The Most Efficient Way to Update Furniture

I know Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has been around for years but somehow I just recently discovered this crafty treasure.  I like to get stuff done as efficiently as possible, and with no sanding or priming required, this is my kind of paint.  I decided to try it out on a shelf I keep in my bathroom.  I was going for a color that would brighten up the room and make it more clean looking, fresh feeling, and happy.  I decided to go with "Paris Grey", a light grey neutral shade that seems to also be one of the more popular Annie Sloan paint colors after perusing through pinterest.  (Funny story: My older sister who lives in Richmond texted me a picture that night of her husband drinking a blue moon and painting with Paris Grey chalk paint... meanwhile, my boyfriend was drinking a blue moon and painting with Paris Grey chalk paint.  How strange.

FYI- *This brand of paint can only be found at independent small retailers so check their website for your closest location.  I frolicked down the paint aisle at Lowe's to end up disappointed when I found out they didn't carry it.  So, off I went to a tiny little antique shop in downtown Apex, NC.  I picked up my paint from Two Old Birds which ended up having the nicest woman ever working there!  They also offer workshops to teach you skills and secrets to the paint, like layering different colors and distressing.  

Here are the steps I took:

1. Wipe down your piece of furniture with a wet rag to remove all of the dust/etc. 

2. Get to painting! Yeah, that is right.  You can go ahead and start painting... No priming, sanding, anything.

Here is a "before" photo or should I say a "when I remembered to take a before" photo.

Oh yeah, I also decided to paint my nightstands because it was just so fun.

3.  Let paint dry and then apply the Soft Clear Wax.  The paint dries within 30 minutes.  I would also suggest applying two coats of paint before using the wax.  I just used an old t-shirt and cut it into small pieces.  Be sure to wipe in a circular motion and then quickly wax off.  Just use a different t-shirt rag to wax off.  Waxing on/Waxing off should happen within 5 minutes of eachother.

4.  Optional- This is the part where you can "distress" your furniture if you want to.  I chose to just distress it a little bit by using sand paper on the edges and a couple areas on the top and sides.  

And there you have it, the most efficient way to give your furniture an upgrade.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you have used Annie Sloan paint yourself!

Shelby