Early American Flag Cabinet
Thursday, 19. July 2012
I bought this little cabinet years ago at a thrift shop. I think it was originally a record player cabinet, but since those have gone the way of the dinosaurs, I have been using it as a nightstand. I picked up some new (to me) nightstands for my master bedroom recently so I have no need for this little cabinet anymore.
I decided to fix it up with some paint and sell it. Last summer in the July/August issue of Country Living Magazine I spied the cutest cabinet painted like an early American flag and I have been dying to try it ever since. This cabinet seemed like the perfect candidate.
I liked my homemade chalk paint so much I decided to make some more for this project. I felt like the early American flag lent itself to an aged and distressed look.
The great thing about the chalk paint is how quick and easy it is. There’s no prepping or priming. You can just paint your project, let it dry and distress it with a light sanding. I did add a light coat of black glaze to enhance the illusion of age. As you can see in the picture above, the glaze really stands out on the white stripes.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend. I am linking up with Miss Mustard Seed. If you love furniture, hop over for a look. This linky party is for furniture only. I promise you will be amazed by all the creative and talented people there.
Charisse Colbert Says:
This is fabulous. You could do this for a living and fill a shop. So what will you do with it? So can you paint a piece of furniture with the chalk paint and not have to sand it or do anything to get the surface ready for painting?
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Taunnie Reply:
July 24th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Hi Charisse, first thanks for your kind words. Actually, I would like to have a shop or a booth somewhere. I’m trying to build up and inventory until I can work out the details. This little cabinet is part of the inventory. Yes, you can paint the wood with no prep at all. That’s why I’m a new convert to the chalk paint.
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Charisse Colbert Says:
Hi Taunnie, where are you buying this paint?
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Taunnie Reply:
August 6th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Hi Charisse, actually I have been making my own chalk paint. You can buy premade chalk paint. Everyone raves about Annie Sloan chalk paint. I have not tried it yet because it is expensive and there is not a wide range of colors. I like to make my own because it is so cheap, easy, and I can always get the exact color I want. All you have to do to make your own is mix equal amounts of hot water and plaster of paris. Stir until all the lumps are dissolved. Then add triple the amount of paint. I have used eggshell and flat with good results. I usually mix 1 tablespoon of water, 1 tablespoon plaster of paris and 3 tablespoons of paint. A little goes a long way. Remember this paint works best with a distressed finish so I usually put on one thinnish coat. It’s okay and even desirable to let some of the undercoat to show in spots. It is also much easier to distress with a thin coat. I have finished off this bezique with both wax and polyurethane. Both work well but I prefer the wax. Hope that helps
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Charisse Colbert Says:
OK, I will keep your recipe. It sounds easy until enough however, I usually am not the do it yourself type. Thank you for the recipe. I am certain your blog would get thousands of hits if people knew this recipe was on there. See you on the boards!
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Charisse Colbert Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Sorry about the typo, I meant it sounds easy enough until I try it!
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Taunnie Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
It is so easy and foolproof. It is pretty fun too. Well, that’s coming from someone who likes to paint. If you think painting is a chore, then chalk paint will at least make for a quick and easy chore
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Taunnie Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Thanks, but it’s not a recipe I came up with. I tried quite a few I found online and this is the one I like best. There is a link in my Tray Transformation post.
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