Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on Rusty Metal

Did you know that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint can be used to paint on metal, even rusty old metal, without using a primer first? It not only adheres to wood beautifully but also to metal, porcelain, matte plastic and concrete etc.

Lilyfield Life: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to transform Rusty metal bed

I recently was asked by a lovely client to paint an iron bed and a metal plant stand. The plant stand was a pretty shape but federation green that was very dated and the bed was in a bad way. The original finish was a chippy bright yellow paint that was to be honest, pretty awful (I don't have a photo of the yellow paint, sorry) and my client, years ago, had started to strip it but then got fed up half way through the job and placed the whole bed under her house where it started to rust. 


Lilyfield Life: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to transform Rusty metal bed

As soon as I saw the photos of the bed I knew that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite was the perfect choice. This paint adheres beautifully to metal as well as wood furniture and you can even paint over rust! I gave the bed a light sand to remove any flaky bits and then just started to paint with the Graphite. Annie Sloan with her background in Fine Arts really knows her colours - Graphite is a beautiful muted black that makes me think of old French furniture.  I think it is beautiful for old metal.  Not too black and shiny that will make your furniture look like it's been shipped from a factory in China.  


Lilyfield Life: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to transform Rusty metal bed

I gave the bed 2-3 coats of paint and then once it was dry I sealed with Wipe on Poly. I didn't use wax because I thought wax probably isn't the best finish to have your beautiful white linen rubbing up against. The wipe on poly has given the bed a beautiful soft sheen that I know will be extremely durable.  I didn't take proper after photos just a few snapped on my iphone of the bedhead, but I think you will be able to see how beautifully the bed turned out. I will definitely use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for all my future metal projects.

I don't have great photos of the plant stand either. I was really busy when my client came and picked up everything and forgot to take good photos. Remember if you are using ASCP outside then you do not use wax as a top coat. Water (rain etc) will react with the wax and leave white marks on your piece). You can either leave the piece uncoated - just let it cure inside for a week or so before you expose to the elements or you can top coat with a poly. I left this plant stand uncoated.


Lilyfield Life: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to transform a metal plant stand


Have you used ASCP on metal? Were you happy with how your piece turned out. I'd be interested in hearing how it has stood the test of time outside.

Remember to come back tomorrow to link your projects up to my Paint Parade! I have some wonderful features to show you.

28 comments:

  1. that bed is SO cool! i have never seen one like it!

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  2. The bed looks fabulous! Now I know I can revitalise rusty metal items will be using! Thanks Fiona xx

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  3. What a magical makeover Fiona, your clients must be thrilled with your work. Thanks for sharing how you went about it. The bed is just gorgeous. You've been quiet this week. Hope all is ok, Beth x

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  4. Just beautiful. You would never guess it's the same bed head.

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  5. That is great news re painting (rusty) metal with ASCP. Thanks for sharing! Btw, how's the rain down there??

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  6. What a great solution. I love the graphite, it looks amazing and the bed is fabulous. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  7. Looks lovely. I'm looking forward to using ASCP on a chest I have that has metal feet on it. Should go straight over the metal and the wood, no problems! Thanks for this great post.

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  8. It looks really lovely Fiona! I'm thinking I'd like to try it on fabric, but haven't tried metal yet...

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  9. I love it! You've reminded me about a rusty planter I have outside. I'm going to paint in with Annie Sloan!

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  10. I have used graphite to paint an old black slate floor, in my large foyer. It is the main traffic area in our home. After two years it still looks as good as the day I finished it. I used two coats of ASP graphite and three coats of Polyacrylic (water based)finish. It was done over two days. Read about it here: http://www.meli-melo-art.com/2011/07/annie-sloan-chalk-paint.html

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  11. Looks like my can of graphite is going to be introduced to the rusty milk can outside my porch, and soon! Honestly, why didn't I think of this before?? I have used ascp on a tin reproduction of a horribly ornate Italian... I don't know the noun for it, just a lot of adjectives. A large 2 handled gravy boat that I keep my clothespins in. It worked great and adds a little class to my hyacinth laundry room. Along with a hanging chandelier. My in-laws think I'm nuts, but I have no problem with spending time in there!

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  12. Thanks for your post, it inspired me to paint my old iron bed with Annie Sloan's Burgundy... Here in the UK I couldn't find the wipe on poly you mentioned so I tried Annie Sloan's Lacquer (which is mainly for use on floors)... I was a bit worried about this but it seems to have worked really well... It gives the bed more of a sheen than a matt finish but I think its still a nice effect...

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  13. What would I use over ASCP on a rusty metal parasol stand to make it waterproof / outdoor proof? Any advice appreciated thanks!

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  14. Hi there. I'm in Dublin (Ireland) and I have 6 outdoor folding chairs that I'd like to chalk paint. They are in various states - some have lots of rust, some not so much. Some are badly blistered. Just wondering what prep I need to do - I am currently sanding them and picking off the blistered paint, can I then just paint on top with the chalk paint? Many thanks in advance - any tips would be great.

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  15. Hi Fiona, just started following your blog and have been inspired to paint some drawers, very happy my progress so far, made a few mistakes but getting there!!!!! Just loving the graphite though, the bed is gorgeous need to think about where I can use it-love the dresser as well that was under the chalk painting!

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  16. Hi Fiona: Have you or anyone here ever used A.S. paint on an aluminum framed sliding CLOSET door? Please let me know. Thank you.

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    1. hi I haven't but I'm sure it would be fine - i did use Zinsser primer and house paint to paint my old aluminium windows and it was fine.

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  17. Hi Fiona, what did you use to apply the paint? I was thinking I would just use a sponge brush to put it on an old iron daybed.

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  18. Hi. I am Thetis from Greece. I start reading your article because i have to paint a gold iron table console french type. I will use ASCP french linen. It will be my first try. Can you give me some advices? Thank you for listening!

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  19. I wish you would have left those finials the color they were. The rest of the bed should have been done darker. That bed is A-MA-ZING! The finials needed to stand out.

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    1. Oh I disagree completely. I think it looks tacky with them standing out. Anyway I was doing what my customer wanted

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  20. I painted two rusty items with Annie Sloan Old White and the rust showed right through, even with five coats of paint. I recommend using an excellent primer first if you intend on painting a rusty item with any chalk paint color lighter than graphite.

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  21. I painted my kitchen table but really need the wipe on poly. Can you help out where you got it and what brand you have used? Thanks so much!

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  22. Has anyone painted a brass bed with chalk paint. Was there any preping.

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  23. How did the paint over rust hold up over several years?

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com