Chalk paint + old secretary desk = LOVE!

This is my transformation of an old secretary desk that has been in my family for a long time. This is one of my first furniture re-do projects, so I do not have "in progress" pictures, but do have before and afters (and that's the most important thing!).

I painted the outside with Americana Chalky paint in "Everlasting" (purchased at Michael's)

The inside is painted with Folk Art Chalk paint in "Grotto"

The gray stencil paint is a matte acrylic paint in "Steel Grey" by Folk Art (Folk Art paints and stencil were from A.C. Moore)

Clear coated with Satin Polycrylic (Available at Lowes and Home Depot)

In my experience, both brands of chalk paint were nice. The Americana chalk paint took two coats, and went on very smoothly. The Folk Art brand went on a little "wetter," but dried nicely, and didn't really show brush strokes.

I am not into wax top coats for chalky paints, as I want to clear coat the piece and be done with it. Wax coats wear off, and you have to reapply every so often. I love Polycrylic. It lasts, and has a nice smooth finish.

Although I always use coupons, these small chalk paint containers are a little pricey (for me), so lately I have been experimenting with making my own chalk paint with the classic Plaster of Paris recipe. (posts with examples to come!)

Here are the before and after pictures!

#upcycling #furniturerefinish #furnitureupcycle #refinishedfurniture #paintedfurniture #secretarydesk #chalkpaint