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DIY Dresser Overhaul With Chalk Paint

In this DIY Dresser Overhaul with chalk paint, I actually completed an entire bedroom set.
A bookcase, stool, desk, nightstand, and main dresser, as well as a mirror.
The overall time if I had done this nonstop would have been a 2-day process.
For me, it was a few hours a day.
Detailing the edges was insanely crazy for the time of the year (Christmas) and maybe ill-planned.
However, I took my time.
Each piece of furniture took no less than 2 hours and the main 6 drawer piece was a 6-hour process.
Drying time, detailing, painting, drawers out and drawers in, and cleaning all accounted for the time.
It's not hard to do this project it was just harder with 3 kids home, and the holidays.
Yes, I would do it again and I am with different furniture and a few other major projects so stay tuned!
Prep Time25 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Additional Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours 25 minutes
Course: DIY with Dana
Author: dana vento
Cost: 100.00

Equipment

  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Brushes - wax
  • Artistic Brushes - detailing
  • Vacuum

Materials

  • Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan
  • Annie Sloan's Flat Brushes
  • Painters Tape for detailing
  • Detailing Artist brushes
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Cleaning solution for furniture without WAX to cut grease and grime
  • Rags
  • Floor Tarp
  • Time
  • Light
  • Patience

Instructions

  • First, detach all hardware.
  • Clean it and set it aside.
  • Next, wash all the furniture to free it of grease, grime, and dirt.
  • Stir the paint well, then place the first coat on.
  • If you are alternating colors, paint the other color in the other area while the main coat dries.
  • You need about 15-20 minutes between coats, but.. you must make sure the coat is dry.
  • Fans, lower humidity all help the process.
  • Paint the large spaces on al the furniture first.
  • Follow with all the trim detail, taping off as necessary with painter's tape.
  • In between using the brushes, and alternating, make sure to keep brushes in a zippered bag.
  • This process keeps the brushes usable without having to stop and wash between each color change.
  • Once you have coated the furniture and achieved the color you are happy with (how many coats will make the difference) allow it to dry overnight.
  • Then, you will want to wax the furniture with Chalk Paint Clear or dark whatever you are working on.
  • I however did find that the wax setting time was not working with my lifestyle.
  • Instead of sticking with the wax, and I did try it on 2 dressers, I switched to a clear polyacrylic to seal.
  • It fared much better for durability against marks and dings.

Video

Notes

Notes about Waxing process.
Wait 24 hours to 36 hours to wax over the paint.
Waxing is best in a well-ventilated area.
A little bit of wax goes a Loooonnnngggg way.
Did I say that a little really goes far?
If you chose not to wax, find an alternate sealer, to keep your new project how it was finished to be.
You do need to buff off the wax and you should do 2 coats.
Make sure to invest in the chalk paintbrushes.
Soap and water clean the paint off all the brushes from the paint.