenchic-hack-set
You can find more instructions on the versatile use of Frenchic waxes here.