First, I want to say this is NOT a sponsored post and I wasn’t paid to say anything or use Annie Sloan chalk paint. I just LOVE it and want to share it with you.
I recently partnered with HGTV HOME and Joann Fabric and Craft Stores in a room remodel challenge and I chose my master bedroom. My old dresser needed instant help! I knew I had to paint it…
I knew I wanted the dresser to be an antique white color with gray drawers. This project took me a couple of hours from start to finish using chalk paint!!
What is chalk paint?
Chalk paint is a very popular paint used for furniture….it doesn’t stop there though you can use it on almost anything!
Why I love it…
It doesn’t stink – water based
NO sanding
NO stripping
NO priming
NO JOKE!
Let me show you how easy it was to update my dresser…
1. Wipe down your furniture with a wash rag to remove dirt, sticky residue, etc.
2. Grab your roller or brush and apply your first coat – you’ll be surprised how nice it covers with one coat.
3. let dry for at least 30 minutes – yes it dries insanely fast!
4. Add second coat.
5. Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
6. Last step – apply wax!
Tips – I used a wax brush in the pic above and it was so nice! Super easy to get inside of detailed places.
I added some new hardware and voila – I had a new dresser!
Products Used:
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Grey
Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax
POST BY: Kari Sweeten
This looks so great! I did a dresser back in June with ASCP in Florence, and I. AM. HOOKED. I’ve done a nightstand and two desks since, and am always looking for the next thing I can get my brush on!
🙂
Rach
http://www.theevolutionofmom.com/2013/06/cowgirl-room-final-reveal.html
Thanks Rachel! I was so impressed with the quality that my kitchen cabinets are next!
Ooh, let me know how that goes! I’ve been toying with the idea of doing mine, but I’ve been scared. Can it really be THAT simple?!
you can make chalk paint by using Flat Paint from Lowes and adding 2 tablespoons plaster of paris…usually to about a quart of paint. It works the same as the Annie Sloan and saves so much money. I’ve used on old barn shutters and it worked beautifully!
Chalk paint
I have to disagree. It may apply in a similar way but latex paint is silicone based and will chip and peel over time. Annie Sloan is mineral based and actually bonds worth the surface it’s applied to. Truly better paint.
We have the same dresser (and all the pieces that go along with it). It’s funny I ran across this because we’ve been debating if we want to paint some of the pieces (they aren’t in the same rooms). This chalkboard paint looks super easy to use. My mind it made up! Thanks!
Glad to hear! It’s so fun to give it a totally new look!
Omg.. It was like deja vs when I was reading this post! I have exact Bassett bedroom set.. going on 20 years. I just repainted the armoire with asap old white. Turned out beautiful.
We have this same set. We purchased it in 1996. I’m definitely gonna try this too!
I also have the same pieces and was ready to buy a new dresser that matches my new gray headboard. So I saved money not buying the new dresser and I was able to recycle the old. It looks amazing. My husband thought I bought a new dresser! The chalk paint was so easy to apply and cleanup was a breeze. It even came out of my clothes😉. Thanks Rachel for the inspiration!
Perfect~ I’ve been debating on whether to paint my littles dresser and haven’t because I simply can’t ask my husband to bring it down the stairs and outside (and repeat several times to finish the project). I could get it finished in a day! How well do you think this would hold up on a dining room table?
I’ve had friends use it on a dining room table and they love it. I would suggest doing an extra coat of wax, though!
I did mine in the bedroom .
Susan
Your dresser turned out beautiful. I love the soft grey and white combination. Time to walk through the house and garage and see what I can find to paint.
Thanks for your kind words!
Came out great!!!
Thank you Kathy!
Does this just work over wood or laminate too?
Yes Jennie! I’ve used it on laminate and it works great! Good question!
I want to paint an old fridge with uneven surface. There are some rust marks as well. Possible?
I wish I could help you on this, but I’m pretty clueless on painting things that aren’t wood or metal. Sorry Annelie!
I am impressed, but does it really work that well? I love to refinish stuff, but the time and effoer just deters me. And where do I buy such paint??
You can find it almost anywhere. Lowe’s and Home Depot usually carry it, but inventories differ from store to store. There are also a ton of tutorials online to make your own as well..
I just painted a small fridge with ascp. It worked great. It didn’t have rust so I can’t help you there. I also added some details with craft paint and then waxed it twice. Looks great!
Paint for chalkboard painting is available at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Chalk Paint® for furniture and cabinetry is available at specialty shops. Go to the retailer locator to find a shop near you. http://www.anniesloan.com
Cindy is right – chalkBOARD paint and chalk paint are two different things. You can’t find ASCP anywhere – only specific retailers carry it.
I’ve used it a bunch of times now – it really is pretty much that easy. It gives a much different finish than other paints, so I think it depends on your personal preference. It looks antique/hand painted – you will generally see some brush strokes and imperfections and the paint is very matte. The wax is a must. Anyway I LOVE it. 🙂
Great advice Tina, Cindy, and Miranda! Thanks for helping Wendy out!
This looks so amazing! I’ve just took a class using her chalk paint and I’m obsessed. Exceptional job on this dresser!
Thank you very much – it was so much fun to do!
I absolutely LOVE chalk paint! I fell in love with a tutorial about a crib repurposed into a desk. We did it for my daughter when we redid her room. I love the effect chalk paint had. It made the desk top so nice and shiny. Best part was that I didn’t have to buy Mini a chalkboard too! Lol
I agree Tina … it’s one of the best things that has happened to the paint industry!
Does the piece need to be primed first and also sanded.? I wanted to paint a bedroom that is probably like a laminate I don’t think it’s real wood
Is it durable enough for a crib and/or a dresser in a child’s room?
It’s been one year since I’ve remodeled my dresser and it looks like new! So my answer is yes!
Thanks for sharing this how-to. I have been thinking of using some of this paint, but just wasn’t sure. It sounded to good to be true, but I guess it isn’t!
Give it a try! You’ll love it!
I just picked up my first quart of AS Chalk Paint and can’t wait to try it out! Thanks for the how-to!
You’re very welcome Michelle … thanks for stopping by!
I seriously just bought that exact dresser off of Craigslist for my nursery!!!!
Runt
runtspickins@yahoo.com
http://www.runtspickins.wordpress.com
It’s a great dresser set, solid wood, and I didn’t want to get rid of it … so glad I could update it with paint and hardware!
Did you get a new mirror or is that the same one? I have the same type mirror ans am wondering how you got rid of the hump on the top of mirror to make it square.
It’s the same mirror, my husband took a band saw and cut a straight line across the top. I love how it really updated it!
That’s what I was wondering! Looks doable on mine. It’s the frame with the hump. Thanks!! I’m on it now! Bout to cut that hump off! Make me a rectangle frame for that there mirror! That’s all I had to hear! Thanks Kari!
I don’t have a band saw but I’m thinking any saw could maybe do… then sand it a lot. Lol. Use what u got. To get what u want. Lol
Me too?!! That’s why I clicked. I’m gonna read on…? Lol.
I tried the home-made chalk paint and I think I think I will pass on that but I am looking forward to trying ASCP. My next makeoverI will purchase the real thing. Dianntha
I have been curious about how well the homemade versions work … I just knew I wanted the best and was afraid I’d mess up on my dresser if I went with anything but ASCP!
It looks lovely. If You wanted to give the ‘distressed’ look would you sand / scrape once it’s dry BEFORE the wax? thanks, Jodie May x
Yes, definitely sand and distress before the wax! You can also get a darker stain wax that gives it that distressed look without sanding. Endless possibilities!
I had no idea that it was so easy to use this paint. Shabby chic is not my style so I have always overlooked these tutorials. I am so on board now!! I will be using this on my dresser redo! Thanks for sharing.
I’m the same way. Sometimes I love that shabby chic look but I also love the crispy, clean look sometimes too. You can get both effects with this paint!
What stores is this sold at? I can only find it online from her website, and I think its from Europe.
I don’t know where your at but here’s a list of local distributors! http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/North_American_Stockists.html
great job, i want to do my dresser too 🙂
It’s so much fun to give a dresser a brand new look without spending a fortune!
awesome! I need to do this. but did you just cut off the top of the mirror frame???
You’re exactly right! My husband cut off the top of the dresser to give it an updated feel. Made a huge difference!
Yeah, that doesn’t look like the same mirror. Nice job though. 🙂 I’ve never heard of chalk paint but I’m sure going to look into it now.
It actually is the same mirror. We just cut the top off. Thank you. This has to be one of my fave DIY projects I’ve tackled!
You did a great job!
I have almost an identical bedroom set, and can’t wait to do this! I was stressing about the mirror, because I assumed you got rid of the old one and bought a new one. Now I know we can just modify this one. So exciting!
It makes such a huge difference! Good luck with your transformation!
Did your husband sand down the detailed work on top? I have the same mirror but cutting it would leave some of the detailed wood work.
He cut the top of the mirror off into a straight line and yes, then he sanded it. 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for the quick response! Going to give this a shot this weekend ?
I love chalk paint. I made some and used it on an old mirror and bar stools so far. It really makes painting pleasant again! I’m definitely my kitchen cabinets in it and have been tossing around whether or not to go over my knotty pine walls with it. I did a small patch and it covered so great…otherwise I’m gonna have to sand all of it and the grooves:(. I guess it won’t hurt to try. I was wondering about the mirror too! It looks great!
How many quarts did you use for each of the two colors?
Hi Benjamin,
I only used half of one quart for the drawers and one quart for the dresser.
Can I use black chalk paint ?
I would use black Annie Sloan chalk paint, but personally wouldn’t use black chalkboard paint. They are two different kinds of paints. Great question!
How clean and cheerful it looks! Great makeover. 🙂
I have a lot of knotty pine furniture that is in great shape, but is so dated now. I love what you did and I plan to do a lot of painting this fall with chalk paint. thanks for sharing
You did a great job on the dresser
i love this paint too but i pay $60 a tin here in Australia .
Its so easy to work with , i did have alot of gritty bits in mine so i ended up having to sand it and i did mix the tin for ages …i was told after mixing replace lid and stand tin upside down for a day then re mix again , it was better , this paint also does show brush marks but it is supposed to , waxing the finished job gives it a lovely finish and if you dont like the gritty bits you can always sand them off ……Pauline x
I am going to try this! I have used all kinds of paint, however I have not used wax. How does this work and what finish does it leave? Also, is there special cleaning for a waxed pcs? Great ideas here, love it!
Hi Jean. I clean my dresser as I would any of my other pieces with warm water and a little bit of soap. The finish on my piece is smooth and I used two coats of wax to make it even more durable!
Love this! who knew it could be so easy!! Do you apply the wax all over or just around edges and grooves?
This is exactly what I want to do with my bedroom furniture I bought from a charity shop, I have never done this before and I have a chest of drawers and wardrobe in very dark brown and gloss, but slightly different colours which I really want to lighten up. Would I still be Ok to use this paint ? And would it come out the same colour? Or would you recommended something else? Thanks 🙂
That’s the nice thing about chalk paint is that it covers really well. I’m pretty sure it would come out the same color 🙂
This looks Great! I have the exact same dresser in my basement, I’ve been trying to decide what to do with it. Do you think you can use spray chalk paint? I’ve used it before for a table for my daughter and it was so easy. What are the colors you used?
Really? I’ve never heard of spray chalk paint before. I must look into this! Oh and I love your first name 🙂
Aloha. I found your post pinned on Pinterest. You made over tour dresser wonderfully. Would chalk paint work on a dresser that has varnish?
This is great! I’m such a big fan of Annie Sloan Chalk paint. This piece had a great makeover it looks absolutely beautiful.
If your furniture had a glaze on it before do you need to sand it down before applying chalk paint?
Hi Crystal! Actually no, I didn’t do a bit of sanding 🙂 Just did the chalk paint and the wax…that’s what is so wonderful about this paint!
Does the chalk paint come in different colors or can you tint the paint? My daughter wants an antique blue color. Thanks!!
Yes, you can find many different colors of paint and I know some people have tinted their paint. I’m leary about that because I want the paint to keep its quality 🙂
My husband wants to know about the purpose of the wax. I’m re-purposing an old dresser for our half-bath vanity.
Great question. When using chalk paint it has a bit of a “chalky” texture and feel. The wax not only makes it feel smooth, but gives it a protective coating to protect your paint longer.
Hi, absolutely love this and shall be doing this to my bedroom furniture. I have looked on the AS website and can’t find just ‘grey’, is this Paris Grey or another colour? Many thanks, Sophie
Yes! You are correct it is called “Paris Grey” thanks for catching that Sophie!
Too funny. I have this same dresser and bedroom set with it and was wanting
to do something new to it as well. Love the colors!
What did you do to make the mirror different as in square..or
Is that a new mirror?
My husband used his table saw and cut the top of the mirror off…sanded it, and painted it..looks like new!
I love what you did. I recently bought myself a used dresser and I want to paint it white. However, I don’t have any stores near me that offer this product. Is there a secondary product you’d recommend? Like white chalk paint from Lowes or Sherwin-Williams. Thanks in advance.
Great post, thanks! I’ve totally been thinking about taking one of her classes and I think I will
now. 🙂
I know this is an older post, but I’m desperate. Okay, is this for real? I have a whole house of the knotty pine furniture that I’ve been dreaming of painting for the past 5 years and the thought of sanding, priming and coat after coat scares me to death. My husband is extremely skeptical of the no sanding, priming thing. Does this paint really hold up to usual wear and tear? Will it peel off? Does it scratch easily? Is this paint something I’m going to have redo in 5 years? Is this some kind of miracle paint?
Also, I think I read in one of the comments that you can apply something after the paint to give it a vintage-y look like some dark paint in the grooves. What would that be?
I would great appreciate a reply. If this is true and this stuff really holds up to kids, dogs and a husband, I will racing to the store! 🙂
Cindy, it really works!
Well, I should say it really works with the brand that I used “Annie Sloan Chalk Paint” (and no, I’m not paid to say that). I know some people make their own and have success, but if you are worrying about durability than I would go straight to AS Chalk Paint. It’s pricey, but it’s my favorite. I’ve had my dresser for sometime and it’s holding up so well. Truly no dings, scratches, or anything. My dresser isn’t in a high traffic area though, but I’ve done a coffee table a few months ago that is holding up fine, too.
Make sure to use the wax on top of the paint. It comes in clear, light, or dark. The dark wax will give you the vintage look. Research it online and you’ll see many different furniture pieces done with it.
Try it! You’ll love it!
I have to say I was SO skeptical when I tried this paint, so I did the inside of a cabinet door and fell in love! Maybe just do a test spot and let your husband check it out. 🙂
I think this is something I can actually do! I have this same furniture and would really like to get rid of it, but you’ve inspired me to make this simple change. Cost effective for me. Can you tell me how much paint I should buy? Thanks 🙂
Hi Lindsey,
I used one can of Annie Sloan paint for my dresser and both night stands. I also used one container of their clear wax for the top coat.
I have an old bedroom suit that’s solid maple but it has formica tops. Wonder how the AS paint would do on those formica tops. kd
I can’t tell – did you cut off the top of your old mirror or purchase a new one? If you cut the top off was it super easy? Looking to do something similar to what you have done. Love your redo!
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, my husband cut off the top of the mirror (just straight across with his table saw). Very simple!
I make my own chalk paint and it is very easy. Just make sure to get flat paint. There are tons of recipes online for it. I have just about painted every piece of furniture in my house. If you are wanting a distressed look, use some petroleum jelly or I have used my used up scentsy’s from the burners once they have hardened and just rub it on areas that you want to look chipped or distressed. I hit the corners and legs on furniture with it then paint over it with the chalk paint. Saves on a lot of sanding. It will basically come off with a fine grit sandpaper without hardly any effort and it looks very natural. I have this same bed set and was wondering if you did something to your mirror or did you just replace it with the square one? Looks great!
Hi Stacey,
It is the same mirror, my husband cut the top off to give it that straight, modern look. Thanks for the tips!
Kari, how many quarts or white paint did it took you to paint the whole dresser?
I actually used one quart for the whole dresser and had some left over. A little goes a long way!
Surprised when I saw your project, I have the same model bedroom furniture but mine it’s not all wood my husband said only some partsand others are compressed wood. Can I still use the same paint and that paint ccomes in espresso color?
Please help, my furniture need a little tlc:-(
dvaone11@gmail.com
aida
Hi Aida,
Yes. If you use this chalk paint you can paint on real wood or compressed wood. It works great on both! Great question!
Hey Kari…I have the exact same dresser and love the way you turned the piece into something new and refreshing. Thank you for the inspiration!
How much paint did you have to buy? (:
This may be a Godsend. I was looking at ideas yesterday using chalk paint. Checked around on pinterest, and got some great ideas, went pinning crazy, but still unsure about the whole thing. While sitting in my son’s room, (he has this exact piece of furniture with the headboard and nightstand to match) I looked at his furniture and thought I need to just sell it and get him another set OR maybe just paint it. I hop online this morning and what do I see???? The exact same piece of furniture painted with chalk paint. My mind is made up. LOL. Going to try something new. I guess the furniture is worth keeping. It is real wood. 🙂 Thanks for the tips and the tutorial. Will definitely be putting them to use at some point this year. 🙂
I have a dresser that my husband spray painted & it chipping & paint is coming off..
So my question is can you dust & clean this once it’s painted with chalk paint??
Also when you set things on the dresser like lamps & other things will they stick to paint when you pick them up to dust dresser???
Because my other furniture that husband painted & spray painted it all sticky & tacky feeling & chips easily & not easy to dust & clean..
Is finish smooth & easy to dust??
Great questions Denise! This chalk paint has a wax coating you put on top so yes you can absolutely wash it down, dust it, and it feels like normal furniture. Give it a try – you’ll love it!
What brand or what kind of wax did you use? I have been meaning to do the same to my bedroom furniture.
Annie Sloan chalk paint with the clear wax — I love how it turned out and after a couple of years it’s just like new! 🙂
Hi! I’ve been scrolling through the comments to see if you have addressed waxing- and I haven’t found anything.
How did you wax it once the paint was dry (I have never painted and am going to attempt) do you use a brush? cloth? how much wax at a time? I’m assuming using it all over the piece, any tips tricks or things to look out for? Do you rub it in, do you have to wax off? haha. Okay, thanks!!
I used the Annie Sloan clear wax — a little goes a long way! I used a waxing brush applied it in circular motion until it was smooth. Let dry. You can buy many types of wax for a distressed look or you can use the clear for that polished, professional look!
Where do you buy the Annie Sloan wax and chalk paint?
There is a local store in my city where I purchase it. I believe you can go to the Annie Sloan website and find a distribution locator.
Did you paint the mirror or buy a new one? If you used same one,how did you get the “legs” (the part that makes it stay onto the dresser)off? My husband is about to make a head/footboard for our king size bed and I want it white. Im going to buy new side tables because one is broken and they are crappy. I plan on painting both tall and long dressers and taking mirror off but if you can take that part off the mirror, Ill do that and paint it white. Im on a budget since im basically doing this kind of stuff to every room in our house and the less $ I spend, the better. Ill be using Annie Sloan’s ” Pure White”(as is the best and ive tried them all,including making my own, lol)
Looks like you did get a new mirror. Did you buy it like that?If not,any tips?Btw…GREAT JOB
This is the ORIGINAL mirror 🙂 My husband cut the curvy part off the top with a band saw. Thank you!
Great article where do they sell chalk paint?
You can find it at any craft store nowadays 🙂 …if you want the Annie Sloan paint you can go to their site and search for it in your area!
I love this look but my furniture has a finish on it already. Would I have to do sanding to get it off?
This actually paints great on top of finishes! The only time I sand is to get off bumps or imperfections.
That’s sooooo nice .. Did you just buy a new mirror or did you revise the old one somehow ?
Same mirror. We just cut a straight edge on the top! Super simple!
I loved loved and loved
Hi there! I’m in the process of re-purposing and old double dresser as well as the mirror that came with it. My question is about the mirror you have in the photo. Did you re-frame it yourself, or did you have framer do it? If it was a diy project would you show us how you did it? Thanks! Amanda
Hi Amanda,
It was actually very simple. We didn’t remove the mirror or re-frame it at all. My husband just sawed off the top to make a straight line, we sanded, then painted it!
Do you find one quart of paint does the job? How many quarts did you use? We have a fix and flip project that we are considering doing this chalk paint on, but it needs to be cost effective…
This paint goes a long way! I was able to do two night stands and my dresser with one quart of this paint. Amazing!
Great I’m going to try it
I am dying to try this with my honey colored bedroom furniture. I had a questions about the “wax” you applied after the chalk paint. Could you give me the name of the brand you use? So helpful! Thanks!!!
The wax brand was also Annie Sloan (clear wax).
Hi, I have the same dresser. I love how you updated it. How did you change the mirror?
It’s the original mirror. My husband used his saw and cut a straight line on the top to give it more of an updated look!
What did you do with the mirror? Is that the original mirror with a new frame? Or an entirely different mirror? thanks!
It’s the original mirror. My husband used his saw and cut a straight line on the top to give it more of an updated look!
What if there is a glossy finish on your dresser will the chalk paint work without sanding
Yes. You don’t need to sand, however I would suggest it if there were bumps or obvious imperfections 🙂
I love these!! I desperately want to redo my bedroom furniture!! These exact colors!!! I am going to splurge and spend the money on Annie Sloan paint. I’ll try the nightstand first loljust to make sure!! Is there really absolutely no need to sand??!! I am nervous about that!
No need to sand whatsoever 🙂
I have this exact dresser with that mirror. It is time for me to copy this update ASAP.
We love it and it is pretty simple to update!
Love your pieces. I love chalk paint. My first was Annie Sloan. Then I decided to try milk paint. I find milk paint meets together and when it drys you see no brush strokes. Called General Paint. It is not as dry looking as A. S. And when it’s sealed wax or poly it’s really beautiful.
I have tried others like American Deco Art and it works as well as a chalk paint and price is not as costly for those ladies on budgets. You can find it at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Lowes has Valspar chalk paint also and it is good also. If your doing lots of pieces try other brands to see what one you like more. It’s fun and will all get beautiful pieces.
We have this same set. I have been looking for your post on this and finally found it. I had read it at least a year ago and thought I should do this but couldn’t remember where I read it!! I hate to get rid of my set as it is good quality but am tired of the dated look. I am wondering have you had any problems with the knots bleeding through over time? Have you ever had to repaint it? I have never painted furniture before. Did you give it an aged look? If so how do you do that? Paint an area and then take a dry rag and lightly go over the edges? Also does the dresser ever get sticky? Thanks!!
I’m actually surprised at how well the paint has held up over the years! I did give it a slightly aged look by lightly sanding the edges. No sticky dresser here. I love this paint!
Wow! Nice! How did you change the frame shape?
My husband used his saw and cut a straight line along the top – it really updated the mirror!
Did you wax the whole thing?
How did you change the mirror?
Yes, I waxed the whole thing including the mirror. For the mirror my husband sawed off a straight edge on the top! Super simple!
Wow, is that a new mirror? JUST KIDDING! I know your husband sawed off the top, just had to laugh at how many people asked that question. I had it too. But I actually have a different one, how did you mount it to the wall? And do you think you could add different moulding/trim to really change it up? I’m also thinking about changing out the feet. Obvs I have the same set and I haaaate it now. I think with some TLC I could love it. Thanks!
I love the idea of adding molding to the mirror! Maybe I’ll do that to spice it up next year! Haha, yes I constantly get asked if that’s the same mirror as you can see in the above comments LOL.
I have this bedroom set. I successfully used this technique and I am pleased with the results. I would love to send you photos.
Susan Percher
I would love to see your photos Susan! Email them to ucreatecrafts @ gmail . com!
Hi looks great!!! Did you have to put a primer on first? What does the wax do could I put a clear flat polyurethane over the wax or the does the wax protect it from scratches?
Hi I am wanting to do my pine dresser but I heard the pine bleeds through and turns it yellowish. Did he paint seal over your knobs? Like the holes in the pine?
Hi Alicia,
Great question! Its been a few years and it hasn’t bled at all actually. I’m surprised at how well it’s holding up!
I have this exact dresser and came across this because I’m searching Pinterest for instructions on how to reframe the mirror. Do you have instructions on that? Thank you so much!
We did not reframe the mirror, we just leveled the top off. Super simple!
Did you use the original mirror and just cut off the top? I have this furniture too and have been wanting to do this.
Yes, its the original mirror and it looks so much more updated by sawing off the top!
In the finished picture. Is that the SAME mirror or a different mirror? If the same I’m curious as to what you did to make it updated???? Thanks
Same mirror! We took a scroll saw and leveled off the top!
Looks very nice. I love it.