Grab some chalk paint and give an old piece of furniture or frame a brand new look, with this chippy, layered, distressed chalk paint finish. It’s seriously SO EASY!
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The EASIEST Layered, Chippy, Distressed Chalk Paint Tutorial
I came across a print online that I just had to order. It has one of my favorite colors in it – green. I actually love geren and blue and like to bring those out in my home decor.
Since what I purchased was the print only, I needed to find a frame for it. Instead of spending a lot of money on custom framing, this became the perfect opportunity for me to surf the thrift stores and try to find one I could upscale. Luckily, I found the perfect wooden frame that I was able to do the chippy, layered, distressed chalk paint finish on.
Why I Love this Project
Who doesn’t love a good thrift store find? I absolutely love taking someone else’s trash and turning it into a treasure for my home. Not to mention, I end up saving way more money, versus going out to the store and purchasing pretty much the exact same thing!
Before getting started, I needed to tighten a few screws and put down a sheet to protect my work surface. Then, it was crafting time.
Supplies needed:
- brushes
- chalk paint – white, light blue, navy
- votive wax candle
- sand paper
- clear satin spray (optional)
- My art print came from here – I LOVE IT!!
Tutorial: How to create a chippy, layered chalk paint finish
Watch this video tutorial below to see how I completely transformed a thrift store frame with this technique:
- Lay a sheet over your work surface to protect your table from all the artsy things you’re about to do.
- If you used an old frame like what I found that came with a print, remove the print and foam board it was attached to completely. (Hang on to the foam board to use for your new print.)
- Gather your supplies. (In the video I mentioned that I would normally use just chalky finish paint, but I used what I had on hand. It ended up being a combination of chalky finish paint and craft paint.)
- Clean your frame really well.
- Use the wax candle (removed from the aluminum votive) and pick select spots to rub the waxed candle on your frame. (Use firm pressure.)
- Start painting with your darkest color (navy blue). (I used a 1″ brush.) Only paint in a few spots where you want the navy to poke through.
- Once the navy paint has dried, start painting with your next lightest color. Paint similar to how you did with the darker color (splotches around the entire frame.)
- Once that paint has dried, go in with a wide brush and the chalk paint, painting the entire frame. (Go for semi-full coverage, leaving parts of the wood grain showing.)
- After all the paint has dried, take your sanding block and lightly sand your frame to begin giving it a distressed look. Keep sanding until you get your desired look.
- Once you’ve reached your desired look, apply a coat of satin clear finishing spray.
- Place your print onto the original foam piece removed at the beginning (or new piece) using double-sided tape and then put it into your new frame.
** Love that art print as much as I do? Grab it here š **
More Chalk Paint Crafts
- If you like chalk paint, then you may love these 15 genius chalkboard paint ideas. From staying organized to providing a nice decor touch, you’ll never got without chalkboard paint again!
- Do you love the nautical theme? Give your boat and anchored room and nice touch with nautical stripe chalk painted jars.
- When fall rolls around and all things pumpkin come out, grab a few from your local Dollar Store to make these chalky + metalic finish pumpkins.
The EASIEST Layered, Chippy, Distressed Chalk Paint Tutorial
Materials
- * brushes
- * chalk paint - white, light blue, navy
- * votive wax candle
- * sand paper
- * clear satin spray (optional)
Instructions
- Lay a sheet over your work surface to protect your table from all the artsy things you're about to do.
- If you used an old frame like what I found that came with a print, remove the print and foam board it was attached to completely. (Hang on to the foam board to use for your new print.)
- Gather your supplies. (In the video I mentioned that I would normally use just chalky finish paint, but I used what I had on hand. It ended up being a combination of chalky finish paint and craft paint.)
- Clean your frame really well.
- Use the wax candle (removed from the aluminum votive) and pick select spots to rub the waxed candle on your frame. (Use firm pressure.)
- Start painting with your darkest color (navy blue). (I used a 1" brush.) Only paint in a few spots where you want the navy to poke through.
- Once the navy paint has dried, start painting with your next lightest color. Paint similar to how you did with the darker color (splotches around the entire frame.)
- Once that paint has dried, go in with a wide brush and the chalk paint, painting the entire frame. (Go for semi-full coverage, leaving parts of the wood grain showing.)
- After all the paint has dried, take your sanding block and lightly sand your frame to begin giving it a distressed look. Keep sanding until you get your desired look.
- Once you've reached your desired look, apply a coat of satin clear finishing spray.
- Place your print onto the original foam piece removed at the beginning (or new piece) using double-sided tape and then put it into your new frame.
Great technique. Thank you so much!