I found this little shelf at a yard sale, and although the stain on it was very light, I knew I could do something with it. I almost stained it a darker shade. Now I’m glad I decided to paint it instead.
Directions:
Use a clean rag and glass cleaner to wipe down the shelf. Let it dry for a few minutes. You want to make sure the wood is good and dry before you start painting.
Paint the shelf using a good-quality craft paint brush. Let it dry for at least two hours. If needed or desired, give the shelf a second coat of paint, and allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
If you want, you can coat the shelf with a thin layer of wax to seal and protect the paint. If you use wax, let it dry overnight, and then use a soft, lint-free cloth to buff the shelf, which will polish and seal the surface. The more you buff, the more polished your project will look.
I didn’t want a smooth, polished look — I was going for something a bit more rustic — so I didn’t use wax on my shelf.
Once everything is dry and polished to a smooth shine if you’re using wax, then your shelf is ready to be hung on the wall.
For this project, I used FolkArt® Home Decor Chalk Paint 34154 Salmon Coral. If using wax, use FolkArt® Home Decor Wax, which comes in two forms: Clear, for a clear finish, or Antiquing wax, which adds a warm chocolate brown color to your project to create a worn or antiqued look.
Want to learn about more creative crafting projects? Check out 10 DIY Craft Projects.