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Step 1
Prepare your workspace. Lay the furniture in the middle of a drop cloth. If the furniture has drawers, remove the drawer pulls and place the drawers on the drop cloth. Make sure there's room to move around the furniture as you paint.
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Step 2
One of the most important steps to refinish furniture is to lightly sand the piece before painting so the paint will adhere better. Don't worry about sanding out imperfections in the furniture - they will actually contribute to the shabby chic look.
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Step 3
Apply the first coat of paint and allow it dry completely for a few hours before applying a second coat. If the piece of furniture is large, consider using spray paint for the first coat, it will go on faster. If you are working in hot, humid conditions you might need to allow for more drying time.
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Step 4
After the second coat of paint is completely dry, use the sandpaper and lightly sand the edges of the furniture. The stain underneath the paint will come through and give it a distressed, shabby chic look.
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Step 5
Paint the drawer/cabinet pulls (if your furniture has them) or buy something vintage looking or unique from a hardware to store.
