This dark blue chalk paint entry table was once my least favorite piece of furniture. But not anymore! Repainting this kind of table was so quick and easy and so transformative that I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. Do you have an entry table that could use a revamp? Don’t wait! This old table of mine was on its way out. My husband told me to put it on the curb with a free sign…
But I said WAIT! I HAVE AN IDEA
Today, I’m going to show you how fast and easy this project was! Then I want you to get out there and paint something fresh yourself!
Behold! The Transformative Power of Chalk paint!
You are going to love the results, just look how beautiful the rich matte blue is.
This table went from drab to fab!
Want to know the color? Keep reading to find out!
This table really is one of my M O S T favorite pieces in my home.
And I love that about my furniture. When you can call them “pieces”, it’s so much better.
It’s my favorite when people’s homes all look unique yet beautiful.
And this entry table’s fabulousness is all thanks to chalk paint!!
My favorite chalk paint comes from Home Depot. That’s where you got to go to get it. Nowhere else sells it, I can’t tell you how many times I would forget and go to another improvement store only to leave annoyed. Does anyone else have trouble keeping the little things straight? Oh, you too! Anyway – Behr Chalk paint has the richest color in the largest quantity, at the most reasonable price point.
You’ll need a few non-negotiable supplies:
- Tack Cloth – SO IMPORTANT for a beautiful flawless finish (Removes all dust and particles before painting)
- Chalk Paint – If you choose White, PLEASE have them STILL tint it white. Trust me, the color is more opaque than just the white base, and if the paint mixer, who has no idea what they’re talking about, says “you don’t need to get it mixed white”, stand your ground and get it mixed! It’ll be the difference between 2 coats of paint and 5 coats of paint.
- Paintbrush
- Chalk Wax – Choose the same brand as your paint
- Lint-free Rag
Simple Instructions for Getting Started
Step 1 of 5
Start with a clean surface
Wipe down your furniture with a mild cleaner. I used Pinesol and water mix on a soft cloth It’s important to get off any dirt, dust, and oils. You don’t need to spend a ton of time cleaning but also don’t skip this step!
Step 2 of 5
Prepare your space for Painting
When you are all cleaned off, prep your painting space! I used butcher paper in my garage.
You should also sand any trouble spots.
The left side of the top shelf had an oil diffuser spill on a book and the pages practically melded into the wood. I had to use an electric sander to try to smooth out that mess. The rest of the piece had small dings and minor dents. I decided not to fill or sand any of those areas as a bit of an experiment to see how well chalk paint actually covers. (Spoiler Alert! Covered it beautifully! 😍)
Step 3 of 5
Sand to Smooth out Trouble Spots Only
Extra attention was spent on sanding the drawer pull areas. The original drawer knobs were larger around in circumference so they made a large circle scratch. Sanding that area smoothly helped make any imperfections completely disappear under the self-leveling chalk paint.
Step 4 of 5
JUST GET AFTER IT AND START PAINTING!
This piece of furniture only took 2 coats and a clear wax coating and it was complete. Coats dry VERY quickly – you can be ready to apply a second coat in 30 minutes. This generally means by the time you work your way to the other side – time is up! Then you are ready to go back to the start to paint your second coat. Allow the chalk paint to dry for 24 hours or at least overnight before going in with the wax.
Take a lint-free cloth in your hand and scoop out some of the special chalk paint wax. Rub the wax into the entire surface, like you’re painting it.. but with the cloth in your hand. You will begin to see the beautiful sateen matte luster begin to form. If your piece has a lot of nooks and crannies like this Buffet Table did, you can let the wax build up in those areas. In a short time, they will absorb into the paint and will be more beautiful than ever!
Step 5 of 5
Allow time to fully cure – when possible!
After using chalk paint and wax, they say it’s best to wait 30 days for the paint to cure. I don’t think I’ve ever waited that long!
But I really did try to keep the family from putting anything on the table for as long as I could manage. I painted a bookshelf for my girl’s room and the very next day put it in the room and then loaded it with books and it has held up fine. But my experience here is my own… Best to let your painted furniture just sit for a while… to extend its beautiful new life!
Even my husband was surprised!
It came out great! The color seems almost teal in these photos but at home, we call it “the blue table”. If you want to use the color we used the name of it is CITY RAIN.
Just imagine the possibilities! Chalk paint is inexpensive and so easy to work with. It’s also quite easy to clean up and will generally wipe away with water if you make a little spill and it doesn’t have time to dry. That old dresser on the side of the road could have a new life if you just find the right tools and a little inspiration!
So now it’s your turn! If you try this, tag me at @goldengluegun
Golden Gluegun is a DIY lifestyle blog featuring incredible DIY flips, sewing tutorials, crafts, and creative inspiration. Join me as we plan and create!
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