This Chalk Paint™ transformation is a glamorous, head-turning, art-deco influenced upcycle. Capture the current trend for all things precious gemstone (think marble counter tops, jade lampstands and, rose quartz crystals) and fake some high-end glamour with Painter in Residence JustRestore’s How-to Paint an Agate effect guide.

First, JustRestore painted a one-coat base of Chalk Paint™ in Amsterdam Green. Once this was dry she blended a large semi-circular shaped area of Firle and Amsterdam Green over the top of this base. She then painted two thick bands of Scandinavian Pink and Pure inside this green mix (as pictured). 

Once this was dry, Just Restore began building her painted agate pattern. She used a small flat brush to paint alternating bands of Scandinavian Pink, Pure, a soft pink mix of the two, and a watery, diluted mix of Pure. She applied the paint in a very squiggly, loose, way to reflect the haphazard lines of nature. However, she always made sure the bands didn’t blend together. She worked the whole way around the piece and then filled in the central part of the piece using Chalk Paint™ in Pure. 

Next, once this was completely dry (allow longer than usual for diluted Chalk Paint™ to fully dry), JustRestore added a few bands of Amsterdam Green and added some stronger lines of Scandinavian Pink to reflect the veins of colour that make agate and geodes so beautiful. After those had dried and she was totally happy with the painting, it was time to ramp up the glamour using Gold Leaf! 

Annie’s Gold Leaf is applied by first applying down Gold Size – a type of liquid glue – which has to be left for around ten minutes to become tacky. Once it’s achieved this optimal, sticky consistency, sheets of Imitation Gold Transfer (or Imitation Silver, or Copper!) can be laid over the top. You can use a tiny little brush to add exquisite miniature metallic details or opt for a roller and gilding a large surface such as a door or wall! This level of control was exactly what JustRestore needed, and she was able to add thick and thin bands of gold to her design by carefully painting glue on. Allow the Gold Size to magically turn from purple-blue to completely clear, then lay strips or whole sheets of Metallic Gilding Leaf over the top.  Once dried (allow 2-3 hours), JustRestore gently brushed away the excess Gold Leaf (which can be kept and reused for future projects or reapplied on the same project to any missed areas!). 

Finally, two coats of Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax protect and finish this beautiful piece of furniture art! Please let us know on social media by tagging the @chalkpaint Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts if you try this one – you may find your work shared on our pages or even here on the Annie Sloan website!