Shabby Chic; Volume III

Fay

oh lord they are all over the place. Sorry guys

chalkysoil

I painted an end panel of my kitchen wall cupboards which was melamine or similar. I've painted loads of things that are plastic too.

chalkysoil

here's a close up of the paint slapped on. I haven't waxed or varnished it yet.

chalkysoil

a nearly finished (!) dresser in AS CP

before

chalkysoil

after

Fay

Your dresser looks lovely chalky, really good. Did you prep your melamine at all or just use the chalk paint straight on? Has anyone tried using a roller with the chalk paint-like the smooth gloss rollers?

emma_kate

Fay wrote: »

Your dresser looks lovely chalky, really good. Did you prep your melamine at all or just use the chalk paint straight on? Has anyone tried using a roller with the chalk paint-like the smooth gloss rollers?

I had to use a roller with ASCP when I was painting a large flat cabinet top because you could see where every row of brush strokes ended. The roller gave a much more satisfactory finish.
I've never used it on melamine but if you're unsure why not do a small inconspicuous area like inside a door and if you're not happy you can sand it off.
You will need to sugar soap first!
You could get a very similar look with a proper melamine primer and an oil based eggshell though.

The button pics are so cute and the dresser is really lovely!

chalkysoil

Did you prep your melamine at all

No I just scrubbed it clean. I'm the world's worst at preparation. It doesn't make too much difference except unprepped things are more likely to chip if melamine/mdf coated etc - and if wood- brown stains may start to creep through.
I've used melamine cupboard paint on the underneaths of kitchen wall units, and on lots of cd racks and anything else within range of my paint brush - eg a plastic tray, glazed planters. It's fairly expensive, but I got some in 99p stores once, ages ago.

Fay

Thanks guys, I might well go for the primer and eggshell paint then. I shall investigate further

hullabaloo84

hi everyone,

I love all the before and after pictures on this thread. You're all so creative! I've been inspired to have a go at my first mini project. I've got a corner telephone table thats currently mahogany and with a clear varnish. I'm guessing I need to 1) sand it down 2) prime it with wood primer 3) paint in chalk paint 4) varnish - is this the right steps?

And one other (probably stupid) question - what's the difference between eggshell paint and chalk paint or is it the same?

Thanks