Disclosure:  I am a member of the core blogger program with DecoArt.  I received compensation and product for this post.  All ideas and opinions are 100% my own.

Hey Y’all!  I am so excited to announce that I am part of DecoArt’s Core Blogger Program for 2015-2016.  How amazing is that?!  For my first project I am sharing a home decor piece.  Check out this Chalky Paint Stool Makeover using Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paints:

Here’s a little story behind this stool.  My dad actually made this wood stool probably 20 years ago.  We found it while cleaning out my grandma and grandpa’s house.  Apparently he made 3 of them and I couldn’t let one of them get thrown away, so it’s been in my garage for a couple years now just wanting for the right project makeover.  You definitely want to check out the before pictures. 

Here is what the stool looked like before, cobwebs and all:

It looks well pretty awful.  This piece of history needed some loving.  I wanted to lighten the color up a bit and trim down the size.  It was too large and an awkward shape.  So, I had my husband cut the legs right above the notch on the sides.  Yay to my awesome handy husband! 

It’s already starting to look much better.  Next, I took a warm soapy rag and scrubbed the stool clean and free of cobwebs.

Like I mentioned earlier, I wanted to lighten this stool up.  I used Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Everlasting for the base and Serene for the top of the stool.  Everlasting is a very pretty off white color and Serene is a beautiful blue.  Both of these colors I have in my kitchen already, so this stool will fit in perfectly.  The above picture is just one coat each of the chalky paints.  I let the paints dry completely before applying a second coat.

The second coat covered very nicely.  As you can tell, there is still some of the original wood peeking through.  I went ahead and stopped at two coats because I like the way it looks.  I was going for a rustic farmhouse look.  You could always add more coats of paint if you want to completely cover up the original wood.

After the second coat of paint was dried I applied a white wash technique.  I applied a layer of the Everlasting paint on top of the Serene and immediately took a damp rag and wiped the Everlasting color.  I like how this white wash breaks up the boldness of the blue color and adds a much softer look.  When using a rag make sure and use a light colored one.  If you use a dark rag the color of the rag may bleed on to your paint and that would be a travesty. 

I used a piece of fine sandpaper along the edges of the stool.  I wanted a soft chippy look to the stool.  Of course, you can make the stool look even more chippy by using larger grit sandpaper and going crazy with it.

Finally, I added just one coat of Americana Decor Creme Wax all over the stool.  This adds a nice glaze look and a smooth to the touch finish.  I was able to complete this project in just a couple of days.  It was very easy to paint with the chalky finish paints from DecoArt.  Plus, these paints are odor free and water based which makes clean up a breeze.

I just loved how this chalky paint stool makeover turned out.  I’m sure my dad will be proud.  I hope I have inspired you to redo an old piece of history you might have.  You never know how it will turn out unless you give it a makeover.

Ready to try it out for yoursefl? Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint is available in Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, A.C. Moore and other stores. Visit the DecoArt Chalky Finish website for more chalk paint ideas and inspiration.  

 

 

 Link Parties