Upcycling Furniture With Chalky Paints

Upcycling furniture – turn drab into fab!

Revitalise your home décor with the transformative power of chalk paint for upcycling furniture, with Rust-Oleum Make It Yours. This innovative shabby-chic-style paint, known for its matte finish and versatility, is perfect for breathing new life into pre-loved pieces.

Are you tired of the wear and tear on your furniture? Looking to recycle old pieces without breaking the bank? Chalk paint offers a simple and effective solution. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, chalk paint is your ticket to creating stunning, bespoke furniture. Wondering “How do you upcycle furniture”? read on!

What is Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is a water-based paint that contains a fine powder, such as calcium carbonate, which gives it its distinctive matte, chalky texture. Unlike traditional paints, it doesn’t have a glossy finish and instead leaves a velvety, smooth surface. Chalk paint is designed for furniture and other home décor items, which is perfect for creating a vintage or shabby chic look. Unlike traditional paints, chalk paint requires minimal surface preparation, making it an excellent choice for those who want quick and impressive results.

Benefits of Using Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture

Chalk paint offers numerous advantages that make it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts, professional decorators, and furniture restorers. Here is an in-depth look at the benefits of using chalk paint:

1. Minimal Surface Preparation

Ease of Use

No Priming or Sanding: One of the most significant benefits of chalk paint is that it typically requires little to no surface preparation. Unlike traditional paints, there is usually no need to prime or sand the surface before application, saving time and effort.
Versatile Application: Chalk paint can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic, making it highly versatile.

2. Quick and Simple Application

User-Friendly

Thick Consistency: The paint’s thick consistency provides excellent coverage, often needing fewer coats than other types of paint. This can be particularly beneficial for large projects.
Fast Drying: Chalk paint dries quickly, usually within an hour, allowing for multiple coats or additional finishing steps to be completed in a single day.

3. Unique Finish

Aesthetic Appeal

Matte, Chalky Finish: Chalk paint dries to a distinctive matte, chalky finish that is highly sought after for creating vintage, shabby chic, or rustic looks.
Customisable Texture: The texture can be easily customised. For a smooth finish, you can dilute the paint with water or use a fine brush. For a more textured look, you can leave the paint thicker or use a rougher brush.

4. Easy to Distress

Creative Flexibility

Distressing Techniques: Chalk paint is particularly easy to distress, allowing for creative techniques to achieve an aged, worn look. Sanding edges and high points can quickly create a vintage appearance.
Wet Distressing: Another technique involves using a damp cloth to wipe away some of the paint before it fully cures, revealing layers underneath or the original surface.

5. Low Odour and Non-Toxic

Health and Safety

Water-Based Formula: Most chalk paints are water-based, making them easier to clean up and reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
Low VOCs: Chalk paint typically contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safer for indoor use and better for the environment.

6. Versatility in Finishes

Multiple Options

Wax Finish: A soft wax can be applied to seal the paint, providing a smooth, velvety finish that enhances the paint’s colour and texture. Wax finishes are relatively easy to apply and can be buffed to achieve varying levels of sheen.
Clear Topcoat: For greater durability, especially in high-traffic areas or on items exposed to moisture, a clear polyurethane or polyacrylic topcoat can be used. This provides a more robust protective layer.

7. Enhances Furniture Restoration

Transforming Outdated Pieces:

Aesthetic Revival: Chalk paint can breathe new life into outdated furniture, giving it a fresh, contemporary look that aligns with modern interior design trends.
Versatility in Style: Whether aiming for a vintage, rustic, shabby chic, or modern finish, chalk paint can adapt to various styles, making it a versatile choice for diverse design preferences.

Covering Imperfections:

Uniform Finish: Chalk paint’s ability to provide a uniform, opaque finish helps create a cohesive look, even on surfaces with previous wear and tear.

8. Suitable for Various Projects

Diverse Applications

Furniture: Ideal for painting dressers, tables, chairs, cabinets, and other furniture pieces.
Home Décor: Perfect for smaller items like picture frames, lamp bases, and decorative accessories.
Craft Projects: Suitable for a wide range of DIY projects, including signs, ornaments, and holiday decorations.

9. Maintenance and Durability

Long-Lasting Results

Easy Maintenance: Once sealed, chalk-painted surfaces are relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Durability: While the paint itself is durable, sealing with wax or a clear topcoat can significantly extend the life of the finish, especially on high-use items.

Transforming Pre-Loved Furniture

Upcycling furniture with chalk paint is a wonderful way to recycle and reduce waste. Instead of discarding old furniture, give it a second life with a fresh coat of paint. This not only helps the environment but also allows you to keep cherished pieces in your home.

Aesthetic Revival

Creating a Fresh Look

Modernisation: Upcycling furniture with chalk paint can update the appearance of old pieces, aligning it with contemporary design trends. This is particularly useful for integrating vintage pieces into modern homes.
Custom Colours: By mixing different shades, you can create custom colours that perfectly match your interior décor, making each piece unique and personalised.

Enhancing Details

Highlighting Features: Chalk paint can be used to highlight intricate details, carvings, and mouldings on furniture. By applying a lighter or contrasting colour to these areas, you can make these features stand out.
Decorative Techniques: Techniques such as stencilling, dry brushing, and colour washing can add layers of visual interest, transforming plain furniture into statement pieces.

Practical Transformation

Hiding Imperfections

Covering Flaws: The thick, opaque nature of chalk paint is excellent for hiding minor surface imperfections such as scratches and stains, making old furniture look new again.
Uniform Finish: Chalk paint provides a uniform, matte finish that helps to disguise any uneven textures or blemishes on the furniture’s surface.

Structural Enhancements

Reinforcing Weak Areas: Before painting, any loose joints or weak areas can be reinforced with wood glue or screws, ensuring the piece is sturdy and durable. Chalk paint can then be used to blend these repairs seamlessly into the overall finish.

Creative Techniques

Distressing and Aging

Antique Look: Distressing techniques, such as sanding edges and corners, can give furniture an authentic, aged look. This process mimics natural wear and tear, adding character and charm to the piece.
Layering Colours: By applying multiple layers of chalk paint in different colours and sanding through the top layers, you can create a depth and richness that resembles natural patina.

Decorative Finishes

Waxing: Applying clear or coloured wax after painting can enhance the finish, providing a protective layer and adding a subtle sheen. Coloured wax can also be used to create an aged, antiqued effect.
Topcoating: For high-use items, a clear topcoat can provide additional durability and protection, ensuring the paint finish lasts longer and remains resistant to wear.

Functional Upgrades

Repurposing and Reimagining

New Uses: Chalk paint can help transform pre-loved furniture for new uses. For example, an old dresser can be converted into a stylish bathroom vanity, or a worn-out desk can become a chic entryway table.
Adding Features: Incorporating new hardware, such as handles, knobs, or hinges, can further update the functionality and appearance of the piece. These additions can complement the chalk paint finish and enhance the overall design.

Multi-Surface Application

Versatility: Chalk paint adheres to a variety of surfaces, allowing you to paint not just wood but also metal and plastic, components of furniture. This versatility enables comprehensive transformations without the need for multiple types of paint.

Sustainability and Preservation

Environmental Impact

Reducing Waste: Upcycling furniture with chalk paint is an environmentally friendly practice that helps reduce waste by keeping old furniture out of landfills.
Eco-Friendly Products: Many chalk paints are low in VOCs and non-toxic, making them a safer choice for both users and the environment.

Preserving History

Maintaining Heritage: For antique or heirloom pieces, chalk paint allows you to preserve the historical and sentimental value while refreshing the aesthetic. This approach maintains the integrity and story of the furniture.
Family Heirlooms: Restoring family heirlooms with chalk paint can keep cherished pieces in use, allowing them to be enjoyed by future generations with a renewed look.

Economic Benefits

Cost-Effective Restoration

Affordable Makeovers: Compared to buying new furniture, using chalk paint to restore old pieces is a cost-effective way to update your home décor. Chalk paint is relatively inexpensive, and a little goes a long way.
Value Addition: A well-restored piece of pre-loved furniture can often be worth more than its original value. By investing in chalk paint and a bit of time, you can increase the piece’s worth, whether for personal enjoyment or resale.

Popular Techniques and Finishes

Distressing: One of the key attractions of chalk paint is its ease of distressing. After the paint has dried, you can lightly sand the edges and other areas to give the piece an aged, worn look. This technique is popular in creating vintage or shabby chic styles.
Layering and Blending: Chalk paint can be layered to create depth and texture. Different colours can be applied in layers and then sanded or wiped back to reveal the underlying colours. Blending two or more colours while the paint is still wet can also create interesting effects.
Stencilling and Texturing: Because of its thick consistency, chalk paint is ideal for stencilling and creating raised textures. You can use various tools and techniques, such as sponges, brushes, or even fabrics, to add texture to the painted surface.

Upcycling Furniture – Achieving the Shabby Chic Look with Chalk Paint

The shabby chic look is a popular interior design style that combines vintage elements with a soft, romantic aesthetic. Achieving this look with chalk paint is both straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use chalk paint to create the shabby chic style:

Understanding the Shabby Chic Style

Key Characteristics

Vintage and Antique Elements: The shabby chic style is characterised by its use of vintage and antique furniture and décor.
Soft, Pastel Colours: This style often features soft, muted colours like white, cream, pastel pinks, blues, and greens.
Distressed Finishes: Furniture typically has a distressed, worn appearance, giving it an aged and well-loved look.
Feminine and Romantic Touches: The shabby chic look incorporates floral patterns, lace, and delicate details to create a romantic ambiance.

Choosing the Right Furniture

Ideal Pieces

Wooden Furniture: Items like dressers, tables, chairs, and cabinets are perfect candidates for the shabby chic transformation.
Ornate Details: Look for pieces with intricate carvings, mouldings, and decorative details that can be highlighted with chalk paint.
Functional and Decorative Items: In addition to furniture, consider smaller decorative items like picture frames, mirrors, and lamps.

Selecting Chalk Paint Colours

Colour Palette

Whites and Creams: Classic choices for the shabby chic style, providing a clean, fresh base.
Pastels: Soft pastel colours like blush pink, duck egg blue, mint green, and lavender add a gentle touch of colour.
Contrasting Tones: Use darker tones sparingly for accents or to create depth when layering colours.

Chalk and Shabby Chic paints are available in a comprehensive range of colours that are perfect for creating vintage and rustic looks. Some of the popular options include:

Anthracite

A deep, dark grey that adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to any piece.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor furniture, it provides a strong, contemporary backdrop that pairs well with lighter shades and metallic accents.

Chalk White

A soft, neutral white that brings a fresh, clean look to surfaces.
Perfect for achieving a classic shabby chic style, it works well on larger pieces like wardrobes and dressers, enhancing the brightness and openness of a room.

Steamed Milk

A warm, creamy off-white that adds a cosy, inviting feel to furniture.
This colour is excellent for creating a homely atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms, making it a great choice for items like coffee tables and bedside tables.

Preparing the Furniture

Surface Preparation

Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the furniture to remove any dirt, grease, or old polish. A mild detergent and water are usually sufficient.
Minor Repairs: Fill in any deep scratches or holes with wood filler and sand them smooth. Ensure the piece is structurally sound.

Painting Techniques

Applying the Base Coat

First Coat: Apply the first coat of chalk paint using a quality brush. Synthetic brushes are ideal for a smoother finish, while natural bristle brushes can create more texture.
Coverage: Depending on the colour and condition of the furniture, you may need one or two coats to achieve full coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Creating Depth with Layers

Second Colour: For added depth and interest, apply a second colour over the base coat. This can be done in selected areas or over the entire piece.
Blending: Blend the colours while the second coat is still wet to create a subtle gradient or colour wash effect.

Distressing Techniques for Upcycling Furniture

Sanding

Edges and Corners: Once the paint is fully dry, use fine to medium-grit sandpaper to gently sand the edges, corners, and any high points. This will reveal the underlying layer or original wood, giving the piece an authentically worn look.
Random Distressing: Lightly sand random areas to mimic natural wear and tear. Focus on areas that would typically experience more use.

Wet Distressing

Damp Cloth: Before the paint fully cures, use a damp cloth to rub away some of the paint in selected areas. This technique is gentler than sanding and allows for more control over the distressed look.
Layer Reveal: Wet distressing can be particularly effective when you’ve used multiple layers of paint, revealing the colours beneath.

Finishing Touches

Sealing the Paint

Soft Wax: Apply a clear or coloured wax to seal the paint and protect the finish. Use a wax brush or cloth to apply, then buff to the desired sheen. Clear wax enhances the paint’s colour, while dark wax can add an aged patina.
Lacquer: A robust finish that beautifies and extends the life of furniture and other surfaces. Apply evenly with a brush, or use a short nap mohair roller for larger surfaces.
Topcoat: For pieces that will see heavy use, consider using a clear polyurethane or polyacrylic topcoat for extra durability.

Decorative Elements

Stencilling and Decoupage: Add stencilled patterns or decoupage floral prints onto the furniture for additional decorative flair.

New Hardware: Replace old knobs and handles with new or vintage-inspired hardware. This can add a unique touch and enhance the shabby chic aesthetic:

Knobs

Ceramic Knobs: Available in various patterns and colours, ceramic knobs can add a touch of whimsy and elegance.
Glass Knobs: Perfect for a vintage look, glass knobs offer a classic and refined appearance.
Antique Brass Knobs: These provide a rustic charm and complement distressed finishes well.

Handles

Cup Pulls: Ideal for drawers, cup pulls in antique finishes like brass or bronze add a traditional look.
Iron Handles: For a more industrial feel, iron handles work well with darker colours like Anthracite.
Porcelain Handles: These are excellent for a softer, more delicate appearance, fitting well with colours like Chalk White and Steamed Milk.

Styling the Space

Complementary Décor

Textiles: Use soft textiles like lace, linen, and cotton in cushions, throws, and curtains to enhance the romantic, feminine feel.
Floral Arrangements: Incorporate fresh or faux floral arrangements to bring colour and life into the space.

Layering with Other Vintage Items

Mix and Match: Combine your shabby chic furniture with other vintage or antique items to create a cohesive look. This can include old books, vintage lamps, and framed botanical prints.
Balanced Contrast: Balance the shabby chic elements with more modern or industrial pieces for a curated, eclectic style.

Tips for Success

Experimentation

Trial and Error: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, distressing techniques, and finishes. The shabby chic style thrives on individuality and character.
Small Projects: Start with smaller items to practise techniques before tackling larger furniture pieces.

Consistency

Theme: Maintain a consistent colour palette and style throughout your space to create a harmonious shabby chic look.
Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the little details, like the choice of hardware and decorative elements, to ensure a polished final result.

Eco-Friendly Upcycling

Upcycling furniture with chalk paint is not only a creative and rewarding process but also an environmentally responsible choice.

Environmental Benefits

Reducing Waste

Landfill Reduction: By transforming and upcycling furniture and décor items, you help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This helps to lessen the environmental impact of discarded household items.
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling encourages the reuse of materials, promoting a circular economy where products are kept in use for as long as possible.

Conservation of Resources

Less Resource Intensive: Upcycling existing furniture reduces the demand for new raw materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. This conservation of resources helps protect forests, reduce mining, and lower the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new items.
Energy Savings: Manufacturing new furniture requires significant energy. By upcycling, you bypass the energy-intensive production process, resulting in lower overall energy consumption.

Economic Benefits

Cost-Effective Projects

Affordable Makeovers: Upcycling with chalk paint is a cost-effective way to refresh your home décor. Purchasing second-hand furniture and revamping it with chalk paint is often much cheaper than buying new items.
Value Addition: By upcycling, you can significantly increase the value of old, worn-out furniture. A well-executed upcycled piece can be worth more than its original purchase price, offering potential financial returns if sold.

Creative Expression

Personalisation

Unique Pieces: Upcycling allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style and creativity. Each upcycled item can be customised to suit your specific taste and design preferences.
Artistic Outlet: The process of upcycling provides an artistic outlet, enabling you to experiment with different colours, textures, and techniques. This can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby.

Upcycling Furniture with Chalk Paint

Selecting Pieces to Upcycle

Quality Over Quantity: Choose sturdy, well-built furniture that has the potential for a new life. Solid wood pieces are ideal as they are durable and can be easily repaired and painted.
Charity Shops and Car Boot Sales: Look for unique items at charity shops, car boot sales, garage sales, and online marketplaces. These places often have affordable, high-quality pieces that are perfect for upcycling.

Community and Cultural Impact

Promoting Upcycling Culture

Educational Workshops: Participate in or organise workshops to teach others about the benefits and techniques of upcycling. Sharing knowledge helps spread eco-friendly practices and fosters a community of like-minded individuals.
Supporting Local Businesses: Purchase supplies and tools from local businesses and artisans. This supports the local economy and encourages sustainable practices within the community.

Practical Examples of Upcycling Projects

Furniture

Dressers and Chests: Transform old dressers with chalk paint and new hardware. Create a custom look with stencilled patterns or hand-painted designs.
Tables and Chairs: Refresh dining tables, side tables, and chairs with a new coat of paint and distressed finishes. Mix and match colours for a cohesive yet eclectic look.

Home Décor

Picture Frames: Upcycle old picture frames with chalk paint and decorative accents. Use them to display photos, artwork, or create unique wall collages.
Mirrors: Revamp mirror frames with chalk paint, adding a touch of elegance to any room. Distressed finishes can enhance the vintage appeal.

Storage Solutions

Crates and Boxes: Paint old wooden crates and boxes for stylish storage solutions. Use them for organising books, toys, or as decorative elements.
Shelving Units: Update old shelves with a fresh coat of chalk paint. Add stencilled labels or designs to personalise the look.

Upcycling for Profit

Upcycling furniture can also be a profitable venture. By transforming pre-loved items into desirable shabby chic pieces, you can upsell them at craft fairs, online marketplaces, or even through a dedicated furniture store. This not only provides a creative outlet but also a potential source of income.

Conclusion

Chalk paint offers a versatile and eco-friendly solution for upcycling furniture, making it an ideal choice for transforming old, tired pieces into stunning focal points of your home. Its easy application and minimal preparation requirements mean that even beginners can achieve professional-looking results. Whether you’re aiming for a shabby chic aesthetic or simply want to refresh pre-loved pieces, chalk paint allows for a range of creative techniques, from distressing and layering to stencilling and decoupage, providing endless possibilities for customisation.

By choosing to upcycle with chalk paint, you not only enhance the beauty and functionality of your furniture but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Upcycling reduces waste, conserves resources, and minimises the need for new raw materials, making it a responsible and rewarding practice. Furthermore, the low VOC and non-toxic formulations of most chalk paints ensure a safer, healthier environment for you and your family.

Embrace the art of upcycling and discover the joy of breathing new life into old furniture. With chalk paint, you can transform everyday items into unique, personalised upcycled furniture pieces that reflect your style and creativity. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination. Whether you’re updating a family heirloom, revamping a charity shop find, or creating custom décor for your home, chalk paint is the perfect tool to help you achieve stunning, eco-friendly results with minimal effort.

Upcycling Furniture FAQs

What is the best surface for chalk paint?

Chalk paint is renowned for its versatility and ease of use, adhering well to a variety of surfaces with minimal preparation. Here’s a detailed look at the best surfaces for chalk paint and why they work well:

1. Wood

Characteristics

Porous Nature: Wood’s porous surface allows chalk paint to adhere exceptionally well without the need for extensive priming or sanding.
Versatility: It can be used on both bare and previously painted or varnished wood.

Ideal Projects

Furniture: Dressers, tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelves.
Home Décor: Wooden frames, signs, and decorative accessories.

2. Metal

Characteristics

Smooth Surface: Chalk paint can be used on suitably primed or previously coated metal surfaces, but not bare metal.
Durability: Once sealed with a topcoat or wax, chalk paint on metal is durable and resistant to chipping.

Ideal Projects

Furniture: Metal chairs, bed frames, and tables.
Decorative Items: Metal frames, planters, and containers.

4. Plastic

Characteristics

Smooth Surface: Plastic surfaces should be lightly sanded to help the paint adhere better.
Flexibility: Chalk paint can adhere to various types of plastic, making it suitable for diverse projects.

Ideal Projects

Decorative Items: Plastic frames, planters, and containers.
Furniture: Plastic chairs and tables.

5. Brick, Stone and Concrete

Characteristics

Porous Surface: Brick, stone and concrete’s porous natures allows chalk paint to adhere well, especially when applied to clean, dry surfaces.
Durability: Once sealed, chalk paint on concrete, brick or stone is durable, making it suitable for most indoor uses.

Ideal Projects

Home Décor: Interior planters, decorative statues, and feature walls.
Furniture: Concrete tabletops and benches.

Do I need to sand before using chalk paint?

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying chalk-finish paint. Generally, chalk paint adheres well to most surfaces without the need for sanding. However, for very smooth or glossy surfaces, a light sanding can help the paint adhere better.

Is chalk paint eco-friendly?

Chalk paint has little odour due to its low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-toxic, water-based formulations. These properties make it safer for indoor use, reduce air pollution, and minimise health risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, chalk paint typically requires minimal preparation, such as no need for primers or extensive sanding, which means fewer products and chemicals are needed, further reducing environmental impact. The ease of clean-up with water also eliminates the need for harsh solvents.

Can I use chalk paint on outdoor furniture?

No, we wouldn’t recommend chalk paint is used externally and instead a suitable exterior paint for the project in question is chosen to complete the works. Rust-Oleum have a Garden Paint with colours that match its interior chalky-finish shabby-chic range.

How do I clean chalk painted furniture?

Cleaning chalk painted furniture is straightforward but requires some care to preserve the finish. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly clean and maintain chalk painted furniture:

Regular Cleaning

Dusting:

Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster to gently remove dust from the surface. Regular dusting prevents the buildup of dirt and debris that can scratch the finish over time.

Wiping Down:

For routine cleaning, use a slightly damp, soft cloth. Wipe the surface gently to remove any dirt or smudges. Avoid soaking the cloth as too much water can damage the finish.

Mild Soapy Solution:

If a damp cloth isn’t sufficient, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip the cloth in the soapy solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe down the furniture. Follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then dry with a soft, dry towel.

Handling Stains and Spills

Immediate Attention:

Address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting into the paint. Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing it, which can spread the stain and damage the paint.

Tough Stains:

For tougher stains, you can use a soft sponge or cloth with a bit of the mild soapy solution. Gently rub the stained area, then rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry immediately.

Deep Cleaning and Maintenance

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scrubbing pads as they can damage the chalk paint finish and remove the protective wax or topcoat.

Reapplying Wax:

If your chalk painted furniture is sealed with wax, it may need occasional re-waxing to maintain its protection and appearance. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying a new layer of wax.
Apply a thin layer of clear wax with a soft cloth or brush, working it into the surface in small sections. Buff the wax to the desired sheen with a clean, soft cloth.

Polyurethane Topcoat:

If a polyurethane topcoat has been used, check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific cleaning recommendations. Generally, a mild soapy solution and a soft cloth should suffice.

Protecting Your Furniture

Use Coasters and Mats:

Protect the surface from water rings, heat marks, and scratches by using coasters, placemats, and tablecloths.

Avoid Direct Sunlight:

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the paint to fade. Position furniture away from windows or use curtains and blinds to protect it from UV rays.

Temperature and Humidity:

Keep the furniture in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels to prevent warping, cracking, or peeling of the paint.