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    Home » Furniture

    April 10, 2018

    DIY Rocking chair makeover

    Rocking chair painted in white chalk paint and distressed to look old

    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.

    Second-hand furniture doesn't have to be boring! Just look at this DIY rocking chair makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. There's even a free guide which shows you how to transform your home with second-hand furniture in 10 easy steps - Gotta have it!

    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.

    DIY Rocking chair makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

    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.

    DIY Rocking chair makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

     

    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.

    DIY rocking chair makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

    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!

    DIY rocking chair makeover using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

    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.

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    See more furniture

    The 'Furniture Flip Checklist' is a free mini e-Book in PDF form - 10 things you need to know before buying used furniture for your home - Room planning guide included #freeebook #chalkpainting #furnitureflip #recycle #homedecor #furniturepainting
    FREE with our Newsletter!

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    Rocking chair painted in white chalk paint and distressed to look old
    Jayne Westerholt profile image.

    Welcome friend! I'm Jayne, a home, DIY, Lifestyle blogger with a passion for chalk painting furniture, beautiful home decor and creating an organic home.

    More about me →


    The 'Furniture Flip Checklist' is a free mini e-Book in PDF form - 10 things you need to know before buying used furniture for your home - Room planning guide included #freeebook #chalkpainting #furnitureflip #recycle #homedecor #furniturepainting
    FREE with our Newsletter!

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