Antique Painted China Cabinet In Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

April 4, 2016 100 Comments

Painting cabinets is a tough job. But, it’s worth it when you finally see them all finished and beautifully restored to their original glory! I have been painting cabinets for years now, but I never thought that they could be as beautiful as the ones in this tutorial for a painted china cabinet. I painted it in a custom mix of Graphite and French Linen from Annie Sloan chalk paint. Let me show you how I did it!

Annie Sloan Graphite and Annie Sloan French Linen on China Cabinet painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet

I am slightly obsessed with (almost) any china cabinet. There. I admitted it publicly.

Here’s the deal, I just love the styling opportunities they offer. Yeah, they’re kind of outdated in today’s interiors, but I don’t even care. Anytime I see an old, 1970’s, hideous, chunky china cabinet my eyes get all big, and my palms sweat. I’m a total freak.

Today, I want to share a little cabinet I painted a year ago. This one isn’t a bad 70’s one though, oh no, this one was amazing!

I stumbled upon it while browsing a local Facebook online garage sale site. Honestly- I totally paid more for it than I wanted to ideally (for re-sale that is), but I couldn’t help it… I had to have it.

Here’s another thing, I hesitate to even share a before photo because you guys, it was beautiful and in excellent original condition. I’m completely aware that some folks out there will think I’m crazy for painting this one.

I wrestled with myself for several days before I ultimately decided to paint it. There was no stamp or date anywhere on this thing. I wish I knew a year or decade this was made! My guess is 40’s or early 50’s, maybe even a bit older? Does anyone out there know or have any ideas on age?

before photo of mahogany china cabinet painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet

Ooomph, I can just feel the eyes judging me now. It really was perfectly beautiful, but I’m a painter….it’s what I do. Okay, I’m over it. Moving on…

What cabinet paint did you use?

I first thought about painting it white with a navy interior. I even bought the paint to do it that way, but something just didn’t feel right about it…he wanted to be dark and moody.

So I switched gears and mixed up 3 parts Annie Sloan Graphite and 1 part French Linen for the outside and 1:1 ratio of Old White and French Linen for the interior.

After painting it, I lightly sanded all of it with a fine sanding sponge.

These sanding sponges are some of my absolute favorites when sanding chalk or milk paints! They’re super flexible in order to get into nooks and crannies, and they really last a long time!

After sanding, I waxed the whole thing with Annie Sloan Clear and Dark wax. I personally like to use waxing brushes for wax application, but I’ve also used an old T-shirt to apply.

in progress of china cabinet painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet — After sanding the paint, before waxing (sorry so blurry!)

waxing china cabinet painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet — Waxing in progress, note the color difference on the interior. Left is waxed, Right is not

Antique china cabinet painted in Annie Sloan Graphite and French Linen painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet

Antique china cabinet painted in Annie Sloan painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet

I tried my best to polish the original hardware, but it was not solid brass and was badly corroded so I opted to use my go-to spray paint.

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Click below to download a free copy of my full paint supply list! It’s full of all the tools and products I use every day!

The Ultimate Paint Supply List for painting furniture and cabinets

Let’s connect on social media!! Follow me on Facebook by clicking here and let’s chat!!

Like this project? Then check out this desk project I also painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

xo Kayla

Check out this antique china cabinet transformation. It went from dark Mahogany to looking mighty dapper using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Click to learn more about the colors and techniques I used to create this traditional look! painted china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet chalk paint china cabinet china cabinet painted with chalk paint modern painted china cabinet annie sloan chalk paint china cabinet blue painted china cabinet green painted china cabinet images of painted china cabinets white painted china cabinet painted china cabinet before and after painted china cabinets pinterest pictures of painted china cabinets chalk paint china cabinet ideas hand painted china cabinet how to paint an old china cabinet painting a china cabinet with chalk paint update china cabinet without paint what finish paint for a china cabinet white chalk paint china cabinet chalk paint ideas for china cabinets china cabinet makeover with chalk paint milk paint china cabinet painted distressed china cabinet antique china cabinet painted best paint for china cabinet black painted china cabinet chalk painted antique china cabinet chalk painted china cabinets for sale diy painted china cabinet gray painted china cabinet grey painted china cabinet how to chalk paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet how to paint a china cabinet black how to paint a china cabinet shabby chic how to paint a china cabinet white how to paint a china cabinet with chalk paint old china cabinets painted painted antique china cabinet painted china cabinet for sale painted china cabinet ideas painted china cabinet pinterest painted china cabinets for sale painted corner china cabinet painted duncan phyfe china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painting a china cabinet ideas painting china cabinet with chalk paint painting old china cabinet red painted china cabinet antique china cabinet chalk paint antique china cabinet painted white antique painted china cabinets before and after painted china cabinets benjamin moore china white white paint kicthen cabinets black chalk painted china cabinet black milk paint china cabinet black rustic paint china cabinet brick painted china cabinet built in china cabinet painted chalk paint dining room table and china cabinet chalk paint old china cabinet chalk paint projects china cabinet chalk paint projects green china cabinet chalk painted antiqied china cabinet chalk painted china cabinet red chalk painted china cabinet site pinterest.com chalk painting old china cabinets china cabinet paint china cabinet paint color china cabinet paint inside china cabinet painted gray china cabinet painted in annie sloan chalk paint country grey china cabinet painted project china cabinet painted project pale green china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier china cabinet painted with amy howard atelier paint china cabinets painted black and brown china cabinets painted with chalk paint color ideas for painting china cabinet outdoor distressed painted china cabinet distressed painted china cabinets diy chalk paint china cabinet diy paint antique china cabinet white diy paint china cabinet diy painted china cabinets duncan phyfe china cabinet painted easiest way to paint a china cabinet etsy painted china cabinet french china cabinet painted french country painted china cabinet french country painted china cabinets french provencial china cabinet painted black french provincial china cabinet chalk paint french provincial china cabinet painted french provincial china cabinet painted black gray chalk paint china cabinet grey and white painted china cabinet grey chalk painted china cabinet

More Posts To Read:

« Stained and Painted Tallboy

Kitchen Cabinets in Old Monterey Gray »

Comments

Queen Patina, aka Rachel says

April 4, 2016 at 1:28 pm

This is a great post, Kayla! 😉 Totally laughing about your comment to delete the post, if “needed” at some point! 🙂

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 4, 2016 at 1:38 pm
  
  Ha! Thanks Rachel! I’ve shared the “after” photo of this project many times here and there, in fact, it’s actually my most re-pinned image BUT this is the very first time I have shared the before picture because I’ve truly been afraid I would receive some hate mail! Lol!!
  
  Reply
  - Karen Keen says
    
    December 18, 2018 at 3:46 pm
    
    Kayla,
    Are the glass doors and wood design one piece. If so, can you comment on how you so meticulously painted that area?
    
    Reply
    - Kayla says
      
      January 16, 2019 at 8:34 pm
      
      I took the glass out (very simple to do) and then removed the fretwork to paint. xo
      
      Reply
- Andra says
  
  January 20, 2019 at 9:02 pm
  
  I think this project turned out beautifully!
  
  Reply
  - Kayla says
    
    January 23, 2019 at 9:01 am
    
    Thank you! xo
    
    Reply
Sucheta says

April 4, 2016 at 2:17 pm

I love this one Kayla!! I have a total crush on the color. You know how I feel about China cabinets 😉 but I am glad you picked up this one.

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 4, 2016 at 4:30 pm
  
  Ha! I know you’re not a fan of them!!
  
  Reply
Kristy says

April 5, 2016 at 9:53 am

Kayla, I love china cabinets, too! This color is FABULOUS! I’m confused on what you mixed to get this color. Was it 1:1 Graphite and French Linen?
So you know, I search “china cabinets” daily on Offer Up. 🙂

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 5, 2016 at 10:05 am
  
  Kristy, thanks for your comment! Very glad to know I’m not alone in my china cabinet obsession! HAHA, ok, so on the dark color it is 3 parts Graphite and one part French Linen so a 3:1 ratio. And the light interior is 1 part Old White and 1 part French Linen or 1:1 ratio. All are Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors:) Hope this helps! Let me know if that cleared it up. Best -Kayla
  
  Reply
  - Amanda says
    
    June 25, 2016 at 1:23 pm
    
    Hey Kayla! I’m doing the same to my China cabinet, can’t wait! Do you do clear wax and then dark wax? Or did you mix the two?
    
    Reply
    - Kayla says
      
      June 25, 2016 at 8:47 pm
      
      Hi Amanda! I mix the waxes, but I mix them ON the furniture. I start by brushing on a very thin layer of clear wax in a small, workable section (roughly 18″x18″ section usually) As soon as I get the clear brushed on, I add dark wax right over the clear and use circular brushing motions. That will mix the waxes together while their still wet. Get two wax brushes, one for the clear and one for dark. That will help. Hope it turns out wonderfully!! xo
      
      Reply
      - Danita says
        
        July 10, 2016 at 11:39 am
        
        I am so inspired! Question about the brushes and the 2 waxes: even using 2 brushes, how do you keep the 2 colors from blending when you dip brush back in either clear or dark? I have one Annie Sloan brush for waxing; not sure I can invest in another one! Any other advice on blending the 2 wax colors?
      - Kayla says
        
        July 10, 2016 at 12:58 pm
        
        Hi Danita! Thanks for your comment. Even when using two wax brushes, you’re going to get some dark wax on your designated clear wax brush, but don’t worry! It’s ok if they mix. To me, the goal is to get a really mixed, blended look, so it’s just fine! One tip to remember, when you’re finished waxing, wash your brushes in mineral spirits and they’ll look brand new!! xo
      - Ann Marie says
        
        April 21, 2017 at 9:56 pm
        
        Hi I love this color combo it is really beautiful! Was the dark wax brown or black wax? Thanks
      - Kayla says
        
        April 25, 2017 at 7:11 pm
        
        Hi Ann Marie, the dark wax was brown. Thanks for coming by! xo
      - Chris says
        
        February 11, 2019 at 9:00 am
        
        How long do you leave the wax on before you buff it back out? That is my biggest struggle with chalk painting. I’ve done several pieces and am copying this color scheme for my China cabinet. The wax still intimidates me!
Maxine White says

April 7, 2016 at 11:34 am

Hi Kayla,

Came across your blog @thecuractorscollection.com …. love this piece…. great colour choices!!

Have a great day!
Maxine 🙂

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 7, 2016 at 12:43 pm
  
  Maxine, thank you!!
  
  Reply
Lucy ~ Patina Paradise says

April 9, 2016 at 1:10 pm

Just stunning!!! I too love china cabinets and looking at yours with the gold hardware confirms my decision to follow suit with one I am working on at present. Thanks for sharing at Friday’s Furniture Fix! ;o)

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 9, 2016 at 6:44 pm
  
  Yay!! Can’t wait to see what you’re working on! Thanks:)
  
  Reply
Eliabeth Christiansen says

April 15, 2016 at 1:12 pm

Great post!! I, like you, am a freak about painting anything & everything I can!! I really like how you show multiple photos at different angles/lighting! Keep up the great work!! ~Liz

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 15, 2016 at 1:31 pm
  
  Thanks, Liz! I appreciate your commet:)
  
  Reply
- Rosemary says
  
  October 15, 2017 at 4:59 pm
  
  Yes, I agree, I love the photos. Good job!
  
  Reply
Kristen says

April 23, 2016 at 7:37 am

Did you use the clear wax or the dark wax? This piece is beautiful!

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 23, 2016 at 8:19 am
  
  Hi Kristen, thank you! I used both clear and dark wax. Working in about two foot by two foot sections, I applied clear wax first then immediately applied dark wax over the top of the clear.
  
  Reply
Adam says

April 24, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Hi Kayla, I think this is so great that I’m going to attempt copying it. Two questions first, how much of the Annie Sloan paint total did it take? And when you use the clear wax right before the dark wax, are you letting the clear wax dry? Or leaving it a little wet still so that they blend? Here goes nothing.

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 24, 2016 at 4:09 pm
  
  Hey! I bought one can of Graphite, Old White and French Linen. For a piece this size, you won’t need more than this amount. Also, I’m not one to measure 100% precisely! I kinda eyeballed the ratios. You apply the dark wax on top of clear wax while it’s still “wet”. It’s best to work in small(ish) sections so your wax doesn’t dry out on ya! Good luck! Share your project with me when you’re finished!
  
  Reply
  - Adam says
    
    April 24, 2016 at 10:58 pm
    
    Thank you! I’ll share when it’s done for sure.
    
    Reply
Heather says

April 29, 2016 at 8:33 pm

How did you get the beautiful gold on the drawer pulls?

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  April 29, 2016 at 10:15 pm
  
  Hi Heather! I sprayed them with Rust-Oleum Gold Metallic spray paint!
  
  Reply
  - Heather says
    
    April 30, 2016 at 12:00 am
    
    This piece is absolutely stunning! Great job! This piece and your amazing work, inspired me to start refurbishing. Thanks so much for your post!!! 🙂
    
    Reply
Linnea Maxwell says

May 2, 2016 at 11:23 am

Thank you for sharing all the colors and amounts. My mother-in-law recently gave my daughter a china cabinet that originally belonged to my grandmother. I have to admit that I never liked it, and it doesn’t look good in her new house. I showed her this finished cabinet and we are going to tackle it next weekend. I will take before and after pictures. I hope I can share them.

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  May 2, 2016 at 4:53 pm
  
  Awesome!! Good luck to you! xo
  
  Reply
Holly says

May 20, 2016 at 9:43 pm

So, after seeing this gorgeous transformation I’m making an offer on a very similar China cabinet – only difference is, mine doesn’t have that stunning woodwork in the glass. Fingers crossed the price is right, it’ll be getting a makeover very similar to this one!!! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

Reply
- Kayla says
  
  May 20, 2016 at 10:15 pm
  
  Good luck to you, Holly! Hope you will get it. I loved the fretwork too, it was my favorite part of this piece!! xo
  
  Reply
Corinna - ADesignerAtHome says

May 30, 2016 at 10:21 am

Magnificent! I love that color paired with the hardware.

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- Kayla says
  
  May 30, 2016 at 11:49 am
  
  Thank you!! xo
  
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Katrin says

June 14, 2016 at 4:21 pm

A stunning transformation and beautiful pictures for sure! Love love love that colour too!

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- Kayla says
  
  June 15, 2016 at 12:12 pm
  
  Thank you Katrin!
  
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Tim says

June 16, 2016 at 8:25 am

Hi, love the piece, it’s provided me some inspiration to transform an old family piece. I notice that some of the detail work seems to have the original wood coming through. Did you achieve this by wiping off the paint to expose the wood or sanding down the paint? One of the things I like is the elegant look….so not a heavily distressed look. I worry that sanding to expose the wood may take away from the elegance you achieved. Thanks.

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- Kayla says
  
  June 18, 2016 at 11:41 am
  
  Hey Tim, after the paint was dry, I lightly sanded the edges so just a little wood shows through!
  
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Dori Johns says

June 24, 2016 at 8:06 am

Kayla, this piece is absolutely stunning! I just acquired an old china cabinet (garage sale, $50) and found your site while looking for ideas to paint it. I’m so inspired by your post and I now have the courage to tackle it! If it turns out as lovely as yours, I’ll then paint my very old (antique?) sideboard to match. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and awesome photos.

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- Kayla says
  
  June 24, 2016 at 8:18 am
  
  Doris, thank you for your kind comment! Good luck to you painting your piece!! I’m sure it will be lovely:) xo
  
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SharonH says

July 12, 2016 at 7:13 am

I hope to paint an armoire, and although I love the weathered look, this baby is for me. I love how sophisticated your piece looks. I’m quite drawn to it. Stunning! Did you add a color underneath? My pop of color is going to be a metallic antique copper, so I’m hesitating at doing any heavy sanding. I’m painting over natural wood. Yours had a cherry wood color as the base. I love it!!!!!

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Eileen says

July 25, 2016 at 10:03 am

Hi! I am planning on starting my first painted furniture project. I have not seen anyone ask this question–and I was wondering….How do you paint the hinges, that they do not stick or get stuck when they dry? I love this piece, I have a very similar but smaller china closet I want to refinish for my daughter. It even has the same hardware. I hope i can have a good result!

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- Kayla says
  
  July 26, 2016 at 10:24 pm
  
  I take the doors off of the hinges and normally use spray paint on them. Let them fully dry overnight then reattach! Good luck!!
  
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Colleen Carrell says

August 5, 2016 at 9:15 pm

Hi, your piece is so beautiful! How did you paint the fretwork? Forgive me if you addressed this in the info and I’ve just overlooked it. Thanks!

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- Kayla says
  
  August 6, 2016 at 9:44 am
  
  Hi Colleen, I actually took the glass out of the doors completely then painted the fretwork. I just used a brush and dabbed and brushed until all done:)
  
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  - Gloria says
    
    October 25, 2016 at 6:45 pm
    
    How do you get the glass out of the doors to paint the fretwork thanks ?
    
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Hanna says

December 1, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Hi, How did you remove the glass from the doors? It appears that you did not put them back. Is that correct? Thanks! Gorgeous job!

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- Kayla says
  
  December 1, 2016 at 3:36 pm
  
  One pane was broken already at the time I bought it. I removed the glass to paint and it was just sooo thin and so old it was really dangerous to even have it in there! I threw the old glass away because I intended to have new, tempered glass installed but the couple who bought it from me didn’t want any glass at all! Also, on any piece with glass that I paint…I always re-install the glass AFTER I have the photos taken because it photographs so much better without the glass reflection. Thanks for your comment!! xo
  
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  - Lisa Hahn says
    
    November 13, 2017 at 12:22 pm
    
    My piece I want to paint has the same kind of delicate frestwork wood trim over the glass doors, For me the glass removal is the tricky part, there is a fine piece of molding which has tiny nails to holds the glass to the back framework of the glass doors….. is there a special tool or technique you used to remove the glass so as not to damage the wood or crack the glass?…my glass is not broken and I fear that I will break it getting it out to paint… any help is much appreciated. Thanks Kayla for sharing your inspirational cabinet… I hope mine turns out as nice as yours!!
    
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    - Kayla says
      
      November 13, 2017 at 2:16 pm
      
      Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment! I use a small flat head screwdriver to remove the small trim pieces holding the glass. Go slow and be gentle because they will probably be brittle and can break rather easily.
      My advice is to have new, tempered glass cut for your piece! If your cabinet is as old as this one is, the glass is not tempered and can shatter and break so easily and is super dangerous. Having new, safer glass installed won’t cost too much and is worth the extra time and money!! Hope this helps! xo
      
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Ann says

December 16, 2016 at 10:40 pm

Hi Kayla thank you for sharing this brilliant project with us and answering all the questions ! I was wondering how many coats of paint did you use for the piece ? Thanks.

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- Kayla says
  
  December 17, 2016 at 7:46 am
  
  Hi Ann, thank you! I did two coats of each color:) xo
  
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Cindy says

December 17, 2016 at 8:53 pm

Kayla,
Love, love your piece. I too want to paint an old China cabinet but I’m a novice and wondering if the stained piece has to be prepped or sanded before applying the chalk paint. Also, I need a neutral color.
Would you suggest the Old White and French Linen with the dark wax? Any other suggestions for a first timer is welcomed. Tks!!

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- Kayla says
  
  December 19, 2016 at 8:52 am
  
  Hi Cindy! Typically when using authentic chalk paint (ie Not the kind you make yourself using a flat latex paint and add anything to) you don’t really need to do much prep work other than cleaning the piece. The beauty of real chalk paint is that it really will adhere to almost anything without sanding or primer first. With this piece, all I did was wipe the dust off and went to painting:) I think Annie Sloan Old White and French Linen sounds beautiful! You can’t lose with those colors. Go very easy on the dark wax, though. And remember, you apply the clear wax first, and then the dark on top of the clear while it’s still “wet”. Good luck! I’d love to hear how it turns out. xo
  
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- Carlos says
  
  December 6, 2019 at 5:55 pm
  
  Hi
  First time visitor. You and me both. I have 5 china cabinets in my garage but have not finished one yet. Or started for that matter.
  I have a large wine armoire which I am painting Hale Navy with some dark wX. Never done anything like it before. I am fixing some water damage and dents. I plan to spray. How do you avoid brush marks?
  Is spraying much better anyhow?
  Thank you
  
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Jessy says

December 18, 2016 at 10:04 pm

Hi Kayla love love love the display cabinet. Might try to do something like this soon. What grit sandpaper did you use for it? It’s done just right and not too weathered a look- which is fantastic.

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- Kayla says
  
  December 19, 2016 at 8:55 am
  
  Hey Jessy, thanks for your compliments! I believe I just used an old, fine grit sanding sponge! Chalk paint sands easily and beautifully so something with a really fine grit is just enough to achieve a lightly distressed look! xo
  
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Ann says

December 19, 2016 at 10:58 am

Hi Kayla it’s Ann again, sorry for asking too many questions but your cabinet is just gorgeous. I might name my armoire The Kayla once it’s done haha! Anyway my cabinet piece has many nooks and carvings in the front and I’m afraid if I apply the dark wax it’s going to enter the little crevices giving it a darker tone in those areas causing it to have a weathered look -which is not what I am looking for. I am looking for something more like your cabinet an even colored look which is classy. Does this mean I have to really take the effort to wipe off the wax in the crevices-any advice? Secondly when you meant a ratio of 1 , is that about 1 cup(250ml) ? Lastly did you do the two outer coats first before moving to the inner coats? Thank you so much ! xo

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Michelle Simpson says

February 2, 2017 at 9:34 am

Hi-

I am not familiar with Annie Sloan, but are all the paints on this china cabinet Annie Sloan?

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- Kayla says
  
  February 7, 2017 at 4:47 am
  
  Yes ma’am.
  
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Connie says

February 7, 2017 at 5:10 am

I think it turned out just beautifully. My thought in the before photo was , Ugh, it needs painting! There’s so much old furniture that isn’t worth much but needs some freshening up. I painted a vintage 70s china cabinet, and it looks so much better now. It’s a great way to get quality furniture without breaking the bank.

Great job!

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Shannon Morris says

June 24, 2017 at 9:40 am

Hi Kayla. I am a beginner at refinishing projects ???? i bought a china cabinet to redo. Thought about doing grey, your piece confirmed it! My question is on some of the pictures i see where the distressed areas are, it appears to be red. Is that the original finish coming through? Thanks so much. I luv this piece!

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- Kayla says
  
  June 25, 2017 at 8:08 am
  
  Hi Shannon! Yes the original Mahogany finish is pretty reddish. That’s the wood showing through:). Good luck on your piece! If you share any photos of the after project on social media, remember to tag me! My IG is @p_a_i_n_t_e_d 🙂
  
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Pam Winter says

October 13, 2017 at 10:32 am

Absolutely GORGEOUS! I’m looking forward to painting my 25 yr old cherry dining room set soon & have purchased ASCP in Gravite so I’m saving all Pins in this color. Yours top the list. Thx & blessings

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- Kayla says
  
  October 13, 2017 at 12:27 pm
  
  Pam! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! Good luck to you in your project, I’m sure it will be great!! Follow my Facebook page, now and then I have a show and tell post, I’d LOVE it if you’d share your finished product there! xo
  
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Colleen says

November 15, 2017 at 8:44 am

I recently refinished a similar piece for someone. I was wondering, based on your piece, how much would you charge?

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Candace McElroy says

November 24, 2017 at 6:33 pm

Just love this piece. I have it, and the table, and the chairs, and the buffet….was ok back in the day. Been thinking about getting new but also perhaps painting this one. My question for you – any ideas on color for all of it? Floors are oak. Thanks!

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- Kayla says
  
  November 27, 2017 at 9:10 pm
  
  Hi Candace, what if you painted the whole set in the same color as I did the inside of this cabinet? And perhaps leave the buffet top, table top and chair seats in the original wood so it breaks it up?
  
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Connie Fowler says

December 15, 2017 at 6:07 am

I really love the finished piece much more than the original, and I used to be an antiques freak! I think it’s much better to update an old piece than to have it sitting in some dark corner, abandoned and unloved. The finish is just lovely–thanks for sharing.

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heather says

January 28, 2018 at 1:00 am

Ruination of more wood furniture. While I understand your OCD, did you have to ruin the piece? Honestly…

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- Kayla says
  
  January 28, 2018 at 9:49 am
  
  Heather, thanks so much for your kind sentiments! So precious of you to take time out of your day to come by my blog, read it and leave a comment!! Many thanks! Hope to read more of your sweet thoughts here on my site in the future! xo Kayla
  
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  - Holly says
    
    October 3, 2021 at 1:16 am
    
    Bravo!! 💕 Your cabinet is stunning. 4 years later I am going to paint this with 2 of my inherited china cabinets! Thank you for sharing!
    
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Janelle Hendrickson says

February 7, 2018 at 10:09 am

You stated you bought one can each of the Graphite, French Linen and Old White. What size was the can? Thank you.

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- Kayla says
  
  February 7, 2018 at 11:33 am
  
  Quart size cans! xo
  
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Rozee says

March 9, 2018 at 1:07 am

Hi there, beautiful piece! I noticed you mention the sanding blocks you used but not the brushes. Which painting brush do you recommend? Thanks.

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Beverly says

July 29, 2018 at 12:35 pm

My parents bought this exact same cabinet in 1938 when they bought their home. I’m thinking of painting it and thank you for the inspiration.

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- Jean says
  
  October 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm
  
  Just beginning this project with the same colors. Love the colors! Did you paint the hinges with Annie Sloan paint or spray paint and if so what color? Thanks
  
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  - Kayla says
    
    October 17, 2018 at 7:39 pm
    
    Hi Jean! I painted over the door hinges with the chalk paint! xo Kayla
    
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    - Jean says
      
      November 9, 2018 at 12:25 pm
      
      How much distressing did you do? And you did that before the wax right? Using both dark and clear wax I assume you only did one coat? Making progress and distressing is next. Have you ever not distressed and how does that look? I’m a bit stressed about distressing 😀
      
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Joanna says

January 11, 2019 at 10:58 am

Thank you for posting the color ratios you used! I love this cabinet and how you transformed it. I found one almost exactly like this one, but with different geometric wood accent inside the doors. Was it easy to pop those accents out to paint them?

Looks so great!

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- Kayla says
  
  January 16, 2019 at 8:33 pm
  
  yes it was super simple to remove the glass and fretwork! xo
  
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Jude Towner says

February 16, 2019 at 8:30 pm

So glad to have found your site – I think, BTW, your china cabinet in this post is from the 1940’s. I previously had a formal, traditional home and kept my antique mahogany china breakfront with a pull-down butler’s desk; the glass is beveled out from the fretwork. It just did not look great in my new farmhouse cottage so I recently did the chalk paint in ASCP graphite in 2 coats – it came out a dark blue-gray and is awaiting the Annie Sloan wax treatment. I’ll use both the clear and the dark wax like you did! Thanks for all the details on how you achieved this look. I am a novice at this type of painting but love the look of the chalk paint to achieve my “cottage” look in my new home! Thanks again, Judi

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Veronica Napier says

May 27, 2019 at 4:36 pm

Hi,
I just came across your site. I love what you did with this cabinet! I have one just like it that I would love to paint. What I am curios about, is th wall color behind the finished cabinet. Can you please tell me which brand and color of paint? Also, I am curious about what you would charge to paint a couple of pieces. I look forward to connecting with you.

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- Kayla says
  
  May 29, 2019 at 7:09 pm
  
  The “wall” behind this piece is actually my photographer’s backdrop! Sorry, wish I had a better answer for you! The paint brands used are Annie Sloan, and the colors/formulas are listed in the article. Painting costs can vary from $400-2k depending on several variables! xo
  
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Megan says

June 20, 2019 at 7:44 am

Hi I love the color in the picture it looks a little blue tinted. Is that true even tho the base paint is black? Or is it just the photo making it look that way? I want to try and copy your creation!

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Erin says

July 7, 2019 at 6:09 am

Hi, did you buff the waxes off after the application?

Thanks!

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- Kayla says
  
  February 7, 2020 at 2:27 pm
  
  I didn’t buff the wax off, but I did buff the wax, yes. I used an old t-shirt and lots of elbow grease to buff!
  
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Grace Lanier says

October 6, 2019 at 9:24 pm

How do you paint the detail work on the doors? I have 2 corner cabinets that are as beautiful as your cabinet and I am itching to chalk/milk paint them. I just can’t figure out the doors and the fretwork/detail on top.

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- Kayla says
  
  February 7, 2020 at 2:22 pm
  
  I just brushed the whole thing!
  
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Marlyne says

June 4, 2020 at 4:37 pm

Hi Kayla,
I absolutely love this project! The colors look great and I think I’ll use something similar to paint the old cabinet from my husband’s grandmother!
Did you sand the cabinet before using the Annie Sloan paint? Thanks for your help!
I’m looking forward to seeing some new projects of yours!
Marlyne

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Holly says

October 3, 2021 at 1:22 am

Bravo!! 💕 Your cabinet is stunning. 4 years later I am going to paint as you have done with 2 of my 2 old inherited mahogany china cabinets! Thank you for sharing!

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Melissa S says

August 8, 2023 at 7:03 pm

Love this piece and I’m using the colors for a piece myself! I did want to ask about the sanding. I bought some extra fine sanding sponges and went over it lightly but it seemed to leave “scuff lines” any suggestions?

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- Kayla says
  
  October 18, 2023 at 11:13 am
  
  Use a finer grit sandpaper. The sanding sponges you’re using are too coarse if they’re leaving visible scratches in the paint. My suggestion is to use 320 grit sand paper. Best of luck! xo
  
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