Cabinet Upcycle With Red Chalk Paint and Napkins
by
Claire at Pillarboxblue
(IC: blogger)
3 Materials
$15
4 Hours
Easy
The cabinet I use to hide all the computer and cable boxes plugged into the TV didn't really go with my decor I wanted a change.
The cupboard was made from old mango wood and had a big hole cut into the back of it for all the media cables to fit through so I couldn't really sell it. Therefore I upcycled it into something more of a colorful statement piece.
The first thing I did was to tape up with masking tape all the areas of the cabinet that I didn't want to be painted like the ironwork.
I used Annie Sloan Emperor's Silk chalk paint (see here) that I had left over from a previous project. I love to use chalk paint as there is no sanding or priming needed so it cuts out a lot of the preparation. I also love the rustic finish.
Chalk paint is normally applied with a specialist chalk paint brush. However, I love the smooth brush mark free finish you can get with a small roller. I used a small roller wherever I could and painted the cupboard with 2 coats of chalk paint.
To add interest to the cupboard and the fact that I'm a huge fan of Marimekko I decoupaged the door panels of the cabinet with Marimekko paper napkins.
To do this I cut the napkins to the size of the door panels and separated them out so that I only used the top printed ply of the 3 ply napkins.
I applied the napkins directly onto the wet paint and let the paint act as a glue. If the paint has dried you can stick the napkins on with decoupage glue. I used a small wallpaper roller to smooth out the napkins as I stuck them down.
After the paint had dried and the napkins were stuck down. I used Annie Sloan's dark wax to protect the cabinet and to give the red paint an antique look.
I love how the cupboard has turned out. I think that the paint finish looks a bit like that you get with antique red Chinese furniture and the Marimekko pattern gives a Scandinavian element to it. As I'm from Hong Kong originally and my husband is from Norway I think that is a perfect combination for the cupboard.
However, the only problem now is I think it's too good for the TV!
This isn't the first time I used Annie Sloan Emperor's Silk chalk paint, in fact, it was used in my most popular furniture transformation which you can see here.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (link in post)
- Annie Sloan Dark wax
- Marimekko Napkins
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published October 24th, 2017 11:05 AM
Comments
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2 of 25 comments
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Janet Marshall Kimble on Oct 31, 2017
Uh, no....
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Vicky Corey on Nov 05, 2017
This isn't the first time I've been impressed with what you have done! This turned out gorgeous!! You are definitely one talented lady!
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Frequently asked questions
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I have a dreaser I tried turning into a media center using Rust-Oluem chalk paint. I had a terrible time with the paint! After 3 coats. ..it still was not covered, I tried homemade chalk paint.. not any better. I even sanded the piece first. I was so discouraged. It still looks awful. I have not completely finished it, clear coat because not sure of my final direction, but am using until I decide what to do. Any ideas what 'happened...is going on?'
Very different and attractive. We are a combo of German-Irish and pure Polish. What paper, wallpaper, tissue paper would anyone suggest? ha,ha
I have a unfinished pine bench with cedar lined storage under the lid. The exterior pine is narrow bead board framed panels. I intend to use it at the basement door as a seat where we can take off our boats in winter and keep our hats and gloves in the storage area. I’ll be adding a coat rack either above or on the adjacent wall.
I love the punch of color your chalk painted cabinet gives a space.
One question thoug:
Does chalk paint hold up to moisture or should I stick with an oil-based paint for its durability? I don’t want snow to warp this bench cause I used the wrong kind of paint.