DIY A Personalized Entryway Bench

An Entryway Update

One of the quickest and easiest ways to transform furniture is with spray paint. Spray paint gives an even, smooth coat, without having to take time to meticulously hand reach the nooks and crannies with a paint brush. 

We love how Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Finishing Wax gives a time-worn look and allows the beautiful wood grain to shine. With a little elbow grease and Krylon®, this brand new unfinished bench was instantly transformed into a family heirloom. 

For this project, we used Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Finishing Wax in Dark Brown and Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Clear Sealer.

Before: Unfinished and Mismatched

The unfinished bench needed help fitting into a traditional-style entry. Before you begin this project, prepare your work area in a well-ventilated area. You will need the following:

A drop cloth, Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Finishing Wax in Dark Brown, Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Clear Sealer, mask, disposable gloves, lint-free cloth, spare pieces of cardboard, a stencil (optional), and a pencil.

• For best results, test the spray paint on an inconspicuous area, such as the underside of the bench.

Using Stencils

To center the stencil, first measure the bench or piece of furniture to find the middle. Mark the middle with a pencil. 

We used painters' tape to hold our stencil in place while we spray painted the Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Finishing Wax. While we spray painted the center of the bench, we covered the ends of the bench with pieces of cardboard to keep them overlapping the areas of spray paint, creating an oversaturated look.

Next, move the stencil to one end of the bench, secure with painters' tape and cover the center of the bench. Spray paint an even coat. Repeat on the other end of the bench.

Create a Time-Worn Finish

Within 15 minutes, begin lightly buffing with a lint-free rag to create a vintage finish. We lightly buffed this bench and ended up with this rich hue. 

If you lift too much of the wax coating off the bench and want a deeper hue, spray an extra coat and buff again. 

To make the stencil and monogram as saturated as ours, wait 30 minutes before spraying an extra coat of finishing wax and very lightly buffing over this area to fill in the empty spaces.

• Check out another easy DIY furniture makeover project that have something for everyone: 1 Unfinished Barstool 3 Ways . 

After: Antique Charm

We chose not to buff the legs of the bench, for a dark stain look. When the paint is dry to the touch (after 30 minutes) spray a coat of Krylon® Chalky Finish Paint Clear Sealer to set the paint and increase durability. Wait 1 minute between coats of clear sealer. 

Place the bench in your entryway after it has dried (30 minutes). Add baskets, a decorative throw pillow, and anything else to make your entryway welcoming.