So I Painted Our Fireplace

When we first saw our house one of the first things that I wanted to do was to white wash our fireplace. The fireplace clashed with the rest of the space that had the peachy-beige painted walls and all the orangey wood!  Once I stained the mantel and painted the walls and trim I was surprised to find that the fireplace did not bother me so much anymore.  It got moved way down on my priorities.

I didn't really want to paint the brick because I felt like it was somewhat wrong to paint brick….kind of like painting wood.  So wrong!  You can tell I have gotten past this “you can’t paint wood” feeling, but brick? I decided to white wash it instead.  This sat way better with me.  When I was researching the best ways to whitewash brick, I decided that I really like the fully white fireplaces better then the white washed.  So crisp and clean looking and with two little ones making messes all over I can use all the help I can get in making my house feel more crisp and clean!

 Take note that this brick was ugly and very  low quality (at least that’s what it looks like) and putting up a cool stone fireplace is simply not in the budget these days ;).  It was a type of brick that almost looked fake because of how it was marbled.  Definitely not horrible but not great either. It actually looks a lot nicer in the pictures. :)

After experimenting with making chalk paint for my “The Chalk Paint Dresser Experiment” http://bytrialanderica.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-am-super-excited-to-share-this.html, I found that I could easily make my paint whatever consistency that I wanted, even a nice brick-like texture. 

So one night last week, I was staring at my fireplace and thinking “hmm I don’t really have anything to do tonight. Might as well paint the fireplace.”  Sometimes being impulsive doesn't work out so well for me, but it did this time! So I grabbed a can of the white paint that I had been using for my doors and baseboards.  This paint actually was a high gloss paint, which is considered a no no for chalk paint but I did not want to buy anymore paint. It actually didn't mater at all that I used a glossier paint. I took some of the plaster that I had left over from before and dumped some into the paint that I had. 

What you need:

-        

-          -  ½ Gallon of Paint (Approximately)

-          -  1 cup of plaster (Approximately) 

-         - Water with a little dish soap in it

-          -Rag

-          -Painters tape

-        -  Paint brush

-        -  Drop Cloth

I started off using approximately 1/3 cup of plaster for every 2 cups of paint (2T water optional. You can add the water if you want a less chunky consistency. 

You really have some flexibility here with the mixing.  I wanted it good and thick, so I did not add water and sprinkled a little more plaster until I got the consistency that I wanted.  I did end up adding a tiny bit of water a while later, because my paint started getting too thick the longer it sat.

  I taped the walls around the fireplace and the mantel.

Next, I gave the fireplace a quick cleaning.  This was a bit tricky due to the texture of the bricks.  I used a rag and a bit of soapy water.  I did not put too much effort into this. 

Then, I got to painting! I used just a standard paint brush that I already had in the garage.  One of the great things about chalk paint is that you do not get brush marks.  This was great for the fireplace because I wanted it to look like white brick instead of just painted brick. 

Finished product-

The texture came out just right.  It still feels and looks like brick!

This project cost a whopping $0!  I had all the supplies from my previous projects.   This might be my favorite part of the project.  Got to love free! 

What I would do different:

-         - I would have done this sooner.  So quick and easy and such a difference.

I would absolutely do this again.  I love how this came out and my husband loves it too, which makes me happy!  I did not realize the difference that this would make in the space.  The whole room feels bigger and brighter.  I actually prefer a more stone rustic look so I was not totally sold on the white, however, it would have cost a lot more to put up stone!  If you have an ugly fireplace or are just looking to brighten up a space this is something that I would definitely recommend. 

Comments and questions are always welcome!  Good luck with all your projects and thanks for reading about mine!

Erica

The Chalk Paint Dresser Experiment

I am super excited to share this project with you.  I love this project because through it not turning out right and me trying to fix it I discovered a brand new technique. In my mind, through having to fix something that didn't come out right, this dresser became, at least to me, a work of art.  Also, for all you chalk paint lovers, I have some chalk paint hacks that you will love!

I love chalk paint, however, it can be very pricey.  It is actually really cheap and easy to make your own! You just have to make your paint chalky! Of course.

 I did a lot of reading on different ways to make Chalk Paint and went with the most popular.  For all you beautiful recipe followers I measured everything …just for you.  You know, if I wasn't posting this blog, I absolutely would have just thrown some water and plaster in my paint ;)

What you need:

- 2 Cups of Paint any kind or color but as non-glossy as possible.  No glossier then an eggshell finish.  Matte is preferred and cheaper. 

- 1/3 Cup of Plaster of Paris.  This can be found at any hardware store or in the craft section at Walmart.  I got a big box for around $5.

-2 TBS of Water

Give it all a good mix and you are ready to paint.

 (FYI the picture on the right is by my island not the dresser)

This dresser was given to us by a couple that wanted to get rid of some junk.  It came with the very old house that they were in the process of renovating.  It is solid wood but it was extremely, extremely beat up. This is the dresser that is in my 3 year old boys room.  

I got to work right away sanding.  This picture is right as I started sanding and will have to do as the before picture.  Yes, we are not going to talk about how I once again forgot to take a before picture.  We have had this dresser for a few years now so if I find one I will be sure to add it ;)

I would recommend removing the hardware before you sand, but I wanted to get the sanding done while the kids were sleeping so they would not be around the dust.  I did not have time to get the hardware off and then sand.  I then gave it a good wipe down and removed the hardware. 

I have often been asked how I get so much done with little ones.  The picture above to your left is a good answer.  This is me removing hardware and, yes, nursing at the same time.  Multitasking!  I know as moms we all have those moments where we feel like we should get a super mom badge J. This is my super mom moment. I felt pretty awesome. Got to embrace these feelings when you get them because they do not last long!

One of my concerns with this project was that the dresser would come out pink.  With the slate color I had painted his room I felt like the dresser screamed that it needed to be red but with mixing plaster into the red paint I was worried it would lighten to a pink.  Well it did…a bit.  It came out a great tone but a bit more mauve then I wanted.  This was for a boy’s room.  So after painting it I knew that I needed to do something to make sure it was in no way girly.  Below is a picture from right after painting while it was still drying. 

I had some Annie Sloan wax left from a previous project so I went ahead and began waxing to see if that would darken it.  It barely did anything.  I know Annie Sloan sells a dark wax, but I have never used it.  I also was not about to go to the store and drop $30 plus dollars on it.  I decided to start experimentingJ.  I put a little dark stain (Miniwax Polyshades Espresso)and some clear wax into a small tupperware and mixed it together.

Using an old rag, I rubbed down the whole dresser with the mixture.  Sorry recipe people. I just poured without measuring, however, I ended up doing three little batches where I just scooped and poured and it all came out just right.  Just drip a little stain in your wax. Don't over think it :)

 Next, I sanded down the hardware, wiped and then sprayed the hardware with my favorite 

Rust-oleum spray....of course as it is featured in most of my other blogs :)

To highlight each drawer I sanded all around the edges.

I love how the finished product came out!!!!

What I would do different:

*Mix your Chalk paint really well and do not wait a long time before you use.  Mine ended up having some plaster balls in it.  This didn't really end up being a problem.  It was just slightly annoying.

In Conclusion:

I am thrilled with how this project came out and what I learned that I can do with my wax!  I will be putting stain in my wax in the future and definitely recommend both making your own chalk paint and dark stain.

I encourage you to try something new and do not be scared to mess it up!  Do not give up if something that you are doing does not come out quite right.  You might just be about to discover a cool new technique!  Embrace your hurdles!

Thanks for reading!

Erica