How to Use Chalk Paint to Update Shelf

How to Use Chalk Paint to Update a Shelf

What you will need:

For those who need a visual:



Or if you prefer a list:

Your shelf (or any piece of furniture, really)
2 paint brushes (for chalk paint and wax)
Chalk paint in desired color ( I used Classic Home Chalk Distressing Paint in Castle)
Crème Wax (I used Americana DECOR Crème Wax)
A darker color paint (this is optional-I used Rust-Oleum spray paint in Espresso)
Medium grit sandpaper for distressing
A cloth or old T-Shirt

**if your piece needs anything removed or has a mirror or anything you’d like to protect from the paints and wax you will need

Screwdriver
Painters Tape
Paper

Step 1:
Remove anything from the piece that you do not want to paint (such as these hooks)

Step 2:
If there is anything on your piece that you do not want to paint, but you also cannot remove, protect it! I used my favorite painters tape (see why it is my favorite here) and some paper to protect the chalkboards.

Step 3:
Paint your piece using the darker color. And don’t worry too much about this application. I did a pretty quick spray job since I knew I would be painting over it.
**This step is optional. I chose to do it because I wanted some of the espresso color to come through after I distressed the piece.

Step 4:
Shake or stir your chalk paint very well. Then begin applying your chalk paint. I applied two coats, but I tried to keep light in the areas that I wanted to distress anyway. Places like the corners and grooves, as well as the front of the shelves. I basically dry brushed those areas. (dry brushing is a painting technique that is done by only using what is left on the brush to paint an area)

Here is the shelf with two coats of chalk paint applied:

Step 5:
Now it is time to use your sandpaper to distress. Remember to only distress areas in which your piece would naturally become worn in time. Places like corners, edges, etc.

Step 6:
Use your remaining/clean paintbrush to apply the wax. Lightly dip your brush in the wax and just rub it on. A little wax goes a long way. Let it dry for about 5 minutes before continuing to Step 7.

Step 7:
Use your cloth or old t-shirt and wipe off the excess wax. Your piece should not feel wet or tacky once you are complete. If it does, you have not wiped off all of the excess wax. Go back and get it off!

That’s it! You’re done.

Unless you’d like to add any extras! I glued this wooden applique last minute. I followed all the same steps to prep the applique before attaching it.

I hope this tutorial was helpful, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions please ask in the comment aection below! Good luck on your own chalk paint adventure!

Have a happy day!