How to Chalk Paint Furniture

Here is how to Chalk Paint furniture and thrift store finds. It’s a super easy and quick way to transform old wooden pieces into chic farmhouse-style décor.

Have I told you that I previously did faux finishing part-time? That was back in the day when you spent hours & hours using expensive products to achieve a distressed look on walls and furniture. Thankfully, there is an easier way to achieve those same results on furniture.

First, I’m sharing a wall shelf transformation with easy step-by-step instructions that even a beginner can follow.

In addition, I’ll share some larger pieces of furniture for more examples.

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The Before

This wooden shelf was a great thrift store find for only 4.00; however, it needed a minor update to work in my farmhouse décor.

Step 1 – Clean in preparation for Chalk Paint

Although I’m working on this small shelf today, the instructions are the same for all furniture.

Begin by washing or wiping down your piece before starting. Remove any stickers and sticky residue from the wood. With chalk paint, you only have sand on the surface if you want a really shiny finish on the wood. A light sanding to roughen the surface will be enough if there is.

Step 2 – Protect your surface

Next, if you are working on a surface that needs protection, place something under the item you are painting. Here, I’ve just used a sheet of wax paper and some of my trusty tuna cans to elevate the shelf off the table and protect it from my sloppy painting.

I prefer to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for most of my projects. It works exceptionally well and will adhere to almost any surface, including metals, fabrics, glass, and ceramics.

Step 4 – Paint a light coat over the entire surface

For this step, you don’t need a heavy coat. I attempt to paint in the direction of the wood grain, but it’s optional.

It is so easy to use chalk paint for many projects because it’s forgiving and dries fast.

I like to use the Annie Sloan paintbrush for ease of application, especially for larger projects.

Once the project is completely covered with paint, close your paint can and protect your paint brush from drying out. The next coat can be applied as soon as the paint is dry to the touch.

Tip: To keep the brush from drying between coats, place it in a zip lock bag or wrap it in plastic wrap. If you can’t apply the second coat within a few hours, please put the wrapped brush in the refrigerator to protect it.

Step 4 – Apply a second coat of Chalk Paint

Once the first coat is dry to the touch, you can apply a second coat of paint. Usually, two coats of Chalk Paint will be sufficient, especially when you want a distressed appearance for your project.

Note: Three coats may be necessary if you don’t want a distressed appearance.

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If your original piece is unfinished wood, see this technique to stain your wood before applying the paint.

Step 5 – Finish Wax for Chalk Paint

This final step can be done in a couple of different ways. You can use clear wax or dark or colored wax, depending on the desired finish. I’m just warning you: a dark wax will grab the chalk paint, resulting in a very dark finish. If you want a tint, mix the dark wax with clear wax for a lighter finish.

1. This is the first option. Apply the wax with a soft cloth over the surface of your project in small sections, allowing the wax to dry slightly. Then, buff the waxed surface with a different soft cloth until you achieve a gloss appearance. This method will not remove the paint while waxing.
2. Option 2 is my preferred method because I like a distressed finish on most chalk-painted projects.
   • Mix your wax with a small amount of mineral spirits resulting in a mayonnaise-like consistency.
   • Use a chip brush to apply the mixture over the project and wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
   • Once the wax mixture has dried, begin to buff until you have a gloss finish.
   • Note: This method may result in removing thin areas of paint, causing a more distressed look.

Buff off the wax mixture with a ruff cloth and remove some paint for a distressed look. If you want more paint removed, use light grit sand paper around the edges.

Wax can totally transform the appearance of chalk paint. Please look at the kitchen island makeover and how the addition of wax changed the island from yikes to wow.

I did not use any mineral spirits with this wax because I didn’t want a distressed look on the kitchen island.

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Add Some Hardware to the Chalk Painted Shelf

Let’s add some hardware to dress up this thrift store shelf. I purchased these fun hooks for cheap and knew I’d find a use for them.

First, measure the location for each hook and screw them to the board underneath the shelf.

Since I didn’t have matching screws, I used what I had on hand and then used a sharpie pen to color the silver screws. You don’t even notice them now.

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Finished Chalk Paint Transformation

The transformation is complete, and I quickly styled the painted shelf for your approval. I hope you like it.

I can’t wait to style it for Christmas! It’s in such a fun spot, and I know you’ll see a lot of this shelf.

Previous Projects with Chalk Paint

I did a quick makeover with Chalk Paint and then decided to do a complete transformation. Please take a look at all the details at Amazing Furniture Transformation.

Even my deconstructed chair received a fresh coat of Chalk Paint. Please look at The Real Truth About Deconstructing a Chair for all the details.

Here is a 3 Step Furniture Makeover that was quick and easy.

Here is another trash-to-treasure transformation of a thrift store find. You can also learn more about shopping thrift stores here.

You can see this 2-hour Makeover and this Easy Table Riser Project! Both were accomplished by using chalk paint. My most recent post is a Simple Chalk Paint Makeover for Vintage Furniture.

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