Chalk Paint Go BIG or Go HOME

I have been hearing about chalk paint and all its wonders for a long time. I was skeptical!!!
So I watched a dozen videos and read a million blogs. I have a bad habit of never starting small with a new DIY project. I want to knock it out the park on my 1st at bat. Hence, the Chalk Paint GO big or Go Home Coffee Table project.

This is my coffee table it is HUGE 4x4. It was $$$ 20 years and I am over it!!! To replace it was going to be difficult and more $$$. It is some fake stone top with carved wood and metal on the sides. They say chalk paint covers everything. Well here goes





Another pic to show the variety of surfaces.





So I painted the top with Annie Sloan Country Grey and base with French Linen. I know that looks backwards but that is what the cans say. To my surprise it went on pretty easy and the coverage was good I did 2 coats. Did I stop here? No Way!!





Yes, You are seeing correctly. I tied it to my fireplace!!! I also called my friend and borrowed an overhead projector. I downloaded pics from The Graphics Fairy and decided to enhance my table. My husband just shakes his head





First I traced the image onto the table with a water color pencil (do some research on this I to make sure that is correct this is am important step) then I painted in the outlines with paint. Word to the wise--The images with squiggly floral images look great when they are 4x4 inches but 4x4 feet you need to free hand some of those squiggles and it ain't that easy.





Once I finished the graphic I waxed it with clear and dark wax. This was an experience. I am sure you pros out there could do a much better job but I am not unhappy with the aged results.





This is one more of the sides. All in all the whole Chalk paint experience was good. I even took a class after I completed this piece so I could master the art of waxing. It turns out there is no real set way to wax. It is all a matter of taste and what you like.






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/10826209/chalk-paint-go-big-or-go-home site