A Real Malachite Table Costs Thousands, But You Can DIY It for $50

You don’t have to be a believer in crystals to notice the energy radiating from a piece of malachite—the stone’s verdant green color is spellbinding. It’s no wonder people went wild for the stuff during the ’60s, using it to create everything from trinket boxes and lamps to bowls and busts. The challenge once you are thoroughly entranced, though, is getting your hands on the real deal in 2019. A piece as small as a side table can cost around $2,000. If you’re open to other possibilities, you can get the look for roughly $50.

In the third issue of her book, The Colourist, out this week, British artist Annie Sloan reveals how to create a clever faux-malachite effect using three shades of her famous Chalk Paint. In this excerpt, Sloan walks us through the steps. 

You Will Need

• 1L each of Chalk Paint in Florence, Old White, and Amsterdam Green
• 500ml Clear Chalk Paint Wax 
• 750ml Chalk Paint Lacquer in Gloss
• 2 small flat brushes 
• 1 Annie Sloan Stencil Brush
• 1 Small Round Detail Brush
• 1 Annie Sloan MixMat
• 1 pencil and ruler
• 1 set of Annie Sloan Sanding Pads
• Cardboard
• 1 Annie Sloan Large Sponge Roller 

How-To

Step 1: Using a small flat brush, thoroughly mix six parts of Chalk Paint in Old White to one part Chalk Paint in Florence. 

Step 2: Apply two coats of the mix. Once dry, sand with a Coarse Annie Sloan Sanding Pad and finish with a fine grade. 

Step 3: Divide into smaller sections with a pencil. Apply Chalk Paint Lacquer with a large sponge roller. Leave to dry. 

Step 4: Tear off a flap from a cardboard box. Tear to create a rectangular malachite pattern-making tool (see below).

Step 5: Mix Chalk Paint in Amsterdam Green with Gloss Chalk Paint Lacquer to create a pliable mixture. 

Step 6: Apply the Chalk Paint and Chalk Paint Lacquer mix to a small area so you get used to the technique. 

Step 7: Create the malachite effect by wiggling and dragging the dry cardboard in a semicircular motion. 

Step 8: Complete one small section at a time. When your cardboard becomes soggy, discard and use a fresh piece. 

Step 9: Work quickly before the Chalk Paint and Lacquer mix dries. Complete all sections separately. 

Step 10: While it’s wet, add depth and definition by drawing into the design using the end of a small round detail brush. 

Step 11: Again while it’s still wet, use a stencil brush to stipple out any dark areas and blur the joins. 

Step 12: Leave to dry. Sand with a medium sanding pad. Apply two coats of Chalk Paint Lacquer with a large sponge roller.

Annie’s top tip: For the best results, create this effect in small areas. Divide a larger area into smaller geometric areas using a pencil and ruler as a guide. You’ll find it much easier to control the cardboard and create a realistic malachite effect. 

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