My first experience with chalk paint

Let's talk chalk paint! So, anyone who truly knows me knows that I paint everything. EVERYTHING. I am not a huge fan of wood in its natural state. With that being said, I have always used latex paints and spray paints. Let's just say, chalk paint is a game changer. I was sceptical of it being durable especially because there is practically NO prep. All you have to do is clean the piece beforehand and fill holes/ flaws with wood putty (only if you want to). Mind blown!

Here is my first victim. I got this beauty for $30! An old hutch probably from the 60's/70's. It had great potential. I did have to make repairs to a back leg that had broken off and it needed a new glass pane. Most of all, it needed a good cleaning (spiders underneath aren't my thing, ekk).

During the process, my cat Jordy thought she would lend a helping paw!

So here is what one coat of chalk paint looked like. Chalk paint isn't exactly easy to work with because it dries so quickly. After my first coat I did some research and found out the paint can be thinned with water, which made the second paint application so much better (not to mention it makes the paint go so much farther). My first coat I used a "vintage effects" paint brush which I heavily regretted after the fact. I love a more solid colored piece, not so much distressed.

Here is what it looked like after a second coat. I used a regular, high quality 2" angle brush. The type of brush you use makes a huge difference in the outcome of your piece. There were a few spots I went back over a third time. Once I let my piece dry, I went back over the entire piece with a fine grit sanding block to make it smooth to the touch. Once I cleaned the dust off the piece, I sealed it with a cream wax. It was kind of the consistency of hair conditioner. I used a clean rag for application. I read how a lot of people use a brush, but I felt like I had more control with a rag. I made sure to do several coats of wax on the top of the piece since it will frequently be wiped off. I bought new knobs and pulls from Home Depot to make the piece look more up to date. Now to fill this piece with pretty dinnerware!

Here are the products used: