Vintage Painting turned Chalkboard with Milk Paint

Vintage Art Deco China Cabinet Restore

This Art Deco waterfall china cabinet, circa 1940, had seen better days. Tucked away in a shop and used as a storage shelf, it was in rough shape. A family member, inspired by a photo featuring rich navy tones and warm wood, wanted to see it brought back to life. With that vision in mind, I gave the piece the repairs and makeover it deserved — blending classic navy with warm wood to honor both its history and a fresh new style.

I purchased this huge print painting for the size and the ornate solid wood frame with the intent to repurpose it into a chalkboard. I had not decided on the color to paint the frame yet but knew it would be a neutral to go in more homes when complete.

First step was to tape off the frame with painters tape and apply 3 coats of Rustoleum's black chalkboard paint.

Seeing I was painting a dining table in a dark grey I decided this frame would be done in the same color. It is Homestead House Milk Paint in Confederate grey. Two coats using my new angled sash Zibra brush, which cut easily into the original gold inner trim perfectly, gave the frame new life.