THE GREAT PAINT DEBATE
As I say goodbye to 2017 I
find myself in a state of reflection. It has been 6 months since I launched
Mary Elizabeth Interiors and I can’t help but be reminded of the joys, the
accomplishments, the friendships and the endless abundance of creative energy! There
are so many reasons to smile and I want to thank each of you for
being a part of this amazing journey. The thrill of many refinished pieces finding
new homes, cottage renovations, a rustic loft addition, the many painted and reupholstered
family heirlooms, the yummy fabrics, gorgeous paints, endless Craft Fairs, Farm
Markets and Community Events. It’s been awesome!!
The hick-ups – well, there
have been a few - and, they are all for one reason – my continual desire to
learn. Trying the newest line of paints, testing the latest and greatest brushes
and tools, new glazes and new waxes. From new techniques like the ombre and boho effects to transfers, stencils and mixing
paints to achieve that perfect shade...
I’ve had a few disasters.
But, isn’t what this is all about – trial and
error - until you find what works for you? If I don’t take the time to test,
try new ideas and experiment on my inexpensive finds - how am I going to be able to
guide, recommend or inform customers with confidence? Every time I pick up a
brush – it is an opportunity to learn - to gain knowledge in this wonderful field of furniture refinishing. I know I will continue to accept the
latest challenge, to create my own designs and to continually be inspired by other's inspirational posts – but I also know I will
master whatever hurdles lay before me and not let a few hick-ups along the way deter my determination.
So,
here’s The Thing…
I paint a lot of furniture
and get asked so many questions about the different speciality paints I use.
How I decide which is right for a project, how easy they are to work with, how
they hold up over time and how I justify the cost of these speciality paints.
Let’s clear up two misconceptions
about speciality paints. The first is
cost - they are more expensive than what you would pick up at your local home
improvement center where a gallon will cost around $25.00. But, because the speciality paints are
thicker and designed to go a long way, you need less of it. So, I never feel I am over spending on these
paints.
The second is prep work. I have been painting for years and have
completed so many pieces I have lost track but the one thing I know for sure – prep work is necessary. I’m not saying
you have to sand, strip or scrape your piece to the bare bones, but a good once-over with at least a 100 grit sanding block is a good thing. As with any project – be it building a house, putting on makeup or
starting a new relationship - the foundation on which you begin will only
enhance the beauty - and longevity.
Here are my top five
paints, what I use them for and what I like about each one.
ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is
a “true” chalk paint. I love everything she offers from paints, waxes and
topcoats to brushes, fabrics and stencils.
Annie’s paints are creamy and you get great coverage in just one application. Her products are fantastic for furniture that
is going to be either classic, multiple colors, ombred, layered, stenciled, transferred or distressed.
To work with Annie Sloan
Chalk Paint you only need to give the can a shake or stir. A quick prep and finish are necessary to seal your work. You can select from clear, antique or dark waxes, gold, bronze and silver gilding waxes and topcoats. The possibilities are endless.
My favorite shades: Old
White, Duck Egg Blue, Primer Red, Chateau Grey, French Linen and Graphite.
MISS MUSTARD SEED and SWEET PICKINS MILK PAINT
Both Sweet Pickins and Miss
Mustard Seed have a wonderful selection of milk paints and other supplies. I use milk paint when I am looking for that
old, rustic, been through the ringer type farmhouse finish. Milk paint gives
you a chippy, worn authentic appearance that, I believe, you can only truly
achieve with milk paint.
Milk Paint comes in a powder
form and you will need to mix it with water, stir and let it sit for 5 minutes
to thicken to the consistency of coffee cream. If you choose to work on a heavy
lacquered, glass or metal finish, you can add the Milk Paint Bonding Agent to
the paint to help it adhere.
A quick prep and finish
are required. Both companies offer clear and antiquing waxes, topcoats and hemp oil to seal and protect your finished project.
My favorite shades from
Miss Mustard Seed: Farmhouse White, Linen, Flow Blue and Luckett Green.
My favorite shades from
Sweet Pickins: Artichoke, Lantern, In a Pickle and Flour Sack.
FUSION MINERAL PAINT
Fusion Mineral Paint is an
interesting product and there are many shades to select from. Fusion paint goes
on like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I love that it is self leveling which makes it
a great product for projects such as kitchen cabinets. It’s also great for small, quick projects such
as picture frames and lamps. Because Fusion
paint has a built in topcoat, you don’t have to wax, buff or seal with other
products – a huge timesaver!
To work with Fusion, you
just give the jar a shake. They also offer a beeswax finish and furniture wax, hemp oil and a clear topcoat for added durability.
My favorite Shades: Prairie
Sunset, Homestead Blue, Raw Silk, Limestone and Cranberry.
FAT PAINT
FAT Paint is a “chalk-like”
paint. The thing I like most about FAT Paint is the array of colors. From the muted to the daring and bold. FAT
Paint does take more than one or two coats and a considerable amount of muscle
if you are going to distress.
I prefer to use FAT Paint
on smaller item such as a occasional tables, a kitchen chair or a foot stool. I also
use it when I am creating details – think whimsical – small areas where a
splash of color is needed.
To work with FAT Paint,
you just give the can a shake. A quick prep and finish are necessary. They offer clear and antique wax and a clear topcoat to seal your project.
My favorite Shades: Shop Door, Lily Pad, Dutch Door and Juno. They
also offer a designer line by Amanda Forest and my favorites are: Can’t See Me
Cameo, Couture Linen and Blushing Bombshell.
My newest curiosity is GENERAL FINISHES and - well basically everything they offer - from paints, color selection, finishes, java and gels, gold leaf and other applications. I can’t wait to experiment with this line of
products and look forward to sharing the results with you in a future post.
Bottom line – there are
oodles of companies marketing their products. Find what works for you and makes you a better artisan. As for me, I want to know and learn all I can so I have the knowledge and confidence when speaking to clients and customers. I spend a lot of
time researching, googling, you-tubing and visiting websites and Facebook Groups for inspiration and support. My studio is full of all kinds of paints –
including latex, waxes, brushes, oils, topcoats, stencils and other accessories
– there is never just one line I use. I would encourage you to step outside your
comfort zone and not shy away from growing some new skills. Each company has a
lot to offer and picking those products that help you become the best at what
you do – will always be a win!
What paint lines have you
tested? Do you use the same supplier
every time? I’d love to hear from you
and see your projects – in progress or completed! Drop me a line and be sure to
include a photo if possible.
"Creativity takes courage."
- Henri Matisse
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