DIY Home — March 13, 2020

Hand Painted Furniture using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

DIY Home — March 13, 2020

Hand Painted Furniture using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

A few weeks ago. . . before I even knew I would have this brand new blog. . . I wrote about my love for painting furniture at Ellinée.com. I am going to share this post again, here on my new blog, as this is a subject dear to my heart. After recently discovering the incredible look of chalk painted furniture, and the simple process of creating it, I can’t wait to share this tidbit far and wide!

Painting furniture is a quick and easy way to make a “needs a little love” piece look fabulous. My friends who spend time at my loft (photos above) know that I have a thing for painted furniture. This “thing” happened a few years ago when I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I was shopping for two small tables at an antique store when I asked the shop owner her opinion on painting old pieces. She immediately directed me to Purple Pear, a local and online shop that sells British based Annie Sloan paint and wax. For those of you who have not seen chalk painted furniture pieces, I will have to tell you that there is something very European looking about it, similar to milk paint. The chalk paint is often distressed to give it a vintage feel, then finished by rubbing a soft wax over the painted surface. Not only does the wax finish look luxurious and velvety, but it is so simple to do, wears very well and you can paint over it any time you like. An extra perk is that this paint is low VOC and is manufactured in both Europe and US. My home now showcases 9 Annie Sloan chalk painted furniture pieces, each picked up at a flea market, second hand or antique store and every one needing some love. The above images are samples of those pieces, the photo of the nesting tables being that first antique shop find.

As you can see, go-to colors are the Old White and Graphite, which has a blue undertone. I even used the white chalk paint to cover the resin horse after I repaired his missing ears. I do have a can of Antibes Green and Provence teal that are waiting for the right project which I will share with you. For this tutorial below, I am going to repaint this little rattan and wood chair. I am using the Old White Chalk Paint, Clear Soft Wax, sand paper, a paint brush and an old rag. Get inspired then go give some love to your furniture! ~ Lia

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Discussion

Ask Lia or the community!

87 Comments

Janet July 11, 2019 at 5:52am

I am on a major budget so can you suggest a color that is similar to Duck Egg Blue that Home Depot sells. I know you can have chalk paint mixed there but I would like that particular color. Thank you so much and your pieces are all so lovely.

Reply
1. Lia July 11, 2019 at 9:12am
  
  @Janet
  
  Hi Janet, unfortunately I don’t know anything about paint colors. You could certainly ask the paint specialist at Home Depot for help!
  
  Reply
Roberta April 13, 2017 at 2:50pm

Thinking of painting my kitchen in old white, but am a bit nervous in case it does’nt turn out well.

Reply
monica March 21, 2016 at 5:34pm

Hi. I love your curtains. Is the pattern white and black, or is it a dark grey? Also wondering where you got the fabric. Thanks.

Reply
1. Lia March 29, 2016 at 12:03pm
  
  @monica
  
  It is a dark grey 🙂 I just picked up the fabric at my local fabric store!
  
  Reply
Enggé March 7, 2016 at 3:37pm

Hello Lia, could you Please tell me wich color you used at the furniturer by the second picture? It has a very Nice blue color. That’s the perfect right color I need. How did you paint it? Do you Only used the clear white wax?
My thanks for answer me…
Enggé Huwae from Holland.

Reply
1. Lia March 9, 2016 at 4:04pm
  
  @Enggé
  
  It is called Graphite which is grey but has a blue undertone. Use clear only to keep the blue. The dark will make it more grey.
  
  Reply
Kerri February 14, 2016 at 5:51pm

Where did you get your curtains pls, they are beautiful! Thx 🙂

Reply
1. Lia February 21, 2016 at 7:28pm
  
  @Kerri
  
  I actually made these curtains.
  
  Reply
Ellen January 14, 2016 at 6:12pm

Can you share the colors you used on each piece please? They all look beautiful!

Reply
1. Lia January 19, 2016 at 5:25pm
  
  @Ellen
  
  The dark gray pieces are in Graphite 🙂
  
  Reply
Marra October 23, 2015 at 6:46am

It’s official! I love your blog! That desk is just beautiful. I’d love to find something similar and fix it up myself. I am now inspired to do something creative! I’m a beginner of sorts, how hard would you say this project was? I love the pictures you included as well. Thanks for the share!

Reply
1. Lia October 23, 2015 at 10:16am
  
  @Marra
  
  Yay, thank you for your sweet comment. Happy to hear that you are inspired, my motto is “Inspire, Teach and Reignite Creativity”. This project is actually very easy, the beauty of the Annie Sloan chalk paint is that no prep work is needed. Have fun!
  
  Reply
  1. gaby November 27, 2015 at 9:29pm
    
    @Lia
    
    I have been wanting to paint a couple of chairs at home, what is the soft wax for? Is it like a sealer?
    
    Reply
    1. Lia November 28, 2015 at 12:00pm
      
      @gaby
      
      It is a sealer. Since the paint is quite chalky, it adds a really nice finish.
      
      Reply
Morgan September 16, 2015 at 5:41pm

hi! I am working on a coffee table and am trying to figure out the best way to distress a flat surface but making it flow at the same time (if that makes sense)..what would you recommend? I used sandpaper on the edges and don’t know how to make it flow and look good using it on a flat surface.

Reply
1. Lia September 18, 2015 at 8:23am
  
  @Morgan
  
  I think a few light places over the top (but not too much) looks great. I often will distress the edges only and leave the top surface completely solid.
  
  Reply
Drew May 5, 2015 at 9:26am

I have used chalk paint to refinish multiple pieces of furniture in my house. It works every time and the old furniture always ends up looking like I just bought it. Thanks for posting!

Reply
1. Lia May 8, 2015 at 2:44pm
  
  @Drew
  
  I know right, it is like magic!
  
  Reply
Vanessa April 5, 2015 at 7:09am

Beautiful!!! Where did you get the fabric on the stool of the second picture? I love it!

Reply
1. Lia April 15, 2015 at 9:53am
  
  @Vanessa
  
  I got it at the Fabric store.
  
  Reply
MAI December 1, 2014 at 10:39pm

i would like to know can i use chalk paint to paint my fabric recliner?

Reply
1. Lia December 1, 2014 at 10:54pm
  
  @MAI
  
  I think it is best for wood and other hard materials. I know there is a fabric spray paint out there for furniture. Do a little google search.
  
  Reply
Park August 12, 2014 at 6:12am

All the painted furniture products are looking gorgeous. After having a look on them, I have fallen in love with chalk painted furniture. Thanks for sharing this valuable post on the internet.

Reply
Julia July 3, 2014 at 10:38am

Hello Lia, could you tell me which colour you used on the chest of drawers? This is the colour I want!!

Reply
1. Lia July 6, 2014 at 10:31am
  
  @Julia
  
  It is the antique white, which is a creamy white. Love it!
  
  Reply
  1. Rhonda November 20, 2015 at 8:09pm
    
    @Lia
    
    Is this color a true bright white?
    
    Reply
    1. Lia November 24, 2015 at 4:38pm
      
      @Rhonda
      
      It is! The color is called Old White
      
      Reply
Susan April 10, 2014 at 6:11pm

How many coats of wax do you need to do?

Reply
1. Lia April 14, 2014 at 8:10pm
  
  @Susan
  
  Just one.
  
  Reply
The April 7, 2014 at 6:28am

Lovely blog with some gorgeous transformations. We’re a stockist of ASCP and just love to see how others use this amazing paint 🙂

Reply
1. Lia April 8, 2014 at 9:39pm
  
  @The
  
  Thanks! I adore ASCP! You are selling a wonderful paint.
  
  Reply
Julie December 21, 2013 at 9:39pm

Want to paint to paint chrome yellow Parsons tables that have a thin laminate like surface. Will chalk paint adhere.?

Reply
1. Lia December 24, 2013 at 3:01pm
  
  @Julie
  
  Chalk paint is amazing and sticks to almost anything. If it were my project, I would give it a quick sandpaper buff to insure though.
  
  Reply
jennifer December 3, 2013 at 7:37am

I love this look I was debating buying two dressers fro my daughters room and this will work. For wood with varnish do i have to lightly sand before step one of painting? Or do I have to strip it? Thoughts thanks

Reply
1. Lia December 4, 2013 at 8:02am
  
  @jennifer
  
  I have never stripped or sanded any piece, but a light sanding will never hurt if it makes you feel more secure about the paint sticking. You can also test a small spot. As long as the paint does not bead, you are good. Chalk paint will scratch off before the wax finish, this is why it is so easy to distress.
  
  Reply
annieg October 13, 2013 at 4:49am

Hi
Love the yellow you’ve achieved on your chest of drawers, my effort doesn’t look as well finished. I did wax it, but didn’t use Annie Sloan which I think was a mistake, but hey, I’ve learned something.
Here’s the link:
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fb/12/38/fb1238db1e9ccc167a7d6a6ccc05abc6.jpg
Would appreciate your comments, be critical!
Ann

Reply
1. Lia October 14, 2013 at 8:52am
  
  @annieg
  
  I think it looks good in the photo. I may have added a little wear to the finish, sanding the edges, just to add some age to the pieces. But I understand if you don’t want that look. If it is a similar wax to the Annie Sloan, it will cure nicely and add a dull sheen finish which will make it look richer too.
  
  Reply
  1. annieg October 15, 2013 at 7:50am
    
    @Lia
    
    Thank you, Lia. It’s amazing how seeing something in a photo can change your opinion of it, I’ve looked again at your furniture and I think I might paint the chair in Old White and sand it back a little to let the grey show thro’. The needlepoint on the stool was a mistake and I’ll try and find something better and I’m not sure now about the fabric on the chair!
    
    I have 2 other pieces I’m going paint and I can see this is going to be addictive, hopefully I’ll develop a better eye as I go along.
    
    Thank you again for the inspiration and the encouragemet
    
    Reply
    1. Lia October 15, 2013 at 1:05pm
      
      @annieg
      
      Of course! I like grey as an option and have a can waiting for the right piece. 🙂
      
      Reply
kim September 17, 2013 at 10:53am

Hi, I have used Milk Paint on a few pieces. Just wondering if the Chalk paint “chips” like milk paint? I think I would like to try chalk paint in the future. Thanks

Reply
1. Lia September 17, 2013 at 11:34am
  
  @kim
  
  I have never had any of my pieces chip and even moved them a few months ago with some rough movers. They did scratch a few pieces, which I easily fixed with paint and wax but thankfully no chips! 🙂
  
  Reply
Annie September 7, 2013 at 8:26am

Hello
Had bought the Annie Sloan paint and found an old carved chair at a flea market, and was looking for the inspiration and courage to get started – I’ve found it on your pages, thank you – wish me luck!!!
P.S. Your home is lovely

Reply
1. Lia September 7, 2013 at 9:19am
  
  @Annie
  
  Oooh. So fun!! Share photos when you are done. I have a bunch of pieces I need to paint this weekend. I am experimenting with mixing two yellows. Venturing away from of Graphite and Old White.
  
  Reply
  1. annieg October 12, 2013 at 10:05am
    
    @Lia
    
    Hi Lia
    
    Have finished the chair, at last, and uploaded it to Pinterest – haven’t the foggiest idea how to get it to you – typical newbie! Hope you like it – if you find it!!!
    
    It’s not perfect, I found the paint dried very quickly and I haven’t got the smoothest of finishes – the story of my life essentially 🙂
    
    If I need to do something else to let you see it, please let me know.
    
    Annie G
    
    Reply
    1. Lia October 12, 2013 at 10:21am
      
      @annieg
      
      Sometimes I like the painted texture of the finish to be not so smooth, it adds to the richness. Look at the close ups of my bedroom furniture that I posted yesterday. Did you wax it after you finished? You can just copy and paste a link for the Pinterest page here. I would love to see it.
      
      Reply
Katie September 1, 2013 at 11:21am

I am having a hard time deciding on which color to go with. The room my pieces will be going in has a red brick floor with antique white walls and brown curtains and rug. I am wanting to go with a form of white but can’t decide based on the color chart online. Any suggestions? 🙂

Reply
1. Lia September 1, 2013 at 4:34pm
  
  @Katie
  
  I have been using the Old White for my version of white. It has a creaminess to it which I think does look more vintage.
  
  Reply
Karen August 16, 2013 at 10:49am

Lia, Hi my name is Karen and new to all the chalk paint business. I am going to do a 2 teir end table that had to be sanded down since the varnish on it was literally flaking off. So now it is sanded down and my only problem now is how do I get off the dust from sanding? Sounds kinda dumb to ask but everytime I get ready to do the painting I run my habd across the table and have more dust flying around? What is the best and fastest way to get rid of the dust once and for all? It is quite annoying almost want to take the hose to it and give it a bath. LOL Help me out someone. Karen

Reply
1. Lia August 16, 2013 at 3:26pm
  
  @Karen
  
  Yay! I think you will love it. I would vacuum it first with the hose, then quickly dust it with a damp cloth. See if that does the trick.
  
  Reply
Gena August 4, 2013 at 8:49pm

Does this paint show brush strokes when you paint with it? I haven’t ever painted furniture but I am moving to a new home and have a few pieces that I’m dying paint. I’m not much into the distressed look so do you think I would still like this paint as long as I don’t distress it with sandpaper after my pieces are painted? I’ve had several people tell me that I need to use a sprayer to get the paint on smoothly. I would rather use a brush if I could but I’m not sure how it will look! Also, the color I’m wanting is a navy. After looking at your pics above, the graphite almost has a navy look to it. Do you have any advice on a navy color using this chalk paint? Any help you can give would be appreciated! Thanks so much!

Reply
1. Lia August 5, 2013 at 8:48am
  
  @Gena
  
  Hi Gena, It does show a bit of brush stroke and that is also part of the beauty. I have a few new home tour posts were I show some of that graphite grey again. These I did not distress. With the wax the finished texture is elegant and looks expensive rather than hokey painted furniture. Occasionally I will spray paint something but very rarely because it tends to look too DIY in a bad way. To get a high gloss smooth lacquer finish it is best to send it to a shop that has the equipment. Maybe you are not looking for that smooth, but if you spray from a can it tends to give an uneven finish in my experience. But, give it a try. You can always use chalk paint over the top if you don’t like it. As far as the color goes, graphite does have a bit of a blue hue though I would not call it navy. It may work best to mix graphite with one of the blues to get the color you are looking for.
  
  Reply
Gabriela July 19, 2013 at 9:21am

Genial! but being the explanation on the photo does not come out translation. I could write off the photo to Spanish speaking we see translation. Thank you!!

Reply
1. Lia July 19, 2013 at 11:51am
  
  @Gabriela
  
  Hi Gabriela, I will have a video tutorial for this process very soon. Stay tuned.
  
  Reply
Becky July 10, 2013 at 6:42pm

I have a piece very similar to the desk/vanity you refinished . How many cans of chalk paint should I anticipate using for this project?

Reply
1. Lia July 11, 2013 at 8:55am
  
  @Becky
  
  You will not even use one. This paint goes quite far and I have painted up to 3 pieces per can.
  
  Reply
Rachel July 4, 2013 at 7:08pm

Beautiful! What is the point of the wax that you put on top? Is that something that needs to be put on in order for the paint to stay?

Reply
1. Lia July 5, 2013 at 10:48am
  
  @Rachel
  
  You can leave the furniture unwaxed if you want a chalky finish. This is great for outdoor furniture. The wax gives a wonderful matte finish and when it is fully cured is a hearty finish. Try it both ways and see what you think.
  
  Reply
Lyba June 28, 2013 at 3:07pm

I have been dying to use chalk paint, however I am a bit cautious. How does the furniture feel after it has been painted? I don’t want to paint my furniture only to realize that it feels odd and well… like paint!

Reply
1. Lia June 28, 2013 at 3:17pm
  
  @Lyba
  
  I have painted 13 pieces now and have another in process and 6 dining room chairs up next. The paint is like is says, chalky, but once the wax is on and has cured (this takes about 3 months, but the furniture is completely usable before that), it has be best texture. It is not glossy, but a nice matte finish and very touchable. When you first apply the wax, there is a bit of tack to it, but this will harden quickly. I love this technique. It makes furniture look like expensive European antique pieces. I have a few things that I painted using a non chalk paint and I will be repainting them with chalk paint as soon as I can. That is how much I love it. Also, I am shooting a video on painting my next piece that will be on the site in July so stay tuned. 🙂
  
  Reply
  1. Lyba June 28, 2013 at 3:48pm
    
    @Lia
    
    Great! Thanks for replying so quickly!
    
    Reply
    1. Lia June 28, 2013 at 5:58pm
      
      @Lyba
      
      Let me know if you have any other questions.
      
      Reply
chalk June 3, 2013 at 9:05pm

i like your pictures with dark furniture..thanks for sharing.

Reply
1. Lia June 4, 2013 at 8:38am
  
  @chalk
  
  Thanks! I love your little shop and hope to come by when I am in the UK.
  
  Reply
Cindy May 18, 2013 at 6:08pm

I am in love with your vanity with the stool. Please tell me the ASCP colors /technique you used! Beautiful. My favorite Annie Sloan piece so far.

I’ve just discovered Annie Sloan and it has been fun!

Thanks for sharing.
Cindy

Reply
1. Lia May 18, 2013 at 8:06pm
  
  @Cindy
  
  That is my favorite piece so far too! What a great find and it was a bit sad looking before Annie. :-). I used Graphite, which does have a blue cast to it. I painted two coats then finished with a clear wax and did not sand/distress it before waxing. This was a simple afternoon project. More Annie Sloan projects coming here so stay tuned. 🙂
  
  Reply
trevor May 18, 2013 at 1:30pm

Can I buy this paint wholesale?

Reply
1. Lia May 18, 2013 at 8:10pm
  
  @trevor
  
  I am not sure, but I know you can become a distributor. Check anniesloanunfolded.com as they are the large distributors for the US.
  
  Reply
Wik May 18, 2013 at 6:31am

Hi I love your pictures with dark furniture. How many coats of paint did you put? I am planning to paint my parents bedroom furniture and I hope to get the same result 🙂

Reply
1. Lia May 18, 2013 at 8:11pm
  
  @Wik
  
  I painted two coats tops. On some pieces I sanded and distressed the edges and on others I didn’t. Love both looks. This paint is so easy and great to work with. I think you will love the results.
  
  Reply
Kristine May 11, 2013 at 12:23am

Hi Lia, the pieces of furniture you have done using Annie Sloane’s chalk paint are beautiful. Did you mix any other colour with Graphite? thanks,

Reply
1. Lia May 11, 2013 at 8:06am
  
  @Kristine
  
  Thanks Kristine. I love that graphite color as it has a hint of blue in it. I didn’t add anything else, just used it straight out of the can.
  
  Reply
Micaela May 6, 2013 at 5:22am

These are really beautiful! I was wondering if you had to sand the furniture before painting them? I’ve been looking at painting some old furniture, but all the research I’ve done recommends sanding beforehand to avoid chipping – a step I’d much rather skip!

Reply
1. Lia May 6, 2013 at 8:19am
  
  @Micaela
  
  The beauty of Annie Sloan paint. . . no pre-sanding unless you just need to smooth a rough area. The only sandpaper I have used on any of my pieces is if I want to rough up the edges of the paint before waxing. You are going to love this paint. 😉
  
  Reply
Adventures April 18, 2013 at 7:33pm

Awesome, thank you! Pinned this for later when I use my chalk paint and wax. =)
Your photos are gorgeous, too! Do you do all of them?

Reply
1. Lia April 19, 2013 at 8:13am
  
  @Adventures
  
  Chalk paint is addictive. 😉 Yes, I do shoot all of my photos. Photography is my other love.
  
  Reply
Shellie March 28, 2013 at 12:59pm

Gorgeous! So you distress it with sandpaper where it would normally receive wear? I love it that you don’t have to remove the soft wax before painting again! Beautiful pieces of furniture . . . just like your whole loft.

Reply
1. Lia March 28, 2013 at 1:01pm
  
  @Shellie
  
  Yes, and it can be more or less distress depending on what you like. Seriously, this is the easiest way to make furniture look fabulous! You should see all the furniture my sister painted this last month. lol
  
  Reply
Jess March 26, 2013 at 1:10pm

This is simply amazing, I would love to have this! I have been looking for boston furniture stores actually. They seem to have a style of furniture I’m into. I think it would be great, I wouldn’t mind having this either. Pure talent, keep it up!

Reply
Katherines March 13, 2013 at 8:00pm

I haven;t tried chalk paint yet. I know it has really grown in popularity. These pieces are lovely. Hugs P.S. I hope you’ll link up your lovely blog to my hop and share your talents

Reply
1. Lia March 16, 2013 at 1:14pm
  
  @Katherines
  
  You will, like me… Become addicted. 😉
  
  I am still in swirl mode and my schedule will be calmer soon so I can catch up on emails.
  
  Reply