Transforming Chandeliers With Annie Sloan Paint

Painting a chandelier with Annie Sloan paint is an easy DIY project that can bring new life to an outdated light fixture. Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Florence, a coppery green shade with subtle brass undertones, is a popular colour choice for this project. Sloan herself painted a chandelier using this colour, wiping away the wet paint on the raised sections to reveal the brass beneath. Sloan's book, *Annie Sloan Paints Everything*, provides a full step-by-step guide to this chandelier up-cycle project.

Choosing the right paint colour

Start with Inspiration: Before selecting a paint colour, consider the overall style and atmosphere you want to create in the room. Are you aiming for a bold and dramatic statement, a subtle and elegant look, or a playful and vibrant ambiance? Understanding the vibe you want to achieve will guide your colour choices.

Explore Colour Options: Annie Sloan offers a diverse range of colours in her paint collection. From neutrals to vibrant hues, there's a wide variety to choose from. The Chalk Paint™ Colour Card is a great resource to explore. It features 46 carefully curated shades and provides an accurate representation of each colour. You can order the colour card, use it as a starting point, and find the shades that resonate with your vision.

Consider the Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in how colours appear. The same paint colour can look different under natural light during the day compared to artificial lighting at night. Consider the lighting conditions in the room where the chandelier is located and choose a colour that complements the lighting to create the desired effect.

Experiment with Samples: Before committing to a paint colour, it's a good idea to test it out. Annie Sloan offers sample pots that allow you to try different colours. You can apply these samples to small areas of your chandelier or similar surfaces to see how the colour dries and appears under different lighting conditions.

Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, choosing a paint colour is a personal decision. Select a colour that you love and that aligns with your taste and style. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith with a colour that speaks to you. Remember, paint can always be changed if you decide to refresh your space in the future.

By following these tips and exploring Annie Sloan's paint collection, you can confidently choose the right paint colour for your chandelier project, creating a space that you'll adore.

Preparing the paint

For this project, Annie Sloan recommends using a Chalk Paint Brush. This type of brush will ensure that you achieve the best results and avoid any bristles ending up in your paint.

You can choose from a variety of colours in the Chalk Paint range, including Paris Grey and Florence, a coppery green that beautifully complements the warm hue of brass.

If you want to add a bit of colour to a room and bring out the fun design of your chandelier, Florence could be the perfect choice. This colour is inspired by neoclassical Italian and French interiors and is one of Annie Sloan's favourite colours to work with.

Once you have chosen your colour, you can begin painting. Remember to give each coat of paint enough time to dry before applying the next one.

Painting the chandelier

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. For this project, you will require a good-quality chalk paint brush and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in your chosen colour. Annie Sloan paint is a great option as it requires no prep or priming. You can also choose to finish the piece with Clear Chalk Paint Wax, as Sloan does in her book, *Annie Sloan Paints Everything*.

Once you have your materials, you can begin painting. Make sure to cover the chandelier, chain, and ceiling plate completely. It is important to note that chalk paint dries quickly, so if you are planning on applying two coats, give each coat about an hour to dry. Don't be alarmed if the first coat looks messy—the real transformation happens after the second coat!

If you want to create a subtle contrast between the paint and the brass of the chandelier, you can take a damp cloth to the ornate and raised sections of the light fixture while the paint is still wet. Gently wipe away the paint to reveal the brass beneath.

Finally, you can add your clear wax. This step is important, especially if you plan on adding dark wax later, as it seals the paint and prevents any mistakes.

Removing paint from ornate sections

When it comes to removing paint from the ornate sections of a chandelier, there are a few key steps to follow. This process will help to reveal the brass beneath and create a beautiful contrast between the paint and the original material. Here is a detailed guide:

Start by choosing the right paint. Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Florence, a coppery green shade, is a perfect choice for achieving a subtle contrast with the warm hue of brass. This paint is easy to use and requires no prep or priming, making it convenient for this type of project.

Once you have your paint, use a Chalk Paint Brush to apply it to the chandelier, ensuring you cover it completely, including the chain and ceiling plate. Don't worry if the first coat looks uneven; the magic happens after the second coat! Wait for about an hour between coats to allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Now, for the key step: removing the paint from the ornate sections. While the paint is still wet, take a damp cloth and gently wipe away the paint from these detailed, raised areas. This will expose the brass underneath, creating a beautiful contrast and highlighting the intricate designs. Take your time with this step to ensure you achieve the desired effect.

After you've removed the paint from the ornate sections, it's important to seal and protect your work. Finish the chandelier with Clear Chalk Paint Wax. This step will not only enhance the colour but also provide a durable finish. Remember to follow the instructions on the product for the best results.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove paint from the ornate sections of your chandelier, creating a unique and elegant piece. Remember to refer to Annie Sloan's book, "Annie Sloan Paints Everything," for a more detailed guide and additional inspiration for your project.

Finishing with wax

When finishing with wax, it is important to first apply a clear wax before applying a dark wax. This is because if you make a mistake during the dark wax application and there is no clear wax underneath, it cannot be fixed.

Annie Sloan recommends finishing her painted chandeliers with Clear Chalk Paint Wax. This is a product that can be applied directly to the painted surface without any need for prior preparation or priming.

To apply the wax, use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of the wax into the surface of the chandelier. Work in small sections at a time and use a circular motion to ensure an even application.

Once the wax has been applied, use a clean, soft cloth to buff the surface to a shine. This will help to bring out the colour of the paint and create a smooth, glossy finish.

Frequently asked questions