I’m done with Charlotte’s Broyhill bedroom set! Yippee! This was a big project and well worth the effort. The set is sturdy and solid and was the perfect candidate to update with paint. In this case, it was Annie Sloan chalk paint in a mix of Old Ochre and Old White that gave it cottage charm.
Remember the before?
Here is the after!
The set consists of a large dresser with mirror, tall chest of drawers and nightstand. The hardware is original, except for the nightstand. At one point these were lost and replaced with hardware that matches in color and style.
Each piece was painted with a base coat of a mixture 1 part Old White to 2 parts Old Ochre. I added a wash of Old White and it was distressed to show off its details. I like to sand both before adding a wash and afterwards with 400 grit sandpaper. It creates a very smooth surface to apply the wax upon. I waxed it with Annie Sloan clear wax. The tops of the surfaces were then made extra durable by adding a coat of General Finishes Flat Out Flat High Performance Topcoat. This sealer works well over wax. Basically, if you still want that lovely, hand rubbed finish but your piece also requires more protection (such as a tabletop) you can add a coat of the General Finishes topcoat over the wax. Beware! The wax needs to have completely cured first and buffed before applying the topcoat.
I hope you can see from the pictures that the color is either deeper or lighter depending on the light.
The set gets picked up and delivered on Thursday. The family are on vacation so I will open the door for the mover and make sure it is all set up in Charlotte’s room for her return next week!
The set looks great! Painted- the set looks very updated!
Do you work in an air conditioned space? I can only work in my garage so if the humidity is high, I cannot paint. Does using chalk paint make it easier to work in a high humidity area?…meaning not in air conditioning
Hi Marty, I actually work inside a air conditioned space during the summer months. It gets extremely hot here and we also have high humidity. The paint would not adhere properly if I tried painting outdoors in the heat. I also have found that AS chalk paint doesn’t dry well if it is raining outside and I’m painting in the garage. It just doesn’t work well with humid air. That goes for most paints, though. I’m lucky that I have the space but I do prefer painting outside!
Wow….what a difference! How do you know when the wax is fully cured?
Hi Mari, it isn’t sticky to the touch at all and when you buff it, there are no sticky patches. Typically a full 24 hours. Thanks!
I like your suggestion of adding GF topcoat over wax on furniture tops for extra protection. Do you use a brush or roller to apply the topcoat, and do you have any other tips on applying the topcoat to get an even and smooth coating? Thanks in advance for your help. Love your blog and all the beautiful work you do!! Jane
Hi Jane, I use a large sponge brush to apply the topcoat. For a large tabletop, I use a staining sponge. Try to only apply a thin coat and don’t overstroke it (back and forth) too much. Thanks!
It’s absolutely beautiful. Charlotte will be thrilled
This bedroom set is gorgeous! We have an old Broyhill BR set that we bought in the early 70’s that is just sitting in the basement. I am going to try and copy everything you did and “hope” that mine turns out just as beautiful or half as beautiful as yours. 🙂 I am a newby at this and am still struggling. I will get the hang of it soon, though!!
Hi Angela, You will totally get the hang of it and may become hooked so beware! Best of luck on your set!
What a remarkable difference! I bet Charlotte loves it. I’m not certain I would have ever had your “eye” to see what it could be. But then, that’s why I follow your blog.
Thank you, Connie!
The set turned out amazing. I am sure Charlotte will be so thrilled to have such a lovely bedroom. I love how the pulls show up now. They got lost with the old finish.
Hi Debra – yes, I thought the same thing about the hardware. Amazing how they pop now against the white. Thanks so much!
Beautiful
This doesn’t even look like the same furniture and is the distressing is just the right amount. Gorgeous as always.
Thank you, Teresa!
These pieces turned out beautifully, Suzanne. Love the old world charm you gave them. A top coat you can apply over wax – I must give this product a try!
I would really like to know if you had to sand the pieces before applying the chalk paint? Thanks!!!!!
Hi Ann, no, I never have to sand prior to applying chalk paint. I do, however, clean the piece first and may sand any jagged bits and patch/sand any cracks. Thanks!
Hi Suzanne, I wanted to know how you applied the chalk paint, roller? brush? spray? The set looks great, amazing job!
Hi Anita – I applied it with a Wooster short handled brush. If you sand lightly between coats, you shouldn’t have brush marks. Thanks!
Suzanne, I’m building bedroom sets for my kids. I want this finish for the cabinets and I’m going to do a clear finish on walnut for the tops of the pieces.
Can you explain your process and how do you distress the pieces?
Hi Chris, if you go onto my Video Tutorials tab up top, you can find all the tutorials on how to distress, wax, add a wash, etc. For this set I used Annie Sloan Old Ochre, a wash of Old White and then distressed and waxed. Best of luck on your set!