When Miss E and I visited Mum and Dad in Canberra a few months ago, Mum took me for a rummage through their garage. She pulled out the sweetest little step stool and held it up. I saw this at a fete the other week and thought of you … it’ll probably need painting, but would you like it? Would I ever … does my mother know me or what! I had been looking for a little step stool for my daughter to use in the bathroom. She’s currently using a small child’s chair to reach the sink … this is a much better size. Structurally the stool is in great shape. Although the top had been replaced at some stage with a piece of dark brown plywood. Nothing a coat of Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint can’t hide.
Here is the before photo. As you can see it has sweet little turned legs painted in a great vintage off-white, although shabbied up! You can’t see the top very well, but trust me it’s dark brown veneer … which has neither shabby or vintage appeal.
While I loved the colour, the paint was flaking off. So I started by giving the whole piece a good sand with medium grade sandpaper, about 120 grit. I then wiped the whole piece down with a mirco-fiber cloth and finished by washing it with a solution of grime remover and water … I like using Sugar Soap.
To paint the top, I started by using an all-in-one primer-sealer. I wasn’t sure exactly what the top was made of and I wanted to make sure the ASCP adhered to the surface. I also wanted to try out this type of sealer, as I plan on using it when I paint a really neat set of nesting tables.
I went with Zinsser B-I-N, a shellac-based primer and sealer stain blocker.
Here is a better view of the top after I applied the sealer. As you can see it’s pretty rough, but I am going for a shabby look after all and it should paint up nicely.
I applied two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. Allow to dry for about 4-5 hours in-between each coat. I was really pleased with the way the top came up … none of the brown showed through.
Turn the tin upside for about an hour before painting as all the “good stuff” tends to sink to the bottom over time. Finish by giving the paint a good stir.
I allowed 24 hours for the paint to cure. I then distressed the stool with medium-fine grade sandpaper … about 180 grit. I was fairly heavy handed with the distressing. I loved how the legs looked after I sanded them back to remove the flakey paint. However, I didn’t want that much distressing on the top. So I struck a happy medium to ensure the overall look of the piece was cohesive.
I finished with a coat of Annie Sloan clear wax. I applied the wax with an old white T-shirt, working it into the paint. I allowed the wax to cure for 24 hours and buffed to a shine with some very fine steel wool (000 grade), followed by a clean piece of lint-free cloth.
I’m so pleased with how this little stool turned out … Mum was so completely on my wave length when she spotted this piece. Thanks Ma!
For some more shaby chic inspiration, please visit my Pinterest board “Vintage Ideas & Style”
Also sharing:
Saturday Sparks | Bouquet of Talent | Share It One More Time | Sundays At Home | Share Your Creativity | Silver Penny Sunday | Nifty Thrift Sunday | DIY Show Off | Amaze Me Monday | Metamorphosis Monday | Something To Talk About | Tutorial & Tips | Made By You Monday | Show and Share | Inspire me Monday | Tweak It Tuesday | The Scoop | Hit Me With Your Best Shot | Wow Us Wednesday | Dream. Create. Inspire. | Inspire Me Wednesday | Welcome Home Wednesday | The Wednesday Showcase | Work It Wednesday | Wake Up Wednesday | Think & Make Thursday | Your Turn To Shine | Weekend Retreat | Grace At Home | The Inspiration Gallery | Feathered Nest Friday | Creative Inspirations | Home Sweet Home | Creativity Unleashed | The Painted Drawer | Shabbilicious Friday | The Pin Junkie | Foodie Friday & Everything Else | Friday’s Furniture Fix | Home Matters | Making Broken Beautiful | Link Party Palooza | DIY Inspired | The Creative Collection | The Best DIY Projects & Recipe Party | October Before & After
Love it! Great job!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Jane!
I love this stool makeover! You always have some of the most beautiful furniture makeovers! We haven’t seen you around the Dream. Create. Inspire. Link! Party in a bit, I hope you’ll stop by and share with us again soon! We miss seeing you!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 I’ve been laying low for a bit but have picked up the paint brush again! Thanks for stoping by.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this cute DIY project at my Show and Share Party.
Blessings,
Linda
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I love it . . . and when you’re a shorty like me and step stool is a must in your home 🙂
Great make-over 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
LikeLike
I love what you did to this little stool! Now it is a decorative piece as well as being functional! I would be so happy if you would share it at my Making Broken Beautiful party today! I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
Terry
http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 I would love to share at your party … thanks for the invite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so cute. I love Shabby Chic and since I’m a “shorty” this would be just the thing. Blessings.
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I love how you distressed this little table… I am never good at distressing the edges! Looks fabulous! Thanks for linking up at the Welcome Home Wednesday Link Party… can’t wait to see what you link up next week! I’m also featuring you on this weeks Fantastic Finds Saturday!
LikeLike
Thank you for the feature! I’ll be sure to pop over tomorrow and check out your other features. Thanks for hosting a great party every week 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Share It One More Time Party
Thanks for the tips! I love the shabby look and it suits this stool perfectly. Visiting from #HomeMattersParty!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
LikeLike
Just love your step stool. I think we all need one, whether we are short or not.
Thanks for sharing at Wake Up Wednesday,
Bev
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 I’m always on the look out for step stools … they are so handy!
LikeLike
This is so great! The difference is astonishing…it’s amazing what a little TLC can do! Thanks for sharing at the Welcome Home Wednesday link party…we really hope to see you again this week!
http://www.diyjustcuz.com
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 I always enjoy your party. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
This turned out really good. I love chalk paint! Thank you for sharing & linking up with us over at the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party! Don’t forget to join us every Wednesday.
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much for joining in the Making Broken Beautiful party last week. I hope you will come inspire us again this week!
Smiles!
Terry
LikeLike
Pingback: How to Shabby a Towel Rack « HONEY & ROSES