Makeover Time for a Dated Vintage Horse
Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine had a few blips along the way, and so I’m asking for prayer for my family and for me–we could use some mighty prayers of faith right now. Because I have “emergency” posts waiting in the wings, I’m able to be here today with you all. Do any of you recall a certain vibrant, mustard-yellow horse statue I bought not so long ago? Well he had been waiting patiently for his makeover, and his day finally arrived(!).
I think he’s rather handsome, don’t you?
Here’s his before shot. We called him “Mr. Sunshine.” While I believe he could fit in with a [very] certain home decor, he did not fit in with mine, and in his last home, they must have played some indoor football because he has chips and hairline cracks all over his poor body. (1) For the first step in his make over, I sanded him all over with medium grit paper.
(2) Then I gave him two coats of Americana DecoArt Chalky Paint in Timeless–a nice, easy-on-the-eye white. The idea was to give him the look of Chinese marble, rather than sunshine-yellow, ceramics class.
(3) After the paint had thoroughly dried, then came the process of apply dark wax over the paint.
Learn how to make your own 2-ingredient dark wax here.
I applied it one section at a time with a piece of cheese cloth, let it dry for about 5 minutes or so, then buffed it with a clean piece of cheese cloth. Buffing removed excess wax and created a smooth, hard surface.
I left some of the wax stuck in crevices and paint lines because it enhances the “aged” look. It’s where dust and things would have settled over time and created the sort of patina we’ve all come to know and love. The idea of course, is to try to make it look as natural as possible.
Yea or nay on the pretty painted horse? He certainly fits in with the mantel decor better than his former yellow self, wouldn’t you say?
Thanks so much for stopping by today to see my horse makeover.
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Huge difference. What an improvement!
Thanks Kim!
The horse looks great. I would never have even thought of painting ceramic.
I will say a prayer right now for your family, Diane.
Thank you–for the kind compliment and for your prayers–much appreciated!!
Praying for you & your family right now. I like the horse better.
Thank you so much, Florence; you’re a sweetheart 🙂
I really love the makeover!! Praying for you and your family. Hugs!
Thanks Linda for saying so, and thanks so much for your prayers–they mean a lot 🙂
Sending my blessings to you and your family♥ The horse is gorgeous ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Thank you Summer, for the blessings and the compliment both 🙂
You and your family are in my prayers. Just went through a huge “problem” and I truly believe prayers brought us both through it.
Prayer is a powerful gift–thank you for yours, Patty–
Diana my husband was diagnosed with cancer and had a 10 hour surgery at the end of April. He just had scans and a MRI done and NO CANCER was found. I truly believe his Doctor had a lot to do with it but so did the prayers people said for him. I am praying for you and yours.
I feel for your blips in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you so much, Jay!!
Prayers for you & your sweet family. May you feel the closeness of God this day. Your makeover on the horse is beautiful.
Thank you for your prayers, Susan! Such a blessing. Glad you like my horse 🙂
In the name of Jesus, I speak the peace of God that passes all understanding and our Father God’s mercy, grace, and love for y’all as you watch His hand in these matters!
Thank you, Mary Ann, mighty woman of God! You are a blessing to me 🙂
Love the makeover of the horse. I have a horse very similar to yours that I think I will try doing over. Thanks for the idea!
You’re welcome, Kathy; so glad you liked the idea 🙂 Show me yours if you end up giving it a try!
I did not like the yellow so this is an improvement.
So glad you agree, Rose!
O.M.G.! That yellow made my eyes hurt!!! You did a beautiful job on the horse and now he looks ready to stand as a silent sentinel anywhere.
LOL! It was pretty bright, Kathy! So glad you find him attractive in his nice shade of white. Yes, he is a rather handsome silent sentinal 🙂
I will surely keep you in my prayers, Diana! xoxo
The horse really turned out great…like an old statue now!
Thank you Linda!! Your prayers are a blessing 🙂 Glad you like him–
Sending up prayers for your family. Hope all will be well soon. I did not think I would like the horse painted, but I was SO wrong! I love it! You make regular things so much better!
Thank you so much, Anita–much appreciated. It takes a woman of integrity to admit when she’s wrong–ha, ha! So glad you like him in white and so kind of you to say I make things better…
Oh, wow, he’s definitely a handsome guy now!
So glad you agree, Rita 🙂
Diana, I would have passed that garish, yellow horse right by! But not you–you took him home and transformed him into a lovely piece of art. I would have passed him by because I didn’t know you could paint a ceramic piece nor did I know how to use wax to add depth and patina to him. You did a great job transforming him and I am sure he is much happier with his new, dignified look! Thanks for the little tutorial and example of turning Yuck into Yay!
Such a beautiful horse!
My thoughts are with you, Diana. Take care – Rheta
That yellow was so hideous—-what was the manufacturer thinking? He’s worthy now of his historical heritage….it’s all Greek to me, lol, Sandi
Didn’t know about your blips, friend. Prayers being sent your way now:) And I can’t say enough about that gorgeous transformation you pulled off! Are you even sure it’s the same horse?:) xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}
Prayers for you and your family to get through your blips. The horse is way better after your treatment. Looks almost like an expensive ivory piece. I will now look at ugly yard sale ceramics in a whole new way.
Diana, praying for you and your family. Prayers are so powerful. May the Lord bless your family. Love the makeover! I would never have bought the yellow horse but wow!!! I love it now. I will have to rethink things when I am out junking now. Paint!!
Hugs & Prayers,
Dianne
Diana, sorry to hear that you are having difficulties. I will keep you in my prayers! Great job on the horse! He’s definitely a horse of a different color. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Your horse is one good looking guy. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party.
I agree with you, he’s really handsome, Diana. And he’s even more handsome with his new look. Also, wish you will overcome all the difficulties!
I had a horse statue like this when I was a little girl. Where can I find another statue like this?
Hi Kathy. I just happened upon the horse at a sale and don’t have much knowledge about its origins except that it seems like a piece that might have been made in a ceramics class. I’d regularly search eBay and Etsy for a replacement. Good luck!