Painted Farmhouse Bench

I would be lying if I told you "I don't love this bench":

Norfolk Bench

 My name would be Liar because I would be telling you lies.

Norfolk Bench

Because I do so love this creamy white loveliness of a bench.

Norfolk Bench

I mean, come on, just LOOK at this beauty.  It's over 5 feet long!  It has grace!  It has charm!  It's grand and glamorous and requires not one but TWO fancy schmancy chandeliers.  TWO CHANDELIERS!  It also requires 500 bucks + shipping.  OUCH!  Alas, my bench love is not meant to be.

Norfolk Bench

Or IS IT?

While on the rebound from the heartbreak of the glorious white bench, I stumbled across this farmhouse bench.  I see it and I'm thinking hmmmm....perhaps this can replace the big bench shaped hole in my heart?  The smaller size (4 feet long), smaller price and beautiful curvy legs make it a fantastic companion piece to our farmhouse dining table. 

This unfinished bench is currently available on the Target website (really, Target!) with free shipping and can be returned to your local Target store if you change your mind.  It's a sturdy well-made little bench constructed of rubberwood.  No MDF, no wood veneers, no nonsense.  If you can get the bench on sale, it's an even better deal.

It is delivered flat-packed and ready for assembly which makes it a DIY dream for refinishing.  Using supplies we already had on hand, I gave the bench apron and legs two light coats of primer (Rust-oleum primer spray paint $3) followed by a dose of Heirloom White (Rust-oleum satin finish spray paint $4).

The bench top received three coats of primer (Kilz 2) applied with a brush.

For the bench seat I used a leftover sample jar of Behr Ultra Premium Plus flat wall paint.  "Sculptor Clay" was a shade that didn't quite make the cut for the dining room wall color.

A single light coat of color was painted on with a brush over the primer.  While the paint was still wet, I rubbed the edges lightly to give the bench a worn and well-loved look.

When the top coat of paint was dry (flat paint dries very very quickly) I added a little extra bit of personality with fine grit sandpaper.

I used a quick drying coat of clear gloss spray paint (Rust-Oleum $4) for the bench to achieve a smooth shiny finish over the flat paint and distressing.  The gloss top coat will help protect the painted finish and make the bench easier to wipe down after messy meals with the kids. 

Take THAT Pottery Barn!

This project has been linked up to: 

Everything But The Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack
Furniture Feature Friday  @ Miss Mustard Seed
Favorite Things Friday  @ A Few of My Favorite Things
Frugal Friday  @ The Shabby Nest
Flaunt It Friday  @ Chic On A Shoestring Decorating
Frugalicious Friday  @ Finding Fabulous
Passion For Paint Party  @ Mural Maker & More
DIY Project Parade  @ The DIY Showoff
Good Life Wednesdays  @ A Beach Cottage
Piece of Work Wednesday  @ Primitive & Proper
Transformation Thursdays  @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Knock It Off Contest @ Seven Thirty Three