Shadow Box Makeover: Chalk Paint & Rub ‘n Buff Tutorial
About 10 years ago, I commissioned a custom shadow box and it turned out so beautifully. The glass front is a hinged door with hook hasp locks to keep it secure. I had the piece done in a creamy white and distressed to show the wood underneath. The paint was finished off with a clear wax that was absolutely dreamy to the touch. I loved the shadow box the way it was, but I am going in a different direction with a lot of things around the house. So, it was time to give this shadow box display an update.
My other half likes color, but I don’t, so I am finding places where I can add touches of color so that we both can have what we want. I am also changing all of my picture frames over to gold, because well, gold. Need I say more? Lastly, but most importantly, the item that is housed within the shadow box, looked out of place, the color combos did not allow it to shine like it deserved. The item I speak of, is a Bowie Bunny, from Skippy Cotton.
This Bowie Bun Bun is one that takes pride of place, because it’s amazing and yes, it represents David Bowie. I don’t typically display band or musician decor because it doesn’t fit my style, but this Bowie Bunny is unique, it’s different, it’s whimsical, but understated. This little fella has been displayed in this pretty, but very boring white shadow box for 2 years. I had “upgraded” all of my picture frames around the house to gold, except this one so it stuck out like a sore thumb.
I grabbed my Waverly chalk paint in Agave and a tube of Rub ‘n Buff in Gold Leaf. I wiped the inside and outside of the shadow box down with a damp cloth and let it dry. Using a chip brush I painted the inside of the shadow box with the chalk paint, making sure to get the grooves of the beadboard first. Once it was painted, I used a toothbrush to rub on the Rub ‘n Buff around the outer frame. I let the Rub ‘n Buff sit for a few minutes and then I buffed it with a soft cloth.
I wasn’t completely sold on the color at first, so I lived with it for a few weeks. Once I decided I was happy with the color, I finished the painted insides with a clear wax. I prefer Homestead House’s waxes and I always have multiple jars of it on hand. To hang the Bowie Bunny inside, I used clear thumb tacks on the ears, you can see them, but they don’t stand out. Now the shadow box frame and the Bowie Bunny compliment each other and work to create a gorgeous display. It’s really quite simple and affordable to give the things that you have a fresh look, with paint and a little time!
