As many of you know, I love upcycling furniture with Annie Sloan paint. I use this paint because it doesn't involve sanding or undercoating - you just slap it on and away you go!
I have recently had a bit of a binge of painting pieces of furniture that I've been procrastinating about for nearly a year.
My favourite Annie Sloan colours are Graphite and English Yellow. This 50s cabinet was first up - English Yellow at the back and Graphite everywhere else. I was given this piece of furniture by someone who was getting rid of it and I was going to sell it but I rather like it now that it's painted. No distresssing on this piece, just Annie Sloan clear wax.
Next up was this little vintage Hungarian table which I use for my printer. It was already painted in a hideous yellow gloss paint (sorry no "before" image) so I decided to give it a dousing in English Yellow with distressing.
While I was on a roll with the English Yellow, next up to get a dousing was a gilt mirror that I bought in a second hand shop two years ago for £20. I fancied something different and fun so it certainly scores on both these points. I may add more dark wax into the crevices but for now it gives a lovely sunny warmth to the kitchen.
Next up, my workstation. This is a cupboard that I use for my work and the yellow mirror sits on top of it. It was painted in a dark grey gloss paint and I prefer a chalk paint finish. Once again I used Graphite. However this colour can look a bit dull on some textured furniture and that's what's happened here. This can be resolved with a coat of dark wax over the clear wax.
The biggest success was the next item, a gilt mirror that I have had for 5 years and never really liked. Sometimes it's all about trial and error when painting furniture so do have a go. Mix colours together, put one colour on top of another, use a wash (diluted 50/50 paint/water) etc etc. On this mirror I've used Aubusson Blue and Old White then clear wax and dark wax. It is a stunning transformation and the shape of the mirror is really enhanced (sorry no before pics).
The jury is out on the next piece - I don't like the finished look. The table was originally a light grey/green colour when I bought it (first image below), then I painted it Graphite. I should have left it at that because now the effect doesn't suit the elegance of the table. So it's back to the drawing board with this piece. As I say, trial and error!!
I'd love to hear about pieces of furniture that you have painted in Annie Sloan and see some images so do share them with me.
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During Covid lockdowns, we all needed an outlet for stress and anxiety. We have become more aware of our interiors having been surrounded by them for months on end. Your home may need some serious DIY, a few rooms painted or just the addition of pop of colour or two. If you enjoy creative pursuits and want something to help you relax and unwind, why not paint a piece of furniture? We all love instant gratification when decorating our home and Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan is perfect as it is so easy to use – no sanding or priming and you can paint any type of surface – wood, ceramic, glass, metal ….. T