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My First Experience with Chalk Paint - Chippendale Chair

How to chalk paint a chair
After witnessing so many transformations around blog land, I had to give chalk paint a try!

Maybe it was my sister-in-law's fault. She was the one who needed paint to transform some pieces of furniture.  She was the one who invited me to go paint shopping.  Ha,  I couldn't get out of that store without something in my hands!

At the time I was thinking of painting a pair of kitchen stools that needed a new coat of paint, but no, my eyes went instead toward these girls:  My Chippendale chairs,  of course, I have lots of those! 12 to be exact.   

Why? you might ask.  

Well, let me tell you a story.

As soon as we started our family we wanted to fill our future house with good quality furniture.  I went to many stores trying to find the perfect dining room set, and after many trips I finally found it! Beautiful Chippendale chairs that cried out loud to me: "high end"  :)  We bought six chairs but no table, NO.  Just the chairs got all our budget!  We had to wait to buy the table.

By the way, these are NOT those "high-end" chairs we bought at that time.


Time passed, we moved into our new house, and still no table!  

That's when we discovered Craiglist, there, I found a similar table to the one I kept on dreaming about, but it was way cheaper than the one at the store, and that wasn't all!  It came with SIX Chippendale chairs and a rug. What a deal, we got the whole package.

These are those CL Chippendale chairs.


They are a bit bulkier than the first ones I bought, but in general, they are OK.  

Lately, I've been thinking about selling them, we don't need that many chairs.  But heck, they became the perfect project after having ASCP on my hands!
One of them had a damaged arm, that was one more reason to paint them.


First, it had to be fixed.  That nail was pulled out, both sides were sanded, and after applying glue, a couple of new nails were driven to hold the arm in place.  The gaps and nail holes were then filled with caulking



The other end of the arm received a similar fix.  Lots of glue, some nails, and clamps were all needed to make it strong once again.



So, the painting began. No sanding or prepping, that is really nice!



After one coat, this is how it looked.  For my liking, it was not ready, it needed another coat!
How to paint a chair with chalk paint
That's when I began thinking I should've bought more paint, a SAMPLE might not be enough!  Well, remember I wanted to paint two simple stools not two chairs with so many details!  As usual, my project got bigger than I first thought.

This was the remaining after applying one coat to one chair.
how to paint a Chippendale chair with chalk paint
ASCP - Paris Grey
That chair got a second coat, and the other chair its first coat of paint.   Only one sample (4fl Ounces /118 ml), covered a lot!

Here you can see the difference from one to two coats.
Chippendale chair painted ASCP

But, unfortunately, it was NOT enough for both chairs!  After three coats (two coats on one chair and one coat on the other), the remaining paint was very thick.  I added a tablespoon of water, mixing it very well.  Adding the water almost allowed me to give the second chair the final coat, but no.  All the back on that chair was left with only one coat. :(  I need to buy some more.


It looks like I didn't waste a bit!  :D
how to paint chairs with chalk paint

Then the distressing part arrived.   Using regular sandpaper (280 grid), I did a light sanding, nothing too heavy.

They were all ready for the wax.  These chairs have so much detail that it would've been hard to do it without using the proper brush.  It is so good to work with the proper tools!

Very thin amounts of wax were applied in uniform coats.
How to paint a chair with chalk paint

You can see the difference from a simply painted to a painted and waxed surface.

waxed and un-waxed difference in a chair

After the wax dried, both chairs were buffed with a regular cotton cloth and oh boy, I'm happy with the results!

A new cover for those cushions and my not-so "high-end" chairs got in the spotlight!
How to paint a Chippendale chair

Now the question is... Should I sell them?
how to paint a Chippendale chair


I like those distressed edges.

Perhaps I'm going to enjoy them for a while.

Besides, I still need to finish the back on one of these and paint four more!

If you're thinking about transforming a piece of furniture with chalk paint here are some great posts from blogging friends that have done this not once, but several times.

Kim at Savvy Southern Style,  this post was about her Kitchen Cabinets Tutorial,  but that's just one of the many transformations she has tackled around her home, you will be amazed.


I also love the paint transformations and tutorials from Yvonne at Stone Gable.  Creating a Color Wash Effect is one of my favorite tutorials from her.


I'm definitely happy with the experience, my next project is already on a waiting list.  What's your next project?  Are you still waiting to give it a try?

How to recover a chair seat ---> right HERE
Dining room makeover  --->right HERE



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60 comments :

  1. I love the way your chairs turned out. I've been wanting to try chalk paint, but just haven't found the right project yet. I bought a similar "high end" dining table and chairs when we moved into this house. I bought furniture to last us forever not realizing my taste would change. I kept hoping it would bite the dust for the last five years or so, lol.

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  2. Beautiful painted chairs and I like the fabric you've chosen as well.

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  3. I absolutely love the transformation and think you should enjoy them for a while. You can always sell them later. You did a great job!

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  4. Beautiful job! Love the paint color and adore the fabric your chose for the seats. Isn't chalk paint amazing? Thanks for sharing and blessings to you, Patti

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  5. Cristina para ser tu primera experiencia te ha quedado perfecta. Me encanto el cambio ,, además el tapiz que elegiste me encanta como queda combinado con la alfombra

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  6. Beautiful job on the chairs. Love the color and fabric and thanks for the shout out. Watch out you will be hooked!

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  7. These chairs turned out to be gorgeous in your expert hands Cristina! love them! I think you'd have a very hard time parting with them. I think you should keep them and enjoy until you find the chippendales you've been looking for. :-) Finished my craft room already and will be posting end of the week!

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  8. Beautiful! And I love the fabric you chose!

    -andi

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  9. You should keep them they are wonderful and the colors of the fabric is so so beautiful...love the tut, I must give it a try..

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  10. Uh-oh...there should be a warning on the label that chalk painting is highly addictive!! Lol! These turned out fantastic and I love the fabric you chose. Simply stunning:)

    XO,
    Christy
    Confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

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  11. Lovely first chalk paint project! Yes, I'm thinking you'd better hold onto those chairs for awhile; they're too pretty to let go of :)

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  12. Great paint job, down to the very last drop of paint from the jar :)) As a painting aficionado myself, good for you to skip the "before" prepping, since chalk paint is very sticky and thick - and it won't chip away. By the way, the floral-stripe mix from the rug and the chair upholstery is to die for!

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  13. The chairs are so pretty to begin with, and you did such a good job, they are now gorgeous.

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  14. Beautiful! The chairs look amazing! I love to paint with chalk paint, it really does go pretty far! Great job!

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  15. How lovely! I've never used chalk paint before but now I might have to give it a try. I really like how the chairs turned out. I think you should keep them for sure! But if you do sell them, I'm sure you could make a nice profit :)

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  16. Stunning!! I love the fabric you chose for them too. I have not tried chalk or milk paint before. It's on my to do list for sure. Thanks for sharing your experience. I think you should keep them...but I know they'd go quickly if you decided to sell them.

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  17. Ohhh I love them! Great job! I have not tried ASCP yet, maybe soon? These are beautiful, I think you should enjoy them! You totally deserve it, and I love the distressed edges too!!!

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  18. Your chairs turned out beautiful! I too have just started using ASCP and absolutely love it!!! ~~Angela

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  19. Wow, those chairs are absolutely stunning and I do like them mahogany, but they also look amazing in their painted state. Beautiful. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  20. Just had to come back now that I can comment. You've done an amazing job! Your chairs turned out beautifully and the fabric choice...just perfect!!! Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  21. wow, so impressed, you did a really great job for your first time! super looking chairs, and a wonderful fabric choice as well.

    Blessings, Nellie

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  22. Wow! Gorgeous ;) You should totally keep them!
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  23. What a transformation Cristina! It looks great!

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  24. I'd keep them for a while and enjoy your handy work. Great looking chairs. Susan @ throughmyporchwindow.blogspot.com

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  25. Cristina, que belleza de Sillas!!!! han quedado hermosas, con esa pátina se destaca mucho el trabajo que tienen en su madera. Y el tapizado del asiento, en género celeste/blanco, es precioso :)
    Victoria

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  26. You did a great job- they look fabulous and the fabric really gives it the final touch!

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  27. The chairs look extremely high-end, Cristina! They look beautiful!

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  28. Absolutely stunning! You did a fantastic job. I have never used the 'real stuff' but am quite a fan of DIY chalk paint. Those chairs were perfect for aging with all the decorative detail they have. Thanks for sharing,
    Krista @thehappyhousie

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  29. They are beyond gorgeous, how could you ever part with them?

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  30. They're gorgeous, I have yet to chalk paint anything but I am itching to :)

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  31. These are amazing!! I just bought a buffet today to try the chalk paint with. I really can't wait now that I have seen your project. Don't sell them!

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  32. Cristina, te ha quedado estupenda! Qué cambio más impresionante! Besos desde Catalunya.

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  33. wow, beautiful!!! I've never worked with wax before... your final project is lovely and its too bad you didn't have enough paint :o) I've been there before!! {ha!} I've got a great cutting edge stencil giveaway going... I think you could use $50 in free stencils :o)
    www.nap-timecreations.com

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  34. Hi, Your chairs are beautiful and I love the fabric. Great job...Connie

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  35. Cristina-Those look fabulous! I love not only the paint job but the fabric, too. What a find if AND they came with the table you wanted. LOVE this project. Are you going to paint all 6 of the chairs? xo Diana

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  36. What a beautiful new fresh look you gave your chairs. That fabric is perfect. I just love the outcome. Hope you enjoy them until you sell them. Nice work.
    Liz

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  37. visiting from feathered nest friday. i love this.

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  38. I am so close to doing this too! I have the same type of chairs! Thanks for the fantastic tutorial! Where did you get your ASCP?

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  39. These turned out beautifully!! Great job! Stopping by from the weekend wrap-up party! Have a great weekend!

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  40. I've been wondering about chalk paint. Do you think it will be durable over time?

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  41. These turned out beautiful! For chairs with so much detail, I'm sure you saved so much time not having to sand. I have yet to use the chalk paint,still want to, but I can see the difference with the wax. Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

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  42. Gorgeous! Love the fabric, too! Found you through Funky Junk Interiors Party Junk 183...

    Cher @ Designs by Studio C
    http://designsbystudioc.com

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  43. The chairs look great with the chalk paint. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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  44. Beautifully done, Cristina! ASCP is THE best, isn't it? And so much to use!!! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  45. Love these! I especially love the fabric you chose to recover them!

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  46. This post was SO helpful! I just bought my first can of ASCP but was putting off my project because I wasn't confident in how to do it. A lot of the tutorials out there are from experienced chalk painters so they skip over the details, figuring everyone knows what to do already. Your post answered all of my beginner questions AND those chairs look amazing!!! I popped over from Give Me the Goods Monday--thanks for sharing!

    ~Abby =)

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  47. I would definitely keep those chairs. I might have to break down and get some ASCP. It is so expensive in Canada.

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  48. I can't believe this is your first project with chalk paint! Your chairs are gorgeous! Great job! Distressing is just enough. The fabric is perfect. So pretty!

    Peace,
    Linda at The French Hens Nest

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  49. Wow fantastic!! You are a genius. What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas. Have a great week.

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  50. Is that a shower curtain on those chairs? :) I only ask because I have the same shower curtain but in green/blue/brown. What a great idea to use it as a chair cover!!!

    Brie - Breezy Pink Daisies

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  51. Oh Cristina you did a GREAT job on those chairs - beautiful! The distressing is fantastic!! :)

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  52. Thanks so much for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday! Hope you link up again this Monday ;)
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  53. Your chairs look so elegant. I'm sure it would cost a fortune to buy anything so beautiful.

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  54. I haven't tried chalk paint yet, but your chairs make me want to! They turned out amazing. Visiting from the Pin Me Link Party.

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  55. Your chairs turned out beautiful.

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  56. I think you should get rid of those chairs! Um, by the way, how much do you wnt for me to take them off your hands?, ONLY KIDDING! Well, I'm not kidding about wanting to take them off your hands! I'm crazy about them! I'm curious to know how sturdy the paint is against scuffing and scratching. Does the wax give pretty good protection?

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  57. i would love to feature your project , it turned out beautiful, please let me know if this would be ok
    lauren

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