Chalk Paint Buffet Table

This chalk paint DIY tackles the buffet table we already have. Using chalk paint is my most favorite way to transform old furniture because it is literally so EASY. The prep work is nearly nonexistent and I love the finish of chalk-painted furniture. Take a look at how I turned this dated piece of furniture into a real statement piece!

As always, I’m going to be honest here.

This buffet table was my very first time using chalk paint. But not to worry, I’ve since painted everything in sight. And for real, this project did not disappoint! Painting furniture in the past had always been a messy tedious endeavor and just thinking about all that sanding, and cleaning, and stripping, and prepping, then painting, painting again, and then sealing really just stressed me out. It seemed easier to just go buy something new at this point. But wait!

Enter: Chalk Paint!

Chalk paint doesn’t actually have any chalk in it. The name comes from the finish it leaves after being waxed. It really is a beautiful matte luster that looks gorgeous. People will ask, Where did you get this?! and you’ll have to say “Oh, I’ve had it forever but I painted it. Isn’t it fun?” and they’ll say “You painted this?!” and you’ll say “Yes, it was so easy!”

You’ll see.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Behr Chalk Paint (Home Depot)
• Behr Chalk Paint Wax (Home Depot)
• Wooster Shortcut Blue Paint Brush
• Tack Cloths
• 220 grit Sandpaper (Optional)
• Lint free cloth or wax brush
• Spray paint/New fixtures

First Clear off and wipe down your piece of furniture.

You may want to spot sand any imperfections. I spent more time on this because this table is nearly a hundred years old and it has seen some days. Remove the knobs and fixtures. Clean and set aside for spray painting. I used oil-rubbed bronze for my knobs – looking back I probably would have done matte black for a slightly more modern look.

Tack Cloth the whole thing.

You want to remove any dust or lint or basically anything that could get in the way of a smooth finish.

Straight up, just get to painting.

That was literally all the prep work required!

You will need at least 2 coats for a beautiful opaque color. Try not to let it get drippy but go ahead and lay it on thick. You can stroke up and down or side to side! In the end, the wax will even it all out beautifully. The coats dry fast too – which I love!

Wax designed for chalk paint literally transforms!

After all the coats of paint have dried fully, take a lint-free rag, wax brush, or paper towel and rub the wax in all over. Try to wax with the grain so that the wax gets into all the nooks and crannies. This will help it to level out nicely. Once you have waxed the whole thing, you’re literally done. Move it back inside if you want. Seriously, I did.

Tip: Use white wax with white chalk paint and dark wax with black chalk paint. Use clear for everything else!

Don’t start using your furniture just yet!

It is important to let it cure for a few days before using your new furniture. Waiting helps to ensure longevity. A week of not using it is sufficient time for curing.

And that is really all there is to it! How easy and inexpensive is the transformation? I loved these products so much that I started painting more things around my home.

Do you have any furniture that needs an update? Have you used chalk paint before? Let me know in the comments below!

So now it’s your turn! If you try this, tag me at @goldengluegun

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