DIY Rocking chair makeover

I've always wanted a rocking chair in my home – don't ask me why it's just one of those things with me. I suppose I love the way they look in magazines, placed next to a log fire, all styled up with cozy cushions and throws. I think they look so inviting.

One day when I was browsing eBay looking for something totally different (isn't that always the way), I found this lovely rocking chair going for a song.

No Primer For My Rocking Chair

The colour of the wood (yellow pine) didn't fit in with our décor but I wasn't worried about that. I decided to give it a makeover using one of my favourite Annie Sloan chalk paint colours 'Old White' – are you even surprised?

Because the colour of the wood this rocking chair was made of was so light, I took a shortcut this time and decided not to use a primer first. You can read all about why I normally use a primer in my easy bookcase makeover here. I didn't think there was much chance of the old stain bleeding through and if I'm honest, I didn't fancy painting those spindles any more than I absolutely had to. Thankfully I was right and there was no bleed through – phew!

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Rocking Chair - Paint & Wax

Two coats of Annie Sloan's ‘Old White' was all that was needed and I was able to do both coats within around twenty minutes of each other. If you want to read more about how I use chalk paint, take a look at the post Riviera Maison inspired coffee table makeover.

Next, I used Annie Sloan's clear wax to finish off. Using a soft cloth I rubbed the wax all over wiping off the excess as I went. I used a cloth rather than a wax brush here because it was easier for me to rub the wax into the spindles. I let the wax cure (dry and harden) overnight.

Rocking Chair - Vintage-Look

I didn't want the chair to look new though so when the wax was dry, I used a small piece of 120-grade sandpaper, to roughen up the areas where you would normally see wear and tear.

Once I was happy with the look, I waxed the whole piece again.

The next day I buffed it up with a clean soft cloth, which brought up that lovely soft sheen I love.

Rocking Chair - Finished!

In winter the rocking chair sits next to our fireplace and there's nothing I like better than snuggling up there with a good book and warming my toes by the fire. The rest of the year this rocking chair wanders around the house like a nomad and rests wherever it's needed most, like here in the attic next to a sunny window, the perfect reading spot.

What do you think?

If you'd like to have a go at painting furniture yourself but don't know where to start, why not download the free guide below and start transforming your home today!