Upcycled Bench: Chalk Paint DIY Upholstery Redo Project

I bought this bench at a yard sale in June of 2013 for $2.

After I removed the fabric and took over sanding the wood (you do not need to sand when using chalk paint; however, I didn't know if I would be distressing this piece, so I sanded down any rough spots for a smooth, clean, painted look), I painted the wood white with two coats of chalk paint. 

After MUCH debate and polling on social media because I was so torn, I decided on the blue fabric that I bought at IKEA during the summer of 2012. 

Choosing the fabric was a very hard choice because I absolutely loved both looks. 

However, before I could upholster this piece, I had to buy a replacement piece of wood for the seat as the original wood had deteriorated over time. To save time, and so I didn't have to pull out my saw during our Northeast winter here, I had our wood cut to size (a wonderful complimentary service) at Lowe's as my girls and I watched from the sidelines.  

Once the wood was cut, I upholstered it by simply placing the fabric over the padding while pulling the fabric taunt and even while stapling it on the backside of the wood.

After I painted the wood and before I attached the cushion, I applied two coats of soft clear wax over the chalk paint. 

Here is a before and after look:

What do you think of the fabric choice? Do you think I should take this redo a step further by distressing the wood? I would love for you to share your thoughts!

Happy Upcycling!

Priscilla

Distressed Painted Furniture Redo: Yard Sale Table Upcycled with Chalk Paint

During one of our many yard sale adventures, Lexie and I found this table priced for $1.00, and I immediately envisioned a distressed, antiqued beauty.

I initially envisioned this table painted white, distressed and finished with a dark wax so that the detail would be accentuated. However, after painting it white, my vision changed.

Before I started painting, I thoroughly scrubbed the table with white vinegar and water (50/50) while scraping the grime out of the crevices. I then sanded the top of the table several times while lightly sanding the rest of the table before painting a thick coat of white chalk paint. You do not normally need to sand before painting with chalk paint, but what you cannot see in these pictures is the small amount of water damage on the table top. The wood was a bit too swollen in areas to not sand. 

After I painted a thick coat of white chalk paint, I thought that it needed more than a distressed and dark wax finish, so I decided to have a bit of fun with it as I painted the second coat blue (most chalk paints go on thick, but I did need to touch up areas after the second coat dried thoroughly). 

I then distressed the entire table with sand paper and extra fine steel wool with the intention to expose both the white paint and natural wood.

The pictures below are before I applied the clear wax. If you compare the images in the collage below with the first picture in this post, you can see how the blue got brighter after I applied the wax.

After I distressed the table, I applied two coats of clear wax (I may apply a third coat to the table top because of all the daily use it will endure. I must admit, however, that I still have the urge to add a dark wax antiqued finish. 

What do you think? Should I stop at the clear wax or go for a more distressed/antiqued finish that the dark wax creates? 

Happy Painting!

Priscilla 

DIY Upcycled Painted Mirror: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and the Lesson I Learned

After my mother-in-law saw a few of the mirrors that I've been accumulating for future projects, she asked me to paint one of the mirrors that I had for her closet so that she can use it while getting ready in the mornings.

After receiving the dimensions of her available wall space, I asked if she liked the mirror below that I purchased at a yard sale for $5.00.

She loved it! However, before I picked a paint color, I asked her several questions while getting a feel for the look she wanted without revealing the color that I was intending on using after considering her responses.

After speaking with my MIL, I knew that Provence by Annie Sloan was the right color, but before I started painting, I wiped the mirror down with white vinegar and water (50/50) and let it fully dry before I began with the first coat.

As you can see, there was a lot of dirt to clean off.

I applied the first coat with a brush while trying to get into all the nooks and crannies. However, after that dried, I had to go back with a partial second coat while covering the missed spots in the groves.

When painting this mirror, I did not mix water with the AS chalk paint like I had with my first two projects; however, when painting my next ornate mirror, I will mix three parts paint to one part water for better coverage. I feel that not watering down this chalk paint caused it to go on a bit too thick while I lost some of the detail.

Overall, I still think that it came out beautifully, and my MIL loved it, so it was a total score! 

Since this project, I've purchased several more antique mirrors and have even saved a couple mirrors from the landfill while trash picking, so I will have 12+ mirror projects in my not-so-distant future to share with all of you.

Much Love!

Priscilla