Am Try project

I picked up my first can of Chalk Paint from THE PASSIONATE HOME

the first mini stockist of ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT in BC.

Here are the first willing test subjects,

and their new feet.

You want my review on this expensive little can of wonder paint right?

No sanding or priming required ...

This is the first time I have used chalk paint and I chose to spray it on the tables.

I found no difference from my regular latex primer or paint when

thinning with water or straining it for use in my spray gun.

It went on the furniture in a smooth even coat just like regular primer.

I did start to notice my hand cramping while spraying which isnt normal.

I believe this was due to the paint being thicker and having more solids thus distributing

slower thru the gun, finding the right consistency will come with practise. 

The paint drys very quickly to the touch and I had no threat of runs in the paint.

When dry it feels semi rough and a bit chalky just like a flat paint would.

Once they were done it was time for  .....

Once I was done with lunch I got a small bowl of water and a good clean sponge.

The thing that I quickly learned while using this paint

is that it is always soluble with water.

Thus making the process of distressing very FUN and satisfying.

Im able to create all sorts of antiqued finishes with regular products every time changing

the recipe and experimenting which is fun too but takes time and thought.

See how the edges are distressed,

this has all been done wiping and rubbing with the damp sponge.

NO DUST - WET DISTRESSING

With the contact of the water the paint started to smooth the semi rough surface I mentioned earlier.

.

Because this paint is always water soluble you should finish it with a protector.

This is why the paint is primarily always sold with a finish wax.

I used MINWAX Finishing Paste Wax on these tables but Annie Sloan sells a clear and a dark wax.

At the time this article was written I had not tried brush painting with it yet.

I do see this as being a great indoor winter paint for me 

simply because the dust level is so low when distressing.

Now to the cost, yes its expensive at first glance.

However time is money for most of us and I didnt have to take an hour sanding,

or have to waste product deglossing.

A single coat of chalk paint is all that is required when achieving an antiqued

or distressed finish, saving both product and time.

The product also dries very quickly saving more of that precious time of ours.

No cost to purchase sand paper for distressing, just a rag and some water.

Money will be saved in paint brushes as they are always washable weeks later.

UPDATE: 2 years later and I have not bought new brushes yet!!!

A similar look can be achieved with less expensive primer and distressed with sandpaper.

But I promise it will take longer and you wont have as much fun.

 

I find the most valuable aspect to this product being the adhesion factor.

Most ppl want instant gratification when they decide to paint something

and chalk paint now offers this with out the prep work.

There will still be slim occasions where adhesion will be an issue.

It seems that the paint will not stick to wood that has been penetrated by an oil.

Such as a tongue oil rubbed into furniture.

To summarize my thoughts:

If you are familiar with priming and painting techniques and already create decorative furniture,

I suggest trying this paint.

This is a decorative paint best used to create fun and fabulous vintage looks.

I finished the look with vintage provincial handles with a turquoise aged look.

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