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How to refinish a table using chalk paint

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The Birch Cottage offers this tutorial on how to refinish furniture using chalk paint

Today I’m just thrilled to show you one of my most recent furniture makeovers. We have a small console or table we use in our entryway. The table was an Amish-made oak table that belonged to my mother-in-law. The table was fine just the way it was, but I really am in love with the white finishes, especially the chalk paint finishes. So, I decided to paint the table. Lenny and Morgan both thought I was crazy for painting a perfectly good table – especially since “that’s the way it’s always been.” Well, not anymore! And, lucky for you, because I’m gonna share with you how to refinish a table using chalk paint!

Where to buy chalk paint

Annie Sloan Chalk PaintYou can purchase chalk paint from many different sources, including:

Lowe’s even has a great tutorial on chalk paint. You can read about it here. And check out their Chalk Paint Recipe:

Mix your own chalk-finish paint using the following supplies:

  • Valspar flat latex paint
  • Plastic paint buckets (#40008)
  • Plaster of Paris (#41323)
  • Stir sticks
  • Plastic measuring cups (do not reuse for food)
  • Water (cool, not warm)
  • Paste wax (#45898)

Mix 1/3 cup of plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of cool water; stir until completely smooth. Mix that with 1 cup of latex paint and stir thoroughly. This will make enough chalk-finish paint for one coat on a six-drawer dresser. Chalk-finish paint should not be stored and reused. If you have a smaller project, mix smaller amounts of plaster, paint, and water in the same proportions.

Refinish Furniture: Console Table

How to make chalk paint

You can simply use the Lowe’s Chalk Finish Paint Recipe above, or go here for my custom tutorial and FREE printable!

Refinish Furniture: Update an old  console table using chalk paint by The Birch CottageHow to refinish a table using chalk paint

Now, on with today’s project on how to refinish a table using chalk paint:

  1. Gather supplies
  2. Wipe off surface so it’s free of dust and debris
  3. Apply one coat of chalk paint; let dry; lightly sand
  4. Apply second coat of chalk paint; let dry; lightly sand
  5. Wipe off surface so it’s free of dust and debris
  6. Apply polycrylic (usually a couple of coats, allowing 2 hours of dry time between coats

Here are a few more pictures of the finished table:

I loved working on this table so much, that I refinished another piece! Can’t wait to share that project with you!! So, have you used chalk paint? If so, what was your experience like?

This project can also be viewed over at Between Naps on the Porch. Check out her site for more DIY inspiration!

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