Oh, To Become a Dutch Painter

Well, last Saturday I took a painting course. 

Not what you think. The great Dutch Masters would not be too impressed.

I learned how to do this:

And this

With this and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (French Linen)

And ended up with this

And one even a little larger like this

Later tonight or tomorrow I will use the soft clear wax in the plastic bag to shine them and protect the paint.

What I discovered/ learned about ASCP:

Bare wood furniture from Ikea needs primer. (ASCP is too expensive to serve as primer.)

Do not use ASCP straight from the can. Dilute it with water. (2 parts paint to 1 part water works well.)

Make up small batches at a time. Do not dilute in the original can.

Let your layers dry. You can use a hair dryer.

A cheap paint brush works fine.

ASCP does not cover water stained bare wood.

I can make cheap tables look a little classier!

I plan to experiment with homemade recipes for chalk paint this summer at home.

Will keep you informed with my chalk paint trials! 

( And, yes, son, I have a new hobby!)

Update:

I waxed only the top of this table and the smaller one. Too lazy for the legs, but the top is now protected. That is the most important part for these two "fill in" tables. I will let the paint and clear wac cure while we go on a real vacation beginning this weekend.

The color French Linen goes great with our new couch and "salon" chair.