How to choose a piece of furniture to Chalk Paint

1. Condition of the Furniture

• Solid Structure: Look for a piece that is structurally sound. Chalk paint can transform the appearance, but it won’t fix wobbly legs, broken drawers, or deep structural damage.
• Surface Wear: Chalk paint is great for hiding minor scratches, dings, or peeling veneer, making slightly worn pieces ideal.

2. Material

• Wood: Most wood furniture takes chalk paint beautifully, whether it's solid wood or veneered.
• Other Surfaces: Chalk paint can adhere to laminate, metal, or glass with proper cleaning and priming. For these surfaces, do a small test patch first.
• Avoid heavily glossy or oily surfaces unless you’re prepared to sand and prime.

3. Style of the Furniture

• Simple or Ornate: Ornate pieces with detailed carvings or trim look stunning with chalk paint, especially when distressed or highlighted with wax. Simpler, modern styles can also be transformed but may require a smooth finish technique.
• Match Your Space: Choose a piece that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the room it will be placed in.

4. Size of the Piece

• For beginners, start with something small, like a side table or a chair, to practice technique.
• Larger pieces like dressers or dining tables can create dramatic results but require more time and effort.

5. Purpose of the Furniture

• High-Use vs. Decorative: High-use items (e.g., dining tables) may need extra finishing coats or a more durable topcoat, while decorative items (e.g., sideboards) can just have wax or minimal sealing.

6. Potential for Experimentation

• Choose a piece you’re comfortable experimenting with, especially if it’s your first project. Look for thrift store finds or hand-me-downs to minimize pressure.

7. Surface Prep Needs

• Chalk paint typically doesn’t require much prep, but furniture with flaking paint, grease, or waxy residue will need to be cleaned and lightly sanded.

8. Budget and Sentimental Value

• Opt for pieces that won’t be a financial or sentimental loss if the result isn’t perfect. Over time, you can work up to more valuable or meaningful pieces.