DIY Nightstand Makeover Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!

Lindsay Caudle
by Lindsay Caudle
This was my first time using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I made over some nightstands I bought from a used furniture store and I couldn't be more pleased with the results! (But there were definitely some lessons learned along the way...)
Before...
First, I fixed all the hardware on the nightstands making sure all the handles were screwed in tightly.
The water stains were pretty atrocious so I decided to sand them down...
But in doing so, I learned that it was a wood laminate top instead of solid wood, so I couldn't stain the top like I had wanted to. But at least by sanding it, it removed all of the imperfections and created a smooth surface to be able to paint.
Next I prepped the nightstand for painting.
I chose "Pure White" Chalk Paint and started painting...
This is what it looked like after the first coat of Chalk Paint. It didn't cover as much as I had heard it would, so I was a little disappointed. I painted a second layer and it still wasn't fully covered like I wanted it to be.
Then I realized that the water stains were seeping through the chalk paint, and no matter how many coats you put on them, they will still show through. So I ran to Lowe's and bought Kilz Primer (multi-surface stain blocker) and painted the primer over the chalk paint. Total waste of time painting the chalk paint first--but lesson learned.
Then added another layer of Chalk Paint and it was much better looking!
This is what the nightstand looked like after 4 coats of paint (eek!) :)
I used the clear soft wax and waxed a thin layer over the whole nightstand and then I distressed the edges with sandpaper and LOVED the look of it!
LEFT: distressed RIGHT: not distressed
It's a subtle difference, but really great looking when you see the detail up close :)
And that's it! I'm so happy with the way they turned out, and the look great in our bedroom. :) I'd love you hear about your stories using Chalk Paint so comment in the section below! Thanks!
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  • C C on Jul 08, 2020

    I have also used several kinds of chalk paint and have had great results especially with Annie Sloan paints. I do agree with Donna that white requires more coats. Any other paint colour with pigment covers beautifully in 2 coats. I love your night stands and I just recently painted side tables with Napoleonic Blue using clear and black wax.

  • Colleen Belcher Colleen Belcher on Oct 25, 2022

    Have any of you used Jolie chalk paint?

    I just painted an old fabric chair of my parents came out great!

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