Super Easy Bar Cart DIY with Chalk Paint™

To say that I l.o.v.e bar carts is a complete understatement! And there is no shortage of gorgeous carts out there (like the Stokperd Trolley Dolly), but they can cost you an arm & a leg. So when I saw an old wooden tea trolley at my parents’ house, I knew straight away that it was going to make a fantastic bar cart. I lost my speed halfway through the project, but luckily my friend Charissa got me & the bar cart over the finish line.

Here’s how we tacked this easy & affordable creative project:

Super Easy Bar Cart DIY with Chalk Paint™

What you need

An old wooden tea trolley

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ (I used 2x 100ml containers of Graphite)

Annie Sloan Clear soft wax

Annie Sloan Gilding wax (in Bright Gold)

Dishwashing liquid

Two clean, cloths (microfiber, cheesecloth, or t-shirt)

Wheels of your choice (I bought mine from Gelmar)

How you do it

1.Make sure the item you want to paint is clean & dry. The magic of Annie Sloan paint is that you do not have to sand or prepare the wood. It is important that you remove all dust & dirt before painting though. Wash the item with soapy water (with dishwashing liquid) until it is squeaky clean. Wait until the surface is dry before painting.

2.Paint your entire trolley in the colour of your choice. I specifically chose Graphite – a dark gray that appears almost black. I love how it modernizes any item.

The secret with Annie Sloan paint is to paint really quickly. Do not fiddle too much in one area, as the paint becomes “woolly”. Quick brush strokes are what you’re after. You can also mix your paint with a little water (1:10) to make it easier to use. 3.Leave the paint to dry for a few hours. Screw on or drill the wheels.

4.Paint a second layer onto your trolley. Some areas of the cart might have gotten slightly damaged during the wheel-dressing process, so check carefully for touch-ups.

5.Now, use a wax brush or lint-free patch to apply the Soft Clear Wax. Do this in small sections at a time, to prevent the wax from getting hard. If this happens, you will have a hard time to buff the wax & make it look polished.

6.Use your finger to apply only a tiny bit of gilding wax in selected areas.

7.Leave the cart to dry for a few hours (at least 3 hours) rest.

8.Lastly, you have to use a clean, lint-free cloth to go over the surface quite lightly in order to remove any excess wax. If you like, leave it overnight & then buff the wax with a clean, lint-free cloth for a smooth & velvety finish.

Style your bar & pour a drink!

How about you? Do you also love Annie Sloan? Have you done any Chalk Paint™ projects lately?

Yolandi ♥

Images: Elizabeth Sejake & myself.

Painted by Charissa de Jager & myself.