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How to upgrade old furniture in an afternoon

From zero to hero in no time.

Fancy a project with X-factor status? You can put the wow into your living room simply by updating an old dresser or cabinet. Annie Sloan’s chalk paint is terrific for this type of project as there’s no need to sand the piece first. Just apply the paint straight over the top. And if you love the lettering? Check the web for free stencil fonts and create your own to for a similar effect to those on this dresser.

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You’ll need

  • Chalk Paint in Graphite, Honfleur, Barcelona Orange, Provence and Florence
  • Clear Chalk Paint Wax Clear
  • paint, stencil and wax brushes
  • Stencil letters and numbers (use pre-cut stencils or make your own)
  • Lint-free cloths
  • Sanding pads, coarse, medium and fine grade
old dresser
(Credit: Ildiko Horvath, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence) (Credit: Ildiko Horvath, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence)

Here’s how

Step 1 Mix Graphite and Honfleur to make your preferred shade of chocolate for your base colour. Apply the base colour to the piece and leave to dry. Apply a second coat.

Step 2 Paint the interior of your piece with a mix of Provence and Florence. You may need to apply two coats of this paint mix.

Step 3 To create the distressed effect on the exterior, highlight areas where wear and tear is likely to occur with both Barcelona Orange and teal (your preferred mix of Provence and Florence). Try not to apply the paint too thickly as it is harder to sand later. Leave paint to dry.

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Step 4 Determine your stencil placement, then stencil the letters and numbers in Barcelona Orange. If you’re not working with a large sheet of stencils, you may need to letter the paint dry before repositioning the stencil.

Ildiko Horvath, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence.
(Credit: Ildiko Horvath, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence) (Credit: Ildiko Horvath, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence)

Step 5 Apply a coat of Clear Chalk Paint Wax with the wax brush. Use a lint-free cloth to remove excess wax.

Step 6 Once the wax is dry to touch but not hardened, sand here and there to gently distress the piece. Depending on the amount of distressing you wish to achieve, start with the coarse, swap to the medium and finish with the fine. When finished wipe the piece free of dust with a damp lint-free cloth.

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Step 7 Apply a final coat of wax to seal and protect the finish.

Want more? Head to the Makers and Painters Market in North Melbourne’s Meat Market on Saturday November 3 and Sunday November 4 for your chance to see Annie Sloan in person. Entry prices start at $10 online or $15 at the door, with masterclasses and workshops starting from $60. Annie will be hosting exclusive workshops and insights into her techniques and tips. 

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