How to Paint Furniture QUICKLY

7 Materials
$5
3 Hours
Easy

Here's my go-to method to spruce up furniture as quickly as possible with my homemade chalk paint recipe.


This is ideal if you're short of time. Or you want to update an old piece to make it more attractive for a quick sale and de-clutter.


For a more in-depth verison, you can read my blogpost here: https://thecarpentersdaughter.co.uk/diy/how-to-make-chalk-paint-calcium-carbonate-method/

Firstly, this is my old Stag mahogany TV unit but after I painted it. I originally tried to sell it as it was, despite it being expensive, but mahogany isn't very popular right now.

To make a super quick paint job, this method will be a distressed look. If you want the paint to look absolutely flawless, this is where it will no longer be quick.


So first, you'll need to give it a thorough clean with soap and water.


Then leave to dry and fill any dents, etc if desired if quick setting wood filler.

After 30 minutes, sand over any protrusions with fine grit sandpaper.

Now to make your own chalk paint, you will need to mix:


UK VERSION:


  • 530g emulsion paint (colour of your choice)
  • 2.5 tbsp calcium carbonate
  • 2.5 tbsp water


US VERSION:


  • 1 cup of emulsion paint (colour of your choice)
  • 2 tbsp calcium carbonate
  • 2 tbsp. water

Once mixed well, remove any hardware off your furniture. This may not sound quick, but it allows the paint to dry quicker in the nooks and crannies.


Then paint everywhere with a thin coat using a mini foam roller and leave to dry.


If you want to add another coat, that's completely up to you, but I'm only doing one as it will be distressed.

Now rub everywhere with plumber's wire wool. This is super fine wire wool to remove any unwanted texture and distress any edges, etc.


NOTE: wear gloves. Wire wool splinters hurt! AND wear a dust mask!

Once you've finished distressing, remove any excess dust and seal your paint with clear furniture wax using a lint free cloth.


Now leave to cure for 30 days and try to resist temptation before using although I know that's very hard!

Suggested materials:
  • Quick set wood filler   (amazon)
  • Fine grit sand paper
  • Calcium carbonate
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The Carpenter's Daughter
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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