Rustic Presentation Worktop...

Hey there!

So here is my first Do It Myself project!

First of all, having an artistic personality I could not present any of my work at a "random" set up..

Therefore, I decided to created a presentation worktop, in rustic style.. As, let's be honest, rustic worktops work with everything, especially as a presentation background.. :)

Determined to get this project completed as soon as I can (in fairness, I couldn't move on to another project, before getting things right from the start. Presentation is the KEY!!.. If you get me ;)), I searched the house and dad's shed for something that could at least resemble wooden planks.. Luckily, I found an old outdoor coffee table top, that seemed ideal for the job!!

Not discouraged by the dirt and multiple spider webs (Spiders and I don't get along....), I cleaned up the top and used an electric hand sander to prepare it for painting.

This task was quite easy, although it was a bit tricky to sand down in gaps between the slats.

The top was eventually ready for painting!

I chose to paint it with chalk paints and sand it down when dry, to create that distressed and worn-out effect. As I couldn't decide on the color, I bought two shades - Chalk White and Duck Egg.

An idea popped into my head - instead of working with one color, I could combine two!

So I painted first coat with Duck Egg shade.

Once first coat was applied, I left it to dry for about an hour.

I have to admit, the paint I got is amazing! Very thick, one coat is sufficient, dries quickly and quiet efficient I think! One small tin of 1 25 ml covered whole top (about 1000 x 1000 mm) including it's sides!

Next I applied second coat, and this time it was the White Chalk shade. As I knew that this layer will be sanded down afterwards, I could allow myself to be less accurate with the application. Surprisingly, I covered the same area and ended up with half of the 125 ml tin of white paint left! Happy Days :)

Then I let it fully dry over night.

Following day, I was ready to work on my desired rustic effect! To achieve that, I used a mix of different grade sanding papers. As this process requires more accuracy and focusing on spot locations, I had to use manual sanding clip and sponge. Mainly, I used paper grade 80, however in some locations I had to use types with larger grain, but I can't remember what number it was... So I don't want to be giving you wrong information :)

Oh yes.. TIP TIME, if you ever decide to sand down chalk paint, make sure that you are doing it in a well vented room (ideally outside) and use a vacuum cleaner on a regular basis to extract the dust, what could be potentially harmful to your respiratory system ( this is important especially for someone with allergies or Asthma). Ideally, a face breathing mask should be worn.

Finally, to secure and protect the paint, entire surface needs to be waxed. I haven't done this yet, but I am aware that there is a special wax, from the same range as the paint, designed for chalk paints. I will do a follow up on this post, with some comments on waxing procedure :)

Anyways, back to the project!

To achieve my desired look, I focused mainly on sanding down slats edges and random surface patches.

I have to admit, after getting first slat done, I literally gave myself a "mental pat on a shoulder" as it came out great! Looking at finished worktop, I am delighted with the decisions I made and the work I have done, because it came out so well!!

I mean, see for yourself!! I managed to achieve this beautiful, subtle, rustic effect! I am so glad I went with my idea of using blue shade as a base!

I am so in love with it!