Gentleman's Chest Makeover

We have a new before and after for you this week....our gentleman's chest makeover. 

No we are not talking about manscaping, we're talking paint today! 

Today we are using La Craie paint in Franciscan Grey.   

Supplies List

Supplies list:  primer (optional; we used Kilz), La Craie paint in Franciscan Grey, Annie Sloan clear wax, 220 grit sandpaper, and one gentleman's chest that needs a makeover!  

The Process
Gentleman's chests offer both drawer and shelves for storage.  Heather wanted to paint this piece a manly grey.  She decided on Franciscan Grey La Craie paint from Maison Blanche Paint, which is a calcium carbonate-based paint.

1.  Clean your piece of dirt and debris.  Lightly sand the piece all over.

2.  OPTIONAL:  Apply a quick coat of primer (we used Kilz) - this should take about 10 minutes.  The reason Heather says 10 minutes is not because she's a super-fast painter.  It's because she wants to stress not spending a huge amount of time on this step.  A quick thin coat that does not have to be on every inch of the piece.  Another reason she does this step even though the product doesn't require a primer, is she loves the look of the white showing through when she distresses it.

3. After the primer dries, apply one coat of Maison Blanche paint in Franciscan Grey.

4.  Let the piece dry fully (about an hour) and give it a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper all over to bring out the woodwork and to achieve a worn, lived-in look.

5.   Apply Annie Sloan clear wax all over with a rag. 

Here are a few pics of the chest (sorry about the quality, these were taken with a phone) snapped in the shop.  It's now for sale for $359.

Thanks Heather, for sharing your before and after with us!

Our next project is a nightstand. This piece needs some help....it has scratches & the remnants of stickers stuck to the top of the finish.  We are thinking about doing something two-toned or going a little bolder. What would you do with this one?