How to Paint an Ugly Old End Table with Chalk Mix

A couple of years ago my blogging group was challenged by Leanne over at Diva of DIY to paint something with her Diva of DIY Chalk Mix.    She sent us the chalk mix and I chose this old end table that I found at a local thrift store for $5.00!  I painted it AND added a little secret on the back.  Scroll down to see what that  secret is… AND to get an update on how this finish held up.

There’s actually a bit of a story behind this one.  I bought it a couple of years ago to paint.  But when I got it home my husband said he liked it.  What?!?  OK… If you say so.  So we have been using it looking like this.

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Supplies Needed for Chalk Mix Table

• end table
• latex paint – I used Sherwin Williams white cotton.
• Diva of DIY chalk mix
• hot water
• paint brush – This paint brush is my favorite.
• sanding sponge
• light satin varnish
• power strip

The chalk mix was easy to mix up.  Just mix 1 cup of latex paint, 4 Tablespoons chalk mix, and 2 Tablespoons hot water.  It can be adjusted to get the consistency you want.  I like mine a little thicker so I didn’t add as much water.

Usually I don’t sand at all when I use a chalk or mineral type paint but the finish on this table was a little rough, especially on the top shelf.  So I sanded it down with my 160 grit sanding block.  I didn’t bother sanding anywhere else.

I’ll tell you, that first brush stroke was scary.  There’s such a contrast between the old “orangey” wood and the white!

It almost covered in two coats but I had to go back in a few spots and give it a third coat of the chalk paint mix.

And then, of course, I HAD to distress it.  I can’t live with anything that’s not distressed…lol…

Here’s my hidden secret, a power cord on the back!  This was inspired by a trip to a local furniture store where the salesman showed us an end table that you could plug your lights into.  It amazed me.  All you had to do was TOUCH the table and the light would come on.  I didn’t realize end tables could cost $450 a piece.  I’ll take this one for $5.00 and flip the switch myself.

Now I can plug in my lamp, diffuser, and phone charger without cords hanging out all over in the back.

And here’s the finished table, back at the end of my couch.  The black jewelry box was another thrift store find that accidentally turned out to be exactly the right size for this end table.

UPDATE:  It’s been just over 2 years since I published this, so I thought it was about time for an update.

The chalk mix was easy to mix and use but the finish hasn’t held up as well as my other small table projects.  I’m not sure exactly why.

The paint has chipped in a few places and a few of my lovely family members have left chocolate ice cream sitting on the end table and left some stains.

Here are a few possible reasons for this paint finish now holding up:

• I used a sample of Sherwin Williams paint.  When I told the salesman at SW what I was going to use the paint for he told me I shouldn’t buy the sample because the quality wasn’t as good as their actual paint.  I figured he just wanted me to spend more and buy more paint.  Maybe I should have listened.
• I should have sanded the whole end table, not just the top.  Chalk-type paints have spoiled me.  Sanding before painting isn’t usually necessary but will always help the paint adhere.
• I should have finished the top with a tougher top coat.

Well, live and learn.  I still like to try out new things and test new projects.  Like I saw on my Facebook Lives… it’s only paint.  If it doesn’t turn out the way you want it, you can always repaint it.  Which is probably what is going to happen to this white end table.

Thanks for reading! Originally published Aug 26, 2016.

‘Til the next project,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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