Hello my friends! Today I’m going to share a simple way to transfer images using chalk. But before I do, I want to give a BIG shout out to all you fabulous DIY’er around the globe! I checked my Google Analytic’s today and I’m ecstatically happy, honored, and humbled to have all you Furniture Up-Cycler’s visiting Salvaged Inspirations from around the world!
If you’ve been following me on Facebook or have subscribed to this blog, you already know my last project was a large DIY Stencil for the back of Will’s China Cabinet. Making the stencil was fun and easy but it did require the better part of an afternoon to trace and cut out all the pieces.
For my next project, I wanted a F-A-S-T way to achieve a stenciled look. No …not because I’m lazy, (when it comes to cooking/cleaning that’s up for debate), but simply because I like switching from large to small projects… keeps things interesting. The Chalk Stencil Transfer Method for my Paris Clock Design was quick and easy.
So here we go …as per request from my twin Erin in the Windy City, here’s a quick and timely technique to Chalk Transfer Designs onto Furniture.
I started with a copyright free image that I downloaded from The Graphics Fairy. If you’re looking for WOW vintage graphics and a dose of inspiration, Karen’s Graphic Fairy Site is the place to go!
Once I found the clock design I liked, I downloaded the image to my computer. Then I repeated the same steps for the clock hands and Paris Typography.
[box type=”shadow”] When using online images to transfer onto furniture, it’s most likely the image design is NOT going to be the exact size you need. A simple way to enlarge a design is to use an online program called BlockPoster. This free program has 3 easy steps to enlarge any image to poster size. All you need is a printer and letter sized paper.[/box]
To enlarge my clock, I upload my image to BlockPoster.com and then decided on the size. From the screen shot below, you can see my clock design was printed on 6 sheets of 8.5 x 11 which enlarged my design to 1.9ft x 1.9ft… perfect!
Once I saved my enlarged file and printed it out, I taped my printed design together and it was ready for tracing!
How to Trace and Chalk Transfer an Image onto Furniture
1. I measured the center of my table and positioned the design dead center. I taped HALF of the design in place and folded the other half over.
2. On the back of the folded half, I rubbed the entire back with a layer of chalk and then taped it back into it’s original position.
3. With a ball point pen I traced the half design that had been chalked and then repeated the same process on the other side.
4. Once the entire chalk design was traced, I used a paint pen to trace the clock permanently onto the table and then used a paint brush to fill in the larger areas.
5. When it was all complete and the paint had dried, a damp clothe cleaned the chalk off while leaving the painted design and voila… stencil finished!
The style of the furniture and design you choose will determine the finishing technique.
I wanted this clock table to look worn and distressed so I sanded my stencil design and the entire table to give it a old look and feel.
So there you have it. The chalk stencil transfer proved to be a “timely” technique… easy, quick and I’m happy with this Clock Table Cutie !
As always, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to ask questions or leave your stencil transferring experiences below. 🙂
Enjoy your day,
Denise x
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do you put a wax on top ,
Yes, you can topcoat with wax. 🙂
Wow! Just came across your site when searching…I love anything to do with clock designs and this project is great! I’m an Interior Stylist and always on the look out for something different. I would never have thought about using this method for my stencilling. Im always trying different things…if you stand still long enough in our house you get painted! Thank you for sharing and I must check out your other projects! Sue,
Glasgow, Scotland
I have an Adirondack chair and an awesome idea. Now that hand sketch is on the arm of the chair waiting to see if I can paint!
your table turned out wonderful, thanks so much for the tips, can’t wait to try this.
This is great. Good Job. I have also used graphite paper, in black, white and yellow. It works great for all types of projects, from wood to cloth. Then just paint over it and it washes off nicely as well, after the paint is dry. Love your work. My Sister sent this site to me as she knows I love repurposing used furniture. I am thrilled that she did.
Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial Denise. I bought a beautiful round table at a garage sale for $5.00. It Is currently in horrendous shape. I’ve had it for two years And just couldn’t figure out what to do with it. I’m going to try this. I hope I can find that clock stencil. It looks great in black. If you were to choose another colour to go with brown upholstered sofa, what would you recommend?
Thank you !! Ps I’m from Ottawa 🙂
$5 table…love it! You can find free stencils at thegraphicsfairy.com and I’m not sure what your decor looks like Tracy, but how about a neutral chalk paint for the table w the clock stencil in a dark neutral…or the reverse? You can give it interest and depth with a DIY dark wax! 🙂
This is brilliant!
Fantastic!!! I can’t wait to try this technique. Your instructions and pictures are so clear!!! Thanks for posting this, you have a gift my friend.
Want to try this very much so thanks a lot for doing this tutorial for us!
I’m always impressed by your work! It looks so professional and meticulously done. It’s also great that you have a generous spirit to share you ideas and techniques with us. Thank you Salvaged Inspirations. You rock!
YOU ROCK Jacqui! Thank you for your helpful advice and inspiration!
Totally agree…you keep us all inspired Denise, thanks for sharing!
Wow, that came out so beautiful!! You make it seem so easy! Thanks for sharing, I gotta try this!!