OK, here’s a question: Have you looked for anything on Facebook Marketplace and wondered why in the world people don’t take better pictures when trying to sell something. Honestly, we have seen pictures with crumbled-up fast-food wrappers, old baby bottles, dirty clothes, and even one with a guy taking a picture of the mirror for sale with his reflection showing him in his underwear.

Are you freaking kidding me? What in the world?

I chalk-painted one end table black for our family room, leaving us with an extra side table. As I looked through my paints to choose a color, I turned this beauty into a chalk painted green side table. I had a great shade of green-gray in the garage that would be perfect for this table. The color I found was London by Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint. This Heirloom Traditions Paint is a trendy green shade with a gray splash.

This end table made a great DIY project.

Supplies needed for chalk painted end tables

Something to clean the end table with (DIY cleaning solution or TSP)

Heirloom Traditions All In One paint

Drop cloth

Paint sprayer or natural chalk paint brushes which are needed with chalk paint

Heirloom Traditions All In One paint

Heirloom Traditions All In One paint is a great concept and one of my favorite paints. It is a chalk-style paint that does not require any sanding. The paint has a unique binding primer that will even let it stick to slick surfaces. Another great feature of the paint is its built-in self-leveler, which gives you the smoothest finish possible. Lastly, the paint has a built-in exterior grade sealer, so there is no need to seal your project.

Follow along for a step-by-step tutorial of how we transformed this cherry end table into a beautiful chalk painted green accent table.

Get ready for chalk painted end tables

This project was simple. There was no hardware, drawers, or significant scratches. With Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint, the only prep needed was to thoroughly clean the entire surface of any girt, grime, or surface oils to ensure good adherence by the paint. I used a mixture of vinegar and water, but you can also use THC cleaner. The ratio I use is 1-to-1 with a couple of blue Dawn dish soap drops.

Tip: Give every surface area a good spray with a mister bottle and thoroughly wipe the piece clean. Make sure the furniture is dust free as this will hinder a smooth finish.

Bring on the chalk paint! Let’s turn this cherry stain end table into chalk painted end table

I sprayed the Heirloom Traditions paint rather than using a brush or roll. Even though the paint has a self-leveler, I wanted to make sure there were no brush strokes. I added approximately 1/2 to 1 ounce of water to about 8 to 9 ounces of paint to prepare it for my paint sprayer. Once I had a perfect consistency, I began to spray.

The end table immediately showed a great transition to the London color due to the binding primer. This paint has such unique qualities that made this table a simple project. If spraying, try not to finish the table in one coat. The first coat should have excellent coverage, but it is just a base coat. I gave everything a light sand between coats. After the second coat of paint, the Heirloom Traditions paint, this table was done. How great is it to not use any sealer or top coat on this table?

If you apply a clear wax, I suggest a lint-free cloth or medium waxing brush for application. Use a clean rag to wipe down the wax after it has had time to dry. The recommendation is 24 hours, but I cannot wait that long. I’ve got four kids and run a business from my home with my wife. I don’t have that kind of time!! I can’t operate in slow cooker time…microwave man right here.

What is chalk paint?

Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint is chalk-type paint. Chalk paint is made with an additive that allows it to go on with no prep work other than cleaning. It provides excellent coverage, durability, and a beautiful velvety look.

You don’t have to regular seal chalk paint; however, I recommend sealing it with a finishing wax or polyurethane topcoat.

There are some great chalk paints to purchase, or you can make your own. You can find out more about these in Chalk Paint Best Brands.

Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe

My recipe for homemade chalk paint has served me well over the years. I use 1 cup of matte paint, 1/3 cup of water, and 1/3 cup of plaster of Paris. If running it through a paint sprayer, you may need to add more water. I have found that about 10% extra water gives my paint sprayer the right consistency to spray effectively without glops of paint.

I love chalk paint. Chalk paint is, in my opinion, the most accessible paint to use. Don’t be afraid. It is virtually impossible to mess it up.

Can you spray Heirloom Traditions ALl IN One Paint?

Absolutely.  Spraying your project with a paint sprayer will give it a professional finish without a brush or roller marks. Heirloom Traditions paint works perfectly in a paint sprayer. You may need to add a little water to thin out the paint. I used my sprayer and had great success on this green side table.

Disclosure: Heirloom Traditions website FAQs state they do not recommend sprayers, but many choose to use them successfully.

What kind of paint do you use for end tables?

The ball is in your court. You can use any paint you desire. The main question is what look you are trying to achieve. As I’ve said, I love chalk paint. It can be left matte or satin by adding a wax or poly topcoat. Chalk-painted end tables are a fantastic starter project due to the finish options’ ease of use and versatility.

Other paint options include oil, latex, or acrylic paint. Pick the sheen from flat or matte to gloss. In addition to paint, there are many additional techniques to finish and seal furniture. I’ve listed a few options below.

• antique with a dark wax
• distress with sandpaper
• weathering wood with ammonia and steel wool
• whitewash, bleaching, and the list goes on

chalk painted End table ideas?

Stripping or painting side tables is a great way to give them a fresh makeover. Chalk paint is one of the simplest paints to work with, especially for DIY beginners. You’ll find a wide variety of chalk paint options to create any look from farmhouse, country, modern, etc. Since chalk paint covers old stains and paints, you can transform furniture you might otherwise get rid of and make it look brand new.

Aren’t ready to paint? Restyle your end table

If you don’t want to get involved with painting, there are much quicker and easier ways to give your piece a makeover by styling with fresh decor. Depending on the season, you can change out candles. Add a small plant. Stack a couple of books on the side tables. Get nostalgic and find books that have meaning to you or your family. We have books on hobbies we enjoy, birthplaces, and our current hometown. Purchase some new coasters. Paint your lamp a different color or swap the lampshade for a different look. Have fun and be adventurous.

What I used to style the end table –

1. Greenery – Target
2. Vase – HomeGoods
3. Books – Goodwill
4. Candlesticks – Goodwill (spray painted them gold)
5. Wood Beads Garland – Target Dollar Stop

The chalk painted end tables look amazing. The color is fantastic, and the finish is smooth and velvety as advertised. I’ll be posting a tutorial of the other end table soon. The black gave it a different vibe. Refinishing your furniture is a great way to freshen up your space on a budget. Buy new? No way. Just refinish what you have!

Let me see your projects. I hope you find motivation from my projects and dive right in!!

More Chalk Painted Furniture Projects:

• Blue Coffee Table Makeover (the rattan accents are amazing!
• 40 Chalk Paint Furniture Ideas

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