More Americana Chalky Decor Paint Makeovers

Sink cabinets before painting

Linen storage cabinets

Given how pleased we were in the difference the china cabinet makeovers and how easy it is to use the Americana Chalky Decor Paint and Wax, I decided to update my guest bathroom. The cabinets were the original finish and have 30 years of wear and tear. This bathroom is an interior room and narrow so it is impossible to get an image of the full room.

I was also inspired by some cabinet makeovers I'd seen on Hometalk where they had added decorative wood appliques to the doors. I found the larger ones at Lowes and the ones for the sink cabinets at Michaels.

ArtMinds Decorative Wood Appliques

Doors with 3 coats of Americana Decor Chalky Paint - Lace

Wood Applique glued to center of door

Medicine Chest

Crackle Detail

Bathroom Upcyle with Decor Chalk Paint

One of the great things about this paint is that you really do not have to sand! I found it actually worked better not to sand.  It takes 3 coats of paint to give the coverage that I liked. American Decor Chalky Finish Paint  dries quickly between coats so you can finish your project in a day or weekend. Once you have the coverage you want, brush on the antique wax and wipe it off. Too dark? Simply spritz with water to wipe off more. Allow wax to dry and either brush or rub on clear wax to seal. I prefer to rub it on with an old sock. Buff with a soft rag and stand back and admire your piece. Want a more distressed look? You can sand either before or after the antique wax coat. I choose not to distress. I'm not sure why, though I think it has something to do with a reaction to the varnish, but the paint on the medicine cabinet crackled. I left it, as I love the crackle look. It was strange that this was the only area that crackled, as all of the cabinets and finishes are the same.

Detail on Linen Cabinet

One Good Turn

We loved the china cabinet upcycle so much, we decided I should do the big cabinet we inherited from my mother-in-law. As this one was so much heavier and didn't come apart in two pieces like the previous one, I just painted it in place. I did learn from the first one not to sand - it really did work much better. It still took 3 coats of paint. American Decor Chalky Finish Paint is so easy to use - simply paint your piece, no sanding required. It dries quickly between coats. Once you have the coverage you want, brush on the antique wax and wipe it off. Too dark? Simply spritz with water to wipe off more. Allow wax to dry and either brush or rub on clear wax to seal. I prefer to rub it on with an old sock. Buff with a soft rag & stand back and admire your piece. Want a more distressed look? You can sand either before or after the antique wax coat. I choose not to distress.

Supplies Used

China Cabinet before 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting in place with drop cloth

See how the antiquing brings out the detail?

Finished Cabinet

Both upcycled china cabinets

Updating the China Cabinets

After redoing the ceiling, the room was darker and seemed very mono-toned. We have 3 china cabinets in the room, all given to us when they didn't work in other's homes. I use them to display art. I've seen all types of furniture upcycling on Pinterest and Hometalk using chalkboard paint and I decided to do the china cabinet from my sister-in-law. I felt it would also bring some lightness into the room. Michaels sells the Americana Decor Chalk Finish Paint.

Paint - I used Lace, Antique Creme Wax & Clear Creme Wax

China Cabinet Before - nice, but outdated

Sanded & taped before painting. I learned it is best not to sand first

It took 3 coats of paint to cover as I wanted. Due to sanding, I had to spray water on the piece to get the paint to move right for me.

Left side is antiqued, right side hasn't been yet. Love how it brings out the detail.

Finished china cabinet back in place. After allowing antiquing wax to dry, applied 2 coats of clear wax.