DIY Chalk Paint Transformation
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We find quite often when it comes to styling homes our clients have dated furniture that doesn't fit in with the aesthetics of their new home style but they are reluctant to part with these pieces due to either sentimental reasons or the monetary investment they have made in purchasing them.
On these occasions, rather than keeping an outdated piece in the home or donating it to charity, we transform it into a stylish piece that works cohesively in the new design. This is a win win situation as for a small cost they get to keep their precious piece of furniture and fall in love with it all over again.
If you have a piece of furniture that doesn't quite fit in with your new decor, needs an update, or is too sentimental to get rid of, try our DIY tips below on how to get new life out of your old furniture!
One of our favourite products to use on old furniture is chalk paint. Chalk paint is readily available from paint and hardware stores and comes in a range of beautiful colours. You can quite easily rejuvenate just about any item with a silky, soft, chalky matte finish from metal, wood, ceramic, canvas, glass and so much more. You can flawlessly finish the piece or add unique customisation to the piece by distressing it with sandpaper or aging the look to give a vintage appearance with something such as crackle.
One of the quickest chalk paint applications that we often use is Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paints. They come in a range of stunning, on-trend colours and dry very quickly to give you a velvety smooth matte finish with results that will last. You can purchase these from Bunnings Warehouse and most trusted paint and hardware stores. Alternatively, if the item is large, you can buy chalk paint in a can and apply with a roller or paint brush.
The Application Process
Clean & Prep
First and foremost you'll need to clean and prep your working area and your furniture piece. Simply start by removing any hardware, wash the surface with warm soapy water to ensure that there is no dust, dirt or sticky residue.
Lightly Sand
Remove any loose and chipped paint from the piece and lightly sand down any glossy surfaces. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the furniture better. This only takes 2 or 3 minutes depending on how big the piece is. You don't need to sand it back to the bare timber, just rough up the surface a little.
*Apply Primer If Needed
Most of the time you will not require a primer. However, they are recommended for raw timber. Apply your primer if needed.
Paint Your Piece
Once your primer is dry (if required) apply your spray paint (or other if used). Shake the can thoroughly for a minute or so to ensure that your paint is evenly mixed and distributed in the can. Spray at approximately 20-25cm from the surface in a controlled and steady, back and forth motion. Ever so slightly, overlap each stroke, ensuring that you apply only a thin coat at a time to avoid drip marks. Chalk paint dries very quickly so each new coat can be applied a few minutes apart.
Top Coat
For extra protection, once the last coat has dried for 24 hours, apply your topcoat. Use the same back-and-forth technique as with your paint application. Apply 1-2 thin coats a few minutes apart.
Finish Off Your Furniture
If you are looking for that vintage, rustic feel. Take the time to slightly distress your furniture with some light sandpaper. Changing the hardware over can give your furniture some extra appeal and when the right hardware selection is made, you can ensure that you tie your furniture in with your other pieces.
All that’s left to do now is enjoy your piece of furniture!
