So, what does one do when they have 2 kids, 2 dogs, a husband on a business trip overseas, no school and on rainy day #4?  Personally, I thought about either going insane or  putting a large dent in my trusty box-o-wine.

(Don’t judge.  It’s not bad…and it’s cheap….and it doesn’t give me a headache after taking a few sips).

I also considered lugging my kids in the rain to the store for some paint supplies, but then that would cause me to indulge in both of the first options at the same time.  Instead, while the kids were engrossed in a mesmerizing episode of The Backyardigans, I nosed around my garage and found these 3 items.

That would be one paint sample container of Samovar Silver by Sherwin Williams (which is a lovely blue-gray), a box of Plaster of Paris, and a can of clear Johnson Paste Wax.  I also “shopped” my garage and found two perfect pieces of furniture for my experiment…A pair of matching vintage end tables.

I have been reading a lot about DIY chalk paint so I thought I would give it whirl.  I must say, I was pretty impressed.  Take a peek…

I’m really surprised at how smooth the finish came out and I loved that although I used latex paint, I still didn’t have to prime.  The texture was definitely a little different than the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (not as chalky), and it left behind a few weird little balls of paint, BUT, I was still able to get a nice finish.  I still love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and will definitely continue to use it, but I think I like the DIY version a little better for pieces I do not want to distress.  I also like that I can literally use any color and any brand of paint.  For those who are interested, here is the recipe I used:

DIY Chalk Paint Recipe:
1 Cup of paint (I used satin finish because that is what I had on hand, but I think using a flat/matte finish would be best)
2.5 Tablespoons of Plaster of Paris
2 Tablespoons of water
– Pour paint into a plastic container with a lid (so you can close the lid and use the leftover paint another time).  In a different container or bowl, add the Plaster of Paris and water together.  Stir well, then pour into paint.  Mix together.  

Voila!  Isn’t that easy?  I still had to sand these tables down a bit before painting them, but that is because the finish was so scarred up.

Before painting, I also wiped each table down with TSP to remove sanding residue and degrease a few spots. Additionally, I rubbed down the inside of the drawers with some lemon oil to get rid of the musty, moth ball smell.   Once the pieces were ready to go, like the Annie Sloan paint, I only had to apply two coats of paint.  Once the paint was dry I added two coats of wax (3 for the tops).

Finally, I jazzed up the existing hardware by using a custom mix of Rub-N-Buff in Grecian Gold and Silver Leaf.

Sorry for the dark, fuzzy photo.  It was 11:30 at night  (and no, I had not been in my box-o-wine).

So, in summary, I dumpster dived in my own garage, DIY chalk paint is a winner, I am now in possession of two beautiful end tables, I didn’t go crazy (yet), the rain stopped and my husband is finally home safe and sound.  I’d say the project was a grand success.