Give Your Plant Stand a Chic Chalk Paint Makeover for Farmhouse Style Decor

Give Your Plant Stand a Chic Makeover with Chalk Paint

If your plant stand is looking worn and dated, don't send it to the curb just yet! With some chalk paint and elbow grease, you can give it a stylish makeover that looks amazingly high-end. Transforming furnishings with chalk paint is an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh your home's decor.

Prep Your Plant Stand for Painting

Before breaking out the paint brushes, properly prepare your plant stand to ensure the chalk paint adheres well and your makeover lasts. Here are a few key tips:

• Lightly sand the entire piece to rough up the surface so the paint can grip it better
• Clean the plant stand to remove any dirt, grease, or wax
• Fill any holes, scratches, or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely
• Prime with a water-based primer if the plant stand had a glossy finish or residue remains after cleaning

Pick Your Chalk Paint Color

One of the best aspects of chalk painted furniture is you can choose virtually any color you love! Bold hues give your plant stand a fun, lively look. For a more soothing vibe, consider a muted tone like sage green or robin's egg blue.

Don't limit yourself to just one color either. Paint the legs, stand, and plant pots all different shades for a eclectic, mismatched style. Contrasting colors also helps highlight the plant stand's unique details.

How to Apply Chalk Paint

Painting with chalk paint is easier than traditional paint. The creamy, thick formula goes on smoothly without drips. For the best looking finish, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a high density foam roller and/or brush to apply an even coat across all surfaces
• Work in sections starting with the flat, easy areas like the stand top before moving to detailed legs or sides
• Let the paint dry 4-6 hours between coats
• Sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper between coats for a smooth surface
• Apply 2-3 thin coats until fully opaque for long lasting durability

Achieve a Trendy Matte Chalk Paint Finish

While some furniture looks best in a polished, glossy finish, chalk paint really shines when kept matte. The ultra-smooth appearance enhances chalk paint's vintage, salvaged charm in line with today's farmhouse chic style.

Option 1: Wax Over Chalk Paint

Waxing over chalk paint is the easiest way to get a muted, matte look. After the paint has dried 24 hours, brush on a thin layer of clear paste wax, let it soak in 20 minutes, then buff off any excess. Dark wax creates beautiful contrast on light paint colors. Repeat waxing annually to maintain the finish.

Option 2: Seal Chalk Paint with Matte Varnish

For better durability and scratch resistance, seal chalk paint with a matte or flat water-based polyurethane instead of wax. This protective top coat prevents stains while allowing the matte sheen to show through. Simply brush 2-3 thin layers over the cured chalk paint letting each layer dry 2 hours between applications.

Creative Ways to Use Chalk Painted Plant Stands

Once you've mastered how to chalk paint furniture, get creative styling your newly refreshed plant stand! Here are unique ways to show off your fabulous DIY piece:

• Display trailing ivy, spider plants or philodendrons atop the stand so greenery spills over the sides
• Stack decorative books or baskets of river stones on lower shelves
• Use the stand to corral a mini herb garden near a sunny window
• Hang macrame plant holders at varying heights along each pole
• Add shelves to create more tiers for displaying potted plants or home decor

With a little imagination, the possibilities for reinventing a worn-out plant stand with chalk paint are truly endless. Let the transformed piece show off your personal style while keeping all your lovely plants together in one place green and thriving!

FAQs

What type of paint works best for painting plant stands?

Chalk paint is highly recommended for painting plant stands. The thick, adhesive formula adheres well to various surfaces like wood, metal and more without requiring sanding or priming. Chalk paint can easily cover grease, wax residues, or glossy finishes that are common on old plant stands.

How do I get a smooth finish on my chalk painted plant stand?

Always apply chalk paint in multiple thin coats, sanding lightly between each layer and allowing proper drying times. Finish with a top coat of clear paste wax or matte polyurethane varnish for protection and sheen control. Multiple coats result in a smoother surface.

Can I use chalk paint on plastic, metal or ceramic plant stands?

Yes, one benefit of chalk paint is it adheres very well to a range of materials - wood, metal, ceramic, glass, laminate, and more. Always clean and lightly sand the surface first, then apply 2-3 coats as normal allowing proper drying time between layers. The paint flexes well without chipping or flaking.

How do I clean or maintain my chalk painted plant stand over time?

Chalk paint finishes are quite durable, but wax and varnish top coats can wear or fade with regular use and cleaning over time. Reapply wax or varnish as needed to refresh the finish - about once annually on average. Otherwise gently dust or wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent as required.