DIY/my chalk-painted kitchen table
So let me tell you about my kitchen table. It was an exchange actually. On a very snowy day my friend and I exchanged kitchen tables. We had both decided we didn’t like our own tables and didn’t want to spend any money, so voila!
It was a sight to behold. We had to take them out my back door which opens on to my deck. Then around the garage and finally to the truck. Our husbands thought we were nuts but they had become used to our shenanigans so knew better than say anything.
I got the better deal (my husband would disagree) because the table she gave me was an antique. As usual I forgot to take a “picture” but you can get an idea from the pictures below.
table before/faithsighanddiy
So here’s what I did. I lightly sanded everything. You really don’t have to with chalk paint but this was a highly shiny table.
I mixed my own chalk paint as always. I used Plaster of Paris and mixed it quite thick. I’ve used calcium carbonate as well and like them both. I applied three coats. I sanded with fine sand paper and then waxed with Johnson’s Paste wax. I have an electric car buffer I bought for five dollars at a garage sale last summer. I have to admit, my husband did the buffing. I love it.
Now for those of you who question my use of chalk paint for a kitchen table. I have an end table that is highly abused all the time. I’m always wiping it off with a wet cloth. The table is two years old and it’s wearing beautifully. If the kitchen table doesn’t hold up I can always repaint it. But I’m not really worried about it. It’s supposed to look old (Hey, it is old.) so any additional accidental distressing will only add to its charm.
This summer I will paint the chairs. But I’m not using chalk paint. I will spray paint them black.
Rebecca
I once bought a more expensive chalk paint just to compare with my own. Much prefer my own. I’ve made my own from craft paint for small projects to leftover wall paint for big projects. I’ve used flat latex, flat enamel, and satin enamel. I’ve never tried semi-gloss. I use Plaster of Paris mixed with water. About 3-1, three units of P of P to 1 unit of water. I put it in a jar and shake hard then add to paint. I probably added that to about 2 cups of paint and stirred well.
I make my own because it’s a thousand times cheaper and I just love paint. I’m a self-taught artist as well. I love chalk paint because I love the finish. It’s so soft and as far as durability goes, I’ve had no problem with the pieces I’ve painted and some of them were painted over three years ago.
I’ve painted glass (see the post titled mason jar extravaganza), wood, metal, just about any surface. I do sand a little even though you don’t have to. I also do the whole wax thing which is the hardest part.
I use plain old Johnson’s paste wax. Some people use Minwax but apparently it yellows the piece a little so I wouldn’t use it over white.
I would suggest you experiment with some left over paint and a small piece. Could be anything. You could even buy something to experiment on at Goodwill.
I should tell you that I distress the edges when I use chalk paint but you don’t have to.
The very best tutorial can be found on my Pinterest board called “painted furniture”. It’s a video. By the way, I have LOTS of information on the “painted furniture” board.
I’ll tell you what, I’ll submit another post shortly and post some more pictures of the items I’ve chalk-painted, so you can get a better idea.
Please feel free to ask me more questions. I basically learned simply through experimentation.