10 chalk paint furniture ideas

Chalk paint is a type of paint which creates a chalky appearance. It's great for creating a rustic, aged look, and lends itself particularly well to being distressed. Chalk paint is also great if you're feeling a little lazy, and you don't fancy going through all the motions of stripping, sanding and prepping your surface. Chalk paint adheres very well to surfaces, so you can get a great finish without all the steps.

Chalk paint is great for beginners, as its very forgiving. If you do make any mistakes, it's supposed to have a 'distressed' look, so these can easily be blagged away! Although chalk paint is popular on furniture, it can be used on a range of surfaces, inside and out. The thick quality of the paint means its great for stencils, as it doesn't bleed out of the sides.

If you're looking for 'shabby chic' or rustic, vintage style decor, chalk paint could be what you're looking for!

1. Clean your furniture with a damp cloth, and wait for it to dry.

2. Mix up your paint: if you're using a pot of paint, shake before opening, then stir with a painting stick. Make sure it's mixed thoroughly for the best finish. If you're making your own using powder, mix according to the packaging.

3. Paint your furniture, following the grain.

4. Apply as many coats as necessary.

5. Lastly, put on a clear coat of clear wax over your paint in a thin coat, wiping off the excess. Apply a second coat if desired. Alternatives to wax include water based top coats, and polyurethane.

We recommend distressing your piece as the final step, after you've completed all of the above. Given the nature of chalk paint, it's best to distress it after waxing painted furniture, as the paint is very chalky and dusty otherwise.

Take a sheet of sandpaper over the areas you want to distress (usually it looks best to distress places that would naturally get wear and tear, such as the corners.)

1. Dresser

You can give any dresser a completely new look with just few coats of chalk paint, and perhaps even swapping out the handles, if you're feeling going the extra mile.

2. Filing cabinet

3. Tiles

Although painted tiles may sound difficult, it's actually very simple to execute. Take your template, and tape it securely. Paint over with a few thin layers, and peel off the stencil before the second coat has fully dried.

4.  Dressing Table

5. Storage boxes

6. Wood stain

Adding water to a chalk paint can also act as a wood stain, and can be a little cheaper and easier than using a genuine wood stain. It means you can also adjust the colour of your stain. Brush it on, all the way from one way to another, and immediately wipe off.

7. Fabric paint

This technique is great if you don't have the time, resources or budget to reupholster a piece. It can give it a fresh lease of life, and is very easy to do. Simply mix your chalk paint with a little water, mark your area with painter's tape, and paint on a layer. Seal once finished by tumble drying, or putting in the sun for a little while.

8. Piano

9. Jars and pots

10. Chairs