Decorating & Design
Paint Project: A DIY Faux Bone Inlay Chest
Updated on June 5, 2020
Give a tired piece of furniture the look of an intricate decorative pattern used in traditional Indian furniture. Annie Sloan’s Pearlescent Glaze is painted in pretty floral designs embellished with leaves and geometric patterns against a grey background to mimic the sheen of bone and mother-of-pearl inlay. Bone inlay, also known as intarsia, is most commonly used on flat surfaces – such as the sides and tops of tables, or the front of a sideboard. The design wraps around the sides of the chest for a luxe, boho look that adds dimension.
Bone inlay offers a symmetrical look that keeps furniture pieces from being too busy, and this style suits almost every type of decor (saves for the term “bone inlay” on Pinterest were up 207 percent in 2018). “The best advice I can give is to take your time and take regular breaks,” says painter Dominique Malacarne, who created the technique on this chest for the latest issue of The Colourist, Annie Sloan’s bookazine of DIY projects. “This kind of intricate freehand brushwork is so rewarding, but it can be pretty intense.”
The beauty of this project is the design is drawn in chalk first, so if you make a mistake, you can just wipe it away and start again.
Painting the sides of the chest gives a pretty perspective from every angle.
You will need (you can buy Annie Sloan products through the following retailers):
- 1 x 1 L Chalk Paint® in Graphite
- 1 x 1 L Chalk Paint® in Old White
- 1 x 250 mL Pearlescent Glaze
- 1 x Large Flat Brush
- 1 x Annie Sloan Detail Brush Set (or a large round detail brush, a large flat detail brush and a small detail brush)
- 1 x 500 mL Clear Chalk Paint® Wax
- 1 x Large Chalk Paint® Wax Brush
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Paint tray
This glaze ($25 for 250 mL) is applied on top of the painted design to add an all-important glimmery finish and create an inlay effect, and it can be mixed to tint other colors, too.
Remove all the hardware from the drawers. Thoroughly mix four parts Chalk Paint® in Graphite to one part Chalk Paint® in Old White. Apply two coats using a large flat brush.
Find the middle of each drawer using a tape measure and mark with chalk.
Measuring will ensure that your design is centered and symmetrical.
To sketch the central flower design, make four dots 4 cm from the center chalk mark. Draw a semi circle to create the first petals.
Draw in the gaps with chalk to create more petals for the central flower design.
Using the chalk, draw in the leaves and stems.
Mix Chalk Paint® in Old White with a little water on a paint tray. Paint the flower with a large flat detail brush.
Press gently with a large round detail brush to create the pattern and motifs.
Use a small flat detail brush to paint the edging and the tip of a large round detail brush for the edge leaves.
Ensure the Pearlescent Glaze is thoroughly mixed before use, apply with a detail brush.
Once dry, paint over the Old White with the Pearlescent Glaze for a subtle shimmer reminiscent of bone inlay.
Apply two coats of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax once the paint is dry on the piece, then remove any excess with a lint-free cloth.