A sweet dear friend inherited a mahogany sideboard, china cabinet, and table several years ago which really weren’t her style.  After I moved out-of-state, she asked me if I would like the furniture, saying that the pieces would look great in my “new” house.   After a 4-hour trip her heirlooms easily made themselves at home in my house.

The sideboard fits perfectly in the dining area of my great room and the table opens out so I can seat 14.  Perfect for all my entertaining.  Happy me!

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | An Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Sideboard Transformation - Furniture DIY

 

This furniture, though good quality, was not in perfect condition.  And the sideboard, in all its dark mahogany beauty was a bit of an attention grabber in the great room.  The solution?  Paint.  After reading the rave reviews of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint I decided that was the route to go.   One day I was chatting long distance with another friend.  She mentioned that there was an ASCP stockist nearby and she would go and check out all the details.  She was so enthused that she decided that she should gift me with a quart for my birthday along with this fabulous Annie Sloan book, Quick and Easy Paint Transformations: 50 Step-by-step Ways to Makeover Your Home for Next to Nothing.  For me…it was one of the most thoughtful birthday gifts.  Besties know these things.  Yes?

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - DIY Paint Sideboard Transformation with ASCP - Before

 

After finally painting the trim in my great room and sun room, I was ready to tackle the sideboard.

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Vintage Mahogany Sideboard Transformation with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - DIY Paint Project

The fun began with removing the hardware, giving the sideboard an all-over light sanding, and some serious sanding to the worn and watermarked top.  Hmmmm.  Where to lay the paint first? With all my bravery, I started with the two top silverware drawers.  This way I would hopefully know if I made a huge mistake in choosing to paint the sideboard, or in my painting method.  The paint went on easily.  It leaves more brush marks than I care for….but I read that it’s supposed to be that way.  The next day, the drawers looked good.  They didn’t even seem to need another coat of paint.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Vintage Sideboard Transformation starts with a drawer - DIY Furniture update with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

 

In my next big stroke of bravery, I got out the 4 inch foam cabinet roller and rolled the paint onto the end panels.  It seemed wise to begin in a less detailed, less obvious spot.  The roller didn’t get all the way to the corners of the end pieces, so I had to paint them with the brush.  But, when I moved around to the front of the cabinet, to paint the rails and stiles, I noticed the lack of paint in the crevices was a look I was really liking.  I had thought that in order to get that look I would have to use the dark wax.  Instead I was getting the look by simply not applying the paint in those areas.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - DIY - Painting Furniture - Sideboard Transformation with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

I’m pretty sure that dyed-in-the-paintbrush ASCP experts are cringing that I used the foam roller rather than the brush.  But, I doubt I would have gotten this look otherwise.  And it was easy.  Plus, I have a very sore elbow and the roller was less painful to use.  I originally thought by using the roller I would have a smoother paint job.  Much to my surprise, that did not end up being the case at all with ASCP.  Though it was nice and even.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Color Country Grey - Vintage Furniture - DIY Painting

The roller put down less paint than the brush and so I went over parts 2 or three time.  You will read that because Annie Sloan Paint is a chalk paint, you should sand it after the wax is applied.  I lightly sanded it before the wax was applied.  A good move on my part.  It helped even out the texture left behind by the foam roller.  Very little paint came off in the light sanding…yet it gave me a smoother surface…though still not as smooth as if I had applied the paint with a brush. Isn’t that interesting?

Next step, waxing.  I popped open the can of Annie Sloan Dark Wax.  It’s dark.  Got out my very old fat brush and went to town on just a few square inches.  Did I say the wax was dark?  Yeah.  Really dark.  {Deep sigh.} No matter how much I had read, I had missed the part that clear wax should be applied first.  Why is it that those words were abundantly clear to me the minute after I applied the dark wax directly to the painted surface?

Back to the drawing board.  Errr…sideboard….

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net Vintage Furniture Restoration with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

 

It seemed that the best tactic (My plan was to complete this project victoriously and thus I needed to be strategic.) was to sand the waxed area and repaint the panel.  Good thing I bravely started on the end panel that isn’t seen by anyone other than a cat.

Of course I didn’t have any clear wax, so that necessitated a trip to Lowe’s, the closest hardware, paint, or home improvement store and still nearly 20 minutes away.  There were two choices of wax.  Johnson’s and Minwax.  One was $4.97, the other was $9.97.  I’m pretty sure you know which one I chose.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - DIY Furniture Transformation with ASCP - House & Garden - Vintage Furniture

 

This time I applied the Johnson’s Paste Wax with cheese cloth.  My dad always did that, so I know that was a good thing to do.  Did you know all wax doesn’t smell waxy.  Nope.  It smells like a factory.  And you’re supposed to apply it with the windows open or you may encounter some neurological defect.   I applied the wax and well I know it didn’t say clear wax, isn’t wax by nature pretty colorless?  Maybe.  But, not in this case.  It made my paint look greenish and you could see that I applied it with horizontal, vertical, and roundy strokes.  Yup…each one showed.

I bet you can guess what comes next.  Another trip to Lowe’s.  Uh huh.  Except I didn’t jump back in the car. Instead I tortured myself for my inappropriate choice…waiting until my husband could stop on his way home from the office to pick up more wax.   In the meantime I had sanded the panel, again.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - DIY Vintage Furniture Transformation with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Inspired Home Decor

 

Did you notice that the top of the sideboard is still mahogany?  Well, I had it in my mind that I would probably paint it. I even sanded it with every intention of painting it, but for some reason chose to paint that part last.   I’m glad I did.  It looked so nice, even unfinished, that my decision was made.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Country Grey Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - DIY Painting Transformation of Vintage Sideboard - Home Decor Painting ideas

 

A few months ago I bought a product that I had successfully used on the new table legs and also used to erase some moisture rings on the table top.  I had nothing to lose, except maybe a few more sheets of sandpaper, so I gave it a try.  The product is Howard Restor-A-Finish, Mahogany.  It was simple to use and gave fabulous results.  I applied it to some 0000 Super Fine Steel Wool (because of the watermark) and rubbed away in the direction of the grain and then buffed it with a soft cloth.  Oh my goodness, the water marks were virtually gone as were other areas of distress.   There may or may not have been a bit of happy dancing that ensued.  After it dried well, the next step was to wax it.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Vintage Sideboard DIY Painting Transformation with ASCP - Home Decor

 

The next day I applied the Minwax Paste Finishing Wax (Natural for Lighter Woods).  Again, it was not colorless, but slightly warmed the paint, giving it a more old world feel.  I could live with it.  With my sore arm I applied the wax and with my other arm I buffed the dry wax.  It was amazingly easier to apply and buff than either of the other waxes.  The top was waxed and buffed as well and its deep mahogany wood top shone beautifully.

The next step was to reattach the door and drawer pulls.  Previously they didn’t look good and I thought that I might have to use some Rub and Buff or something to make them look presentable for the cabinet.   Why do I worry about things unnecessarily?  They actually look good in their aged state on the newly transformed sideboard.  Don’t you agree?

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - DIY Transformation - Vintage Dining Room Sideboard - ASCP - inspired home decor

 

The final step…one last dusting, scooting it into place against the wall, admiring my work, and yes taking a few lovely pictures.  I think I have one happy sideboard for one happy gal.  Yup!  That’s me!

 

Tell me….What was your last transformation project?

What do you want to tackle….but have been putting off?

 

Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

Diane

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Comments

  1. Tim Miller says

    She said, “The final step…” You have all read it. So how come she is already taking steps to take the cushions of the chairs and paint them too? Because she is an artist, a mastercrafter, and she needs to stay busy, even with a sore elbow and growing neurological disorder from all the fumes.

    • Diane says

      I love you!!
      I meant…the final step for the sideboard!! Haha! 😀
      And really we all know, for me, there’s always….just another minute for one more thing! :-/

  2. Glenda Kremer says

    it is beautiful–you did a great job!!!! love it!
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      Thanks Glenda!!! I’m so pleased with the outcome. Don’t tell…but, when no one is looking I just might stand and admire it. Teehee!

  3. christie says

    I tried to use the Johnsons wax in the house last week! No! My house smelled like an auto parts store! Yuck. I hauled the hope chest out to the garage. I’m hoping the smell will die down. I want to get some supplies that I can use in the house in the winter. Does the Howard Restore a Finish smell bad ? ~ C

    • Diane says

      Oh no! I feel for you!!
      The Restore-a-Finish does not smell bad. It does have an odor….but I kind of like it. Though as with everything….we do need fresh air! 😀

    • Diane says

      I used the “Restore” again today. The odor is only slight and with some fresh air moving I hardly noticed. Hope that helps.

  4. rochelle vandam says

    Loved reading your blog…..and the great adventure of bringing an old piece to life….it turned out beautifully and only you could add so much detail and fun to the story:) Oh yes the next step is the chairs…haven’t seen them but can only imagine that they would be just as lovely as the sideboard……you go girl …. can just see those wheels turning!!

    • Diane says

      Thank YOU dear friend!! What a wonderful encourager you have been to me.
      Love you!!

  5. Barb Adams says

    Diane, it is just beautiful!! I’ve been working up the challenge of doing our kitchen cabinets to look similar. Now you have inspired me, then onto our bedroom furniture, then the livingroom,…….will probably be 100 before I get that all done! It is so beautiful. You have such talent.

    • Diane says

      Barb..you just made a huge smile on my face. Thank you!!
      I’m blessed to think that I might be inspiring you to go for your cabinets!!
      {hugs}

  6. Mel says

    *laughing!!* I was amused at Mr. Miller’s comment. Mostly cuz I’m just AS excited when I start something that turns out cool…..I wanna turn everything cool!

    I enjoyed the tutorial and the humour in the waxing experience!
    I think the last ‘let’s make this look different’ adventure involved pickling stain and going for the look you achieved with your chalk paint. I had a similar experience with the colour changing once I put on the lindseed oil and discovered it turned my pretty white……dirty yellow. LOL Ever tried to sand off freshly applied lindseed oil? (notsomuch a fun adventure!!) Thank goodness for small spaces to test things out on, huh? No cat…LOL but it was a side that faces the wall!!
    I did manage to eventually undo my mistake, redo the pickling and used paste wax (dontcha just love paste wax?) with great success! And then I stood around with my paintbrush and the can of pickling, looked around the room…..and went for the chair! 😀
    *laughing* Just wanted you to know you’re not alone!

    • Diane says

      Oh Mel! You just made my day! It’s a good thing we can look back and get a few laughs at our foibles. Yes?
      Thanks for sharing your story!!

  7. I really enjoyed reading your adventures in painting the sideboard. It turned out beautifully, and lucky you — all the storage!

    • Diane says

      Thanks!! You’ll laugh….I’m so used to not having that storage that it only has a few things stashed inside. I’m sure that will change!!

  8. Elise says

    Wow, you did an amazing job! Would love it if you linked up on my blog hop http://www.w-t-fab.com/search/label/bloghop. Also let me know if you’d like to follow each other!

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your kinds words, Elise!
      And for your invitation too!

  9. Well, it was worth all the work, this piece is beautiful! Glad you kept the top natural, it looks gorgeous! I am a big fan of that look!

    • Diane says

      Thanks for your encouraging words Hayley! It came together even better than I’d hoped. 😀
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  10. WOW, this turned out fabulous, thanks for sharing the ups and downs of the process. Love the look, and what a great friend you have!!

    • Diane says

      Hello Debra! I am blessed with good friends. 😀 I’m glad to know you love it. You know we second guess our projects…your words are encouragement. 😀

  11. Beautiful transformation! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

    • Diane says

      Aww thanks Courtney!!!
      May your thanksgiving be truly extraordinary!

  12. What a fantastic sideboard! You did an amazing job making her pretty! Thank you for sharing this at Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    • Diane says

      Awww Kathryn, you’re so sweet.
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!

  13. Sometimes it takes trials and tribulations to get something that you want to stop and look at for a while. I haven’t tried wax yet, but will be soon. You did a great job on this.

    • Diane says

      Thanks Faye! I’m thinking it all takes a bit of tenacity too!
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  14. YAY! YAY! YAY!! Congratulations on a super-duper makeover Diane!! I LOVE IT!!!

    • Diane says

      I’m loving it too!!! Thanks for cheering! 😀

  15. Stopped over from WUW. This piece looks BEAUTIFUL!! Great job!

    • Diane says

      Oh Martina, thank you soooo much!! You just put a big smile on my face!! 😀

  16. Your finish is gorgeous. You did a great job and I have pinned this for future inspiration. Nice work!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Heather. I agonized over this project. But now, I’m thrilled. Hoping to get enough nerve to do 6 or 10 chairs. 😀 Not sure if I should ASCP or BM? We’ll see.
      Happy New Year!

  17. Hi Diane,
    You did a great job on the dresser. I’m finding that you really can’t make a mistake with ASCP. All the pieces I have done are fun to do and I’m always surprised at how much I like them.
    Stop over and see the server I painted in my second last post. I really love it.

    • Diane says

      Thanks Ahrisha! And for the encouragement to keep going!!!

  18. Nancy says

    Simply stunning and wonderful! Love it!
    I am interested in Country Grey, I might just have to get a sample.
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    • Diane says

      Hi Nancy!
      Country Grey is a much warmer color than I would have imagined by the name. I really like it…and it’s perfect for the sideboard.
      Hope you have fun with your next project!! And thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!! 😀

  19. Diane, this is a fantastic transformation!!! Love how it came out. Thank you for sharing it all at http://www.finecraftguild.com :: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Rose! This was my first foray into painting furniture. I think I’ve caught the bug!

  20. christie says

    THANK U for this tutorial! So many of the ASCP tutorials only describe methods using ASCP products (which I have NO problem with!) but – sometimes it is hard to find in my area – (I have one supplier in my state and they are not always open) – and a trip to Lowe’s is much easier. I so much appreciated that you shared your mistakes and explained how to remedy them – and what exactly you used and HOW! It’s the details (like which way to rub your cloth, or cheesecloth, etc) — the sideboard is one of my favorite transformations I’ve seen. LOVE the natural top! Great job!!

    • Diane says

      Thank YOU, Christie! Not having been long in the blogging world I want to make whatever I share helpful. I never thought of this as a tutorial…yet I guess I did take you through the ‘whole’ process! 🙂 You just made my day. I’m so glad that you found the post useful.
      When you complete your project…please let me know how it goes…I’d love to see a photo, even.
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!!

  21. This really did turn out beautiful!! I love that you left the top 🙂
    Shawna

    • Diane says

      Shawna, it was a last minute decision…but I’m really glad I left the top too!
      Thanks for popping over with your sweet thoughts!
      ~Diane

  22. Love the outcome. I just sold one just like it and it turned out pretty much the dame as yours but I changed the handles to bling! I kinda wish I would have kept it.. I am on the lookout for another one! Dianntha

    • Diane says

      Thank you Dianntha!! How fun that you made yours look the same. I do love that look. The handles…I really wasn’t sure what to do….I’m still not totally in love with mine. I have been thinking that I might look for something that will enhance them a wee bit. Oh, I do hope your find another to make just the way you’d like it.
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!!
      ~Diane

  23. Carla says

    I think you did an amazing job! I love it and I love the colors. I’m so inspired to do my oak kitchen table over with similar colors.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Carla! I really do love it…even more than I had imagined. 😉
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!

  24. Rochelle Pauls says

    I am currently eyeballing my dining room table and chair set, thanks for sharing I found your blog most helpful… My question is it says you used grey paint it looks antique white in the picture…which is the color im going for, farmhouse look…..also do you think this paint would hold up on kitchen cabinets…

    • Diane says

      Rochelle…I’m so grateful that you found this post helpful. Thank you!
      It really does look more antique white once it was waxed too. I selected that color because it had a warm tone to it and I’m very pleased with it. If you look at the color chart you’ll see that.

      Kitchen cabinets. I know several people who have painted theirs with ASC. But…how it will hold up over time is a good guess. ACP has a lot of texture, which I don’t know that I would want for cabinets. I want my cabinets to have a fine satiny surface so that they are easy to clean and don’t collect. Kitchen cabinets that are painted tend to show splatters and fingerprints more easily. Personally I would spare no expense and use the best paint available for my cabinets. It’s a big project and I wouldn’t want to have to give them a makeover in a year or three years because they didn’t hold up. I love the paint for my sideboard because, although it gets used a lot, wear is minimal compared to kitchen cabinets. Hope that was a little bit helpful.

  25. Shannon says

    I have a buffet to paint and LOVE the color of yours. I am confused on your combination…did you use Country Grey with dark brown, a lighter brown or clear wax?

    • Diane says

      Ahh…I used Country Grey and a clear wax by MinWax.

      I hear Annie Sloan’s clear wax is amazing… but there was no stocklist near me. Originally I made the mistake of ordering the dark wax without realizing that we need to put a clear wax on *before* adding the dark. When I was finished with the clear, I liked it and didn’t wish to antique it with the dark wax.

      Hope that answers your questions, Shannon.
      Thanks for stopping by and for your warm remarks.

  26. Mark says

    Great job on that white sideboard. I just bought a very similar one at a yard sale. Great insides, with drawers and felt-lined dividers for silverware and such. I think I am going black chalk-paint on mine, maybe with crackles and really beat the crap out of it, and make it look worse than it does now. Who knows? You never really know what a piece of furniture wants until you get to ‘petting’ on it. As to wax, I prefer pure carnuba wax. It comes in a can, and is fine stuff indeed. You can tint it with artist’s oil paints in the little tubes. Raw or burnt umber oil paint for that ‘dirty’ look. One makes blackish-brown, the other more red. I forget which is which at the moment.. But you can mix that carnuba wax with any oil-paint color. I’ve done it with a bit of red, for a pink tone, and with a mix of yellow and black that made a pretty olivey green. I like Howard Feed-n-Wax (Home Depot and such places) if you just want to clean up wood finishes. ‘Dumpster diving’ is almost as exciting as a ‘romantic’ interlude (as I vaguely recall), although both end up making a big mess.

  27. Dana Bougon says

    I just found your gorgeous sideboard while searching for ” sideboard painted with Annie Sloan”…LOL
    I’m now inspired! Love your tutorial.. fun! Thank you so much for sharing…. it turned out spectacular!
    Dana
    New Orleans

    • Diane says

      Awww… Dana… you just made my day!! Thank you!!
      Hope you have fun with your next project!!
      All the best for an extraordinary day!

  28. Georgia Kuczma says

    Thanks for the inspiration. I’m about to start this same process on my old mahogan dresser. I’m going for the beachy look in my bedroom. Peachy walls and distressed teal for the dressers. I’ve never taken on such a project before, but your story and humor gave me the courage to try.

    • Georgia… the key is to not stress over the project and have fun with it. Chalk paint is forgiving and always there is an opportunity for a do-over. Though I doubt you’ll need one… sometimes it just gives us peace of mind to know that one can always start again.
      Best wishes for an extraordinary makeover!! 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. […] might remember the dining room furniture, gifted to me by a friend.   The table is a little narrower than my maple table and opens up a […]

  2. […] For those of you who have been following my slow slide into the season of Christmas you’ll be pleased to finally see something here!  I am over-the-top happy to have the mantel done.  Oh, that’s right, I don’t have a mantel.  I do have a side board thanks to my wonderful friend.  And I recently splashed it up with that ever-popular Annie Sloan Chalk Paint which I recently talked about. […]

  3. […] my Joy Wreath hanging over the sideboard?  I thought it would be fun to quickly and easily transform it into a New Year’s […]

  4. […] the festivities, I created a New Year’s Wreath to grace the wall over the sideboard which I recently […]

  5. […] yet I don’t usually decorate with it in the springtime.  And since this sideboard was an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint project of mine about 6 months ago, I haven’t decorated it for all the seasons yet, so anything […]

  6. […] {Annie Sloan Chalk Paint} Transforming a Vintage Sideboard with Paint […]

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