About Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint
Annie Sloan developed her trademarked Chalk Paint™ more than 20 years ago as a result of her dissatisfaction with the quality of decorative paints available. Its qualities are derived from Annie’s choice of unique ingredients allowing a range and versatility suitable for both the do-it-yourselfer and velvety finish, which turns to a soft, subtle sheen when topped with Annie Sloan Soft Wax for protection and durability. Chalk Paint is eco-friendly and user-friendly, eliminating the need for priming and sanding. The enthusiastic painter can jump right in and begin painting with this versatile product that adheres to virtually any surface and boasts and extremely fast drying time.
Annie’s thoughtfully chosen palette of Chalk Paint colors range from soft, pale hues to bright, vivid ones reminiscent of colors historically found in European castles and stately hues. Combining the colors provides an unlimited palette to the painter wishing to explore. Gorgeous patinas can easily be added to surfaces using Annie Sloan Clear and Dark Soft Waxes.
Getting started using Chalk Paint™
For a French Look
1. Apply two coats of Chalk Paint, moing the brush in
multiple directions. The first and
second coats should be coordinating colors.
2. Apply the second coat thinner than the first.
3. Apply clear Soft Wax with a lint-free cloth or
brush. Work the wax into the paint like
you would apply hand cream, making sure to remove any excess.
4. Use a fine or medium grit sandpaper to gently and
artfully remove a little of the paint.
5. Re-wax and polish.
You can polish again the next day for more sheen.
Chalk Paint™ decorative paint can be used on almost any surface, indoors and out, without the need to prime or prepare. Simply clean and paint!
There will be times when you will need to sand your piece of furniture or other object:
· Use 100-220 grit sandpaper to get rid of loose paint
and other debris.
· Use 220 grit sandpaper on shiny or glossy surfaces
(these can include melamine and laminates)
· To remove rust, sand the surface with 100-220 grit
garnet sandpaper; wash the surface with soap and water, rinse well and quickly
and thoroughly dry the surface (a hairdryer is useful): use a metal primer to
seal.When to apply Clear Shellac
Shellac functions as a tough natural primer, sanding sealant, tannin-blocker, and high-gloss varnish.
It can be used for the following purposes:
· Use one or two coats to remove musty smells on
untreated wood.
· Use one or two coats to prevent the tannins within
knot holes or open grain from bleeding through.
· With some pieces of furniture, typically pieces from
the 1930s & 1940s, after painting the first coat there is either a yellow
or pink stain, which bleeds through the paint.
Resist the urge to apply another coat of paint. No matter how many coats you paint, the stain
color will continue to bleed through.
Use one or two coats of shellac to block these bleeding stains. Annie recommend wiping it on with a cloth
pad. It dries in minutes and you can get
on with painting almost immediately!
· Shellac preforms best when applied with a rag or
brush.
· Get in the habit of dating your can; shellac has a
shelf life of only 6-9 months.
Common Mistakes using Chalk Paint™
· Don’t use
the paint too thinly or too precisely. Lay on more paint than you normally would and loosen
up. Some brush strokes are part of the “look”.
· There is
more than one way to use the paint! Add water when needed for a smoother
application, or allow the paint to thicken by leaving the top off to get more
texture.
· Don’t
distress your piece too perfectly. Many finishes are best when just a little bit
of paint is evenly rubbed away all over.
Distressing should not be an arduous chore.
· Avoid
layering contrasting or primary colors. Remember the color shell; opposites attract
as long as they are muted. Soften your
colors with Old White.
· Chalk Paint™
is not a “coat of steal.” A piece painted with Chalk Paint™ will stand
up to normal wear and tear. Treat the
piece as you would a fine antique. Allow
the finish to cure.
Information above is directly from the Annie Sloan Unfolded Company and as a result, any misinformation is not a reflection of Christie Carter or Carter's Cottage Interiors.
