How to Paint an Ugly Old End Table with Chalk Mix

A couple of years ago my blogging group was challenged by Leanne over at Diva of DIY to paint something with her Diva of DIY Chalk Mix. She sent us the chalk mix and I chose this old end table that I found at a local thrift store for $5.00! Scroll down to see what that secret is… AND to get an update on how this finish held up.

I bought it a couple of years ago to paint.

You won’t pay any more when you use these but I will earn a small commission on any purchases you make after clicking on them and I greatly appreciate it. Sign up for our newsletter & get your own printable list of “25 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores” + all our upcycled projects sent straight to your inbox.

latex paint – I used Sherwin Williams white cotton. Usually I don’t sand at all when I use a chalk or mineral type paint but the finish on this table was a little rough, especially on the top shelf. Here’s my hidden secret, a power cord on the back! This was inspired by a trip to a local furniture store where the salesman showed us an end table that you could plug your lights into.

I didn’t realize end tables could cost $450 a piece. Now I can plug in my lamp, diffuser, and phone charger without cords hanging out all over in the back.

The black jewelry box was another thrift store find that accidentally turned out to be exactly the right size for this end table. The paint has chipped in a few places and a few of my lovely family members have left chocolate ice cream sitting on the end table and left some stains.

When I told the salesman at SW what I was going to use the paint for he told me I shouldn’t buy the sample because the quality wasn’t as good as their actual paint.