this pretty drinks table for gwen driscoll’s library had a nice old green finish, but wasn’t right for her new scheme.  black and glossy (but not lacquered), with just a trace of gold, was the request. 

here is before and after:

black paint was rubbed down with paste wax.  gilding on the edges was heavier that what gwen was looking for, so a little metallic wax, buffed to sheer, and just on the top edge, was the final touch.  those of you who know mrs. jones can imagine the restraint it took to not give the beautiful lion’s paw feet a little mani/pedi.