
Recovering shelf unit
Recovery is always part of the furniture that I make, whether it is used for the decoration or for upgrading the furniture. This three tiered shelf unit with deep shelves was perfect for using old coins! So search your drawers, this is what I used for the transformation.

Products used
- Colorantic Zen paint colour
- Antique Brown wax
- Natural Beeswax
- Epoxy resin kit
- Wood glue
- Cleaner & Varnish remover
- Snow-White paint brush
- Small torch
- Sand paper
- 16mm wax brush

The preparation
Chalk-based paint adheres very well to lightly sanded surfaces. For the surface that will accommodate the epoxy resin, it is better to sand more vigorously to be sure that it adheres well. Remove all traces of grease and dirt using the cleaner & varnish remover.
The transformation
Arm yourself with patience and glue the coins one by one with wood glue. Allow time for the pennies to stick by letting them dry for a good 12 to 24 hours. By following all the steps to the letter, you are ready to prepare and then pour your epoxy resin. Gradually pour your mixture and divide it if you have several shelves to do. After a few minutes air bubbles will rise to the surface and it is very important to make them disappear using a torch. Let dry at least 12 hours in a warm, dry place.
The final step
For this antique shelf, the new Zen chalk-based paint colour was applied with the Snow-White paint brush. This blue, green, grey, goes wonderfully with the brass-coloured coins. Two coats were enough. The use of the Antique Brown wax aged the blue to perfection. To give it its patina, I applied it on the corners and angles of the cabinet. The epoxy resin does not require any protection since it is equivalent to 60 coats of varnish. To protect the paint I used Natural Beeswax. Let the wax dry 48 hours!

The antique, blue Zen shelf goes very well with the golden decorations with lighting that will highlight its brilliance and its colors!
Claire Gendron
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