How To Distress Chalk Painted Furniture | Tips & Techniques

[@DIYDEANNA]

Share your furniture distressing tips below!

[@ShaggerDuddles]

Your so good at what you do and your presentation is excellent! You've gone the extra step so that if someone watching can write things down. You've also gone the extra step to have them written out on the screen right next to you which makes it easy to follow. Please keep up the great work to make this user friendly. Thank you for taking your time in this process for beginners. The questions that I had you made most of them clear for me. Thank you, Bravo Bella!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hello! Thanks for your feedback. It means a lot to me when someone takes the time to comment like you have. This feedback is very helpful for me when I am coming up with ideas and creating new content. So again, thank you very much! And thanks for watching :)

[@brunobill7]

You are a breath of fresh air. Your videos are so easy and uncomplicated leaving out a bunch of useless talk I don't care to hear. I feel confident to take on my project. You answer every question I had. Love your dogs! Thank you!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your thoughtful feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the style of my video and my little 4 legged helpers!!

[@patriciajarvis6767]

Thanks for the DIY video. I love that you have NO MUSIC! You get to the point. Thanks.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your feedback!!

[@catwomanextraordinaire]

Your video is awesome. Straightforward and clear. Plus you're not all glammed up, looking at yourself every 5 seconds, playing with your hair for the best camera look. You are great!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate it ☺️

[@TheBritomart]

And no annoying music❣️

[@marshalam8250]

I have watch a lot of videos on chalk paint, wax and distressing and yours are the best one. Thank you for taking the time to explain it well 🙏

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad you found this video easy to follow! Thanks for leaving your feedback :)

[@kimhemm1105]

I love your diy videos! Seem so happy to be teaching us. Huge beautiful smile on your face at all times. Your videos are more helpful than any I've watched. You make things sound so easy. Great tips!!! Great teaching!!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your feedback, I really do love teaching so I’m glad it shows!

[@Rachelmar78]

Thank you so much for sharing. As a very new beginner using chalk paint, you’ve answered a lot of questions I had. Now I can finish my small project.

[@erikamcrae3607]

Love love love all your videos! I have learned so much in less than 24 hours just from watching your videos. You have done a great job of explaining everything. Thank you so much!!!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you are learning, this is why I create these videos! Working on some new videos, coming soon :)

[@karenjudge1990]

You are excellent. You’re pleasant to watch and very easy to understand! Thank You

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

Thanks! Before I go buy my paint and wax, I had to watch your distress video! So easy and looking forward to the task.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Have fun!

[@robertmcgivern565]

I wish I had your patience and foresight, I bought some chalk spray paint and didn't even know I'd need wax. Then I watched the video.

[@jamesrose6525]

Such an excellent, articulate DIY video! I greatly appreciate you sharing your expertise.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charuverma5802]

I’ve been wanting to chalk paint a couple of things but have been too scared to try. You make it appear so easy. Your tips are very practical and I’m going to go ahead and try a few things on my own. Thank you so much!! These videos have been a godsend!

[@DIYDEANNA]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@jeaninen8248]

I watched a lot of videos on chalk painting and waxing, but yours was the simplest and easiest to understand! Thanks for giving a beginner's tutorial!

[@sharongorebeard9855]

You r so great with ur videos.Very well presented..Explained so well..Have a wonderful day..Thank u. ❤

[@alanjoseph6549]

Wow, that's the best explanation ever, I'm ready for my first chalk proyect, thanks a lot!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear, good luck with your project!

[@audreysimpson9934]

Great job! Very clear, easy to understand and without unnecessary details.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks! I always worry that I talk too much so this is great feedback. Thanks for watching :)

[@reginasmith9014]

Awesome videos! I love the warm smile in your voice.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Awe thanks! This made my day.

[@jolenaa.9453]

Thank you so much for your videos. I am a beginner and was painting & distressing my first piece of furniture today. Your videos helped me so much, they are absolutely, hands down or up :) the best. :)

[@DIYDEANNA]

So happy to hear you found this video helpful! I love it... "Hands down or up :) the best." Thank you! Hope you had fun painting your first piece today.

[@judybal672]

Your video was great! I want to distress a table & your info is very helpful. Thank you👍🏼

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@neanpeng7599]

Thank you so much for your video, it was the best one I found about distressing! I was able to complete my dresser and it looks so good thanks to you. Keep up the great work!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Wonderful! I am so happy to hear this helped you complete your dresser!

[@dyannroby3358]

Learning is easy with DIY Deanna--thank you-- I am a beginner and you are very helpful

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your feedback Dyann! I'm so happy to hear you are learning from my videos!

[@gia7698]

I'm just now watching this in 2023 Nov. I am happy to come across your videos. You taught me a lot about how to do this. I'm excited to try it!! Thank you.

[@DIYDEANNA]

So glad to hear you are learning from my videos! Have fun!

[@AlpineArts]

Another fabulous video and beautifully done piece of furniture! So glad I found this channel. I find myself smiling the whole time I’m watching, and I love that you always have such a sweet, big smile on your face! It’s a pleasure watching your videos- keep them coming , Deanna! You’re so talented and I can’t wait to create my first chalk painted piece of furniture! Thanks to your amazing instructions and your quality content, I feel confident that I can do it and do it well! :) thanks so much

[@DIYDEANNA]

I hope you tackle your first project soon! You can do it! I enjoy making these videos and knowing that I am inspiring others makes it worthwhile, thank you for leaving this comment!

[@daniellechicoine5119]

couldn't have said it better myself! New to your channel, but Deanna, you rock! Thanks for your awesome explanations, and the big smile helps, too!

[@suedunn1756]

Excellent video, good explanation and tips. I found this really helpful thank you

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear this was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@soysan34]

Thank -you for such a quick to the facts video!

[@carolesolen7638]

I absolutely love your ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing!! I’m new to chalk paint & wax!!! Love that distressed look!!! 👍

[@tammielpowell]

Informative, concise, and well-done. Thank you!

[@christahoellering2233]

Thank you for your great video - your instructions are easy to follow, and I am ready to try my project with chalk paint

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for watching! Have fun with your project.

[@valerina01]

Great video. You explain things very well and I can’t wait to get started with my projects!

[@bridgetteclemmett508]

So interesting, I have learnt so much , thank you. Cannot wait to get started

[@DIYDEANNA]

So happy to hear! Thanks for watching and have fun with your project!

[@sydellpersky6266]

You make it seem so easy. Great job explaining each process. I have viewed other videos but, you are the best. Looking forward to doing my first project. Thanks

[@DIYDEANNA]

I’m glad you found this video easy to follow! I hope you enjoy your first project, thanks for watching!

[@emmarodgers929]

Great easy to understand tutorial on waxing. Looking forward to using wax and distressing my first piece now. Thanks

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi Emma! Thanks for watching and good luck with waxing and distressing your piece! Have fun!

[@therevolutionwillnotbetele8494]

Thank you so much. I love your clear cut videos. :)

[@DIYDEANNA]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching !

[@cdugral]

Makes me jump up get some furniture and paint and start distressing! Nice!!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Yessss! Thanks for watching!

[@teresaking4039]

A super helpful demonstration. Thank you so much!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad you found this helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@leafox-england3414]

Thank you ! 🙏 great teacher and awesome job.

[@jilljankovits4220]

Fantastic video. Very clear and to the point!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear, thank you!

[@RoseCappadona-dp8tp]

Thanks Deanna I will be doing a piece today. Great tips using chalk, paint distressed look with or without wax. Heads off to you, 👒

[@DIYDEANNA]

Have fun painting your piece today! Thanks for watching.

[@joysmith5903]

How very informative.. thank you so much ❤

[@Ana-fj7df]

So helpful. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@marierenstrom3884]

Thanks for sharing this video🤗😍 love it!

[@nannie0256]

New subscribers. I Just found your channel through a search. I did my first Chalk piece today. I started searching to see the pros & cons on sealing vs wax. I must say your videos are very well presented. As a beginner in chalk I love the technique. I have done the old fashioned stripping, sanding, refinishing in the past. Nice fresh upgrade.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi Nancy! I hope you had fun with your first chalk painted piece today. Thanks for watching.

[@petulakelley5994]

Thank you I feel better about starting a project now. Thank you!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Wonderful! have fun!

[@thaliar7866]

This was really helpful! Thank you!

[@piapadmore430]

What a sincerely nice lady❤ ..how kind you are, not talking down to us🙏🏻

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your kind comment, I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and leave this message.

[@jayjudy4492]

U explained everything where it was easy to understand! Ty!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@uzmaagha4203]

Very nicely demonstrated ❤

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thank you! 😊

[@petermelnychuk4837]

Great video. Answered my questions

[@kellymarsh4296]

Great job on the video!

[@Stillwatersartistry]

Very helpful. Greetings from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for watching! Hello from Canada!

[@josierodriguez1143]

What color should I use to make it a A beach look ? I just found your Web and I really like the way you explained how to just do a distressed furniture this is gonna be my first time trying trying this I think I could really do it with your directions thank you for your wonderful instructions

[@KnifeKnoob]

Very well made video, great explanations!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for watching!

[@janieearredondo]

Thank you! Loving your videos…❤️🤘🏽

[@DIYDEANNA]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@kimberlygries6517]

Thanks for the video! I'm new to your channel and find your technique the most easy to understand and your p3oces always look great!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it 😊 and thanks for watching!

[@DinahCoxMoore]

I love your videos. You get my confidence up. Lol. I have a roll top desk I want to chalk paint and give a distressed nautical look. Any advice? The roll top part scares me.

[@janinehead7919]

Really good video easy steps to follow

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear!

[@nycgatita]

Awesome video! Thank you so much!

[@DIYDEANNA]

You’re welcome!

[@christylivengood1509]

Thanks for the very understandable video

[@anetzepeda8313]

Thank you you're a very good teacher!

[@DIYDEANNA]

You're welcome! Thank you for your feedback.

[@cherylnorris4868]

Thank you this is just what I've been searching for. Beautiful!! And your explanations are excellent. You mentioned sealing with a varnish or poly urethane rather than the wax. I was wanting to use this method on my dated kitchen oak cupboards instead because I feel it may be more durable; what are your thoughts/advise please. Looking forward to what's next on your channel. 🎲🪠

[@DIYDEANNA]

Yes! This is great for kitchen cabinets, I have painted several oak kitchens. Instead of wax I like to use Annie Sloan’s topcoat which she calls lacquer. It comes in Matt or Gloss. Thorough cleaning is very important in kitchens before you paint, remove all the grease and grime first!. Sometimes if the oak is very dry and the original finish is worn off, the tannins in the wood can bleed through. I have a video about what to do for bleed through so you may want to watch that one too! Good luck with your kitchen!

[@cherylnorris4868]

@@DIYDEANNA thanks

[@kreeg23]

So hard to not overthink it, but you are so right! I wish the piece in our living room we had distressed a bit more in places, but it's been about 3 years since we finished it. Is it too late to go back now? It's just be sealed with clear wax.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Yes, you can distress more now and then apply clear wax to those areas. It might just take a little more effort because the wax has fully cured! Thanks for watching.

[@donnacarraway9182]

So great!

[@charisedaniels1237]

My furniture had a LOT of decorative hardware that I am not putting back on. Will white chalk paint cover the light bare wood spots where the hardware was against a dark stained surface? Nice video!!!

[@KimmieB.]

Piece looks really pretty, I love all the detail trim. One thing you may want to always do, especially since you’re teaching others but when apply you’re wax you should always off load you’re brush then apply wax to you’re piece, you should always wait before wiping it off until it feels tacky then buff with lent free cloth it’s just a suggest I personally learned many, many years ago from Annie Sloan herself. I just came across your channel today you have a nice sweet presence, a joy to watch thank you for sharing ..

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi Kim! Thanks for watching! I too have met Annie Sloan and watched a live demo with her in Canada, she's great! The techniques I demonstrate are what I learnt while working many years at a furniture painting and faux finishing studio here in Canada. The steps I demonstrate in this video are what has worked the best for me. I always found that if I wait to wipe the wax it requires more effort to remove the excess, then I have to buff really hard which creates a shine and I prefer the matte look. What I love about this process is that everyone will find the steps that work for them, you really can get creative! One of my favourite parts of working at the furniture painting shop was hearing tips from customers and sharing my tips with them, now I get to do this online! Thanks for sharing your process and tips!

[@k8iee520]

Thank you this is really helpful

[@msmonet]

Thanks for your very instructive videos! I was wondering if you could show us how we could chalkpaint ikea furniture. Is it possible to do and make it durable? 😊

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thats a great idea for a video! I have painted Ikea furniture before, since Ikea has so many different products some hold up well and others not so much. There is more info than I can share in a comment so stay tuned for this video!

[@4amarillo1]

You make the directions so easy! Thank you also do yo recomend to paint the vanity on the bathroom?

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad this was easy to follow! Yes, you can follow these steps on a bathroom vanity, make sure you give the vanity a good cleaning first.

[@DMillerFlorida]

You're wonderful!!!

[@angelagould7716]

So glad I ran into your videos. Love them. Was actually looking for how to paint my dining room chairs. The pads dont come off,and they have a corduroy type stripped fabric. They are ugly. Can I paint them? Will the paint come off when sitting on them alot? I wish I could post a pic to show you .

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi! I’m glad you’re enjoying my videos, thanks for watching! Some fabrics paint easier than others, is there a spot underneath where the fabric is tucked and staples that you can test and see if the paint will soak in? I made this video where I painted a textured fabric chair, maybe these tips will help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGS2hXRohaeSpq8

[@nancygreen748]

Love your shows

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad to hear!

[@emmacoccimiglio]

Thank you for the helpful information! I’m painting my dresser a chalk paint light pink, but when I used sandpaper the previous light blue color bled through underneath. Will the clear wax and brown wax cover up the blue distress marks?

[@DIYDEANNA]

Thanks for your question. In my experience the wax will not hide the underneath blue colour. It actually sometimes makes it “pop” even more. If you do not want to see the blue at all then I would suggest another coat of light pink paint and try to avoid sanding the final coat. if you do want to sand the final coat to smooth it out, wait 24 hours after you apply the paint, then use a fine grit like 220 or 400 with very gentle pressure. But it’s not necessary to sand the final coat before waxing. I hope this helps!

[@TheFlyingmartini]

Hi Deanna. I'm brand new to this technique. I have a small wood table and I want to use red, orange, yellow, turquoise blue & purple. Any tips would be appreciated.

[@annettewheeler1195]

Thank u for the videos they are great. Could you please explain "colored wax" does it cover the original paint color? I'm so confused. Thank uou

[@DIYDEANNA]

Coloured wax is used for protection like the clear wax, the main difference is there is pigment added to the wax (usually white, brown or black) when applied you still see the underneath paint colour it just adds a tint on top, kind of like stain on raw wood. You can apply it allover or just in some areas depending on the look you would like. Watch this video starting around the 10 minute mark to see white wax kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ3XpmSIlqpsY7s

[@annettewheeler1195]

@@DIYDEANNA ty!!!

[@marydavis6466]

Hi, Deanna...I have some bedroom furniture that's oak/veneer that I want to paint grey...but I want like white under the grey first so that when I distress it some of the white shows through. Or do you think if I used a medium brown that that would be a better choice? This will be my first attempt, and I want the set to really look good when I'm done. Please give me some feedback on this. Thank you very much!

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hello! Thanks for watching. I think either choice will look great, it's just personal preference. Have you tried looking online for photos of projects other people have done using these colours? Maybe if you see examples of both you will have an easier time deciding. The table in this video would be an example of grey paint with medium brown underneath. Good luck with your bedroom set.

[@terriealby5209]

Great video! What are your tips for following up this process and then adding a decoupage image? Do you add after the last coat of wax? Thanks!!

[@DIYDEANNA]

If I were going to add a decoupage image I'd probably do that before applying wax. In my experience, decoupage medium adheres better to chalk paint than wax. Hope that makes sense!

[@melissasmunchies]

Perfect! I have two dressers and a bed frame that I’d like to chalk paint so they all match. The bed frame is black and the dressers are maple. I’d like a country feel to them. So I was thinking off white and then Either distressing them or antiquing. Do you have a antiquing video with the chalk paint and wax?

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hello! Thanks for watching. Sounds like a great idea to paint the pieces to make them a matching set. I don’t have a video yet of antiquing with brown or black wax, sorry! It’s on my list of videos to create!

[@vickicantrell6286]

I would like the chairs I'm doing to be white with blue showing though the distress. Should I chalk paint blue and then chalk paint white over it, then distress? If so, do I wax after blue and white coats? Thank you!

[@sfelix1045]

Thanks that helped!

[@kelseyabramo9353]

Great video! One question. How long do you let the wax dry before distressing?!

[@DIYDEANNA]

I forgot to mention that! You can distress right away, this wax is a paste wax rather than liquid so you don’t have dry time like paint. Mine sat for a few days because I didn’t have time to do it right away, and that works too. Thanks for watching!

[@pradeepshetty9269]

do i have to put primer paint on the furniture before putting the chalk paint or it can be put directly on the wood?

[@CandivanReenen]

I would like to redo my kitchen cupboard however they varnished. Do I sand down first before painting. Would chalk paint be ideal for kitchen cupboards around heat fats and oils and water

[@ireneb1544]

Hello I have one question If i wax my piece do i have to top coat over or the wax will be enough to protect my chalk paint

[@GuadalupeGarcia-rv7sl]

I love your video

[@heatherguseck2887]

Hi just watched your distressing videos I love how much detail u give..im working on distressing a wardrobe and a head board and footboard with white chalk paint. For a finish I have used rustolium top coat semi gloss finish..its a protective clear coat on top..would that be ok also. Or do u have to use the wax. Jw thank u

[@DIYDEANNA]

It’s fine to use the clear coat instead of wax! When using a clear coat I usually distress my chalk paint before applying it! Thanks for watching.

[@pattip125]

Hello! I have a new store bought white end table that I would like to weather/distress like you did on this piece. I believe it is a pine wood underneath the pain and gloss. If I weather it like you do in this piece, I think the underneath color will be light and I would prefer a darker color. Do you have a video like this one for that occasion or can you offer me tips on this? Patti

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi Patti, you can start by painting a darker colour first. I explain how to do this in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4eafn9np7x_j5o

[@pattip125]

@@DIYDEANNA Thank you! I am really wanting to find a way where I don't have to repaint the whole furniture piece as shown in the video you suggested. I like the white and shine the furniture piece already has, I just want to distress it on the edges so it has a little black peaking through. Is there a method that I can do to do this? Thank you so much for your help!

[@alisoncurry2093]

I want to distress a piece with two colors. I’d like to paint a blue then cover with a white then distress. Is this possible or a good idea? Love your teaching style!!! Thanks

[@DIYDEANNA]

Yes that works. I show you how in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4eafn9np7x_j5o

[@lyndawoodall379]

Great videos, thanks. I have some furniture that is unfinished wood and I wanted to chalk paint and distress them to match a piece that I bought. The one that I bought is mostly white with light turquoise drawers. My question is should I paint the items totally with turquiose point first, then white and then distress? Or is there a better way?

[@DIYDEANNA]

Would you like to see turquoise bits showing through all over the piece, details and flat surfaces? Or just on the raised details? In the video linked below I only paint my blue accent colour on the raised details because I am only distressing there. I give some tips in this video on just distressing the details, hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4eafn9np7x_j5o

[@mcf9476]

If i use the wax after the chalk paint, will i be able to wipe my furniture clean with water without the paint being removed? wanted to try this for a kitchen table but will need to clean the table surface so not sure if this type of paint and then wax will be a good fit

[@tammybyrd6485]

I have an oak mantle I would like to distress. We’ve gone with an old farmhouse look (grays and blacks) can you recommend what I could use to keep the oak but incorporate the grays or blacks to distress it?

[@alyssap3601]

Hello Deanna! I will be redoing a dining table set with no experience. Your videos have been an amazing help. Is the wax sufficient for a dining table set?

[@DIYDEANNA]

Hi! Great question, I get asked this a lot. For a lot of people the wax is good for dining sets, it wipes up easily and can easily be touched up if it gets a scuff or stain. Also, if you decided to add brown, black or white wax you can get some beautiful looks. No painted surface will be indestructible so using placemats and coasters will definitely help. Another option which I have used is Annie Sloan Lacquer, it’s a water based roll or brush on topcoat and is very durable. The Lacquer is actually used for sealing floors that have been chalk painted so you can imagine how strong that is! I will mention it’s not water proof so if anything spills and sits for a while it could potentially leave a watermark. If you have any other questions let me know. Thanks for watching!

[@stc-arts]

I saw a video where the person hammered distress "holes" into the wood with a tool that kinda resembled a meat tenderizer. Can you please elaborate on this process? It looked very interesteing!

[@paulachalmers6408]

Can you use regular furniture wax with need wax?

[@royaljinx4178]

Thank you so much 💗

[@mantashadas2449]

Hello! Loved your videos! Could you tell me if it is a good idea to paint over teak wood furniture?

[@MK-ih6wp]

Teak is highly desireable, might lose its value if you paint it. But if its just furniture to keep in your own home (not something you hope to sell after painting), then go for it!

[@susanhennelly908]

If i want 3 colors, can you explain what to do with the colors? Thanks so much!

[@DIYDEANNA]

One option is to paint the colours in layers, allow to dry between each layer. When you distress then you see all the colours, the top colour is seen the most and the other two colours just show a little like the brown on this table.

[@mitch5077]

Hi Deanna, really enjoying your videos. What's the difference between Distressing and Shabby Chic?.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Good question! I’d say Shabby Chic is a type of decor or style, it refers to the whole look. Distressing is the act of wearing away paint to created distressed furniture. Distressed furniture is part of the Shabby Chic style. Does that make sense?

[@mitch5077]

@@DIYDEANNA Yes, Perfect sense, I get it. Thank You!

[@beverlypetrallia4259]

Looking to take a black piece making it white with a few black streaks.

[@DIYDEANNA]

This is a perfect technique for that! Thanks for watching.

[@davidmarr9408]

good job explaining !

[@pattihudson7575]

Thank you!

[@bettyward7368]

Just found your channel, love it.

[@DIYDEANNA]

Glad you found me! Thank you!