Hello, beautiful friends and welcome to Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday! Today, I’m sharing a vintage stool makeover with Terra Clay Paint. My friends are also sharing makeovers today, so be on the lookout for their projects at the bottom!
This stool tried to give me some trouble, but I got through it!
Here is the little trouble makeover before:
I paid $10 for it at the thrift store and nabbed it as soon as I saw it. I knew it would paint up so cute!
What paint to use?
I usually reach for Dixie Belle’s Chalk Mineral paint for most of my projects. I need something that requires little prep and dries fast! Because I am continually pumping out new makeovers, I tend to reach for what I know already as there is little time to learn how new paints will work.
Time to play with Terra Clay Paint
Terra Clay Paint is Dixie Belle’s newest line of paint, released last Summer. I did play with it some in the fall and redid this little box in three of the colors:
You can see more of that makeover and the colors I used HERE.
As you can see, it blends beautifully! What I really loved about it though was how easily it distressed. It almost gave the same look you can get with milk paint but without the unreliable results.
So, I was really looking forward to trying it on something with one color and a lot of distressing.
This stool was the perfect piece!
Clean
But first, I had to give it a thorough cleaning with White Lightning:
One small jar will clean tons of projects! I just mix one TBSP with a half gallon of warm water…
I changed out my water for clean water and wiped it down once more to remove any residue.
Terra Clay Paint
Then I was ready for paint! I was determined to try the Terra Clay on something a bit larger than that box. Like chalk paint, there is no need to sand first…a good cleaning is all that is needed.
I chose Blue Agave Terra Clay Paint:
And gave it one coat:
I ended up giving just the top a second coat:
As you can see, it dries significantly lighter. However, it will darken once you apply your sealer.
Then, I sanded all over with a sanding sponge, especially on the legs to get some beautiful distressing…
I love how this paint distresses!
Here is where I ran into trouble
It is suggested to wait about 24 hours before sealing your Terra Clay painted project. I waited a few days as I was working on other projects.
When I went to apply my sealer, Satin Clear Coat, using the blue sponge (since that is my favorite way to apply sealer), much of the paint was coming back off!
Oh no!! I reached out to my retailer friends in our FB group to get some advice, and they suggested using a brush instead. Although the sponge works fabulously on Chalk paint, it was grabbing the clay paint and pulling it back off.
How I fixed the issue
I decided also that you probably need two coats of clay paint, and I had only given the legs one coat.
To fix the problem, I gave the legs a second coat. Once it was dry, I sanded again and I still got the lovely distressing I was after.
A shop vac and brush attachment is great for vacuuming up all the sanding dust.
I waited a day and then sealed with the Clear Coat once again, using my mini angle brush this time:
And it did wonderfully!
I was so excited and it dried so pretty!
Dixie Belle sells two sealers made specifically for the Terra Clay Paint line: Terra Seal, which has a matte finish and is comparable to the Clear Coat, and Terra Tuff, which has a bit of a sheen and is a bit tougher. I used the Clear Coat in Satin since I already had that open, and it did great.
I was now back on track and ready for the next step in this makeover!
Adding a transfer over Terra Clay Paint
Transfers WILL NOT stick to Terra Clay Paint if it isn’t sealed yet, so it’s important to seal it first. (Not with wax as the transfers won’t adhere well to that either.)
I chose the Delicate Roses transfer to go with this gorgeous blue green color:
It has several pieces that you can cut apart and use any way you like:
After cutting mine apart, I started with one of the larger pieces…
And continued adding pieces until I was happy with the way it looked…
Once I was done, I sealed the transfer to protect it with another coat of Clear Coat.
Seeing my feet in all the photos, you can tell I took my time working on this one over several days, but I am so glad I took the time to play around with this paint some more. I absolutely love the final results!
The After
Here is how this pretty little stool turned out:
There are no drawers on this one to add a surprise, but how about on a leg?
I decided to bring some of the transfer onto one of the legs as well.
And can you see how rich this paint is??
Once sealed, it will darken again but not quite as dark as it was when wet.
Blue Agave is such a pretty blue green color!
And a peek from above:
My favorite is how easily it distresses…
If you’re looking to paint a piece and love the distressed look, I would give this paint a try!
I’ll have to try it on a larger piece next time.
Here is the simple run down for using this paint…
Tips for using Terra Clay Paint
- Clean well with White Lightning first and rinse
- Apply two coats of Terra Clay paint
- Allow 24 hours for the paint to fully dry before sealing
- Once dry, sand to smooth and distress if you like
- Seal with your favorite sealer using a synthetic brush
Don’t forget to check out what my friends are sharing today also!
(Jen’s is an older project but one that I love…hoping to have her back with us as soon as her new house is settled!)
That’s one more project completed from my first haul of 2023!
See them all so far at these links:
Mini Basket Box Makeover
Mirrored Wall Shelf Makeover
Rolling Buffet Makeover
Painted Antique Side Table
Pretty in Blue Box Makeover
A Great way to Repurpose a Chair
Painting the Smalls #20 (Six mini makeovers!)
White Painted Desk with Transfer
I’ll be back on Thursday with this free gem:
See ya then!
UPDATE: No need to wait! See what I did with this chair HERE now!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh it turned out so beautiful! That stool didn’t stand a chance giving the Queen of DIY a run for her money! LOL! You showed it who is the BOSS!! I love the color with the beautiful color of the flowers from the transfer!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! Ha ha no it didn’t…I will not be deterred lol! Have a fantastic rest of the week! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Oh my gosh, Christy! It’s absolutely GORGEOUS!! I do believe that even though it’s such a “simple” piece, it’s one of my favorite pieces!! I LOVE the color and the pink roses compliment beautifully with it. And…it didn’t go unnoticed that sweet little addition to the leg!! A lovely touch to a basic bench. Great job!!!! BTW… I really like this color even before it lightens up….
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! I am so happy you like it!! It is a fabulous color for sure! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Not only do I adore you sharing the whole truth and what you learned, but also how lovely that trouble maker is now – haha. Beautifully done, Christy. 🩷
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I was determined to figure it out lol. Even the simplest of makeovers can still give us trouble ha ha! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Wow this turned out beautiful. Love the color and the distressing. Then the transfer on the leg is so cute; nobody but you would think to put it on the leg. You have such a great vision.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! You know I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Sandra says
You must be an excellent painter. I need large cardboard under anything I paint and paint clothes..you don’t spill a drop..I’m amazed.
Christy says
I do usually have paint clothes on for sure ha ha! But I guess I have learned to be careful! 😀 XOXO
Cecilia says
Cute! Love the color. I keep wanting to paint my kitchen chairs but can’t decide on the color, etc. I do like how this one distressed!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! This paint distresses SO nicely! XOXO
Char says
Love the color of the stool and the transfer adds so much. Of course I enjoy your creativity immensely ❤️
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Char! That makes me so happy! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh isn’t she a cutie now????? And I love that color! Sorry it gave you trouble – but you won that war in the end quite well. Looks gorgeous, Christy.
Christy says
Thanks, Michele! I was not giving up ha ha! XOXO
Niki says
What a great little bench/stool!! I’m digging the spring theme. We got 9.7 inches of snow over the weekend, and more forecasted for tomorrow so it’s fun to get a little ray of sunshine in your redesign!!
Christy says
Aww I’m glad I could bring a little happy to your morning! Thank you, Niki! We are lucky if we get snow at all and haven’t seen any this year yet. Stay warm! XOXO
sharon austin says
I have this same stool at home from way back when I was a kid (actually older than me), but it’s white. I’ve thought about repainting it but it’s already all chipped up and naturally distressed so I haven’t touched it. I see this makeover and now I’m rethinking. I’m dying to find a reason to use a transfer!
Christy says
Oh awesome! I bet the addition of a transfer would be so cute!! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That turned out so pretty, Christy! Love the colors…pink and teal, yes! And loved all your different shoes/slippers too!! haha! 😉 xoxo
Christy says
Thanks, girl!! Ha ha yep this one took me a bit to get it right lol! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Super sweet makeover Christy! The color with the florals is beautiful!! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Val says
Your table is so lovely, like all of your pieces!
It must have been very difficult putting the transfer on the spindle leg. It is such a beautiful touch!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Val! I had to add that part in pieces ha ha! XOXO
Hannah Reyor says
I love this new paint! Nice little chair too. Have a question. Artsy Girl used a white finish – do you have something that does the same type of bleached look finish?
Hannah
Christy says
Thanks, Hannah! I have the Voodoo Gel Stain in White that gives a similar look. You can see where I used it here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/stenciled-demilune-table/ and here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-stain-furniture-white/ XOXO
Hannah Reyor says
I love that look!
Christy says
The VooDoo gel stain is really awesome, and it’s water based for easy clean up! 🙂
sharon says
This is so sweet, Christy. I love how you wrapped the leg with the transfers. It’s so creative and outside the box 🙂
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sharon! XOXO
Ce Ce says
Hope you are well. I love what you did with stool. I have the same stool that goes with a vanity and twin beds. I had as child growing up. How those pieces are in my granddaughter’s room
at my house for her to use when visiting. So I may try to up date those pieces for a new look. Thanks for sharing your makeovers. Ce Ce
Christy says
Hi Ce Ce! Thank you! I love hearing how pieces I find were originally used…thanks for sharing! You could really have fun with all those pieces! XOXO
Margie Bramer says
I love the shape of that stool. I would have snatched that up too! But I am trying to get rid of furniture!
Another project we’ll done!
Christy says
Thanks, Margie! It was too cute to pass up! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Oh, that is sooo pretty! I LOVE that color. It is really great.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Caye! Thank you! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
It’s so pretty now, Christy! It would be great in an entry or mudroom if you don’t have a vanity to pull up to. I haven’t had luck with milk paint and love the look you you got with distressing. Good to know about using a brush to seal! I always admire the way you use decals, the flowers suit this little stool perfectly.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! Yes, it would be great in a mudroom to sit on to put on your shoes. I too have not had good luck with milk paint at all, but I do love the results I see people get with it, so this is a great alternative! I have so much fun with those transfers lol! XOXO
Trudy says
Love! Love! Love! This makeover. That paint Olof is fabulous. You mentioned the clay paint needs to be distressed with a brush, not sandpaper. What kind of brush?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Trudy! You can use sandpaper on it. I was using the blue sponge applicator that I like to use for sealers to seal it and it was pulling the paint off, so a brush for applying the sealer is recommended. XOXO
Lisa says
I bought this stool (I use it as a little side table for my tea while I read) from Bonney Road and I’m absolutely in love with it – it’s so charming, I’m going to keep it forever. I also have a gorgeous round end table you painted too. I’m on the hunt for another piece, I keep checking in to see what new things you have. I need a bar cart / wine rack. 😉
Christy says
Oh yay!! I rarely get to see who buys my pieces, so I’m so happy to know they found a good home! I tried hard to find a place for that little stool here at my own home…didn’t want to give it up lol! I do have a rolling buffet cart in there now, but it may be larger than you need or not the right color. It’s deep teal color. I appreciate your business, Lisa! XOXO