Asked on Feb 24, 2014

China Hutch for Porch - Chalk Paint?

Nana Rinny
by Nana Rinny
I purchased this china hutch at a local Salvation Army store for the purpose of using it on my covered porch/patio. I am looking for ideas on how to best paint and seal it for outdoor use. I am going to paint the faux fireplace as well. Going for the Coastal look.
  15 answers
  • Kathy Ayers Kathy Ayers on Feb 25, 2014
    I'd definitely go with Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax. But I would then go over them with the Artisan Enhancement Top Coat which is made to go with this product line and will give you the water proofing you may need--even if its in a covered environment. Have fun!! Junk Drawer Diva
  • Debi McCoy Debi McCoy on Feb 25, 2014
    I think Annie Sloan is way over-priced. You can make your own chalk paint and use other wax. Just use ehow.com and it will give you the recipe.
  • Lorna S Lorna S on Feb 25, 2014
    I think both pieces will be lovely painted in a white wash, pale blue, pale green...good lick. Lots of work ahead!
    • Jan Jan on Feb 04, 2015
      @Lorna S I agree with your paint color suggestions, though I doubt they'd be good to lick :) I love pale blue and pale green shades.
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Feb 26, 2014
    Even if it's painted with water proof paint, the hardware will rust, and any places you might miss, like under the feet will begin to deteriorate. Then, the bugs, cob webs, and what all will be a situation. Usually, work with a piece that you wouldn't mind hauling to the dump after a while.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Feb 26, 2014
    I love Anne Sloan chalk paint. And would love to see this in Old White the other white is more of a transparent color I use it more as a glaze. I would use a glaze to antique it. If there is heat such as sun and heat from the fireplace I would use her sealer instead. Wax melts. I never wax anything out side instead using a glaze and sealer. I never wax anything that is subjected to heat.
  • DebLynn DebLynn on Feb 26, 2014
    Definitely Paint it, may I suggest painting the back in a different color…A Pale blue or green is nice for contrast….
  • Laura Burnett Eilts Laura Burnett Eilts on Feb 26, 2014
    I would recommend La Craie Paint - Maison Blanch. It is much easier to use than Annie Sloan paint and less expensive. The results are amazing!
  • Hi Laura, I'm using both La Craie, and ASCP, and paying about 38.00/quart for both. Could you tell me where you find la Craie cheaper than than? Thanks!!
    • Debi McCoy Debi McCoy on Feb 27, 2014
      @Debbie Dickman - BeeUniqueVintage Wow!!! That is ridiculous!!! Try Dixie Belle chalk paint!!! Much less expensive!!!
  • Shelly Cessna Shelly Cessna on Feb 26, 2014
    I painted this one with annie sloan old white and it turned out beautiful.
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Feb 26, 2014
    #1, make your own chalk paint; it's super easy and easy to apply (it's also so much cheaper). #2, for a pretty coastal look, I would go with a blue so light it's almost white for the exterior, and a pale green for the interior walls and shelves. I'd also replace the hardware with something less formal and conventional.
    • Nana Rinny Nana Rinny on Feb 26, 2014
      @KathrynElizabeth Etier - I like this idea - might give this one a try.
  • Nana Rinny Nana Rinny on Feb 26, 2014
    Thanks all, your ideas/suggestions were most appreciated. I hope to start this project soon (as soon as I can figured out which paint I want to go with) and hopefully post pictures of "after". Stay tuned....
  • Shelly Cessna Shelly Cessna on Feb 27, 2014
    I just waxed it twice. The wax works well on the wood after you have stained it as well as the paint.
  • Sandy Eck Sandy Eck on Feb 28, 2014
    I think its beautiful just as it is. I have such a hard time painting wood. :0(
    • Nana Rinny Nana Rinny on Mar 14, 2014
      @Sandy Eck I know what you mean. However I have a lot of dark furniture in our house as well as outside. I want something that is light and very bright for the porch.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Feb 04, 2015
    Great porch, and really great piece! I have painted quite a few of these with great results. It looks like your porch is a lot of beiges and browns without an accent color (at least the part we can see in the photos), but that green reed wreath over the mantel caught my eye. I think that color would look beautiful for that piece in that space with all the natural wood and stone floor! I typically keep the top of the base as varnished wood, then paint the base and the top with a contrast color in the back. Gives it a little more interest than painting one color. Plus, the varnished top is less likely to scratch with heavy use. Good luck! Post some after pics!