Blogger Clarendon Hills, IL on Jun 29, 2012

An Update for 1960's Oak Bathroom Vanities and Mirror Using Chalk Paint and Wax

When a friend called me about a quick and inexpensive update for two bath vanities and a mirror in a home that he was going to use as a rental, I changed the look of the 1960's vintage golden oak cabinets using home made chalk paint and wax which I distressed with a sanding block. I was even able to re-use the original hardware, but the difference that the paint made is dramatic! Total time involved: about 6 hours. Total cost of the update for two bath vanities and a mirror: about $10.

For more photos and an explanation of how I did it, visit: http://www.serendipityrefined.com/2012/04/up...

13 Comments

Dee W Rock Creek, OH

Quite a difference...updates the bathrooms and gives them a clean look. Amazing what you can do with a couple of dollars and some elbow grease!

on Jun 29, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

In recent posts I have read the term "chalk paint". Please tell me what this is. I do not do much in the way of craft things so I am behind in new things.

on Jun 29, 2012 · Like 0
Serendipity R Clarendon Hills, IL

Hi Jeanette. It's latex based paint that contains "chalk" (or, in my case, with the homemade stuff, Plaster of Paris). There are a couple of manufacturers out there that make ready made and it's a dream to work with but at around $38 a quart, can be cost prohibitive so I often make my own using latex paint, water and plaster. The addition of the "chalk" makes the paint adhere to stain, varnish, and even glossy paint without sanding or priming. It dries really fast and is easy to sand. It ...»
does, however, require a finish of some sort to protect it since the paint is dull and soft when dry. I generally use wax, but it could be coated with poly or varnish so long as you know what you're doing. Hope that this helps. Let me know if you need more information.

on Jun 29, 2012 · Like 1
Courtney Walnut Creek, CA

I love it~ it turned out darling!!

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

S R - this turned out absolutely gorgeous. Love shabby Chic. I visited your blog and copied the chalk paint recipe -and I already have P of P from other "projects. Just want to be clear on a couple of points. I understand the basics of latex paint but what I'm never quite sure of is 1) acrylic & latex the same thing - just different terminology? Also does 2) "CRAFT" paint work w/the Chalk paint recipe too? (for small projects) Now, here's the one I'm really stumped on and that's the ...»
"WAX" part!!! 3) I think I get that it acts as a top sealer coat - since, as you said the chalk paint tends to be soft BUT, WHAT is this wax?? Need manufacturer's name - how does it come, a paste or a liquid. I just don't know nuthin about this stuff!! LOL I see a small bathroom project in my very near future so I'm chompin @ the bit to start this. Love your blog too!!

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

so glad you're asking Susan because I have the same questions! '')

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 1
Clover House, DeeDee Decatur, TX

AWESOME! I love it! :)

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 0
Serendipity R Clarendon Hills, IL

Hi Susan and Marg. Let me see if I can answer your questions because I just know that you'll both love it! 1)and 2) Acrylic and Latex are both water borne paints but they are different in the base that's used. Acrylic (as in craft paint) has a high acrylic content which makes it more resistant to water and stain, and makes it stick better.. It also makes it more "elastic" and, as such, not easy to sand. This is great for craft projects but not great when you are looking for a chalk ...»
application that needs to be sanded. I'm also uncertain how latex would accept wax. I generally scoop out a cup (give or take) from my "leftover" latex paint (there are also loads of small "sample" pots out there at places like Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and most reputable paint stores). Then, I mix it up, use what I need, and I've stored "extra" in deli containers for up to a month and still had them be okay. 3) The "Wax" coating is furniture wax. It's a soft paste wax that generally comes in a tub and may be either clear or dark. It's soft, applied with a cloth or brush, left to dry ,and then buffed to either a high gloss or low sheen. Several manufacturers out there. I've used Liberon, BriWax and Minwax. It lasts forever if you don't use it often. Let me know if you still need more information and I'll post more here for you! keep me posted! I'm SO excited to see how you do!

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 2
Marg C Middletown, NY

That was VERY informative Ser :) I appreciate the knowledge you've shared. I'm liking the wax application over the chalk paint! Who knew? I didn't and now I do! thank you so much '')

on Jun 30, 2012 · Like 0
Elizabeth P Natchitoches, LA

I have never used wax on a paint project, and I really like this. What kind of wax do you use?

on Jul 01, 2012 · Like 0
Serendipity R Clarendon Hills, IL

For this project, I used MinWax Dark, and Liberon Black Bison in Neutral because that's what I have on hand. The MinWax is a little "stiffer" than the Liberon but they both go on well. I like the Liberon because it (and BriWax) buffs to a nice shine when it's dry.

on Jul 01, 2012 · Like 1
Kay D Ellijay, GA

Love this! I've been wanting to do something with my very '90's dated bathroom..I'm bookmarking this!

on Jul 01, 2012 · Like 0
Eclectically Vintage - Ke... New York, NY

Oak cabinets be gone - great job on transforming them into something special.

on Jul 05, 2012 · Like 1