The Piano Bench: Achieving the Perfect Blue-Gray Color Wash

The perfect blue-gray color wash is one of those colors I’ve worked tirelessly to achieve.  Just when I thought I had it, I’d stand back to look at the painted piece of furniture, only to crinkle my nose and think… that’s not quite it.  Each time, I’d get closer to my ideal color, but it was time consuming to add layers of blues and grays and whites – brushing, wiping, and watering down paints to achieve a perfectly layered look.  It was never quick or easy.  Until now.

It all started when a long-time neighbor of mine sold their house.  There were several pieces of furniture left behind – one of them being this antique piano bench.  The bench was in rough shape with its share of dings and scratches.  The bench had been so well used, the dark stain had even worn away in spots.

As with every furniture makeover, begin with a good sanding.  From there paint on a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk paint in the color Graphite.  Graphite is a very dark gray, but if you were to add white to it, you’d be able to see it has rich blue undertones.

If you don’t have an Annie Sloan paint supplier near you, Benjamin Moore has a Graphite on their color chart that is very similar.

Once the Graphite dries, apply General Finishes Winter White Glaze.  Simply brush on and then wipe off with a clean white cotton rag.  The result is the perfect blue-gray color wash.  The layers are soft and far from the flat you’d get if you just applied a single layer of matte paint.

I barely had this bench photographed  when my best friend walked in and snatched it up for her daughter.  It was the perfect accompaniment to her keyboard that sat in their living room.  The blue-gray worked perfectly with her blue couch and black accents around the room.

Do you have an old bench hanging around?  This blue-gray graphic color wash may be the perfect solution to bring it quickly up-to-date.