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!

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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 🙂 **

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.