Liming Wax Tutorial

Thank you for all the sweet comments on the dining room before and after post!  It has been so fun reading all of them (especially for my clients who are thrilled with your response).  So, I promised to show you how they limed the table.  Honestly, it's amazing that with a few steps you can take a table from this . . .

To this . . .

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It does take some elbow grease and attention to detail, but the results are so worth it.  Here's the process.

Step One

In a well ventilated area, sand the entire piece to remove any vanish or lacquer.  This couple wanted some of the original color to show through so they did not sand to bare wood.  I think this added to the patina of the finished piece.  

Also remember, the liming wax will look different depending on the tone of your wood.  So, you'll need to experiment with it a bit.  I actually tried the liming wax on our mantle after staining it and did not like the look, so we went back to a simple stain.  (Here's that post for reference). A simple way to do this is to sand and lime a section that is not visible (aka, underneath the table) before going to all the trouble to do the entire piece. 

Step Two
After sanding, wipe the entire piece down with the tack cloth to ensure there is no residue on the surface.  You want the wax to go on as evenly as possible.

Step Three
Using steel wool, apply the wax to the table in a circular motion.  This will ensure the wax clings to the grain of the wood creating the perfect effect.  The goal is to get this stuff down into the crevasses of the wood.

Remember you need to be liberal with it.


The more you apply the greater the contrast in the grain of the wood.  Notice the cute hubby applying the wax!

Here is a shot of the table after you've applied the liming wax.  You do need to let this sit overnight to dry thoroughly.

Step Four
The next day, apply a clear wax over the entire piece.  This will act as a seal and protect the piece.

Wax On . . . Wax Off . . . (sorry, I couldn't resist).

I should mention since this piece has not be coated with a varnish that the wood is still "open" so you may get water marks, etc. from daily use.  But, honestly, I think this adds to the character of a piece like this.

And the results . . . 

A big thanks to my clients for all these great pictures of the process.  I hope you'll find something to try this technique on in your own home! M.

Family Weekend

I mentioned we were going to have family in town this past weekend.  It was so much fun.  We were on the go most of the time with sporting events for my kids and a quick trip to the fabric store with my sister-in-law (I'm helping redesign her living room).  With all the running around, it was nice to have dinner at home one of the nights.  My husband's birthday was the week before so we held off and celebrated this past Saturday night. I thought you might like to see my table for the dinner.

I rarely use a lot of color on the table.  I know lots of people do and it is beautiful; but for me, I like a table that's simple and elegant.  

My dining table is much wider than a standard table, so I have to think big for a centerpiece.  This arrangement is an easy way to get impact, not break the bank, and still be able to see your dinner guests (not some huge arrangement).  I took one bundle of pink tulips and tucked the entire arrangement inside this large clear glass vase.  It fills up a lot of space, but does not obstruct your view.  In the summer months, I've also floated fresh hydrangeas in this vase for a pretty look.  

Here's a closer look (below).  

Also, notice the small etched sherbet glasses in the picture below.  These were a recent find, and I was dying to use them.  I only have six, so I filled them with jelly bellies in flavors that my daughter and I picked (after tasting all of them in the grocery store, I might add).  We included our favorites of all the red, pink and white options.  

These were a fun conversation piece and everybody lingered after dessert and sampled them.

Here's another tip I often use:  If you are having more than six people to a dinner party, the number of plates, crystal, etc. that you are hand washing really adds up.  So, what I often do is use real silver and linen table napkins to make the table feel special.  Then I pair this with my every day china (which is just a simple white pattern) and every day glassware (not crystal).  It makes the party special and clean up much easier for me.

One last thing, I used salt cellars with crystal spoons on the table this time.  Although I don't use them often, I think they are unusual and really add to the table setting.  These were a gift from an Aunt when I got married.  It was a ton of fun and I hope they will come back soon for another visit. M.