Chalk Paint™ DIY in a weekend

Chalk Paint™ pioneer Annie Sloan shares a project from her book, Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture, and shows you how to transform a bed head and frame from understated to country chic

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint™
• Greek Blue Chalk Paint™
• Duck Egg Blue Chalk Paint™
• Old White Chalk Paint™
• Two paint roller trays
• No. 8 or 12 brush
• Wax candle
• Clean, dry, lint-free cloths
• Coarse sandpaper
• Clear wax
• Brush, for applying the wax

STEP 1:

Mix the Aubusson Blue and Greek Blue paint together in equal measures in the paint roller tray. Apply the paint all over the bed head and frame with the brush and allow to dry.

STEP 2:

Using its length and pointy end, rub the wax candle hard over the wood – wherever there is wax, the next layer of paint will not stick. Wipe away any loose wax with a clean, dry cloth.

STEP 3:

Paint over the blue mix with a coat of Duck Egg Blue. Allow to dry.

STEP 4:

Rub the wax candle again over the wood where you want a more textured effect. Remove any loose wax with a cloth.

STEP 5:

Rub the wood lightly all over with coarse sandpaper to reveal patches of darker blue underneath. The sandpaper will also give a slightly scratchy look.

STEP 6:

Rub the candle again all over the wood, including over the areas where the darker blue colour is coming through.

STEP 7:

Mix one part of Duck Egg Blue with four parts of Old White in a clean roller tray, then brush on a coat of the paint all over the wood and allow to dry.

STEP 8:

Rub the wood all over with coarse sandpaper, using strong and light pressure, to reveal the two different paint colours underneath.

STEP 9:

Apply a coat of clear wax with either the brush or a clean, dry cloth. Wipe away any excess wax with a cloth.