Mullens Home: ... And the candlestick maker...

Today I am sharing a super easy and quick DIY project to get that french country, shabby cottage, chic, distressed, etc (so many descriptions for this type of design style nowadays) look for less on block candle holders. I started this project on an impulse at 7pm and was done by 8pm.

After easy distress block candle holder DIY

Before candle block holder DIY

Supplies needed:

Desired paint: I chose a Dutch Boy semi-gloss white that I already owned from Sutherlands
Paint brush: I used a Richard round brush from Sutherlands
Candle holders: Mine were inexpensive from Ikea
150 grit sandpaper
Polycrylic aerosol

Directions:
Step 1: Lightly sand candle holders so paint will adhere.

Step 2: Fully paint a first coat of desired color on candle holders.

One coat of paint on tallest candle holder

Since these were metal candle holders the paint brush left unique paint brush stroke marks that I loved for this project. It helped add to the character and chic design look. Below you can see the very normal paint and paint brush I used to complete this project.

One Full coat on all 3 candle holders

Step 3: Wait for paint to dry to the touch.
Step 4: Fully paint a second coat of desired color on candle holders.

Two full coats on all 3 candle holders

Step 5: Wait for paint to dry to the touch.

Step 6: Sand along edges to create the distressed look (1st time).

150 grit sandpaper used to distress candle holders

This sanding can be done as light or as heavy as desired. I went for a pretty heavy sanding on more than just the edges of the candle holders.

First pass of sanding to create the distressed look

Step 7: Add another light layer of paint over the distressing (3rd coat thus far).

Coat of paint after 1st pass of distressing

This extra coat will create a nice layering and "weathered" effect to the candle holders.

Step 8: Sand along edges to create the distressed look (2nd time).

Second pass of sanding to create the distressed look

Step 9: Add 2 polycrylic layers on the candle holders in a well ventilated area.

Aerosol polycrylic

Note: Polycrylic was chosen for the protective qualities while leaving a crystal clear coat that does not hinder the overall final look. This protective layer prevents any future nicks or scratches on your gorgeous DIY project.