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.
DIY Rocking Chair Makeover
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!
Shop the post
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!
Love the look but don't want to DIY?
Here are some lovely rocking chairs to buy.
Barley Twist Floor Lamp | How to get your dream furniture when you have no cash
How to paint & stencil furniture with chalk paint
Wooden Stool For The Bathroom | Affordable & Unique
Leave a Reply