I don’t do a lot of really distressed/chippy/weathered makeovers, but this bench spoke to me and told me that’s what it needed. Yes it did. 😉 I didn’t see it just as a farmhouse-style bench like it currently is, but I imagined it as aged and weathered from sitting on a grand wraparound porch somewhere in a distant time.
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The look was fairly easy to achieve. I lightly painted the bench in Old Ochre Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, not really caring if I covered everything. In fact, I tried not to cover every inch. Then when the paint wore off my paint brush, I kept going – dry brushing and adding some softness.
I didn’t get any photos of the process since it was so simple. But here’s the final result:
After the paint dried, I sanded it and then finally I applied a light coat of Annie Sloan’s clear wax with a lint-free cloth for protection.
I love the weathered look on this bench makeover and I really think it accentuates the beautiful details in the legs and spindles.
I styled it with an antique linen and some beautiful flowers I recently received.
Are you a fan of the weathered chippy look? Wishing you a fantastic day, friend! – Jen
Breanna says
Looks great Jen! I love this style on certain pieces and it definitely works for this one 🙂
Rose L. says
My parents have a bench exactly like that one! Do you have to sand before painting it?
Robyn says
Have recently started using chalk paint and I love it!! The bench looks great!!!! I love the weathered look.
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Such a gorgeous makeover! Love the bench!
Gaby says
I have to try chalk paint, the results on your bench are perfect.
Jen says
Thank you so much Leslie! 🙂
Jen says
Thank you Robyn! Chalk Paint takes a little getting used to, but I love it!
Jen says
Rose, normally with Chalk Paint you don’t have to sand before painting. However since the seat of the bench was flaking a bit, I did sand it down to smooth it out.
Jen says
Thank you Breanna! Hope you had a great weekend 🙂
Sarah @ Backwoods Babies says
I’m really loving this. Such a crazy awesome paint job.
Jen says
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Jen! The bench is beautiful!! I love the weathered look.
xoxo
Denyse
Michelle says
I am new to your site but that bench drew me in! What a great job!!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Michelle! Glad to have you visiting! 🙂
WEST FURNITURE REVIVAL says
love the bench, the color is beautiful, i would love to feature it, if that would be ok please let me know,
lauren
Jen says
Thank you Lauren! Yes you may feature it.
Blair says
Hey, Jen! Just stopping by to say hi! Loved chatting with you today. And I’m DYING over this bench. I want!!! 🙂
Jen says
Thanks so much, Blair. I loved that project because it was actually a really easy update! It sold quickly in my booth and I’m always on the lookout for more benches like this. If you ever have a question about anything DIY-related, let me know. 🙂
Carole says
I’d like very much to do a long garden bench in our rock Zen garden, also two
small bridges over the dry river bed.
I can picture an old weathered barn wood finish; and I’d like to do them without a commercial stain mixture. Have you ever made your own stains out of natural items?
Jen says
Carole, that sounds lovely! However I’ve never made my own stain though. I’ve heard of people staining with tea but I’m not sure how it would hold up outdoors. Best of luck to you with your projects.
Trina R. Holden says
Love this! you make it sound so easy, I think I’m gonna branch out and try this style on my next makeover.
Jen says
Thank you Trina! This really is the easiest way to paint – any imperfections are easily blended right in for a natural weathered look.
Gretchen says
This is a beautiful makeover. I love the potential you can find in a piece of furniture. Love the weathered look.
Jen says
Thank you so much, Gretchen. 🙂 I love the weathered look on certain furniture and this piece seemed perfect for it.
Alta says
Beautiful! Do you only wax outdoor furniture ?
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Alta, thank you! Actually, you aren’t supposed to wax outdoor furniture. This is an older project and I now know a lot more than I used to. Also, it might be confusing because I took the photos outside (sorry about that!). Wax shouldn’t be exposed to weather or heat. There are other more suitable topcoats meant for outdoor furniture, but I haven’t tried any of those myself.