Dresser Makeover Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

I'm excited to show you this next before and after. This dresser makeover is living proof that a little bit of Chalk Paint® decorative paint can transform any piece of furniture. Here's a sneak peak at the finished dresser.

A sweet little old lady in a large charming house had made the hard decision to downsize her living space. I purchased this next lovely piece at her "moving sale". When you've lived as long as she has and collected just as memories along the way, I can see how making those kind of life decisions can be so difficult for a person. I stayed a little longer then I normally do to pick up a piece because I could tell she needed someone to share a few of those of memories with. ;)

This particular piece was used in a guest bedroom. And although it was in great condition, I'm going to pretend that she had an array of fun guests stay that owned heavy luggage because the top of that dresser was pretty worn and scratched. Something a good sanding and re-stain can fix.

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Chalk Paint Dresser Makeover

Materials Used for this Dresser Makeover

Paint Brushes

Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint®

Florence Chalk Paint®
Pure White Chalk Paint®
General Finishes Water Based Stain in Early American

General Finishes High Performance in Flat

Chalk Paint Custom Color Recipe

(A 3:1 ratio of Aubusson Blue to Florence was mixed with a tab of Pure White).

A little while ago I re-finished a similar French Provincial dresser we affectionally called, Natalia. Another dresser redo that was refinished in a custom turquoise color. I decided to give this one a similar custom color with a slight variance and a stained top. Annie Sloan has written books on how to create custom colors with Chalk Paint® and how to use Chalk Paint® to transform more than just furniture. If you've never worked with Chalk Paint® before here are a few painting tips and trips that might be helpful.

Chalk Paint Tips & Tricks

1. Always start with a clean, dry piece of furniture.
2. Paint your first coat in thin layers. The first coat you paint will make you second guess that you ever picked up a paint brush, but I promise... it will come together! You're not looking for full coverage on the first coat. Allow each coat to dry before putting on another one. For medium color hues, usually 2 coats are sufficient. White or lighter colors can sometimes take up to 3 coats.
3.  Wet distress your piece or use sand paper to create a farmhouse weathered look. 
4. Once fully dry, you can seal the chalk paint® with a top coat. One of my favorite top coats to use is General Finishes High Performance in Flat.

A little bit of rustic meets a little bit of French. Selfishly, I hope she sticks around for a little bit, she is rather fun to stare at. :)



Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street