This video is about applying Pearlesent Glaze by Annie Sloan. a 30th anniversary celebratory product Pearlescent Glaze, and demonstration on how to use it for the most intense iridescence!

1. Pearlescent Glaze is a water-based finish suitable for use on both painted or unpainted indoor furniture, walls and floors. It has light-reflecting properties which means it shimmers even when dry. 

2. The Pearlescent Glaze looks white but is in fact translucent, meaning it is very much affected by the colors that are used beneath it. Apply it over Old White and it will appear white; apply over red and it will appear pink; apply it over yellow and it will appear golden, and so on. We suggest applying two coats for best coverage, and this will also provide sufficient protection without the need for Chalk Paint® Lacquer or Wax. 

3. You may notice that over darker colors the brush marks are quite evident. You can use this effect to create extraordinarily textured pieces (see Polly Coulson’s Mermaid Cabinet here) or if you prefer a smoother look, you can apply the Pearlescent Glaze with a Sponge Roller. This will provide a flatter, slightly mottled patina. 

4. Pearlescent Glaze also works particularly well on carved surfaces. Because of its light reflecting properties it can highlight mouldings, cornices and carvings which will emphasis structural details. 

5. You can also tint Pearlescent Glaze with Chalk Paint®. The pigment particles in the paint will dull the shimmering effects of the Pearlescent Glaze, so be economical! Only very small amounts of paint are necessary. When mixing with Chalk Paint® as you are only adding small amounts of paint, the colors you create will be different, pastelised versions of the original color. For that reason, brighter and darker hues work better.  

6. When finishing your pearlised pieces:

   • If your piece is painted all over with Pearlescent Glaze, this is enough coverage to protect it without using Chalk Paint® Wax or Lacquer. We advise at least two coats to ensure maximum protection and opalescence.

   • If you are applying as a detail work, the areas not covered with Pearlescent Glaze need to be protected as usual. The best method of practice would be to paint your piece with Chalk Paint®, protect with Chalk Paint® Lacquer (in Matt or Gloss, although Matt will give the best contrast) and finish with details of Pearlescent Glaze.

   • Alternatively if you prefer to use Chalk Paint® Wax, apply this over your finished piece (including the Pearlescent Glaze). Please note this will dull the finish slightly and take away some of the iridescence. You can gently remove the wax from the glazed areas to aid the shimmering effect.

   • Pearlescent Glaze should not be used over Chalk Paint® Wax. This is because wax is oil-based and Pearlescent Glaze is water-based, and combining the two will leave the finish liable to peeling and flaking.

7. Pearlescent Glaze is not suitable for outdoor use. If using in high traffic areas such as kitchens or floors, apply a coat of Lacquer over the glaze for extra protection. For more information please consult our Pearlescent Glaze Fact Sheet.