Chalky Paint Stool Makeover

Katie
by Katie
My dad made this wood stool over 20 years ago and I gave it a makeover using chalky finish paint. Now it is a updated home decor modern farmhouse piece.
Here is what the stool looked like before, cobwebs and all:


It looks well pretty awful. This piece of history needed some loving. I wanted to lighten the color up a bit and trim down the size. It was too large and an awkward shape. So, I had my husband cut the legs right above the notch on the sides. Yay to my awesome handy husband!
Next, I took a warm soapy rag and scrubbed the stool clean and free of cobwebs.


I wanted to lighten this stool up. I used Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Everlasting for the base and Serene for the top of the stool. Everlasting is a very pretty off white color and Serene is a beautiful blue. Both of these colors I have in my kitchen already, so this stool will fit in perfectly.
The second coat covered very nicely. As you can tell, there is still some of the original wood peeking through. I went ahead and stopped at two coats because I like the way it looks. I was going for a rustic farmhouse look. You could always add more coats of paint if you want to completely cover up the original wood.
After the second coat of paint was dried I applied a white wash technique. I applied a layer of the Everlasting paint on top of the Serene and immediately took a damp rag and wiped the Everlasting color. I like how this white wash breaks up the boldness of the blue color and adds a much softer look. When using a rag make sure and use a light colored one. If you use a dark rag the color of the rag may bleed on to your paint and that would be a travesty.
I used a piece of fine sandpaper along the edges of the stool. I wanted a soft chippy look to the stool. Of course, you can make the stool look even more chippy by using larger grit sandpaper and going crazy with it.


Finally, I added just one coat of Americana Decor Creme Wax all over the stool. This adds a nice glaze look and a smooth to the touch finish. I was able to complete this project in just a couple of days. It was very easy to paint with the chalky finish paints from DecoArt. Plus, these paints are odor free and water based which makes clean up a breeze.
I just loved how this chalky paint stool makeover turned out. I'm sure my dad will be proud. I hope I have inspired you to redo an old piece of history you might have. You never know how it will turn out unless you give it a makeover.
Katie
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • Hannah V Hannah V on Apr 02, 2015
    What a beautiful piece! Love the soft colors.
  • Change of Art Change of Art on Apr 03, 2015
    Agreed – it's lovely! I also like the way you wrote your post. Easy to understand and gorgeous photos. You've inspired me: I've got an old dictionary stand (OK, who remembers these?) made by my grandfather, and have been wanting to give it a temporary update. For some reason, I can't bring myself to 'permanently' alter the finish... Chalk paint could be the perfect solution – and I really like your colors!
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