I mentioned in a previous post that I had tried the CeCe Caldwell clay and chalk paints and that I wasn’t impressed with my first use. But I did say I was going to give it another go since I was a newbie and wasn’t sure I was using them correctly. One of the Ce Ce Caldwell distributors contacted me and offered to come down (from Michgan!) to show me some techniques. She said she thought the reason I didn’t have great coverage with the table I did previously was because it was cherry or mahogany wood. Sometimes woods that have high tannins are harder to cover because the tannins just keep popping through. Aha…lesson learned.
So I got this table at a yardsale almost 4 years ago for $15. I didn’t prime it or anything. I just spray painted it black. This was before I knew how to use spray paint properly. DOH!
The top was laminate and so it was always a little splotchy. I am way OVER black furniture in my house and really wanted to lighten this piece up. So the first thing I did was purchase a piece of pine to make a new top. I found it at Lowes for $15.94 and it was the perfect size! How cool is that?!
I sanded the new wood piece smooth and gave it a coat of Pre-Wood Conditioner follower by two coats of Amercian Chestnut stain by Minwax.
Then I gave the entire bottom of the sofa table a coat of the Ce Ce Caldwell Destin Gulf Green. I just painted it on with a Purdy brush. Here is a picture of it drying. I like the fact that you can tell when it is dry because of how much darker it looks when wet.
After it was completely dry we mixed a little Blue Montana Sky and Simply White together to create the perfect pale blue for the table. I then painted over the Destin Gulf Green in a very messy up and down, side to side, random pattern to create texture. I was a little nervous about the texture but I trusted Chantelle and Jill from Bungalow 47 not to lead me astray.
Now I will say I still wasn’t convinced at this point. It just looked like a sloppy paint job. But I just went with it. Once dry we started sanding away and up popped the Destin Gulf Green and the black spray paint from its previous paint job. I distressed it more than I generally like because I really wanted to take in the whole “chalk paint” thang.
Once distressed it had such a beautifully soft finish and the variances in color was so pretty. But it wasn’t until I put the clear wax over the top was I over the moon about it. I love their wax! More on that later. I also waxed the wood top as well.
I changed out the hardware, attached the top, and got some baskets from Lowes. I absolutely love it! It fits perfectly in my family room where I am currently undergoing some major changes!
I am adding a pop of yellow to my décor and hopefully getting rid of all the red soon.
I am going to write a full review of the paint shortly. Have you tried the CeCe Caldwell chalk and clay paint yet? What are you thoughts?
Check out the end table I painted to match here…
Oh it looks fantastic! I love the depth that it has. Doesn’t wax make such a huge difference?
What an awesome transformation. I love that you changed out the top. It looks beautiful.
I’ve been looking for something like those baskets for quite some time.
I’m going to have to check out Lowes tomorrow!
Loving the redesign. It’s really just perfect!
I love the makeover. It is amazing what this paint can do. I loved it so much that I decided to sell it. The wax is over the moon amazing. I tell people that the only reason that they are not using it is because they have not tried it. Great job.
Gorgeous! Love the updated look & you did a fantastic job! I am glad you gave CeCe’s another try, it is an amazing paint & love the wax! Can’t wait to see what you paint next.
It turned out beautiful! I fell hard for CeCe’s paint when you had the little workshop! Especially since I drove all the way home with a freshly waxed chair, during a rainstorm with the windows closed and did NOT have any breathing issues! NO asthma attack, no tightness, no coughing… just the ability to breath freely and clearly. Since then I’ve told everyone and anyone who mentions painting furniture to check it out. And once again your table is simply stunning! Love the texture, finish, and the gorgeous baskets!
Have a wonderful day!
This looks great, and those baskets were absolutely made for this piece, great job!
Wow, lovin this! I love how the black is showing through and I can see some of that green! Awesome job! Wishing I had a dealer in my town or even close. Here’s hopping for someone soon!
DeDe@DesignedDecor
That is a beautiful piece of furniture! I want one 🙂
So glad you had a better experience with CeCe paint the second time around. Like you I LOVE their wax!!! My dirty little secret……I use their wax on all chalk paint. Even Miss Annie…. I am really bothered by all the chemicals and stink in so many waxes on the market. Cece wax is amazing!!! Great piece!
Beautiful transformation!! Love it much more now than when it was black!
Thanks for the great tip Robin!
You can order the product from a retailer and have it sent to you. It’s worth it!
Faye, thank you. I bought like a MILLION different baskets, and Finally found the perfect ones….
That’s Awesome Peggy. I had so much fun at that workshop!
That’s probably one of my favorite parts, I love the 2 toned effect.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Your table turned out gorgeous. I can’t believe it is the same table as before. You were in good hands with those girls, they test everything for CeCe Caldwell’s and they know everything there is to know about this awesome paint. The variations in color are just one of the things that make it so beautiful because it is made out of chalk, and two kinds of clay, which give the paint a slightly variegated look, especially in certain colors.
I can’t say or write enough things about how much I love this paint line, or the people, or the company. I use it almost exclusively now for just about everything. Can’t wait to see what you paint next with it!
Very nice job on the table. Wow, I love the colour you chose! I’ve never tried CeCe Caldwell’s paint, but I think I should source out a supplier. Because it looks wonderful.
Debbie 🙂
Oh, I LOVE your transformation! I’ve lived in the finishing world for almost ten years, and have tried many a paint lines – I fell in love with CeCe paints the first time I met them, and have not looked back. Their paints and finishes make it so easy to create lovely finishes – and they are addicting -you can’t just paint one thing! So glad you found CeCe!
I love your table! CeCe Caldwell’s Paint is amazing! Jill and Chantelle are fantastic! I use CeCe Paints and the paint is so easy to use and the colors are beautiful and the varitey of finishes (wax, satin and glaze) are very user friendly. Did I mention that you can use the paint in your house with no fumes!!! Enjoy!
Oh I love this..I have seen so many tutorials on painting with chalkboard paint, I just might need to try myself.
I’m so glad you gave it a second try. I love this paint and the wax does make a huge difference. The thing I like most about the paint is the variation in color. Beautiful job!
I love the table makeover Beckie. The distressed look with multiple colors is one of my favs! I also like to mix colors together for something new. It’s awesome that you bought a new top for it. I haven’t tried that yet.
I am a big fan of two tonal furniture. It was way more distressed than I lean towards but I absolutely adore how it turned out.
awesome, beckie! i’m LOVING the color..and love how you manipulated the paint. gorgeous, gorgeous!
Thanks, Kiki!
Where did you get your baskets from?
They are from Lowes.