DIY Chalk Painted Canopy Bed

This piece is my first chalk paint project. I am proud to say it turned out surprisingly well. Chalk paint is great because there is no priming or sanding necessary. It is a user friendly product with great coverage. 

I purchased this ornate bed from No Mas however it was originally painted in red, green and gold which unfortunately did not match my style. So, I saw it as an opportunity to make this beautifully hand carved bed a custom piece of my own.

I starting by taking the entire bed apart in order to prevent getting paint on the wrought iron features. After painting each piece with Annie Sloan's Country Grey (it is very important to use the chalk paint brushes. They hold and apply the paint in completely different manor than a traditional brush). Once dry, I added Annie Sloan's clear and dark wax and wiped off the excess wax with cheese cloth.  

After letting the wax dry I went back and did some distressing with a low grade sanding block in order to give the piece a little charter and an old world feel.

I am very happy with the finished product. Although I am still waiting to finish adding fabric to the canopy. Please share any ideas you might have :) 

I hope you all enjoy this piece as much as I do!