Ceruse technique

I'm usually the last to get on board with any hot trend going around. Well this time I've been working on something a little different. Awhile back I saw an oak piece done in an ebony stain with a cerused finish. I thought it looked cool and did some research. Here are some pics...

1stdibs ebonized

Lane Brutalist from 1stdibs

cerused oak dresser courtesy of  "The Aestate"

How cool would it be to do those old '70's oak kitchen cabinets like this???

So what is ceruse???   "A pigment containing white lead". 
 It actually dates back centuries when people used liming wax to treat 

wood and furniture to keep insects away.
I went to the Ornamentalist to gain info on the how-to. You can do this with any color dye
and I imagine you could tint the color of the white wax. 

Here is the credenza I just finished.

Before.......

and the After...

I had planned on doing the technique on something oak, as you need a nice raised grain

on your wood. But when I sanded this one down, I noticed this walnut grain was nicely pronounced. I thought I would give it a go!  It's not difficult. They recommend using dye as opposed to a stain. Dye actually penetrates further into the wood and gives it a richer hue. Dyes come in all colors. I got ebony. It comes in a powder form that you mix with water. 

           Here are the drawers all sanded.  Below is the top with the first coat of the ebony dye.

It's important that you keep the grain pronounced. 

           See how the grain just pops out at you??!! I did 2-3 coats of dye. It absorbs and dries quickly. After the dye dried,
I applied a coat of shellac to seal. 

You must do this before applying the wax. I cut my shellac in half with denatured alcohol and 
also added a few drops of the ebony dye to give it a richer color. 

 Here's the application process of the liming wax. You can make your own, but I just bought it. You apply it just like regular wax and buff. If you didn't apply the shellac first, the white would be over the whole thing! You can go back over it with clear wax to clean off any smears.

It's amazing to see this work!!

 The sides/door fronts were done in a white enamel/spray lacquer and the trim was
 done in a semi gloss black.

I had done the legs, but swapped them out for the hairpins instead. 

Daniel over at DefineModern hooked me up with the awesome legs!!

pinterest

Look at these cerused oak floors! How cool would this be in a room?

 The devil is in the details!  I did an apple green color on the bottom shelf and peek-a-boo drawers. The inner doors were lined with fabric and modpodge. 

Such a versatile piece. You can accent it with any color.

Now I know ceruse isn't exactly a trend. I have not seen any other furniture blogger
try this technique.  So for once, I want to be the first to start something! 
Or it could just be an epic fail with no one liking it... ;(
Whatever. I had fun creating it! 

Linking up at my fave parties!! :

Kammys Korner - Trash to Treasure Tuesdays

Domestically Speaking - The Power of Paint Party

Stacey Embracing Change - Thursday 

Miss Mustardseed - Furniture Feature Friday

Redoux - Friday Link Up Party

Funky Junk Interiors - Saturday Night Special

Knick of Time Interiors - Knick of Time Tuesday

Tuesday-Elizabeth and Co., My uncommon Slice of Suburbia,

Savvy Southern Style. Weds, Beyond the Picket Fence, PJH Designs

From my Front Porch to Yours,  The 36th Avenue,

Monday-Between Naps on the Porch, The Dedicated House,

My RePurposed Life, No Minimalist Here-Thurs.    
Under the Table and Dreaming-Sunday Party