Cedar Chest painted in Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint

Thrifty to Nifty

Decorating on a budget by repurposing thrift store treasures

Chalk Painted Cedar Chest

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Chalk Painted Cedar Chest

Chalk Painted Cedar Chest

 

The past few posts I shared have been the terrific scores I made when I was out treasure hunting.  These crazy finds can be seen here and here .  However, the downside to all of this is that , now what to do with all of it? Time to get to work.  My first project… give a fresh look to a tired piece, chalk paint a cedar chest.

Cedar chest sanded and ready for paint

Cedar chest sanded and ready for paint

This is the piece I picked up.  It had really good lines, very sturdy and in great structural condition but it did have water marks on the lid.  It needed to be saved.  I gave it a good sanding and a wipe down before painting.

Choosing the paint is aways the hardest part of a project for me.  First of all, there is Milk Paint or Chalk Paint to choose from.   Because this piece had a darker stain, I chose chalk paint for its great coverage.  The next issue I struggle with is color.  If you have not used chalk paint before, please go take a look at the color options.  Yikes!  I know, great variety!  I could ponder forever at the color choices, but when I really am in doubt, I go with white – Old White to be exact.

Cedar Chest being painted in Annie Sloan Old White

Cedar Chest being painted in Annie Sloan Old White

Here it is after the first coat, not bad.  I did end up giving it another coat and then a touch up.  After the inspection, I thought I was done.  Nope, I lifted the lid and found it need paint around the perimeter.  The lid hung over when closed so I never saw the space that needed additional painting until it was opened.  So glad I checked!

Decrative peice painted out

Decorative piece painted out

For the decorative appliqué piece on the front, I decide to paint it to make it stand out a bit more.  This time I chose Miss Mustard Seed’s Schloss color. This color choice was made only because it was already mixed up and being used on another piece. It just made it easy, that’s all.

Chalk Painted Cedar Chest

Chalk Painted Cedar Chest

After sanding, distressing and applying a clear wax for protection, the piece was completed.  This one will go at the foot of my bed.  I love that it is storage and is also a place to sit to put on my shoes! One project done and ??? to go!

Have you used chalk paint?  I would love to hear your experiences with it.

 

Comments

  1. So pretty! I love chalky paint! 🙂 I love storage furniture as well, perfect for small homes like mine!

    Thanks SO much for sharing with us last week at Talented Tuesday! I hope to see you again this week! 🙂

  2. I love it! We have a trunk that my husband’s cousin made a LONG time ago, very simple design but it’s SO heavy. It’s great storage though… so now I’m wondering if instead of leaving it alone (and taking it to storage), if I should sand it and paint it.. Maybe I can use it in the living room for the kids toys??

  3. That is a wonderful use for the chest, at the end of the bed, storage and a seat. Well done clever one.
    Thanks, Kathleen

  11. Thank you for joining our Oh My Heartsie Girl Wordless Wednesday Link Party.. This is a lovely transformation, thank you for sharing! Have a great day, co-host Evija @Fromevijawithlove

  12. What an awesome find! I’m in love with your color choices! I’ve never used chalk paint, but my daughter has.

  13. Turned out fab! I love how you can use this for decorating, storage, and as a seat, too. This will be very functional for you. Great find!

  14. I really like this transformation! Well done! Thanks for sharing this at bloggers brags pinterest party! I’ve pinned it!