Get Coastal Cottage Vibes: Chalk Painting Kitchen Table & Chairs
Chalk Painting Kitchen Table makeovers are a game-changer when it comes to transforming outdated furniture. Are you tired of that outdated, orangey wood kitchen set staring back at you every morning? That was me just a few weeks ago! I decided it was time for a refresh—something light, airy, and coastal-inspired. So, with a little chalk paint and some patience, I gave my kitchen table and chairs a stunning beachy makeover. Let me walk you through the process so you can do the same!
Supplies Needed For Chalk Painting Kitchen Table and Chairs
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- Cleaner: Clean Slate
- Chairs: Duck Egg Blue Chalk Paint
- Sealer for Chairs: Clear Wax & White Wax
- Table Base: Pacific Pearl (White Chalk Paint)
- Sealer for Table: Flat Topcoat
- Tabletop: Dry Brushed with Pacific Pearl
- Brushes: Good quality chalk paint brushes
- Chip Brush ( for dry brushing )
- Lint-Free Cloths (for wiping back wax)
- Sandpaper (for distressing table legs, if desired)
Painting Furniture With Chalk Paint – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepping Furniture for Chalk Paint
Before diving into painting, I gave the entire set a thorough cleaning to remove any dust and built up polish. I used Clean Slate for my cleaning. Chalk Style paint sticks to most surfaces, but I always recommend a good cleaning. Once clean and dry, it was time for the fun part— Chalk Painting! Here’s what I started with:
Tip: There are times when it’s really important to prime wood pieces before painting; even when using chalk paint. Some of your older, darker woods such as Cherry or Mahagony, have tannins that will bleed through your paint, no matter how many coats you put on. Trust me on this! You will see it come through as pink or tan and when you do, you will need to go back and use a Blocking Primer before continuing. To learn more about prepping furniture before painting, grab my free guide here:
Step 2: Chalk Paint Chairs
I wanted the chairs to have that soft, coastal cottage feel, so I chose Duck Egg Blue chalk paint. This color is the perfect blend of soft blue and green, giving off a serene beachy vibe. I applied two coats, letting each dry completely. Once dry, I sealed them with clear wax, followed by a light layer of white wax to add a soft, muted effect. The white wax really enhanced the details and added depth and softness to the finish.
Tip: Whenever you are using colored waxes, including white, you always want to clear wax first so that you’ll be able to manipulate the colored wax and wipe some back if necessary. New to Chalk Painting? Check out my Chalk Paint Sealing Guide Below:
See the difference the White Wax makes on the Chalk Painted Chairs? I love the softness it gives!
Step 3: Chalk Painting Kitchen Table
Now that my chairs were done, I could focus on the base of the table. I went with Pacific Pearl chalk paint, a crisp, fresh white that brightened up the entire look. Just like with the chairs, I applied two coats for solid coverage (some areas even got a third coat which is typical with white paint). The result was a clean, coastal-inspired foundation that paired beautifully with the blue chairs. I did decide to go back and sand the edges of the legs just a bit to give it a slightly distressed look. I used a 220 grit sandpaper but you could go with a lower grit for more distressing.
Step 4: Seal After Chalk Painting Kitchen Table
To seal the table base I chose a clear, Polycrylic topcoat in a flat finish, using a nice synthetic brush. Polycrylic topcoats are a bit more protective than wax, and tables tend to get more use and abuse. I brushed on two coats letting the first one dry completely before adding the second. You could definitely use wax if you prefer. There is more than one way to seal chalk paint. Grab my chalk paint sealer guide above.
Step 5: Different Way of Chalk Painting Kitchen Table
To keep the tabletop light but add texture, I used a dry brushing technique. Dry brushing is a simple technique where you dip just the tip of your brush in paint, then wipe most of it off on a paper towel before lightly dragging the brush across the surface. This technique allowed the natural wood grain to peek through, giving the table a soft, weathered beach-house feel. I prefer just a plain chip brush when doing this technique because the bristles are so light and airy on the top.
Once all the dry brushing was complete, I took my 220 grit sandpaper and lightly rubbed it across the table top. I wasn’t trying to distress it, but just smooth out the texture that dry brushing creates.
Tip: Drying Brushing with White looks great over Painted Surfaces as well.
Step 6: Sealing a Chalk Painted Table
A tabletop needs the most protection. Again, I used a clear polycrylic in a flat finish. I brushed on three coats letting each dry in between.
PIN FOR LATER!
Chalk Painted Chairs. Before and After
Step 7: Admire Your Chalk Painted Kitchen Table and Chairs
This once-orangey wood set is now a dreamy coastal retreat in our beach condo! The Duck Egg Blue chairs pair beautifully with the white table, and the dry-brushing added just the right amount of character. The transformation is proof that a little paint can go a long way in refreshing old furniture!
Have you ever tackled a Kitchen Table makeover? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your projects!
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Until Next Time!
Love,
Joanie
