Cedar Hill Farmhouse

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Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – French Bistro Set

By 42 Comments

I finally made it to the paint store to purchase my Annie Sloan chalk paint.  Many bloggers are already in love with it.  When I learned of this paint on Miss Mustard Seed’s Blog.  I was very excited to try it. I did some research to determine where I could purchase the paint and wax, only to find that that it is sold in a very, few stores.

Annie Sloan waxes and brushes
Annie Sloan paints
Annie Sloan wax brush

I had so many projects; I couldn’t wait to start.  I really did spend some time thinking about what I would do first, since I am pretty busy these days.  I decided on an old French bistro set I have.  Here is a BEFORE picture.

BEFORE PICTURE French Bistro Set

I selected Louis Blue for this project.

Louis Blue, Annie Sloan Paint

Below is a picture of the chair after I painted it with the Annie Sloan chalk paint in Louis Blue.

Bistro Chair painted in Louis Blue

I know you are supposed to put on a solid layer of paint, but I am always looking for a LAZY way of doing things, so I did a “sloppy” job, meaning I let the old paint show through in places, rather than completely covering every surface until none of the old paint showed through.  I thought this would allow me to use a little less paint, and save some time when I distressed the chairs and table.  Ricky told me that the chalk paint can be removed in places with a cheesecloth, but I preferred sandpaper.  Yes, when the paint is very wet, the cheesecloth will remove the paint, but in my case, it removed more paint that I wanted removed.  So, I used medium grade sandpaper AFTER the paint completely dried.  As advertised, the paint stuck well, and sanded off well in places, without peeling.

After the paint was dry, I applied a combination of dark and clear wax.  It may not mix well when the wax is in a solid state, but in the outdoor heat, it was liquefied to some extent.  It still went on fine.  The chair on the left below has the wax on it, and the one on the right is before the wax was applied.

You can see that it is a little bit darker after the wax in applied.  Below are some close-up photos of the chairs. The paint underneath, if you remember was a dark green, but in the photos below, it looks like a dark blue.  I like it!!

Close-up of Annie Sloan Paint
More close-ups
Edge of seat

And below, I have shown the set together with a pitcher of lemonade.  To see close-ups of the silver, click here.
Bistro Set on my City Front porch

 

 

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    Wow, I am totally intrigued by your talent and your keen style. Love the outcome of the bistro set and I look forward to seeing what’s next!
    Jessica

    Reply

  2. Michele Smith says

    WOW! I am really diggin chalk paint. Your bistro set turned out beautiful, love it with the wax finish!
    I fell in love with this paint ever since I saw it on Miss Savvy’s blog. I’ve got several items I want to try it on I just can’t settle on a color…maybe some day soon.
    Can’t wait to see whats next!
    Michele

    Reply

  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    That turned out great. Love the color. Lucky you to have a store to go buy it from. I have to order it. Shipping is killing me. Thanks for the link and I would love to have you join my party tonight.

    Reply

  6. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    I think everything looks great. How lucky you are to find a store. By the way, I like the sloppy way sometimes too, adds character. Thanks for following me. I’m finally able to follow you.

    Reply

  8. Tiffany says

    Awesome!! I’ve never heard of chalk paint, but it looks really cool.

    So I briefly glanced at the site; you use it just on furniture?

    I don’t really paint furniture, but I might have to find a use for it…

    Reply

  9. Sue says

    Anita, the bistro set turned out just great! Love the way you left some of the original color showing through. I recently read that the wax is what “sets” the paint so that it won’t sand or wash off. If that is true, then why would Lady Butterbug not recommend it? I keep reading more and more about this paint, and people’s recommendations differ quite a bit from each other. I have to order me some of this stuff. I wish we had a local retailer. Lucky girl, you! ~ Sue

    Reply

  11. Jennifer says

    Anita, it turned out great! Your pictures are just beautiful. I love chalk paint! My use for chalk paint was not as creative, but it was still fun!

    Reply

  12. Heaven's Walk says

    Ok…..the more I hear about this magical paint, the more I want to try it, Anita! 🙂 Your little bistro set turned out just beautiful! I adore the color you chose – so soft and neutral. Thank you for the great tutorial, too!

    xoxo laurie

    Reply

  15. Denise at PinkPostcard. says

    this is really fabulous! It turned out beautifully and I love the color you chose. I think I could have my morning coffee out there everyday 🙂 I’d love to invite you to link this to my Wednesday party, Transformations and Treasures! hope to see you soon!

    Reply

  16. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    Thanks for the sweet comments. As for using the wax outside, so far, so good. I’ve had no problems. Denise, I linked up to your link party. As for local retailers for the Annie Sloan paint, I think she is adding stockists as we speak, so I think it is coming.

    Reply

  19. Queenie says

    This turned out wonderful….love how you left it shabby! Can’t wait to see more makeovers with the chalk paint and wax.
    Q~

    Reply

  20. Amy Kinser says

    It looks wonderful. I would love to try this paint but it seems that I cannot find it close by me here yet in Tennessee.

    God bless. Amy

    Reply

  21. Heather says

    I love your makeover, so pretty! I can’t wait to try the chalk paint out. Thanks for linking up to memakingdo, I featured this!

    Reply

  25. Nita {ModVintageLife} says

    This turned out so pretty. I have yet to try the chalk paint but I love how your little french bistro set turned out. I especially love it with all the silver on it and it setting on your porch. It totally transformed it.

    Reply

  28. T.@WhatWeKeep says

    This set is gorgeous! I haven’t done anything with Louis Blue yet…I’m hooked on Antibes Green! Isn’t chalk paint the best???

    Glad to have found your blog. Looking forward to reading your posts!

    Tina

    Reply

  29. Honey at 2805 says

    You did an amazing job on the transformation of your bistro set! Loving the chalk paint!
    I have happily just become a friend and follower and hope you will visit and consider same.

    Reply

  33. molly susan strong says

    I am sponsoring a giveaway with Michelle right now. I see my button so maybe you already entered. Plse do so you too might win three quarts from Michelle. Love how your set turned out!!! Wax is great over outside things too.

    Reply

  36. At The Picket Fence says

    That is just gorgeous Anita! I love that you “took a risk” and didn’t put too much on so that the black showed through. It really gives it that feeling of being aged and has so much charm and character. You did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to see more of your chalk paint projects! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

    Reply

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Perform any project shown at your own risk. The author assumes no liability for loss or damage that result from these projects. If unsure, seek professional advice before attempting any project.