Chalk Paint Virgin

Now that I am not a chalk paint virgin, I was brave enough to link my very first chalk paint project to various link parties, including over at Shades of Amber.

Head on over there to see the feature, as well as other cool projects.
Thank you for the feature!

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Thrifted Nightstand Makeover {With Chalk Paint}

Here's an end table/nightstand gotten at a garage sale. I've used it the way it is for awhile now, and it does have some character and quality. However, I have been trying to unify all of our furniture (which by the way is ALL from thrift stores and garage sales), so I decided to paint it.

I used ASCP and it was my first time. I was a little nervous to try the paint, as it is really 
expensive and I didn't want to mess up.

Since chalk paint doesn't require sanding, I proceeded painting my first coat in Provence.
 The color was gorgeous and the coverage was amazing.

I wanted to try out a Martha Stewart stencil I bough from Michaels last year and chose a trellis looking one. I have to tell you from the start that me and stenciling just don't get along really well. I have tried to be friends in the past, but it's really hard to build a relationship if there is no trust anymore. But, I digress.

I started the stencil with ASCP in old white and absolutelly hated it. The stencil bled, the color was too bright and in general it looked kinda goofy. I took my brush with the Provence 
color on it without adding anymore paint on it, and brushed it on top of the design.

It kinda started to look better, so I decided I'd finish stenciling even if it didn't look perfect. I figured I was going for a distressed look, so with a lot of blue washing and sanding, it would end up nice.

Here it is with a blue wash waiting to dry so I can sand off any excess and distress.

I do all my paint involving projects on the porch and when I went back to sand, here's what I found.

Perfect, just perfect. Luckily it came right off. I sanded and distressed. The paint just turns into dust and I like that you can do as much sanding you want, and it won't get scratched.

I waxed and then waited 48 hours before buffing. I also liked that I could buff it as much as
 I wanted depending on the amount of sheen I was going for.

This will be on my husband's side of the bed and so I will probably put a 
basket underneath for his magazines and such.

 What do you think? Next up is the nightstand/vanity on my side of the bed.

Again, here's a Before and After

If you are inspired to create something based on this tutorial, and would like to see more, please consider following my blog. Just click on one of the icons below:

Hugs,

                  Linking to these awesome parties.                                                 

               

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