Monday, July 23, 2012

Chalk Talk

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Artworks in Spokane, Washington to do some Chalk Paint™training for my employer, The Antique Barn, who will be the first ones in Montana to stock the paint.  We were lucky to have Nancy Jones as a teacher--this woman knows paint!  Here are a few pieces painted with Chalk Paint™ in her beautiful shop:

I have been painting furniture for 11+ years, but boy, did I sure learn a lot about paint in general.  I am not going to share everything I learned about this paint, it is too much information.  I do not make any money from the sale of this paint, but will be paid to teach classes.   With that said, let me say I love Chalk Paint™.  And I am cheap and did not come by this decision without fighting it.
Why am I convert?  Why the real stuff rather than the homemade chalk paint?  The colors are fabulous,
 http://www.studio28raleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PaintSwatchesSm.jpgbut paint colors are a dime a dozen.  I think my number one reason for converting is the speed and ease that it takes to paint a piece with the paint.  I love that it sticks to any surface, but the homemade stuff seemed to as well.  The homemade stuff does not go on as beautifully and quickly as Annie Sloan's paint does.  And the homemade paint certainly does not sand "like butta" like the Chalk Paint™ does, and neither does any other paint I have ever used.  Revisonary Life shared a great post on the paint and why it is worth the cost--read it here.

I picked up this dresser with glossy veneer at a yard sale.

In 1 hour and 15 minutes I prepped the dresser (more about this tomorrow) and painted it completely.  In the past I would have avoided this piece of furniture all together.  If by some mistake I would have bought it, I would have spent longer than 75 minutes sanding and priming it. let alone painting it. Tune in Tuesday for the finished piece and a little more of what I learned.  Again, I get nothing for selling paint, promoting paint, etc.  I simply love this product and want to share.

8 comments:

  1. Just finished my first piece of furniture painting with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - and loved it - writing up my blog post now, and then your post popped up in my reader!

    Looking forward to seeing your finished piece.

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  2. I fought spending the money on it for as long as I could. I spent almost as much as I would have for a quart trying another method. I just painted my first piece. I am so sold on this paint as well. The colors, the ease, and everything else. I read the Visonary Life's review of the paint. Wow, it went a long ways for her. I am taking a workshop in a couple of weeks.

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  3. Can't wait to see what you do with that monstrosity of a dresser! ~ Maureen

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  4. I have a round kitchen table that I picked up for a song on Craigslist and want to paint it black. How well does the finish hold up? Would it work on a kitchen table and stand up to the wear and tear?

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  5. Hi Becky,
    Thanks for the mention! I appreciate the nod, and will definitely have to keep tabs on you so I can see this dresser with its new look.
    Congrats on your new teaching gig, too. :)
    -Revi

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  6. The term "chalk" paint has kept me at bay. I don't really understand. Is the paint made to write on with chalk? Is it gritty?

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  7. I own the exact same hutch as in the second photo. I'm definitely trying this technique!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!