How to use chalk paint to revamp an old buffet

 

Chalk paint is all the rage in the amongst my crafty friends. So, I thought I would give it a go and redo the buffet.  The buffet was picked up at an estate sale when we were first married.   When we moved to our 3rd house I updated it with black paint.   The black and exposed wood worked great in the last house but not for our new house and the room it was going into.  It looked tired and out of place.  I happen to really like this piece of furniture so I thought I would kick it up a notch ad go for a bold color choice.  I  want a statement piece.

I want that piece to say “WOW, Niki sure is fun”.  And I want the house to have a French Bohemian Chic look.  Not quite sure what that is?  Well that is okay.  I do not either.  It is my made up term for my decorating taste. I might add in a little modern industrial too.  

Instructions – chalk paint buffet

To begin – wipe down the piece to be painted and allow to dry.  If there are any rough spots  you will want to sand them down and use a tack cloth to remove the debris.

I used a roller brush to apply the base coat  of Treasure Chalky finish paint by DecoArt and the second coat of chalk paint too.

For this piece I decided to chalk paint the handles too.  If I decide to change them out at a later date I can.   I did not worry about if  the handles were perfectly covered because I knew I would be distressing them . 

I have a sort of crazy way to distress the furniture when working with chalk paint.  I use a fork, yes, I said it I use a standard kitchen fork.  I use it to scrap edges, poke holes, scratches and even drag marks.  You can use what works best for you and the type of aging you want it to have.Scrape off a little paint in an edge with the tip of the fork.

This is how I create scrape marks on the bottom pieces.If you turn the fork on its side and do a dragging scraping motion you get the result above.

I also used it on the metal handle to scrap the top layers off.
Crazy I know.  But it works for me.
Now that I have the distressing complete I add the Creme Wax This is an important step.  Do not skip it. It helps the paint by giving it a protective layer and it allows the colored wax to go on smooth. Then for the finally step – the dark brown Crème Wax – apply it with the  2″ round waxing brush.  The brush gives you a great consistent look.

Once our house is together I will show you where the chalk paint piece ends up. You can use the graphic shown below  for Pinterest to remind you how to refinish your favorite piece. 

Use paint on other pieces in your home like a terra cotta pot.

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