I was first introduced to Amy Howard Liming Wax back in November. And I fell in love. With the Liming Wax. And Amy’s home. And Amy’s studio. And Amy’s husband, Gene, and their entire staff. I’ll have to tell you all about it another post. Because today is all about how to antique a basket using paint and liming wax. 
Are you familiar with Longaberger baskets? Longaberger basket parties were a big thing back in the 80’s and 90’s and I got sucked into “come to my home party and buy an over-priced basket” trend. Hence my embarassingly large collection of them. And now they no longer fit with my decor. You may remember the time that I put washi tape on one basket and painted another. 
Today I’m going to show you how I antiqued this sewing basket using Amy Howard at Home® One Step Paint™ and Liming Wax™. 
How to Antique a Basket with Paint & Liming Wax
First I cleaned up my basket using a cleaner and degreaser. Once I was certain that the basket and lid were clean and dry, I applied two coats of the One Step Paint™ (Good Man is Hard to Find was the color I used. Amy named this gray color with her sweet, handsome husband in mind ; ) 
When the paint was completely dry, I began the waxing steps. First I swirled my brush into the can of Liming Wax™, then “offloaded” the excess wax onto a piece of cardboard with a swirling motion. This not only removed the excess wax, but also helps to evenly distribute the wax on the bristles of the brush. 
I applied the Liming Wax™ with light, cross-hatch brush strokes and let it dry for about twenty minutes. 
Then it was time to accent the surface with Amy Howard at Home® Dark Antique Wax™. With soft, feather like motions apply a light application of dark wax directly over the limed wax. You don’t want it to be too dark. 
After the dark wax had dried (around 30 minutes), I came back and buffed with a clean lint free rag. The sheen started to come through. I love the grainy wood look! 
This technique can be used for tables, kitchen cabinets, dining tables, headboards, picture frames…the possibilities are endless! You can now add the warmth and depth of wood grain to any surface you desire. As Amy says “be fearless and go for it”! And don’t forget, enjoy the bragging rights!
What a good update for the basket! I can’t wait to get my hands on the liming wax for a project. Good choice of mixing t with the Good Man Is Hard To Find color too! I’m hoping to try that color next! Great job on your project!
What a great idea! I never thought to use liming wax on baskets…I love the look! Thanks for linking up to Talk Of The Town.
Julie @ Love My Simple Home
Thanks Julie, I’m glad you like it! Liming wax is my new favorite medium!
This looks great, but I don’t really understand what to do. What exactly is lime wax, and what does it do over paint? Also, there is a closeup of a dark gray basket and a full picture of a light blue basket. Are they the same basket at different stages? Does any of the paint or wax come of when you use the basket, or is it very durable?
I just updated my cute country family room to a contemporary and very simple uncluttered gray, and trying to figure out how to keep some of my many Longaberger baskets.
I was wondering the same thing. Just found this product interesting and curious just how to use it, plus I have a lot of Longaberger baskets! Lol
What a great idea for breathing new life into this basket! Thanks for linking up with Creative Spark last week – we’re featuring your beautiful basket makeover this week!
I love what you did with the basket Jeanie! It looks so lovely and of course, I love anything painted 🙂 Thanks so much for linking this up at our Bewitchin’ Projects Block party this week. You are one of my Featured Picks this Sunday over at Recreated Designs 🙂 Hugs, Lisa
I enjoyed trying out Amy’s products at Haven last summer. It must have been wonderful to visit her home and to get painting lessons from her.
Your basket looks great. I also have a collection of baskets from the 80’s and 90’s. 🙂
Ruining perfectly good baskets. That company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Go ahead and disface yours. Will make mine worth more.
Agree!! Do this to a cheap basket!! Not a Longaberger!!
I love how you breathed new life into something so dated. You certainly can change it again when the next wave of ‘new’ comes in. The structure is still the same, so why not enjoy them.
I love this look! I have a white wicker bedroom set. Do you think I could use antiquing wax on it for a “greywashed” look?? Thanks.
Can you use a spray paint for this project?
Thank you for this information. Have you ever tried using black?