Sunday, May 20, 2012

Another Homemade Chalk Paint Project

I was so excited by how my homemade chalk paint dresser turned out that I had to do another project.  But before I reveal the piece, I wanted to answer a question.  Some commenters asked why you would want to use chalk paint as opposed to regular old latex paint.

Chalk paint is perfect for when you want a piece to have an aged, vintage, or distressed look.  To get a distressed look, I sand around the edges of a piece and other areas that would naturally wear.  Sometimes latex paint doesn't sand off very well.  You also have to wait about 24-hours for latex to cure before sanding.  Chalk paint, on the other hand, sands off very well into a nice, fine dust.  It doesn't peel like latex sometimes does.  It also dries VERY fast and can be sanded as soon as dry.

Chalk paint is also very "sticky" and covers pretty well, meaning you don't have to sand or prime your piece before painting.

If you have any other questions about the paint, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

This time the victim was a buffet that I found on Craigslist (where else???). 

I have a bunch of Clark and Kensington paint that I got for free at Ace Hardware in Oyster Pearl.  I've been meaning to paint my bedroom is this pretty light gray, but haven't had time.  The color looks very gray in my bedroom, but turned out much lighter on the buffet.  I'm wondering if the addition of Plaster of Paris whitened it?

Anyways, to make your chalk paint, just mix a little water, some Plaster of Paris, and your flat paint.  The consistency of mine was much to thick at first because I added too much P of P.  It was hardening into cement in my bucket.  I just kept adding more water and paint to get it to a more workable consistency.

Here's the final result:

The buffet was missing a knob, so I bought two fleur-de-lis knobs at Hobby Lobby.  They were originally an oil-rubbed bronze color.  I lightened them (and all of the rest of the hardware) with some Rub n Buff.  By the way, Centsational Girl has a good post on Rub n Buff and hardware if you want more info.


After I painted the buffet, I sanded it and gave it a coat of glaze to bring out te details and to get that aged look.




A couple of coats of wax later and here it is:


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28 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

it looks gorgeous!!!!! i love those details!

Starr said...

Lovely. Makes me wonder why painted furniture, rather than experiencing its current renaissance, isn't just a time-honored tradition. Let's hope it's here to stay and that 80s oak doesn't return...

Unknown said...

Love it !!!!
Thanks for Linking up at Gomhp this week !

Hugs
Brooke

Crazy Wonderful said...

It looks so much happier in it's new paint!!! The color is gorgeous, and the knobs you added look perfect with the originals!

Carol-Anne said...

So nice! Love how paint makes the details stand out so much.

Are you keeping this piece? Or are you selling it?

I'd love to see where you use it!

Courtney said...

Looks beautiful Suzy!! I must try the homemade chalk paint, we can't get ASCP in Oz! Thanks for sharing this!!

Ange said...

Love the color and the hardware! I really need to mix me some chalk paint, I bought the plaster of paris last week so maybe by August? ;)

Decor & Harmony said...

Suzy this really looks great! Making your own chalkboard paint is the best so many possibilities. Have a great week!

Unknown said...

You go girl, that piece looks amazing! Thanks too for the thoughts and details on chalk paint, someday I will overcome my DIY-ADD and give it a try!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Another charming project!!! Hop over today and grab my featured button for your blog:)

Blessings,
Linda

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Beautiful, Suzy!

Maury @ Life on Mars said...

This is amazing! Even better than the other one which I thought was gorgeous. i love all the detail on this piece. Great job!

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...

A wonderful job Suzy. I really brings out all the detail in the piece!!

Okio B Designs said...

What a gorgeous transformation. It's stunning!

Jeanine

Nita Stacy said...

I'm crazy for sideboards like these. I have one myself and I'm crazy for any furniture painted a pretty blue. Love hearing about your homemade chalk paint. Makes me really want to try it myself. I'd love it if you linked this project up at my weekly linky party at my blog. I know my readers would enjoy it.

Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life


http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/2012/05/mod-mix-monday-51.html

andrea@townandprairie said...

To me, she looks lore like a sea green! Very coastal, good job!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS piece! Love the new color and all the details. Happy to be now following. :-) Have a wonderful night!
Sharla

Anonymous said...

Great job! Love the look!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Oh wow Suzy, that is one big beautiful buffet! The details are so lovely and you worked some magic on the hardware too. So happy to have you joining the party! Can't wait to see more!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

And I'm excited to be your 300th follower!

Carrie @ My Favorite Finds said...

Very awesome!!! Thanks for sharing at our Handmade Tuesdays party.

A Vintage Vine said...

WOW, that is beautiful! U make me want to paint something, haha!

MONICA LIVAS said...

Great transformation!

Erin Sipes said...

I've been wondering how to make my own chalk paint. Now that I know the magic ingredient I'll be getting busy!

Heaven's Walk said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! You did an amaaaazing job on this!! Love the color and your distressing technique is just perfect!

xoxo laurie

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Featured you this morning! Thanks for linking up!

Good Time Charlie said...

Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Junky Vagabond said...

The details are gorgeous on this piece, beautiful color and knobs (Love Hobby Lobby for knobs!), and the distressing and waxing is the cherry on top! Great transformation!