How to Chalk Paint a Chest of Drawers

Chalk paint is so much fun! I feel like there is still a lot of confusion out there as to what chalk painting furniture is. It’s hard for people to realize that you do not have to completely sand down a piece of furniture before you paint it and make it pretty.

Chalk paint has really come to light by Annie Sloan. Her company is over 25 years old now and she actually got with a manufacturer to invent the perfect paint for furniture. Chalk Paint has been around since the Egyptians. They used paints made from minerals and pigments to have their own chalk paint.

If you are a busy mom or dad or person! Then chalk paint is the way you want to go with all of your painted furniture needs. Chalk paint is also great for painting kitchen cabinets. It adheres very well to cabinet finishes.

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Chalk painted Chest of Drawers, lightly distressed

What you need to Chalk Paint a Chest of Drawers

Chalk paint – Annie sloan is what I used in the picture above. The color is Louis Blue Dixie Belle’s mineral paint also works great!
Wooster Short cut brush (these are my favorite because they have a rubber handle and do not hurt her hand!)
Clear wax or Poly for sealing – wax takes 28 days to cure but is very easy to do touch ups with, poly looks shiny from the get go and does not need buffing.
Shop towels– they help clean up any mess and are great for wiping off excess wax.

To begin, turn your paint upside down. I know this sounds strange! But, ALL stockiest of Annie Sloan recommend you turn the can upside down for close to 30 minutes before painting, that way all of the good stuff on the bottom makes its way to the top of the paint can and is ready for your chest of drawers. (In this picture I painted the chest of drawers in Annie Sloan Louis Blue. I also sealed it with clear wax.)

Less is more. Only dip the tips of your bristled brush into the paint can and begin painting the sides of your chest of drawers. (note: if you are not painting the hardware you will need to have them removed.) I like to paint the sides, top and drawer fronts last. You do not want to see any of the chest of drawers original finish underneath. Apply 2 to 3 coats of chalk paint.

Once your chest of drawers is dry begin sealing your piece! If you are using polyurethane make sure it is water based. If you choose wax you will need a was brush to apply the wax. You will have smudges and unevenness if you do not use a wax brush. 🙂