The question to sand and distress Chalk Paint® before versus after applying clear wax is a very common question. I asked it too, when I first started using Annie Sloan products. So, I hope this small post about this cute dresser helps you.
I love the combination of Versailles, Antoinette and Old White Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan.
I decided to use them all on a vintage dresser we are painting. Although I did mix a little Old White & Pure White into the Antoinette to soften the pink even more.
Once the was all dry, I grabbed a “Medium to fine” sanding block because I wanted to soften the look of paint and give the piece a weathered/worn look.
The question many ask- is should I distress a piece before or after applying clear wax?
Personally, I like to sand Chalk Paint® before waxing. The reason I prefer that, is to me- it is less effort. I typically will sand using 200 or 220 grit sandpaper or sand sponge. I never use a power sander. I like to “feel” the piece and it does not take much effort (muscle power) at all to do this step. I like how the Chalk Paint® is polished and the end result, is a silky smooth surface.
Another reason I prefer to sand before applying clear wax, is that often- for pieces I am keeping in my one home, I usually only apply one coat of wax (two on the top though.) So, because I only apply one coat of wax over the sides of the dresser and drawers- I do not want to sand that one coat off- which will mean I need to apply another coat of wax.
For pieces that we sell at my shop though, I always do a minimum of 2 coats of wax since I do not know how the piece will be treated once it is sold. (I sometimes say there are people who use furniture, and then there are people who abuse furniture.)
Now- if you sand before applying a coat of wax- keep in mind- it will create more dust.
See how much is on my shop floor?
So, because of this I strongly recommend that you use a drop cloth at home because if you try to mop up that PAINT DUST, guess what you will create? …Yep, you guessed it, a beautiful wash all over your floor. So, don’t do that!
Again, since I sometimes like to apply one coat of wax- so I do not like to distress once it is on.
Now with that all shared, I will still sometimes take some triple zero steel wool and rub that over a finished piece that has been waxed. This changes the sheen of the waxed surface to more of a high sheen and it will feel smooth as glass.
I also like to use a sand block or sand paper to remove paint that accidentally gets onto a spot that it should not be. For example, on the top of a drawer or side of a drawer.
The Purple Painted Lady sells Chalk Paint® on-line and we always ship same day! In fact- there are many reasons we think buying through us is the best. Read THIS little post about what sets The Purple Painted Lady apart from the rest.
Lastly, we share a lot more information to help you get the most functionality out of your Chalk Paint® on our Facebook page. Consider checking it out by clicking HERE. While there- kindly consider LIKING us.
It is an easy way to add beauty to your painted pieces.
Again, super easy to use and a little goes a long way when using it through a stencil.
Pearl Plaster comes in both 8 ounce sample size containers and quarts.
You can trowel it through a stencil, apply it strategically only to a detailed, architectural element, or mix it right in with your Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan.
Again, a little goes a long way. If just troweling it over a stencil- the 8 ounce size will be plenty. If planning on using it to mix with your paint- consider the quart.
Pearl Plaster has the consistency of a jell-o-ie pudding. Very easy to use, and spreads incredibly smooth. Give it a peek!
The Purple Painted Lady sells it in 8 ounce sample sizes and quarts in her Macedon location and on line here=> http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/Artisan-Enhancements–Pearl-Plaster-Quart_p_153.html
The Purple Painted Lady sells Chalk Paint® on-line and we always ship same day! In fact- there are many reasons we think buying through us is the best. Read THIS little post about what sets The Purple Painted Lady apart from the rest.
Lastly, we share a lot more information to help you get the most functionality out of your Chalk Paint® on our Facebook page. Consider checking it out by clicking HERE. While there- kindly consider LIKING us.
Instead of tossing it and buying new right away- consider painting it using Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. Some important things to keep in mind if taking this journey:
Natural fiber materials will always take the paint better and be the most successful.
It is always easiest painting a lighter color fabric to make it a darker color
Annie’s dome top brushes are wonderful to use when painting fabric. They come in a small, medium and large. My favorite is the small where the bristles plump up to about 2.5 inches once loaded with paint. The bigger the brush head, the heavier it will be in your hand when fully loaded with paint.
If you apply Chalk Paint® to fabric, it will look “chalky” till you apply Annie’s Clear Wax
Water will be your friend when painting fabric. And find a good textile medium at your local craft store. Do not use Chalk Paint® straight out of the tin without these. Some people will use just water, but others feel that the key is using textile medium, water, and paint in equals parts and pre moisten the fabric.. If just using water, dilute your Chalk Paint with water until it becomes like the consistency of thin milk (this is a must when painting directly on to fabric – the paint needs to absorb in to the fiber). Remember – you are dying the fabric not saturating the cushion and the stuffing inside.
Some people will lightly sand the dried Chalk Paint® after you have a couple of coats built to a solid base. Try using 600 grit sandpaper lightly over it, it should give the finished surface a soft feeling. like a canvas.
Kathy Cooley of NY did the wingback chair below using Capri Pink Chalk Paint.
Love that blue couch above — Studio 184’s customer – Joan Thompson painted her sofa and matching chair with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in a custom mix. She said, “I wanted a “bright Navy”, not too dark, just the right color of blue and so far it has been super durable.”
Melinda Silverhale loves Oxford Navy Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. She added a pop of color to her barstools shown above to offset the natural wood in her home by mixing Oxford Navy in a 5:1 ratio with Chicago Grey and painting the microsuede seats of her bar stools. She sealed the bar stools using Annie’s Clear Wax
It does NOT matter if the material of the furniture is:
fabric…velvet, brocade, leather or vinyl. Chalk Paint® will transform it…resurrect it…..and make you re-love it!
Keep in mind however, painting fabric will change the feel of it. Since you are not dyeing the fabric- it will have a stiffer, firmer feel.
TIP #1. Painting “natural” fabrics works best. Synthetics or synthetic blends, will not absorb the paint as well, and the paint will basically sit on top of the fibres. It is always very important to test the paint on upholstered furniture before tackling a large project.
TIP #2. Using Annie’s brushes with the bigger head is ideal to get paint into all of the nooks and crannies of the textured material, fabric or suede. Here is a link to my favorite Annie Sloan brush.
So, although many, many people have done this. Do a test spot in an inconspicuous spot and feel it before painting the whole thing! For any project, we would recommend testing in a small area first before you commit to painting the whole piece. As a general rule, we don’t recommend painting very cushioned sofas that have lots of folds to the fabric or items that get very heavy use. This is an unconventional use for the paint- so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques either – applying the paint more thickly will change the composition of the fabric, making it stiffer. This can then be waxed and buffed to create a leather effect. In most cases, you will see better results where you are going from light fabric to a darker color with paint versus if you are trying to go from dark fabric with a light colored paint. And just a disclaimer…..it’s completely fine for people to experiment and try things that are more ambitious! In my experience, the people who are most successful at these sort of projects are those who are experienced in using Chalk Paint® and who understand the kind of results they can expect from using it in an unconventional way.
Chalk Paint® is absolutely amazing in all it can do and when it comes to painting furniture- which when it is fabric furniture, it is similar to dying it. The Purple Painted Lady has done this herself and has had so many customers do this also. In fact, one customer of ours, Teresa at Lou’s Back Door Consignment in Fairport, NY had an old style couch. You know the kind with the ruffle pleat that goes all the way around the whole base. She painted it- and cannot stop raving about it!!! (Check out her Facebook page by clicking on the business name above and consider giving it a LIKE)
Keep in mind that if the fabric on your furniture has a heavy textured pattern, Chalk Paint® will change the color of the fabric, but it won’t hide the pattern.
Primer Red CHALK PAINT and clear wax by Annie Sloan transformed this tired leather chair into a fresh piece for Stacey Denniston’s home. Stacey said she loves the feel because it’s just like leather. You can do this too!
Check out this beautiful transformation by Erin at The French Marketplace. In order to get the stripes nice and crisp, she used “Frog Tape.” She finds that it works really well to achieve a nice, crisp line with no bleed through. Also, she made sure to burnish the tape really well to ensure good adhesion. When she came to the cording, she was careful to make sure that the tape was tucked completely around the cording securely. And that was it!
Or try something fun like the famous Janet Metzger from The Empty Nest did. She used Honfleur Chalk Paint® all over this mauve colored wing back chair than embellished it using Antoinette, Old White, and a bunch of other colors in the Annie Sloan suite!
Nice Before & After, huh?
Here is another by Lizzie White Vintage Chic! If you stop by their Facebook page- tell them The Purple Painted Lady sent you. : )
HOW MUCH PAINT WILL I NEED?
When calculating paint needs- keep in mind that painting fabric is very different than painting a hard surface. Fabric will absorb the paint more.(much more!) You will use more paint covering fabric that will absorb and suck up the paint, compared to painting a wood dresser. You will most likely need to apply two full coats – even a possible- third in specific areas pending the color you chose or if you are covering red fabric with a light color Chalk Paint®.
CAN I SAND THE CHALK PAINT® ONCE PAINTED ON MY COUCH?
Yes! Use 300 grit sandpaper after you have applied a couple coats and lightly polish the paint. It will soften it dramatically- but NOTE it will create dust. So, wipe that off with a towel before applying your clear wax. Also- stay away from edges or corners since it is an angle- you could break through the paint and show the real fabric beneath.
LAYING THE KNAP IN YOUR FINISHING STROKE:
When painting velvet that has a heavy texture, make sure to lay the knap in the direction you want it to be once dry with your paint brush in your final, finishing stroke. Meaning, when initially painting, you may approach the fabric surface from different directions with your brush….but before moving on to a new area to paint…with your paint brush…stroke the surface so the knap lays consistently and smoothly in the same direction.
PAINTING LEATHER?:
Make sure to read this post HERE after this one!
Perfectly imperfect/Hollywood Regency Glam? My customer, Maria Antonieta wanted to change a dark – traditional leather & wood chair into “Hollywood Regency Glam.” She used Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan in Pure White and Silver French Gilding Wax. Maria wrote me, “A lot of work, the leather cracked a little (not perfect as all the blogs I read online) no matter the paint, technique,etc)
Maria wrote, “The chalk paint is a good paint but not as perfect finished as expected. (on leather) Good enough. But the gilding was the magic. LOVE IT….Love the effect !”
Why am I sharing this?
Because this is Maria’s true outcome. Often Chalk Paint® works perfectly and beautifully. And although Maria had a little crazing- this chair was transformed to blend with her style versus having to buy a new one. What do you think?
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER WHEN PAINTING FABRIC OR LEATHER THOUGH!
Chalk Paint® is quite amazing, but it is not a miracle. The whole painting of fabric furniture is something that evolved with using Chalk Paint® by customers choosing to try it. It was not originally promoted to do this – and truly – although it does transform and extend the life of a piece of furniture….it may not always by successful. Personally, I have found that Chalk Paint® does not have the elasticity ability to be pinched or creased because it causes it will crack.
DID YOU PAINT LEATHER TOO THICK AND IT CRACKLED?
If you did not thin your paint at all – or enough, you may end up with a crackled look. This may help you. Try sanding the paint softly with some 300 or 400 grit sandpaper. In this step- make sure to be careful not to sand the edges or corners since you may break through to the actual leather. Again- stay away from the edges so you do not accidentally get a distressed look by wearing thru the paint.
And lastly, if interested in purchasing product on-line- check out our on-line store HERE after reading this post. We offer awesome customer service and the lowest flat rate shipping and…(drum roll please!) …… we ship the same day you place your order! (small print disclaimer – we ship same day as long as your order is placed before our UPS guy has come) But if you visit our FACEBOOK PAGE and look at our customer reviews- I think you will get the hint that we are super fast in turning your order around and we really care about our customers!
Now..after stirring up all of this excitement I need to share…..that Chalk Paint® is amazing- but it is not a miracle…so always do a test in an inconspicuous location if you are hesitant. What do I mean by this? I certainly do not want to burst the bubble, but I often share with my customers that some people “use” their furniture and then,..there are some who “abuse” their furniture. If you have four 120 pound Great Danes who like to play and jump on the furniture coming straight in from outside with muddy paws…this painting technique will work, but I would not guarantee it for years of use. Ok? For the majority of us who sit on our furniture and watch TV, take naps, read stories to our kids and yes, have pets- …you will love this as an alternative option.
APPLYING WAX TO LEATHER:
After the paint on your leather has been dry for about 24 hours, then wax. (this extra time allows your paint to really set up, adhere and cure)
To apply the wax, we used a lint free cotton rag instead of a wax brush. The leather is soft and subtle and we found using a rag to be best, but you may have a different opinion- and that is fine. Go with what works for you.
Basically- we gently rubbed the wax around and in and then stopped when it felt smooth and almost dry to the touch. Can you see in the photo above how the wax makes the painted leather a little darker? It does NOT change the color but intensifies it.
This was a super easy process and the wax sealed the paint and made it feel like the most luxurious leather coat you have ever felt.
If you apply too much wax and need to remove the excess, just take a fresh, clean, lint free rag and gently wipe off the excess.
Keep in mind- on leather- you can tint your Chalk Paint® Wax using Annie’s paint. This can add a cool look, like Melinda did with this leather chair that she painted in Oxford Navy Chalk Paint®.
Be gentle when rubbing near the seems , corners or edges so that your removing of the wax does not act like a “wet distress” where you remove the paint. It is normal to get some color transfer on your rag that you are applying your wax with, so do not panic when that happens.
To paint your furniture- follow these steps:
1. If painting a chair or couch, you will need:
PROJECT LIST:
* Drop cloth * Chalk Paint® decorative paint in the color of your choice! Depending on your project- you may need more than a sample pot- but you will NOT use a whole quart. * A natural bristle paint brush …either one of these will work PURDY or Annie’s SMALL Brush But Annie’s brush is the absolute best for this application. * Annie’s Clear Wax
2. Make sure to have a plastic drop cloth beneath your furniture.
CLEAN YOUR FABRIC. Dust it off or vacuum it.
3. It is important that immediately prior to painting the fabric- that you get a spritz bottle (like an old Windex bottle.) Fill it with water and lightly mist your fabric. You want the fabric to be moisten and definitely damp- but not dripping wet.
4. I strongly recommend using Annie’s SMALL paint brush when painting fabric! It will make your project so much easier, versus using a traditional flat/straight cut brush.
5. Thin your Chalk Paint® with water. So, whatever color Chalk Paint® you are using…you can either:
A. Pour some in a separate container and thin it slightly with water. I would consider starting by adding about 20% water to whatever amount you have. (YOU MAY NEED TO ADD MORE WATER!) You do not want it soupy- but thinned enough that when it dries, it is not too thick and crusty) If you do not thin your Chalk Paint®- due to it being a thicker paint- it may crackle. This does NOT jeopardize the adhesion ability of the paint and actually gives the look of leather or crocodile skin. Many of my customers love a chair that I did in my shop over two years ago like this!
OR
B. Have a plastic cup filled with about a 1/4 cup of water. Dip your paint brush into your paint, then quickly dip the tips of your brush into the water. Then paint! Make sure to position your paint and water close to your project- so you do not drip any on the floor.
(I prefer option A)
6. Begin painting your fabric. Apply a uniform thin coat and let it fully dry. Try applying the paint using your brush in a circular motion if painting a tweed. If painting a leather- you have options.
STAINS ON FABRIC?
A customer had bleed through on a painted chair cushion. She ended up using Kilz Oil Based Stain Blocker in the spray can. She said it worked great!
A. SMOOTH FINISH: Want a smoother finish- paint in traditional linear strokes. And lay your paint in the direction you want it to look before moving on to a new section. OR B. Try experimenting on a sample board prior to taking on your big leather couch and try laying Chalk Paint® in random directions. In many of Annie’s awesome videos on YouTube- you will see her painting like this. It is brilliant and creates a very nice finish. You can either be more subtle with this technique- or be bold.
You will most likely want to paint a second coat depending on how it looks. If you need to mix more paint with water- you do not need to thin it quite as much.
7. Once everything is totally dry- and you are happy with the coverage- apply a thin coat of clear wax using a rag. This helps in keeping the fabric soft and subtle and protects it. Some people do not add the wax- but I think it is nice and again, it seals the fabric almost like a Scotch Guard protector. Again- I personally recommend waxing, but you may want to watch THIS funny video of a gentleman named Perry doing the “wiggle test” on a chair painted using Chalk Paint® that has not been waxed. If you watch the video, leave a note that The Purple Painted Lady sent you.
USING CHALK PAINT FOR CAR or TRUCK RESTORATION:
We have a friend named Jeff who does wood carvings at our festival ( Critters 3D ) is his business name. I don’t know all the background info but he came to shop asking if Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan could be used on leather or vinyl. From personal experience, I told him YES!
Just thin your paint a little with warm water and paint. Apply the Chalk Paint® in uniform, thin coats and let dry thoroughly before applying a second coat. Once all done painting and it looks great, then you can apply a thin coat of Annie’s Chalk Paint Wax to seal the paint. Wipe off the excess – and do a second coat later. This will seal, protect and make the surface feel reeeaaallll nice!
So, Jeff got some Athenian Black and changed the color of the arm rest from beige to black. Now we need to convince Jeff to paint all of the inside of the door.
Sill unsure of about painting your furniture, check out Annie Sloan herself painting a chair on national television HERE.
DURABILITY: I have customers who have painted their furniture who also have dogs that get on their furniture and teenagers! They have been extremely satisfied in the longevity and how the paint can withstand the use. With that said, I think it is important to say- it is important that your pets nails be clipped and not be daggers. I also would not guarantee the outcome if you have little ones who use your couch as a trampoline. I always share that Chalk Paint® is incredible, but it is not a miracle. : )
If you have painted your furniture- please feel free to share your photos on my Facebook page! OR- email them to me at takuntz AT rochester.rr.com. (AT – @)
And remember ~if interested in purchasing Annie Sloan products, please visit our website if interested in ordering Chalk Paint®. We have Chalk Paint® available for the lowest price we are permitted to sell it for, we offer low/flat rate shipping and it always ships same day (as long as our UPS guy has not come already!)
In fact- there are many reasons we think buying through us is the best. Read THIS little post about what sets The Purple Painted Lady apart from the rest.
Lastly, we share a lot more information to help you get the most functionality out of your Chalk Paint® on our Facebook page. Consider checking it out by clicking HERE. While there- kindly consider LIKING us.
If you are interested in staying touch with The Purple Painted Lady- visit our Facebook page HERE – we would LOVE to hear from you and see your before & after photos!
As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady™ to be your one stop resource! We have four locations in western NY. Check out our Information tab and come and meet us! Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you. This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist. Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them. The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable. But, if you are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us. With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
We are here to help you, our customers! We want you to be successful! And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
SOME OF THE REASONS OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
* We sell Chalk Paint® at the lowest price we are permitted to
* If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.
* We ship orders out every since week day all over the US.
* We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
* We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you. (my shameless but honest plug) Here is a link to our on-line shop=> http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
: ) And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project! And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady. Here is a link to my Facebook page=> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710 This really helps me! (wink, wink!) XO
Trish
The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office
VISIT us…..
our MAIN STORE at 2620 NY 31 Palmyra NY 14522
3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge)
Painting Stairs, Floors, and Linoleum with Chalk Paint®.
When it comes to linoleum, although some of you have the awesome ability to tear tile out and gut a bath, there are many of us – who sadly, are just not as talented as you. That- or some of us- just want a quick fix to change the look of what we have till maybe we budget for someone else to come an do the job, correctly.
An example of changing the look of something you have in your home via an untraditional way- is painting it. Specifically, paining old linoleum flooring.
The Purple Painted Lady was impress by the amazing job Cindy did!
Here is what she shared, “First, I cleaned the floor well with non-phosphate TSP but I have since heard it can take up to days to completely dry but that’s usually with furniture. (Some now some are using Simple Green.)
Most important, The Purple Painted Lady wants to add regarding cleaning: **Make sure to thoroughly rinse the floor after cleaning with any product though! Any residual cleaning agent will cause the paint to NOT adhere.
Next, Cindy put on 1 coat of the Old White straight from the quart. I recommend giving this first coat 24 hours to really set up before doing your next step.
Then she mixed 1 part Old White to 3 parts Cocofor the stenciling project. She purchased a spray adhesive specifically for stencils, I think off Amazon. (she sprayed it on stencil outside; so it was easy to lift up and move to another area without leaving any residue and could move several times before having to spray again.)
She then put on 2 coats of Annie Sloan’s Lacquer (non-yellowing). It is important to always use 2 thin coats and apply with a foam/ sponge roller.
Annie’s Lacquer is meant for high traffic areas and is water repellant, but not water proof. That means if you have water sitting on it for long periods of time, it can effect it. Annie Sloan Lacquer is a clear matte water based varnish for painted floors or heavily used furniture items, particularly for those painted with Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan (as in Cindy’s case). It is a strong penetrating Lacquer meant to be used over wood or concrete floors painted with Chalk Paint® that are interior floors only. This Lacquer is NOT intended to be used outside. Again, this is for INSIDE use only. Note- this is not recommended for outdoor use.
Whether the paint is applied as a wash or applied solidly with a foam roller, this robust Lacquer will seal it perfectly. It dries quickly – but allow your floor or furniture piece to cure overnight. It will slightly darken the color beneath it with a matte finish that has a slight sheen to give it strength.
Often customers will state after the first coat they see some slight lines in the Lacquer if using a roller, but after the second coat is applied- it looks wonderful. (just sharing this so you do not panic)
There is no need to sand in between either! The Lacquer will slightly darken the paint beneath it. Something to keep in mind…is that Graphite (and dark Chalk Paint® colors) are notorious tattle talers! Meaning if the Lacquer is too thick- it will appear to be streaky or cloudy. It is the flattening agents in the Lacquer that give it its matte sheen create a cloudy or milky effect when the Lacquer is applied too thickly and this is more noticeable over darker colors. I hate to write this- but often repainting and then thinner layers of Lacquer applied with a sponge roller or brush is the correction. So, since you are reading this- I would hope that you would not apply it too thick.
Some people will sometimes take a wide sponge brush or bristle brush to even out the rolled out Lacquer immediately after rolling it – as so to make sure it is thinned enough. Also- it is important – to make sure that the Lacquer was incorporated well before using it. Again- this is done either by stirring- or- tipping it upside down and rolling the container in your hands.
The varnish is quick drying, non-toxic, low odor, and non-yellowing. The Lacquer will give you a very durable scuff resistant finish. Note though, it is not recommended in areas where there will be a lot of water. Annie’s Lacquer is ring resistant- meaning it can tolerate hot cups. It is also resistant to alcohol spills, which if using wax as a top coat- is not.
The liter will cover approximately 107 square feet (depending on how porous the surface and how thickly the Lacquer is applied.) Two coats are recommended for areas of high traffic (never substitute one thick coat if in a hurry- it will not dry uniformly and you will just have issues- this rule applies to paint and for that matter – ANY product on the market!) I applied it on the top of a heavily used dresser and it was dry to the touch within minutes!
DIRECTIONS:
Add about 10% water into the first coat.
Let dry 2 hours and recoat with full strength Lacquer (still a thin coat).
Let dry overnight.
Moving Furniture Over A Floor With Lacquer:
Lacquer dries quickly – but again, allow your floor or furniture piece to cure overnight. It will slightly darken the color beneath it with a matte finish that has a slight sheen to give it strength. If using on your floor, do not start “dragging” pieces of furniture across it. In fact, for a period of time- have someone help you and lift and carry pieces to place them.
Often customers will state after the first coat they see some slight lines in the Lacquer if using a roller, but after the second coat is applied- it looks wonderful. (just sharing this so you do not panic) No need to sand in between either!
Cannot stress this enough…..Something to understand when using Lacquer is that it does not want to be back stroked.
Confident strokes in one direction for an even sheen is extremely important because varnishes do not like to be back brushed. This can cause flashing…meaning an uneven finish.
The Lacquer will slightly darken the paint beneath it. Something to keep in mind…is that Graphite (and dark Chalk Paint® colors) are notorious tattle talers! Meaning if the Lacquer is too thick- it will appear to be streaky or cloudy. The flattening agents in the Lacquer that give it its matte sheen create a cloudy or milky effect when the Lacquer is applied too thickly and this is more noticeable over darker colors. I hate to write this- but often repainting and then thinner layers of Lacquer applied with a sponge roller or brush is the correction. So, since you are reading this- I would hope that you would not apply it too thick!
Some people will sometimes take a wide sponge brush or bristle brush to even out the rolled out Lacquer immediately after rolling it – as so to make sure it is thinned enough. Keep in mind the comment above about stroking it too much! Also- it is important – to make sure that the Lacquer was incorporated well before using it. Again- this is done either by stirring- or- tipping it upside down and rolling the container in your hands.
The varnish is quick drying, non-toxic, low odor, and non-yellowing. The Lacquer will give you a very durable scuff resistant finish. Note though, it is not recommended in areas where there will be a lot of water. Annie’s Lacquer is ring resistant- meaning it can tolerate hot cups. It is also resistant to alcohol spills, which if using wax as a top coat- is not.
If the floors are oak or some other sort of open grain wood- note that in the drying action of the Lacquer- it could pull up tannins through the new paint layers. Annie Sloan Lacquer is a penetrating varnish, meaning that it gets its strength by penetrating through the paint layers and attaching itself to the substrate. As it dries, the water in the varnish evaporates and the remaining materials shrink or pull tight to the surface, again another reason for its great strength.
However, the varnish pulls from both directions (think about how clothes shrink- in all directions) and this action can pull the tannins up if they have not been sealed with shellac prior to painting.
The same problem would occur if the floors had been previously stained with a non-colorfast stain. The only solution is to shellac, repaint, and reseal.
NOTE- Lacquer does NOT adhere over oil-based products.
Annie Sloan Lacquer dries to a matte sheen with just a hint of shine for durability … it is not glossy. Annie Sloan Lacquer can also be sprayed, but most apply with a sponge roller or a “bouncy” bristle brush.
Again, with most spray systems it will most likely need to be diluted with some water. My experience with working with the Lacquer has shown that the sheen level diminishes a bit with the addition of water … the more water added the more matte it becomes. With either product, try not to exceed adding more than 20% water.
**** If you brush it on – have confident strokes- since Lacquer does not like being over played with.
The liter will cover approximately 107 square feet (depending on how porous the surface and how thickly the Lacquer is applied.) Two coats are recommended for areas of high traffic (never substitute one thick coat if in a hurry- it will not dry uniformly and you will just have issues- this rule applies to paint and for that matter – ANY product on the market!) I applied it on the top of a heavily used dresser and it was dry to the touch within minutes!
Before use, turn the container upside down for about 1 to 2 hours since all the “good materials” that may have sunk to the bottom get well incorporated again to the top and is well dispersed.
DO NOT SHAKE since this will cause bubbles to form in the varnish which you do not want to happen! It is best to gently mix the Lacquer by rolling the containers around in your hands or pouring the contents into a bucket to stir.
Apply the Lacquer with a high quality sponge/foam roller and using a sponge brush to cut in at the edges.
Apply two THIN coats for areas of high traffic such as a hallway, stairs, or sitting room but only one for a bedroom for instance. Again- it is best to apply two thin coats rather than one thicker one. You never get a head taking shortcuts!
An average coating needs to dry 1- 2 hours before another coat can be applied. Leave it overnight to “cure” before walking on it. Wash brushes/sponge rollers thoroughly in water.
Note that Annie Lacquer is NEVER applied over waxes! However, you can apply Annie Sloan’s soft waxes over the Lacquer.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY FLOOR THAT HAS ANNIE’S LACQUER ON IT?:
We recommend a product called Fabuloso. You mix it water and you do not let it pool on the Lacquer. WalMart and other “fine” stores retail this cleaning product. It is also great to pour down a drain or even in your toilet bowl- and leave it for an hour. It will make your room smell like you cleaned it for hours.
Note that Annie Lacqueris NEVER applied over waxes! However, you can apply Annie Sloan’s soft waxes over the Lacquer. However, do NOT use wax on a stairs. It will become “buffed” due to use and make the surface too slippery.
Cindy purchased her stencil used on the linoleum through Cutting Edge Stencils Check them out here => http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/
Here is another awesome example of painting floors…or in this case, a set of stairs. And I really love how Karen’s stairs turned out!
With a Southwestern theme going on in her home- she not only rejuvenated an old set of stairs, but added a “wow” factor too! Using Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan made it easy! First she painted her steps in Primer Red, then did a wash of Emperor’s Silk, added detailing, then applied 2 coats of Annie’s Lacquer.
Carrie wrote us that the project of painting her slate floor below “was actually very easy. Thoroughly cleaned a couple times and made sure to vacuum a couple times as well to make sure there were no pet hairs or debris. Used an artist brush on the grout with French Linen, painted the slate with Graphite. Let dry and sealed with two coats ofLacquer.”
Sherry Adelmann
In 2013, Sherry painted her floor with Duck Egg and Pure White for the top design using a stencil. She wrote us, “It’s held up for 3 years! I love it!”
Beth Norton
We love Beth’s floor cloth for her Messy Molly, that she painted in English Yellow and Graphite and everything else!
Sabrina Jean
Below, Sabrina painted three coats of Paris Gray Chalk Paint® as the base then did a dry bush of Pure White and Paris Grey mix over the top
Rhoda Vaughn did an amazing job with this faux carpet on her wood floors!
Linda Groom:
She painted the stairs below in her 1890 farmhouse with Coco and Pure White Chalk Paint® and then finished with Annie Sloan Lacquer. It only took me a weekend – very easy and pleased with the results.
I ship out every week day all over the US. I included a link below to my on-line shop below. We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same. Also- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you. (my shameless, but honest plug) wink-wink! Click HERE to link to Our On-Line Store => http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
: ) And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project! And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!
At our MAIN STORE at 77 West Main Street in Macedon, NY 14502 OR
3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge) OR
Our Syracuse, NY location at 1 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville NY 13207
Please LIKE me on Facebook! Chick HERE for a quick link. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710
Check out our website and online store! http://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
(How did I get that business name you ask?……I started the business in my 1885 purple painted Victorian – and I LOVE to paint – so the business name just fits perfectly!)
Cute Little Dresser- Basic Painting “How To” and Harelquin (Diamond) Pattern
On my Facebook Page I like to post notes about what I am doing in my shop- here is a flash from my past!
It was an adorable little dresser that I painted in many Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan colors: My color choices? Well…..I was a bit indecisive so I selected Paloma, Old White, Country Grey, Versailles, Emile, Henrietta & Old Ochre.
There are many reason why I love Chalk Paint®…one of them is the ease of use of the paint. It is exactly like how Annie Sloan describes it – it is a kind paint. First of all- it is super easy to apply. And – the process is super quick. All I did to “prep” this piece was wipe it down with some Odorless Mineral Spirits and I shop vac the drawers out. I started by painting the top in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White..which took a whole 5 minutes.
There was specs of dark “stain” on the top…and the Old White covered it all. Next I started to paint the body of it in Annie Sloan’s Emile- which is a beautiful warm soft aubergine color with pink red undertones giving it a rich complexity that makes a sophisticated lilac tone. I LOVE this color!!!!! I started the whole process at 11:03 am and finished painting the entire skeleton of the dresser within 15 minutes. (Now keep in mind- my store is open on Saturdays and I am doing this all the while I have visitors.) I didn’t use anything fancy to paint the dresser – in fact- I used one of my handy old brushes.
Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful for you.
1. I always put whatever I am painting, up on scrap blocks to elevate it off the floor. You can see my blocks in the photo above. It will make painting the ends of its legs easier, especially if you have a drop cloth on the floor. For some reason- drop cloths always bunch UP and get in the way of painting.
2. If you paint pieces to sell or if this is for your home…please don’t forget to paint the back of it. I like to use the analogy that when a woman goes to the hair dresser she still gets a cut & color on the back of her head…even though she cannot see it. The same applies to furniture. And this includes painting inside the drawers. By putting in this little extra effort – it gives the piece double duty in case you want to use it to divide a space in a room or, depending the size of the dresser, if it is small enough, place it at the foot of the bed. The back can be kept the same color, or use a surprise color! But definitely paint it. A piece that is painted all the way around – conveys that it has more value and commands a higher price)
3. That whole surprise color idea- applies to inside of the drawers too. Use a fun accent color for a bit of whimsy. Or- if this is for your teenage daughter who insisted she wanted her walls of her painted in bright neon orange, but you compromised on a different color- use the orange in the drawers! She will love it!!! Annie Sloan likes to refer to this surprise color inside as, “Quiet Riot.” I think that is so cute!
REMOVE THE HARDWARE:
Now I know we are all in a hurry and time is of the essence- but go to the effort and take the knobs off the drawers as shown below. It will make painting much easier- and besides- now you can decide to use the existing knobs or purchase new ones without the worry of having to match the shape and size. Also, you won’t have the existing hardware painted on- which prevents switching them later. Seems elementary, but thought I should write it.
For the top of the dresser, I love whimsy. So, how about a little Harlequin design? I think….yes!
So many of you tape this pattern…and I often wonder why? That takes so much time and you run the possible risk of pulling up your previously painted base.
CREATING A TEMPLATE:
I personally like to create a template and then a simple grid…and map out my diamonds.
This process works great on dresser tops, the side of dressers, on buffet doors, front doors, seats of chairs, FLOORS!…..you name it! Keep reading below and you will understand!
To begin this “harlequin” step, first I determine what size I personally think would look good for the diamonds. I take a ruler and place it from the front to the back dresser and measure the depth. From here – I decided that three FULL diamonds or close to it would look best.
HELPFUL SUGGESTION:
When doing a layout of diamonds- personally I do not like seeing a diamond pattern on a piece of furniture where the diamonds are not centered and one side of the pattern is cut off,
OR
The last row of diamonds is cut off in half, but all other rows are full diamonds. This looks very…amateur to me. (I apologize- if that offends you, but that is really what I think when I see a poorly planned pattern) So, take the extra minute and plan out your pattern. Measure twice, so you can create a layout that looks cohesive and professional on the first attempt.
Take the measurement using a ruler and divide it by 3. (Find your old yard stick – and just make sure that the ruler is not bending or warped)
The rule of thumb for a Harlequin /diamond is that the height of the diamond should be twice the width.
This is just a guide- if you prefer more of a square shape- do that instead, this is your dresser.
Next, I created a template using card stock or some heavy paper. I mapped out my diamond, draw the shape using a pen, and then cut the shape out. I like to leave the lines visible inside my cut edge.
I then find the center point on top of my dresser and using water color pencils – I draw my lay out. Remember that watercolor pencils will blend once wet- so make sure to use a color lead that is similar to the color you plan on painting. Why is this helpful? Well, if you are doing a layout and plan to paint pink diamonds on a white base- choose a light pink watercolor pencil. Once you paint over the pink lines- they will blend in perfectly with your design, versus the grey from a graphite pencil.
So, just in case you missed what I was trying to stress above…..never use regular lead / graphite pencils since the lead smears and is difficult to cover. And although Chalk Paint® has wonderful coverage qualities, keep it easy for yourself – and do not use your kid’s school pencil. The Graphite pencil is a very stable material. It does not fade in light. It does not bleed in water unless other dyes are added and for other reasons, lead from “traditional” pencils can just be messy.
WHERE TO BUY WATERCOLOR PENCILS:
I typically buy my watercolor pencils from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s Crafts, but I think you can find them at WalMart too.
How I approach this is that I make a grid to find the center point easily. I place my “diamond” template centered on top of the dresser and begin my layout always using either a watercolor pencil (some people use a piece of chalk- but I don’t – they tend to smear a little)
Again…I suggest to not use your run of the mill lead or graphite pencil because depending on the paint you are using- it can be a bear to cover and the lead will smear in you paint and alter the color.
When I painted the diamonds in using about 6 different colors- to get more interest- I would thin out the paint- almost to a “wash” consistency just to get variation in hue and depth of color. It gives the piece more of a water color feel. I personally- like to make sure that the brush strokes always go in the same direction. Also- use a “Flat Bristle” artist’s brush. Click HERE to see an example of some at Hobby Lobby.
When I was doing all of this – my shop was open and I had multiple paint sales and people coming in with questions about Chalk Paint®. So- I did not finish the piece that day. Below are some additional photos of how it looked through the progress. I painted out the front panel on the drawers in a cream because my next step after finishing the harlequin pattern was to add a pretty landscape of one of our beautiful NY Finger Lakes.
For this project- I used my Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan as if I was painting with water colors. I mixed the paint with water to give it a soft, muted effect. To do this, I will use a picnic styrofoam plate. This allows me to put paint in one section, water in another- and then I will use the remaining compartments to mix water in different amounts to get a different degree of the color.
As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady™ to be your one stop resource! We have four locations in western NY. Check out our Information tab and come and meet us! Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you. This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist. Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them. The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable. But, if you are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us. With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
We are here to help you, our customers! We want you to be successful! And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
SOME OF THE REASONS OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
* We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
* If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.
* We ship orders out every since week day all over the US.
* We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
* We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you. (my shameless but honest plug) Here is a link to our on-line shop=> http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
: ) And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project! And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady. Here is a link to my Facebook page=> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710 This really helps me! (wink, wink!)
XO
Trish
The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office
(How did I get that business name you ask?……I started the business in my 1885 purple painted Victorian – and I LOVE to paint – so the business name just fits perfectly!)
Melinda Silverhale loves Oxford Navy Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. She added a pop of color to her barstools shown above to offset the natural wood in her home by mixing 
