My hubby and I are celebrating our six year wedding anniversary this week. While most ladies ask for jewelry, candy or flowers, I asked for Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint. Yeah, I know… my painting obsession is kinda getting out of hand.
It arrived in the mail this week from Di Lucca Design and I couldn’t be more excited to get started on my first project: a driftwood inspired end table. Last week I found this little magazine table at my local St. Vincent de Paul for only $5 that I thought would be perfect for my idea.
Now the super awesome thing with Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is that you don’t have to do any sanding or priming to your surface. I decided to start by painting the entire table with Paris Grey with my Purdy paintbrush.
A few facts about Annie Sloan’s chalk paint: The paint actually dries quite quickly. You might see some brush strokes while applying, but it dries smooth (unless you over brush). The finished result is a milky surface, kind of like chalk (get it?). You can leave the surface as is with just the paint, or you can use a clear wax on top to bring out a bit of a shine, or a dark wax mostly used for an aged look.
After painting the entire surface in Paris Grey, I decided to paint just the top of the table in Country Grey for a slight duotone effect. Once the table was fully painted and dry, I distressed using a light grade sandpaper, pretty hard in some areas for a deep aged look and feel.
Next I used an old kitchen towel to apply Annie Sloan’s soft dark wax. You can apply this using a brush or cloth, but I opted for the cloth to really rub down deep in some areas.
And here is the finished product! Below you can see the difference in the colors of chalk paint I used. Love the subtle difference of the two tones!
I have to admit, I love this new paint! It’s so easy to work with and gives me tons of options in design. The only problem is the price. It’s about $35 for a quart, BUT the paint really does last a long time! I painted this end table, a mirror and a baby cradle in the Paris Grey and still have over 3/4 of the quart left!
I’m in the process of redesigning our extra bedroom into a play room/craft room. I think this new driftwood inspired table will fit perfectly with my new motif as a great accent piece to store design magazines to keep me inspired!
Also, if inquiring minds want to know, I purchased my chalk paint through Di Lucca Designs. Super fast shipping and great customer service! They also have a wonderful starter kit that is to die for!!
How to Nest for Less | My Life as a DIY Wannabe 
This is very beautiful! I think I need some Annie Sloan paint for my next anniverary!
Beth
Love it, it looks like it needs to be on a deck overlooking the caribbean sea! You’re awesome, Maria http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com/
Wow, it turned out perfect! Makes me wish I had room for more fun projects to try!!
awesome look
It looks great! I’m dying to try that paint–maybe I should ask for some for my birthday! Great idea. 😉 Does the wax make it non-chalkboard then? I’m still getting this down. The 2 toned look is perfect. Great job!
I’d love for you to join my giveaway for 2 canvas pillows going on now! http://www.alittleknickknack.com. Happy 4th!
Thanks! Yes, if you wax over the paint, you can no longer use the surface as a chalkboard. I promise Annie Sloan’s chalk paint is definitely worth every penny! So many options with one little paint can. Love your website and I’m in LOVE with those canvas pillow cases!! Happy blogging 🙂
What a wonderful gift, I got a Dremel and a scroll saw for Mothers Day this year, love the moe practical gifts!
You did a wonderful job, the waxing makes a huge difference to the paint, looks great.
that turned out beautifully! it does look just like driftwood!
this looks GREAT!!!! i love it:)
I love the heavy distressing and the color!
Love the finish!
Such a cute table, it’s hard to believe that it is the same piece!
xo,
Sena
I LOVE the table. I love that you used the two different colors and I love that you decided to stress it a great deal. It really does remind me of driftwood! I am getting ready to do my laundry room over in a beachy theme and I am going to remember this when I make shelves for in there. It will definitely give them an outdoor-worn look. Nice job and thanks for sharing!
Jenny
thelavendermagnolia
Looks awesome. So much fun to work with chalk paint. Thanks for joining my newbie party.
Wow! That was your first time using chalk paint and you produced that?!?! Fantabulous job!! I have those colors- but i’ve never used them together- never even occured to me to use chalk paint to get the driftwood look! I’m impressed! Great work!!
That turned out great! I would love it if you would link up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/07/tuesday-confessional-link-up-2.html. I hope to see you soon!
~Macy from Confessions of a SAHM