Finally decided to paint my sofa table a nice beige with purple under. I know I have to prime and then paint purple and then paint the final beige color. Do I just rub off the beige paint here and there to expose the purple? Is that technique "country"? or does anyone have a different suggestion. I think "crackle" is outdated? I need help...........
PLEASE AND THANK YOU!

I have seen the technique done as you describe. I recall that wax was applied after the base color (in your case, purple) was thoroughly dry in areas that were to appear worn by weather and years of wear. The top coat would not adhere to those areas. Personally, I think your inclination to sand in areas after the top color is dry is best tho. In the case of a table, these areas would be the table's edges or raised areas, top in spots and some of the legs...places that would typically be weathered/distressed. A quick google produced several how-to pgs. Here's one...
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com...-techniques-for.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

My friends have used the wax, rubbed off worn areas while still wet with dry cloth and used the sand paper technique. I think all turned out equally well. The wiping while still wet was easiest.

What look are you trying to acheive? And how much of the purple paint do you want to show through and where do you want the purple to show through on your sofa table?

Here is a google link to distressed finishes. Or do you have a inspiration picture you can post of what look you going for.

I love distressed/painted wood furniture. Even without using wax, you can sand lighting through the top paint color till you get to the purple and then let as much or little of the purple come through as you like.

http://www.google.com/search?h...dPUKLnMqW-igKbhoDICA

thank you all for the help and sites given.
I really don't know what I want so if I paint it and don't like it I can paint it again!
I think I am looking for a nice sand color with the purple showing thru. the cloth on the ottomans is purple, green, and a goldensand color printed stripe. I am looking to put them under the sofa table............