Jackson's Unfinished Furniture

We can finish it or you can......the choice is yours!

At Jackson's, we work with professional finishers in the Atlanta area. Staining, painting, distressing, and custom blends are among a few of the things they can do for you. We also provide the products and information you need to do it yourself. Click here to visit the Design Center at General Finishes to get more information about decorative finishes

Decorative or faux finishes are easy to create. Read on to learn more about distressing, marble effects, color washing, ragging and wood graining on any piece of furniture! These techniques are often effective when added as a simple finishing touch to a piece of furniture, perhaps just on the top, drawer front, or door panel. All products shown below are from General Finishes Water Based Finishes.
	Distressing is the technique of marking wood to mimic the character of generations of use. The most common form is distress sanding. Other tools can be used to give further aging dimension to wood; hammers, nails, screws, old hardware, literally anything you can pound into the wood that would leave an imprint. This look: Somerset Gold Milk Paint sanded off.
	Antiquing is a another form of distressing using sanding techniques combined with either Glazing or a second color of Milk Paint - giving the appearance of an old piece of furniture that has been well taken care of over the years but has slight natural wear on the doors, edges, or sides. The look of distressing and antiquing is enhanced on furniture with moldings and raised panels. This look: Antique White Milk Paint over Cypress Green Furniture Paint.
	Glazing is the process of applying a translucent color to the surface, and then rubbing off the excess to create decorative effects. Often called "color washing" or "burnishing", Glaze will put a "wash of translucent color" over the base color underneath. When Glaze is applied with techniques such as sponging, ragging or Strie', more unique looks can be achieved. This look: Basil Green Paint sanded off, followed by Red Sienna Glaze.
	Sponging or Color Washing is the process of applying a translucent color to the surface, and then pouncing the Glaze with a dampened sea sponge or soft cloth. To achieve an aged patina, apply an additional lighter Glaze over a darker Glaze. This look: Yellow Ochre Glaze over Antique White Milk Paint.
	Strie' (Dragging) The word strie' is French, meaning to comb through the Glaze mixture with dry dragging tools such as a brush, in order to create fine lines and to reveal the base coat color underneath. This look: Red Sienna Glaze over Buttermilk Yellow Milk Paint.
	Wet Color Blending This free form wet-finish application is known for its subtle variations in color and soft natural glow. Supremely versatile, it can be adapted to any piece of furniture. This look: Cranberry Red Country Colors diluted with water based Top Coat over Snow White Milk paint.
	Marble Effects is a timeless decorative finish that adds interest to furniture. When creating marble effects, keep it "real". Choose surfaces that realistically would be made of marble, such as table or dresser tops. This look: White Country Colors Stain with Lamp Black Milk Paint.
	Pickling is simply applying a light color stain to wood; then wiping off the stain to let the color of the wood show through. This look: Egg Shell Country Colors wiped off.
	Crackle technique adds a beautiful, worn elegance to any piece of furniture. When used with General Finishes water based Wood Stains, Country Colors or Milk Paints, the crackle medium contracts, fracturing the top stain coat and exposing the base coat beneath. Within minutes, you can duplicate the effects of years of natural weathering. Perfect for that special touch- just crackle the drawer fronts or door panels for a weathered, aged look. This look: Buttermilk Yellow Milk Paint over Antique White Milk Paint.
	Antique Wood Graining Also known as "faux bois", wood graining is a timeless wood finish that adds warmth and beauty to any piece. This look: Antique Cherry Wood Stain over a Brick Red Milk Paint.