Summer is the perfect time for renovation! The Giani Team took that to heart this summer, as we rescued and re-loved some old furniture for a mini guest room makeover. We wanted a beachy coastal vibe so we chose to use a multi-color distressing technique.

 

 

This is an easy DIY for those on a budget. This guest room was transformed for under $100!! It’s amazing what some paint, a little bit of hard work, and a few decorations, can do to make you relove your space.

 

Ok, let’s get to the good stuff! As you can see, the before had a dull hotel-like atmosphere, NOT INVITING AT ALL. This dark bedroom set was left behind by the last tenants, and instead of getting rid of it and buying all new furniture, we decided that with a little bit of Chalkworthy, it could be great again!  

 

 

To recreate this look, you'll need:

• 2 Qt. of White Linen
• 1 Pint of Cast Iron
• 1 Pint of Thistle
• 1 Qt. of Dusty Miller
• Drop Cloths
• Lint Free Cloth or Old T-shirt
• Stir Sticks
• Foam Brushes
• Paint Trays
• A Chalkworthy Brush for each Color
• 1 Can of Chalkworthy Clear Soft Wax
• A Chalkworthy Wax Brush

 

 

Prep:

• First, give your piece a light wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any loose dust. You can use a lint free cloth or an old t-shirt. No sanding required! 
• Remove hardware. 

Paint:

Begin by painting your piece with White Linen.  Apply in thin layers to avoid mud cracking. Don’t let that scare you though! As you can see, the paint shouldn’t be applied so thinly that it looks like dry brushing, but you don’t need full coverage either. Since Chalkworthy has such rich, thick coverage, we only needed 1 coat. Let dry for at least 4 hours.

• Note: Anytime you are painting a lighter color over darker material, it may take an extra coat to fully cover it. A common mistake is to apply paint in thicker coats because it results in uneven dry times and mud cracking. Always wait the recommended amount of dry time between thin coats. If you are painting over dark furniture, you may experience some of the color peeking through the white; it is ok if some of the wood shows through underneath, it only adds to the layering effect!

Use a foam brush to get into smaller spaces. 

 

 

Next, comes layering. Dry brush on random streaks of Cast Iron over the whole piece. Let dry for at least an hour.

 

Repeat the same process for Thistle. We know this looks crazy, but we promise this is normal for a layered effect!

• Note: You can add Thistle at the same time as Cast Iron if you want. However, it is not recommended because the paint can blend together in areas, creating a purple undertone.

 

Next, paint on Dusty Miller. Apply in long, even strokes for a smooth finish. Remember, like White Linen, apply enough paint that it balances between dry brushing and full coverage. Don’t worry about it being absolutely perfect – you want some of the paint underneath to peek through, giving that time worn look. Let dry for 4 hours.

 

 

Once dry, apply a THIN layer of clear wax to give your piece increased durability. Let dry 2-4 hours.

• Tip: Dab off the excess wax on the lid of the can, and apply in long strokes for an even finish. Remember, a little bit of wax goes a long way – it’s like lotion for your furniture!

Finally, to complete this look, you will need to white wash your piece. Add a ½ cup of White Linen for every 2 teaspoons of Clear Wax. Mix to a paste – don’t be afraid to add more White Linen if you need to! You can customize this mix to your preference! Apply a thin layer in long, even strokes. Let dry for a full 24 hours before decorating. Remember, the longer the dry time, the more durable your piece will be. 

• Tip: Go back and highlight certain areas to create depth and bring out some of the white layers.

By using the multi-color distressing technique, we were able to relove an old space again. Don’t be afraid to get your renovation on this summer!! This easy makeover turned this drab room into a bright and beachy retreat. Now it’s the perfect space for guests to enjoy those lazy summer days!