A vintage sideboard gets a glam makeover.
Is your old furniture begging for a glow-up? Joe Strydom, owner of Trouvé Vintage Merchants and an Annie Sloan flagship store, shows us just how easy (and ridiculously satisfying) it is to take a dated ball-and-claw sideboard and turn it into a show-stopping statement piece. With bold colour, gold accents, and a bit of wax magic, you’ll be amazed at the transformation. Here’s how he did it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – and how you can too.
You’ll need:
A pre-loved sideboard; Clean and Co. All Purpose Cleaner; Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Emperor’s Silk; good-quality paintbrush, stencil brush and wax brush; Annie Sloan Clear Wax and Dark Wax; stencil of your choice; gold paint (for stencil + trim); clean cloth, a foam roller or sponge
Step 1: Clean sweep
Start by removing all hardware and giving the piece a proper clean. Mix the All Purpose Cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Using a clean cloth, wipe down the entire sideboard, especially those carved areas that tend to collect dirt and grime.
Step 2: Bring on the bold
Time for the fun part. Stir the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint well. Chalk paint is thick, so you want to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed.
Using a paintbrush, apply a thin, even first coat of the chalk paint – don’t worry about perfect brush strokes. A cross-hatch or random stroke pattern can create a lovely texture. Don’t stress about full coverage here, chalk paint loves a second coat. Let it dry for about 30–60 minutes.
Step 3: Layer it on
Apply a second coat for full, vibrant coverage. Get into all the nooks and crannies, especially the curves of those iconic legs and raised panels.
Step 4: Wax on (clear first!)
Using the wax brush, apply Annie Sloan Clear Wax in thin layers. It’s best to work in small sections. Buff off excess with a clean, lint-free cloth. This sets the stage for the dark wax and gives you more control over how aged or dramatic you want your piece to look. Let the clear wax set for about 20-30 minutes. It doesn’t need to be fully cured yet, just tacky.
Step 5: A touch of vintage charm
Dip the tip of the small wax brush into the Annie Sloan Dark Wax. A little goes a long way.
Using a dabbing or stippling motion, work the dark wax into the detailed areas of the ball and claw legs, the carved trim, and any other decorative elements. This will settle into the crevices, highlighting the details and creating a beautiful, aged effect.
Immediately after applying the dark wax, use a clean cloth to wipe back the excess from the flat surfaces. This will leave the dark wax only in the recessed areas, creating contrast.
If it gets too intense, clear wax works like an eraser to tone things down. Continue this process over the entire sideboard
Step 6: Gold, darling, gold
Tape your stencil in place on the sideboard doors. Dip a dry brush or foam roller in gold paint. Using a light, stippling motion (up and down), gently apply the gold through the stencil. Avoid brushing, as this can cause the gold to bleed under the stencil. Peel away to reveal the luxe design. Use a small brush to finish off gold accents on the trim.
Step 7: The grand finale
Once everything is dry and cured, reattach your hardware (or go wild with new knobs). Annie Sloan wax takes a few weeks to fully cure and harden, so treat it gently at first. Afterwards, maintenance is easy, just wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
A few ideas to inspire your next makeover… all using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
Classic meets cozy:
A coat of French Linen is always a good idea. It’s neutral, soft and oh-so-French. Seal with clear wax and warm it up with a touch of dark wax in the corners for a gentle aged look.
Add a little texture drama:
Start with Salt Crust (yup, it’s a thing – a powder additive for paint that creates a time-worn textured effect) to give your surface a rough, rustic base. Then go bold with Antibes Green for a finish that’s full of depth and vintage flair. * Salt Crust available from Trouvé.
Feeling bold? Be bold:
We’re obsessed with Frida Blue. It’s fun, fearless, and full of personality. Seal with lacquer for extra shine and durability. Perfect for standout pieces that refuse to blend in.
Understated elegance:
Want something a little more subtle? Country Grey is your go-to. Finish it off with wax for a sophisticated, chalky charm that works in any room.
Details: Pop in at 118 Long Road, Greymont, visit trouveza.co.za or follow
@TrouveZA on Facebook and Insta.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Images: JOE STRYDOM.
