My Santorini Chairs!

For our honeymoon we dreamed of going to Greece. Santorini, Greece actually. Santorini is known for its romantic sunsets, white buildings and gorgeous beaches.

Via Pinterest

Alas, we got married just after graduating from college so couldn’t afford this romantic getaway. Instead, we enjoyed a lovely time in Malta. But I’ve longed for Greece. The closest I’ve gotten are my ‘new’ chairs which are painted in Annie Sloan’s Greek Blue:

ASCP Greek Blue Chair

I got four of these chairs when we lived in Newton. A neighbor was throwing them out and they had been spray painted a dark ugly green, paint even on the rush seats. About 4 years ago, I painted them in a light green (nearly white), but was never quite happy with the result. When I saw ASCP color Greek Blue, I knew I had to have it for the chairs! It a luscious color and I was really so happy to paint the chairs this vibrant blue after painting so much with white and gray lately. The color also goes perfectly with my oil cloth tablecloth:

So here is a side by side of the chairs:

After & Before

I first used a paint remover on the seats called Motsenbockers lift off latex based paint remover that I got from Home Depot. Nancy, at the Sea Rose Cottage, recommended it and it worked like magic. I am so happy with the result. Then I did one thin coat of the Greek Blue and once it dried I sanded the chairs to distress them. Now the dark green, white and wood show through in some spots. To finish off I white washed the seats with ASCP in Old White (mixed with lots of water). I love the new beachy look!