Give second-hand finds a stylish upgrade. With shabby nothing quite matches yet everything seems to blend delightfully.

Gather your supplies
Electric sander and medium-grade sandpaper; medium and fine sandpaper; paintbrush; sealer/undercoat, Porters Cranberry Ultra Flat Acrylic (pink) and Porters Chalk Ultra Flat Acrylic (cream); Porters Liming Wax; soft cloth.

Here's how
Step 1. Use an electric sander with medium-grade sandpaper to remove varnish or old paint. There's no need to sand the wood bare, simply remove the top layer so the new paint will adhere.

Step 2. Brush on 1 coat of undercoat and let dry. Brush on 2-3 coats of pink paint, allowing drying time between coats. Sand paint back lightly using medium-grade sandpaper to reveal some of the undercoat. Brush on 2 coats of cream acrylic, let dry. Using medium-grade sand-paper, lightly sand back to reveal some of the pink and even some of the timber of the chair.

Tip: Pay particular attention to the edges and the curves and any other areas that would be subject to normal wear and tear. The effect should be random rather than ordered or deliberate.

To disguise any brush marks and give the surface a smooth chalky finish lightly sand it all over using fine grade sand paper. Clean away any dust and apply a coat of liming wax to protect the surface. Liming wax gives a softer, cloudier finish than ordinary beeswax so it's perfect for a worn, faded look.

Tip: Here's the cheat's way: a quick coat of white acrylic paint watered down by 20 per cent is enough to knock back any deep-coloured paint job on an old piece of furniture. To give it the complete shabby chic look, wipe down the paint with a soft rag while it is still wet.

More shabby chic hints

• White toned walls set the scene.
• Use the reverse side of inexpensive bright floral print fabrics for that softer, faded effect.
• Go for lots of big squashy cushions piled high on sofas and chairs.
• Dig out Gran's doilies - all that old linen, embroidery and lace gets new life in this setting.
• Make picture frames using wide skirting boards, softly painted.
• Make use of all those fabric samples, mementos and quirky pieces you can't bear to throw out.
• Get the complete look with patchwork quilts, ginghams, lamps, mirrors and candle sconces.
• You'll never run out of shabby chic vases - any available container such as a vintage sugar bowl, tea cup or glass bottle works.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens October 2002