DIY Chalk Painted Dresser

Last weekend I refinished a dresser in chalk paint -- DIY Chalk Paint. The entire experience was actually pretty laid back….and I am excited to do my next dresser using this same DIY Chalk Paint!

I had never actually used real chalk paint but I heard it’s amazing. Only problem is that you can’t buy it just any old place and there isn’t a dealer close to me. Not to mention the stuff doesn’t exactly fit into my thrifty budget. So I sought out the next best thing.

Making my own.

I used the recipe Sharon used over at Elizabeth and Co. 

What you’ll need is:

- Plaster of Paris (found at Home Depot: $7 for 3lb).

- Paint of your choice (I used Martha Stewart: $10).

- A bucket of some sort to mix them (I used an old gallon ice cream bucket: $0).

- A paint stick for mixing (get at Home Depot while you are getting the plaster and paint: $0).

 The recipe calls for one part Plaster of Paris to two parts paint. I actually just eyeballed the measurements…like I do when I make pancakes :)  The paint becomes thicker and gritty. Perfecto!

Then we have the dresser…I picked it up over the summer and paid a whopping $15.

No kidding.

I love dressers like these. They look really nice painted.

It’s actually in pretty good condition other then the dust graffiti all over the top.

I simply took the drawers out, took the hardware off, wiped all the surfaces down with a damp cloth and then got to painting. There was no sanding or priming involved.

That’s the beauty of chalk paint. Love it.

I applied two coats of paint. It went on really smooth. The drying time is considerably less then with regular paint so I was able to do the second coat right after I finished the first coat. Then I let it sit overnight.

The next morning I got my sandpaper out and started in on distressing. If you don’t want to ruin your hands or if you don't have an electric sander, you could use a damp cloth and wipe your way to a distressed look.

Once the distressing was finished I applied a coat of poly. I just did one coat and let that dry the rest of the day.

Doesn't the hardware look great? It's just two coats of brushed bronze spray paint. And it looks amazing.

I’m really liking in love with the finished product! It doesn’t even look like the same dresser.

What a huge difference some paint and a weekend can make….

What do you think? I have to say that I will be using more homemade chalk paint in some upcoming projects. I absolutely love this stuff!

Linking to these parties...
I Heart Nap Time 
CRAFT