When I shared my newly painted Ballard shelves and the yardsale bookcase’s 2nd renovation, I mentioned that I was using a new paint on them.  It was a fun project to complete, so I’ll share that process with you.
IÂ worked with Maison Blanche paint line and they sent me all sorts of goodies to try out, including their paint and varnish, along with dust, glaze and more. Â A cute girl named Annie Omar started Maison Blanche paint and it really is a nice product. Â I met Annie in person a couple years ago and she is a sweetheart. Â The Vintage paint line colors are inspired by her Louisiana roots and you will see some gorgeous colors in the line.Â
Using chalky paint over the black paint was a bit of a challenge as it took at least 3 coats to cover the black. Â But, this paint dries to a soft velvety finish and leaves a nice look. Â I chose to use a Satin varnish over it instead of waxing. Â I’m just not a huge fan of waxing. Â Adding varnish is faster too.Â
You will remember the Before state of the bookcase. Â This was a great yardsale find a few years ago for $50 and it has served me well. Â I painted it black back then and was tickled over it and used it like this for a long time. Â I added that beadboard backing myself and painted it a light blue).
Something had spilled on one of the shelves, an oil I had stored there, so I got out my sander and sanded down the wood to get off the sticky mess. Â The great thing about chalk paint is you don’t have to sand or prime, I just needed to get off the mess first. Â Now, it’s ready to paint.
I used a foam roller and a small paintbrush to paint the piece. Â It did take a little time and I waited for drying between coats, but this paint dries really fast. It’s easy to work with like most chalky paints are and I like the color, Oyster. Â It’s a creamy white.
After 3 coats of paint and a protective coat of varnish, my bookcase is completed. Â I painted the back of the beadboard in a color that was color matched at Lowes, in Valspar paint. It’s a copy of Annie Sloan paint, Florence, a vibrant turquoise.
I love how it brightened up my office so much. Â What was a black hole of a bookcase now is vibrant and colorful.
I used the same color on my Ballard Design shelves too, to brighten them up on the green walls.
I also used St. Anne’s green on my refurbished desk in the living room. Â I love how it turned out with the Satin varnish on top. Â This paint is easy to work with for beginners, you really can’t mess it up. Â And look at all the beautiful colors you can choose from!
Do you have an old piece of furniture that needs new life?
Note: This is a sponsored post by Maison Blanche paint. Â All ideas and opinions are my own just using the paint around my house for projects. Â
Here are a few more Maison Blanche paint projects from blogger friends who are sharing today, so check them out for more paint inspiration!
Can I find this paint local, I live outside of Charlotte? I will check the link. The new book cases are really pretty and the pop of color is a nice touch. I have a roadside buffet find, I think this paint will work great on.
Dana, check out the link and see if you can see your location. I know some places around me have it, I’ve seen it at Woodstock Antiques market.
Saw your exact bookcase at a client’s home. She had painted it black, added a glass door to the front and hung it on the wall about 3′ from the ground.
Too cool.
Garden & Be Well, XOT
I used this brand in Magnolia. I got it at an antique mall. However, I used the wax. I did a secretary that was brown, and it took at least 3 coats. I buffed the wax forever, and I still think it could be softer. I think I am more of a varnish person too.
I have a banquette in my kitchen dining nook that was painted a very shiny black by the previous owners. I am thinking perhaps this paint will cover without stripping. I have hated the black from day one and want to repaint it a creamy white, but decision paralysis and the hatred of stripping paint has prevented me from doing it as a DIY project. I have no idea what paint was used on this banquette, but I’m guessing it is an oil-based paint. Do you think this paint would work? Also, which varnish would you recommend to top something that will be sat on by multiple grandchildren? I don’t use cushions because the top lifts and I do use it for extra storage and access it often.
Hi, Dee, that might be a little tough. I do think this paint will go over oil-based paint, but it might be best to check with the painters from the site and ask them that question. I would hate to steer you wrong. I think if it was sanded down so that the shiny was knocked down a bit, that it would probably work. But again, I don’t want to speak out of turn. I think there is probably an email you can connect with at Maison Blanche and ask them the questions. If you have a paint distributor near you, they would be able to answer too. I know these paints are sold all over. I loved the satin varnish I used with my pieces and will definitely use it again.
Beautiful makeover, Rhoda! Love the pop of color on the beadboard!
Boy does this liven up the place. Love it. What type of satin varnish do you use?
It’s the Maison Blanche varnish, in the picture. I really liked it a lot and will use on more of my chalk paint finishes.
What a pretty piece! Love how you made the back stand out with the teal paint. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I haven’t heard of this line of paint! Of course, I’ve been living under a rock lately. . . . they have a beautiful palette. Thanks for the introduction.
Love that you painted the backs of the bookcases–that’s the color of your front door, isn’t it? You tie everything together beautifully.
Hey, Richella, yes that is the same turquoise as my front door. Good memory!
I love the Maison Blanche “whites”. Oyster and Ivory are both so, so pretty. The bookcase has a new life in the new shade and looks so good in your room. Loving the Saint Anne as well, and was so excited to see you use that, it’s not for everyone and you pulled it off with flying colors. It’s like the star of the room.
Your skill at painting just stuns me. I’m always dripping on the floor or myself. Every project has to be done in the basement in my paint spattered clothes. Color me impressed.
Love your independent nature. You did a great job!
Wow! Great look Rhoda…
Love the new look for your bookcases! I am a fan of Maison Blanche paint too, a good friend of mine sells it at her store. My favorite colors are Oyster and Riveria. See you in July Rhoda! 🙂
Thank you, Kimm! Looking forward to seeing you again at Haven.
I always enjoy coming to your wonderful blog, Rhoda! I don’t get to spend as much time here as I used to, but when I’m looking for something specific to help me with a project, I can always count on you to have it one your blog somewhere. I was just telling my hubby that I want to paint the back of our white built in bookshelves in a beautiful color to make the photos and books pop. I know we have Annie Sloan paint here because my daughter has used it extensively in her house. But I will have to check out the beautiful Maison Blanche paint and see if we have it here in Dallas. Now the hard part, determining what color to paint the back of the bookshelves! Thanks for always being here and sharing your extensive DIY knowledge and products with us! I really appreciate you and all of your hard work!
HI, Victoria, so glad to have you stop by whenever you can. Glad you found some inspiration today!