Easy Chalk Paint Projects and Ideas Anyone Can Do

For a long time, I used to be so intimidated to even think about painting things, then I learned about chalk paint. Take a look at these easy chalk paint projects and ideas anyone can do.

I am by no means an expert when it comes to chalk paint, but the good news is that you don’t have to be. The first time I tried it, I was hooked on this easy way to transform objects.

Chalk Paint Testimony

Years ago, one of my “expert” chalk paint friends (Tina) painted so many projects and made so many things that all looked very professional. She chalk-painted furniture, thrift store finds, and did several other furniture makeovers. I was so impressed, because she even made her own chalk paint at home! She kept encouraging me and telling me how easy it was, but I wouldn’t listen.

A year or two later, another friend (Kelly) who I also consider to be an expert chalk painter planned a women’s event at the church. She taught us (or probably just me) all of the basics of chalk painting. This is where it all started – my first project!

Over a period of two Wednesday nights, we made these cute little trays. Yes, I was still intimidated, but everyone kept telling me there was no way to mess it up. I worried mostly about the brush strokes showing. Everyone just said not to worry, it would work itself out. They were right!

I have another “expert” chalk paint friend now. When I say expert, I mean expert. She even has her own chalk paint line, Bungalow 47! She has painted everything! You have to see her blog post about painting her slate floor. Unbelievable! As the expert in the field, she also gives step by step instructions and tips. In fact, she just put out a post that is a great guide to painting furniture. You can see it here.

It has been several years since my first chalk paint project at the church, and I have painted so many things. Once you get started and see how easy it is, you see new possibilities everywhere. It is such an easy way to give old furniture new life and a whole new look!

Chalk Paint Basics

Again, I do not claim to be an expert in chalk paint, but I have done several easy projects and love it! To go from such intimidation to “What else can I paint?” is saying a lot. 

Let’s look at a chalk paint project I did recently to see some of the things I have learned about chalk painting.

My pantry was so full of kitchen appliances, that they were taking up the room for food! I wanted a cabinet I could put in my laundry room that would double as storage for appliances as well as a place to put laundry baskets. I found the perfect cabinet, but it had been stored in a barn. It was filthy. Here is the total transformation.

I normally wouldn’t clean a wooden piece of furniture with Lysol, but it was pretty extreme as you can tell by the dirty water!

Here are some pretty basic steps to get started on a project:

• Choose the item you want to paint. I have only chalk painted on wooden surfaces, but it works on other surfaces as well.
• Gather supplies – Chalk paint, paint brushes, drop cloth, sand paper (if you want it to have a distressed look) lint-free cloth, clear wax or dark wax
• ​Prep Work – Clean the piece of furniture or object you will be painting.
• Paint the piece of furniture. You will probably want to add a second coat of paint. If you are painting a light color on top of a dark color, you may need a third coat. Let the paint dry between coats.
• Use the sandpaper to lightly sand the item if you want it to have a distressed finish. If not, skip this step.
• Final Step – Use the lint-free cloth and wipe the wax onto the surface of the painted object. I use a circular motion in small sections until it is covered completely. Wipe away any excess wax. This acts as a seal for the paint.

Projects Since the Beginning

Chalk Paint Makeovers with Family Items

We made a trip to Jay’s Granny and Gramps (Shelton’s) house, and I ended up with some new chalk painting projects (along with a week long sitting area project).

​This bread box had a light brown stain on it. It is where I keep dog medicine and a few treats. This was the first of the chalk paint DIYs I did on my own.

This gun cabinet was also similar to an oak coloring. This was the first time I took on a furniture piece. I wish I had a before picture, but it was a while ago, and I did not think to take pictures.

Personal Chalk Painted Items

This drawer has special meaning behind it. My daughter was driving by my grandmother’s (Grace’s) old house one day and saw these out by the curb. They were remodeling the kitchen and throwing away the old cabinets. Of course she asked if she could have some of them.

Talk about a walk down memory lane! I love thinking about all the times Granny used these kitchen drawers. If I were guessing, I would say that this is the one that held her kitchen utensils.

I bought this desk off of Facebook Marketplace several years ago. However, it was solid black. This is one of the projects I mentioned that I had to use a third coat of paint. It worked though!

As you see in the pictures, I painted this project in the house. That is another plus to chalk paint – there are no strong fumes. Also if you look closely at the picture, I am not using a regular drop cloth. It is a cheap disposable tablecloth! 

Chalk Painted Items for the She Shed

My She Shed is in the process of a total make over, so things are not as they will be. You can see how it started out on the post here, My Initial She Shed Vision, Ideas, and Plans.

My dad found this spoon holder at an estate sale and thought of me. I painted it gray to match the She Shed decor, and I love it. 

This was just a regular brown table that I painted with gray chalk paint. Since the She Shed has a rustic look to it, I sanded the table to get a distressed look.

Chalk Painted Gifts

​Once I realized how easy it was to transform items with just a little bit of chalk paint, I started painting items for gifts. 

This sweet little girl vanity went from solid black to a very pale blue! I did have to give it a third coat to cover the dark paint.

Evelyn was thrilled with her little vanity.

This cookbook holder was a bright orange color. I painted this one gray to match my daughter’s kitchen.

Upcoming Chalk Painting Projects

I have a few upcoming furniture projects that I need to get finished pretty soon. All of these are items that are in my She Shed. Right now I have the following chalk paint colors: White, Black, Light Gray, Dark Gray, and Blush Pink. I also have a gray glaze that I have never used. My idea is to put it over white paint to get a different look altogether. That will be an experiment down the road.  Decisions! Decisions!

I would love to get your opinions!

Chalk Paint Resources

These are some of the items (or similar) that I use. The affiliate links are below for your convenience, but you can also find these items at your local hardware stores.

Paint Brushes and/or Sponges

Disposable Plastic Tablecloth

Clear Wax

Lint-Free Cloths

Sandpaper

Ryobi Sander

​As far as the actual chalk paint is concerned, I have had a pretty big supply of it for a while. The ones I have are Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint. They even make chalk paint in spray paint form!

Since then, I got to see Jill’s paint color chart at Bungalow 47 in person. She has some beautiful colors that you can’t get at your average store!

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The first time I experienced how much fun it was to give old items new life, I remember hearing all of the ladies talking about the projects they had completed. Like I said, I think I was the only one who learned the process that night. Some had even chalk painted all of their kitchen cabinets! 

I know many of you have probably painted many things. I would love to see them! Please share them in the comments so we can all see and get ideas.

I would also love to get your opinion on the colors I should use for my upcoming projects mentioned above. Please take a look at the color of the She Shed walls and trim, and let me know what you think about the colors I should choose for the furniture pieces.

Related Post

Getting the Perfect Backyard She Shed

Until next week,

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“She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Proverbs 31:17