Hi friends, I hope you’re well! Before I get into the little ‘accident’ I had while painting this piece, I’ll quickly share the 411. This French Buffet is painted in Annie Sloan ‘Pure White’ Chalk Paint. If you’re ever looking for a clean-pristine-white chalk paint, this one is perfect!
To prevent any bleed-through or staining (which in my experience happens more often than not when painting with white), I thoroughly cleaned the buffet, lightly sanded, and applied two coats of primer before chalk painting with two coats. The buffet was lightly sanded between each coat, lightly distressed to highlight the details, and then protected with Annie Sloan Clear Wax.
The French Provincial hardware is original to the piece and has been spray painted in Rust-Oleum’s Flat Black. The last detail I added was complimentary drawer liners.
I love the way it all turned out…this piece is a classic beauty!
I’ll start my story by saying, if we ever bump into each other at a Home Depot or Sherwin Williams, I’ll most likely be wearing paint splattered pants, have stain under my fingernails, and have paint in my hair. I swear I have more paint stained clothes in my closet than not these days. But it’s okay. I’ve finally come to accept this as my work getup. It’s my ‘artsy’ look that I am wearing with pride. (At least that’s what I’m sticking with!) 😉
However, with this furniture makeover, it wasn’t just paint on my clothes or in my hair, it was paint in my eye!
I actually had a scare while working on this piece because I was careless. And like so many of us do, I was trying to do too much in one day.
Picture this. It’s 1am. That’s not an unusual time for me to painting in my studio, but I was feeling out of sorts. I had been shopping with my Dad earlier in the evening and he was having a confused day. As I’ve mentioned, my sister is his main caregiver and I help as often as I can. From your comments and emails, I know some of you are caregivers of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s. So, I bet you can relate when I say it can be emotionally draining and exhausting at times. Even though I was tired, I was optimistic and feeling excited about this french buffet. I headed down to my studio to paint anyway.
I poured BIN Shellac Primer onto a paper plate and placed it on the floor. I was down on my hands and knees painting the underlip of this buffet when I noticed my hair was resting smack-dab in the plate of BIN. It was soaked. I flipped my hair in an ‘I-think-I’m-a-supermodel’ fashion and my primer drenched locks hit me square in the eye.
Panic set in while I tried to read the can’s safety instruction with my one good eye. Rinse well for 15min (I think it said). Well, it took more than 30 minutes of rinsing while the shellac primer was trying to fuse my eye shut. It’s two days later and my eye is still self-cleaning but thankfully everything is okay. My eye is perfectly fine.
So, here’s my takeaway… safety and self-care first! I’m going to do my best to pay more attention to my needs because value doesn’t come from completing a to-do list. And as I discovered in my tired state, all it takes is one silly “I-think-I’m-a-supermodel-flip-my-hair-moment” for an accident to happen.
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
When you say you cleaned the buffet – what did you clean it with and how did you get such a smooth finish? Did you spray it on, brush it on, foam brush it on?
Thank you!
-SG
Hi Sheryl! I usually clean with TSP or a vinegar and warm water solution depending on how dirty the piece is. This piece was brushed using this soft Purdy brush. To get a smooth finish I sand in-between each coat. 🙂
Wow Denise !! That is scary ! I am glad you were able to help yourself ! The dresser looks amazing ! ?Cynthia
Thanks Cynthia! <3
Oooh so so glad your eye is OK ! Maybe the contacts lenses helped also .I thankfully barely missed my eye when using wallpaper remover on a ceiling , mask and goggles fog up so much …! I bruised all my leg and broke my glasses in my pocket trying to move ” just a little bit ” several panels of sheet rock which fell on me , heavier than you’d think even so they were leaning the other way to start with !!! What scares me , and yes -stop before you get tired – is that i make the gesture to move my feet – even when on a ladder – toward something i see , on the other side of a hole/opening like a stair case with no guardrail ” oh , i missed a spot on that wall there … ! ) I once fell – one leg – in a floor air conditioning opening when changing the filter and met a big long nail , ouch . I did finally fall down that stair case head first one night late , not wanting to wake up anyone with the light on . Lots of stitches – and i wasn’t knitting – I’m fine ,thank you ! DON’T WORK TIRED ANYONE ! On this piece , i do like the before …It’s lovely work and result as always though ! Prayers for soul connection for your Father and his Family .
Catherine WOW! That’s quite a diy’er ‘close-call’ list and thank goodness everything was okay each time! Yes, oddly enough, the contact lens may have helped. Obviously I took it out RIGHT AWAY because it was drenched – but maybe it did somewhat protect my pupil. Having said that, if I was wearing my glasses and/or safety glasses, it wouldn’t have been an issue… other than messy clean-up. Thanks for sharing and your good advice… also for the kind words. {hugs}
Denise,
This post made me laugh because I literally just cut 3 inches off my hair because I didn’t have the energy to get the B-I-N Shellac Primer out of it! Do you have a special trick to get it out?
I live my life covered in dirt, grit, and paint… and I’ve never been happier!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
Yup, that B-I-N is GOOD stuff – once its adhered, it’s not going anywhere…lol. Unfortunately, I don’t have any special tricks to get this primer out of hair… or eyes. But I have to say, I LOVE your attitude Bethany! <3
Hi Denise,
Beautiful buffet! I really admire your painting skills. If I were to use a homemade chalk paint, which shade of white would you recommend that is comparable to the pure white shade of Annie Sloan’s paint? Also, do you do any chalk painting on more modern style (clean lines) furniture that is not distressed? Thanks!
Hi Valerie! This Kroehler Dresser has been painted in Sherwin Williams SW7006 Extra White (no distressing) which is very similar to Annie Sloans’ Pure White. But if you prefer Benjamin Moore or any other paint brand, just be sure to ask for their ‘pure’ white because many have yellow, green or blue undertones.
Wow Denise love the way this turned out!! Lovely, and had given me ideas for some of my furniture redos. I have a question about the drawer liners? Do you adhere them inside or just leave them loose? Thanks
Hi Julie! So glad it’s sparked some ideas! My drawer liners are usually NOT adhered unless the client/buyer requests it. Reason being, I sell all my furniture. The buyer may LOVE the piece but not like the liner. This way it gives them the choice. 🙂 If it was for my own use, I would spray adhere them in.
Oh my!! So glad you’re okay and recovering!!! Seriously I have the same wardrobe issues!! I’m learning to just go with the “artsy, paint all over old sweatpants” style too! It feels liberating and crazy to go in to Home Depot that way! It feels right, man I’m working, I don’t have time to change my clothes! And thanks for sharing! Great reminder that we are one misstep away from a bad situation. Everyday when my hubby leaves during my busy season, he says be careful with the power tools and I laugh, but really it’s a pretty serious situation, being careful while we create. Thanks again, you’re awesome and I love following you!
Awww, your hubby sounds sweet Janel. That’s true love if he’s giving you a friendly reminder as he leaves. And as for the paint splotched wardrobe – it is kind of liberating isn’t it! 🙂
I’m so glad to hear your eye is OK! P.S. The dresser is gorgeous!
Thanks Patricia! <3
Always love your work! My worst paint issue was over turning a sm. container of paint! You know it multiplies when you try to clean it up? LOL!! Please be careful of your eyes-a more stable container next time? Glad you have something to do that gives you pleasure, since you’re dealing w/ your dad. I’m praying for both of you!
Thank you Carol! And YES, I never thought of it but paint does seem to multiply when you have to clean it up…lol. 😉
Hi Denise:
I can totallllly can relate to “the thrill” of Bin Shellac primer getting in your eyes. I also am a member of the same club. In my case I was painting the ceiling of cottage entirely built of really old cedar. Bottom line – cedar – has a lot of tannin which means it bleeds through especially on white or light colours and I was planning on a white top coat. It took 2 coats of primer before I could even think of starting the top coat. The ceiling was constructed of boards which meant I had to paint with a brush versus a roller. It was the middle of summer and I was painting at night because it was much cooler than in the middle of the day – especially standing on top of a ladder. I was almost finished the 2 second coat of primer when a bug flew towards my eyes. I was wearing glasses so I could see what I was doing. Without thinking I swatted at the fly with the same hand I was holding a full loaded paint brush containing Bin Shellac primer. I have unfortunately had latex primer in my eyes (which is no picnic) but shellac based primer is another story – it basically burns the eye surface and any delicate skin around the eye. I also washed my affected eye with clean water but my eye was bright red and very irritated for days.
I totally agree the use of safety glasses while painting (with any type of paint, primer, etc.) is highly recommended – although I am guilty of not wearing safety glasses when it is hot and humid especially given the fact that I must now wear glasses so I can see what I am painting and glasses along with safety glasses tend to fog up in hot, humid conditions. As a rule I always wear a face mask and safety glasses when sanding/prepping prior to painting and since the Bin Shellac primer crisis I have attempted to remember to wear safety glasses on a regular basis.
I also have a rapidly growing wardrobe of paint spattered clothes – all I can say on this topic is the only way I could avoid paint on my clothes would be to quite painting or to work without clothes – non of which are realistic options.
BTW – love the white chest. As always – your work is amazing.
That’s all for now, Nancy
Yes Nancy, you TOTALLY get it! OMGosh it stings and burns while it tries to adhere! I’m so glad everything turned out okay and your eye if perfectly fine. I think many of us are guilty of not wearing safety glasses but this is a great reminder. We’d all like to think “it’s not going to happen to me” but all it takes is a fly or flip of the hair moment! thanks for sharing and thanks for the kind words on the buffet! x
Thank you for your sweet honestness I love you for it!
And of course you piece is perfect!?
Thanks so much Patricia! <3
So glad you were able to minimize the damage to your eye. Hopefully it doesn’t affect your vision at all. Yeesh, close call. You’ve done another refreshing piece that’s a big step up from its original state. I’d love to know your secret to being so prolific! LOL You really pump them out!
Aww thanks Tracy! And my vision is perfect… well as perfect as it was to start with. I haven’t had 20/20 for the 20 years! 😉
Oh dear, Denise. Shellac in your eye could have turned out very badly. I am so glad it sorted itself out, but be more careful next time! Oh, and the chest is gorgeous, as always! xoxo
Hi Robin… thanks so much! xo And yes, I’m grateful is sorted itself out and I will take your advice and definitely be more careful! 🙂
My first response was “Where were your safety glasses?” Then I thought, “Who wears safety glasses!” I’m so happy that your poor eye is going to be okay! The buffet is GORGEOUS!!!! You’ve done a great job again! Good for you!
Thank you Tess!!! I have 2 pairs of safety glasses (that I do wear when using tools!) and I usually wear my ‘real’ glasses when I paint. My glasses help me to see what I’m painting…lol…and offers some protection. However, I had my contact lenses in. I hadn’t bothered to take them out and put on my glasses after I came home with my Dad. 🙁 Lesson learned!
Had a friend over helping my wife and I paint our first house. We had been painting for what felt like days. We took a short break and our friend tool a big drink….of paint! He quickly put it back in the glass (gross) and rinsed with a real drink. Latex paint so no poison control centre calls! We didn’t use plastic beer cups to hold paint after that! Nice blog!
Hi Earl!!! Ohhhhh nooooo…you men and your beer cups! Thankfully he noticed and spit it out! Makes for a great story though… and probably brings a smile every time you and your wife think of painting your first home! 🙂
When I was 16 I was stripping a chair and got the chemical stripper in my hair. The year was 1972 and no doubt the chemicals were very strong. I was outside by myself and screamed as it was painful but had enough presence of mind to run to the outside faucet and turned the hose on and blasted my eye (not a good idea). But the power and quick rinse worked out OK and devoted my self to eye safety from then forward. USE GOGGLES!!
Ohhh Barbara! Thankfully you didn’t panic (and rinsed it out quickly) because I’m sure that stung and burned like no tomorrow. You’re so right about the protective eyewear. I’ll be wearing my glasses from here on in…FOR SURE! Also, just for anyone else reading your story (or mine), it’s good to have access to a rinse station, sink or hose nearby when working with any type of paints or chemicals. I’m really not trying to sound preachy, I just want everyone to be safe!
Hey Denise
I love how the buffet turned soooo beautiful I’m sorry about your eye but happy all is well
I have done a lot of tole painting in my day so I felt compelled to tell you I too didn’t really have to many clothes that didn’t have paint in them so I decided to only paint in my jam jams then I wouldn’t have to worry the only problem was people started asking me to give painting lessons soooo back to my clothes I went I had a sweatshirt that was so covered but at least I saved some clothes he he
Janet
Hope this made you smile
What do you mean – you didn’t want give painting lessons in your jam jams? 😉 You r.e.a.l.l.y made me smile Janet!
I always love the pieces you do! But I see antiques and can’t get myself to pain them, even though I love the painted look! It is easy to get careless when you get comfortable doing something, which is why margaritas and paint don’t go so well together. We had just bought a house and I was painting my daughters’ room in the evening. And while I saved the drink, I spilled about half a gallon of paint on the carpet! Yikes! I covered the spill with wet towels, sent my husband to the store for a carpet cleaner. It took awhile, but the paint all came out!
Thanks so much Cara… and yes, comfortable + tired = careless for sure! Love your story. I think you and Earl (Earl who commented earlier) have similar painting styles. Margarita vs beer! 😉 So glad all the paint came out of your carpet. And for the record, I would have dived to save the margarita too!
Despite your accident (and I am glad your eye is getting better) this is one really beautiful chest. Thanks for reminding us about safety first.
Thanks so much Mary! xo
Hi Denise, I’m happy to hear you’re alright, your eyesight is nothing to mess with! So far no major accidents just minor stuff like splinters, oh and one time I almost glued my fingers to a piece of furniture but otherwise nothing that a bandage didn’t fix 🙂
I have to plea guilty to trying to do to much to fast! I have a bad habit of skipping putting on gloves or a mask when I know I should (hence my hands look like hell..lol).
OMG I feel like I’m in the confessional..lol
The paint confessional…lol… love it. Well, I’ll join you Annie. I’ve glued my skin, had annoying and even painful splinters, and my hands look like hell too. I don’t even bother with my nails anymore… no point. But having said all that – it’s sooooo worth it. 🙂
STUNNING! I like to use wallpaer in the drawers too.you can get fun styles @ GW,or isn’t stores like JC.Licht here in Midwest,as they clearance it out or have end runs…I like to leave a dryer sheet UNDER my wrapping osprey drawer liners too. Smells great but not touching anything in the drawer..under the paper.
Thanks Mary… and I LOVE the dryer sheet idea! Brilliant!
Beautiful job! Glad your eye is ok. Been there, done that one (similar anyway).
Could you share where you found the eucalyptus greenery in the tall white vase and the short black one? Love them and have been hunting online, but can’t find any with reviews as to how they really look. Yours are gorgeous, sure would like to know where to find them! Thanks.
Keep up the outstanding creative work – safely, ok?
Ok…for sure Linda, and thank you! 🙂 And the greenery in those two vases where bought from Ikea!
I’m so glad your eye is going to be all right! Lesson learned and hopefully remembered! I find myself getting into “the zone” when working on a project, and I can attest to not taking into account my level of fatigue or surroundings. I just get so EXCITED and driven to get the project completed. I adore the clean and fresh feel of that buffet — you really did it justice. Well done!
Excited..Driven…In the Zone… EXACTLY! You get it Kristi! 🙂 😉
Beautiful job. It looks so fresh. I love it! Well done (yet AGAIN) Denise!
Thanks Carole! This piece would look perfect in your ‘dream home’ that I’m going to come visit…and never leave! 😉 😉 😉
Wow Denise, this is a beautiful buffet. I’m so glad your eye is ok….that could have been a really bad accident!!!
Ya, me too! Thanks Monique! <3
Omg!! So glad everything turned out ok, that could have been awful. =( How scary!! I know – we all know we should wear long-sleeved clothes, gloves, goggles, a mask, and keep our hair back, but after you’ve painted for awhile, it’s easy to get careless. I remember spray painting my nose hairs white once. (Also, technically, we should all be eating clean diets and spend our money responsibly, but I think we all know how the average American fares at that)
You’re a good daughter for taking care of your father. I can’t imagine how difficult that’s going to be. Anyway, your buffet turned out fantastic! Absolutely beautiful. I like how you didn’t paint the inside of the drawers either. =) You’re turning out one beautiful piece after another!
Painted nose hairs eh? Been there done that…lol! 😉 Wise words though Zovesta. It’s so easy to get comfortable and careless when you’ve done something so many times – but when working with chemicals or tools, it’s so important to be extra careful for sure! Thanks for your kind words re Dad and the buffet. Hope you have a spectacular day! x