Jaclyn-

Thank you for the question. For the most part, in my business, I use Faux Effects products. The paint was their "Setcoat" (aka: Aquabond) in Off White. The next step was distressing with sand paper ( I did use a small sander with medium grit) to rough up edges. Then I used Faux Effects Stain & Seal in Ebony and Rich Brown to antique and further enhance the distressing. I mix the Stain & Seal with FX Thinner (also a Faux Effects product) to give the Stain & Seal the ability to move around and get into the grooves and edges. The Stain & Seal has a sealer in it; however, the final coat was a wax product from Annie Sloan she calls "Soft Wax" in Clear - I mixed with mineral spirits and used a soft white t-shirt cloth and rubbed on the entire surface. This along with the Stain & Seal act as a sealer. tip: the wax takes a lot of "elbow grease" to work in but it is worth the sore arm :) The surface has a beautiful sheen and looks naturally aged. One could apply a sealer after this step.

Valerie Holland

Here are some helpful web-sites:

http://www.fauxfx.com/index.aspx

http://www.anniesloan.com/

http://www.valhollainc.com/