Learn to create a chipped paint finish on a DIY chunky candlestick. This is the perfect paint finish for anyone who loves a vintage look.
Today I’m going to show you how to create a chipped paint finish on an adorable DIY chunky candlestick. The paint finish is something you can use on so many projects and gives the perfect amount of vintage farmhouse charm to your décor. The DIY candlestick is made using two chunky risers and just a few tools. Talk about the perfect pair! Let’s get started.
**This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission from the sale – at NO cost to you! I only recommend products that I love & want to be sure you can find them all super easy!**
Supplies you’ll need to create a chipped paint finish:
- 2 – 6 inch Round Risers
- Clamps
- Titebond Wood Glue
- Palm Sander
- Drill
- Manatee Gray Dixie Belle Chalk Paint
- Cotton Dixie Belle Chalk Paint
- Dixie Belle Clear Wax
- Paint Brushes
- Painter’s Tape
First, let me show you how to make the perfect chunky candlestick!
The chunky candlestick for this project starts as two chunky risers.
To make them into a candlestick, we are going to glue and then screw them together.
To do this, start by measuring in about 1.5 inches on opposite ends of one of the risers and marking your drill holes.
This is where you will be drilling your holes.
Be sure to use a countersink bit so that your screw heads are flush with the bottom of the riser.
Once the holes are drilled, use the palm sander to smooth and clean the area where you just drilled.
Next, add a wood glue like Titebond to the smaller end of each riser and press together making sure they line up nicely.
Add clamps to hold the risers in place.
Then, screw the two together using the holes you drilled earlier. Be sure to use screws that are long enough to go through the top piece and part way through the next.
See how the screws are countersunk so they will not scratch the surface you put them on.
This is what your finished riser will look like.
Now for one of my favorite paint techniques…the chipped paint finish!
First, I’m going to show you how using wax as a barrier creates the perfect finished product. To begin, I added a layer of the color Manatee Gray to the surface of two sample pieces of wood.
Once the base coat of paint is dry, add wax to the painted surfaces to create a barrier between the first layer of paint and the next.
Then, I added a layer of the color Cotton to both sample pieces of wood.
Now, it’s time to add the chipped paint finish. For one of the pieces, I used painter’s tape to remove the topcoat of paint.
You can see that this technique creates a very realistic chippy effect.
Here, you see me using a piece of sandpaper to remove the top layer of paint on the other sample piece. This technique creates a more subtle chipped look.
Here’s a side-by-side that shows you the difference in the two.
Time to paint the chunky candlestick!
To begin, add a layer of the Manatee Gray to the entire surface as explained above.
PRO TIP: I used Manatee Gray for the base color, but you can use a stain or any other color you like. Remember the base color is what will peek through the top coat of paint after adding the chipped effect.
Let the piece dry and add wax to the high points with a cotton swab or your finger.
Once you are pleased with the amount of wax you have added on the sides decide how distressed you want the top and add wax to it as well. Now, paint the entire surface with the color Cotton.
Once dry, use painter’s tape to remove excess paint from the areas you covered with the wax.
PRO TIP: Tape is key! Use a fresh piece every time for the best results.
Now your candlestick is ready to decorate with!
You can add a small wreath or candle ring as seen below.
Or, add the plain candlestick to your current vignettes.
Want more fun and easy DIY home decor ideas?? Find me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest! Also – be sure to share your finished projects with me by tagging @rusticorchardhome on Facebook and @rustic_orchard_home on Instagram!
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy:
