The technique of frottage, derived from the French term meaning 'to rub,' has captured Annie's creative spirit. In the realm of art, frottage involves creating patterns by rubbing on three-dimensional surfaces, a technique that was first introduced by Max Ernst. Annie has skillfully adapted this concept to furniture painting, employing a rubbing motion with newspaper over paint to infuse her pieces with depth and intrigue. She fittingly refers to this technique as frottage, as it directly involves the act of rubbing.
Annie has taken this concept and applied it to furniture painting, using a rubbing motion with newspaper (or packing paper because who has newspapers anymore?) over paint to add depth and interest to her pieces. She calls this technique frottage because, well, it literally involves rubbing.
In this project, Annie uses Cream, Scandinavian Pink, and Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint® to create a Swedish-inspired effect on a traditional gun cabinet.
ANNIE’S TOP TIPS
Test it out first
Annie suggests starting with the sides of the furniture rather than the front. This allows you to test the frottage technique and see how it works on your specific piece. Even if you've done frottage before, remember that every piece of furniture is different, so results may vary!
Use the palm of your hand, not your fingers
To avoid leaving finger marks on the texture of your paint, use the flat part of your hand when rubbing. This will help create a smoother finish.
Mistakes are part of the process!
The great thing about frottage is that you can go back over sections and start again until you achieve the desired effect. Don't get too caught up in small areas; take a step back and view the piece as a whole. Overthinking can hinder your progress.
You can get started by watching Annie's video tutorial at the top of this page for a step-by-step guide to frottage. Alternatively, head over to the Featured Products section to find everything you need to recreate this look. Happy painting!