Using Behr Chalk Decorative Paint: Brilliant Chair Refresh

A dining area featuring wood furniture and an accent chair painted with a salmon coral color.
We’ve all seen them, those discarded, ramshackle piece of furniture curbside, next to the trash cans. We see them sitting there, all lonely, like a kitten in the rain and think, ‘all that piece needs is a coat of paint, a little TLC and it could be beautiful!’ That’s where our latest and greatest, Behr® Chalk Decorative Paint system comes into play. This paint and wax duo that was designed with customization and refurbishment in mind. Easy to apply, and available in hundreds of colors, the transformations can now begin!
Our first transformation project was this rather drab looking chair. We liked the style and structure of the chair, but it looked tired. Enter Chalk Decorative Paint and it’s transformed into a bright and fresh bistro chair!
A before shot of an old chair getting ready for makeover.
To Complete this project you will need the following:
Tools and Materials:
Behr® Chalk Decorative Paint -color Salmon Coral BCP03
Piece of furniture to be painted (can be a new or old piece)
Paint brush
Behr® Wax Decorative Finish in Dark
Clean rag for wax application
Sandpaper or a sanding block
Step 1: Prep piece for painting
A bit of light prep is a good place to start. Clean your piece free of any food, dust, and previous finish residuals with a gentle cleaning solution. When dry lightly sand your piece to create a surface the chalk decorative paint can adhere to. If there is fabric, or any elements that need to be removed, glued, secured or adjusted do so at this point.
An old wooden chair getting sanded down before painting it.
Step 2: Paint
With a paint brush begin painting your piece. Chalk Decorative Paint does have a thicker consistency and will apply differently than wall paint. Allow first coat to dry and apply second coat if necessary/desired.
A wooden chair being painted with a salmon color paint color.
Step 3: Scuff sand for antique look (optional)
If you’d like your piece to have an “antiqued” look, take a piece of sand paper (or your sanding block) and gently sand the high points of the piece.
An already painted chair being lightly scuffed on the edges for an antique look.
Step 4: Apply wax
The color and amount of wax you apply will effect the final look of your piece. Dip your rag into the wax and then rub directly onto the piece. The final color and look will depend on the color, and how much, or how little wax you use. Adding more colored wax into the cracks, creases and corners will produce a more pronounced look.
Wax being applied to a newly painted chair.
Step 5: Update other elements (optional)
Once you have completed applying the wax you are free to update other aspects of your piece. Changing out fabric, adding embellishments such as upholstery tacks or new handles will all help refresh the piece.
An after shot of an old chair after it's been made over with paint, wax and new fabric.
For more information on our new Chalk Decorative Paint system visit behr.com.
To watch a short video on this new product line click here.
Colorfully yours,
-Diana