Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Provence

I am officially obsessed with chalk paint.


 Before...

Enter this amazing product in Provence, a gorgeous deep & rich blue.

 These pictures are after the first coat ~ as you can see, they needed another coat for sure.  But the coverage without any primer is extraordinary.


 After only two coats.



The thing about it is this… It dries so fast that you're ready to do your second coat by the time you finish with the first.  So before you know it, you're done with paint.  And the finish is flawless.

I originally worked with the brushes that they sell with the paint.  I didn't love them, so I switched to a foam brush & a roller, which were perfect for me personally.  But you have to know that this stuff really dries fast, so working on a small area at a time is preferable.

This is an iphone picture so the colors aren't as true.  The skateboard is a nice touch isn't it?  I did a sort-of-wash of minwax paste wax (still waiting on the good stuff to arrive) mixed with a jacobean stain.  I ended up putting the wax in the microwave (removed from the can first, obviously) and it mixed/applied much better after some serious softening up.

And, all finished up…





I love it.  It was so fun, so fast & the result is so great.  Sam (the kitten) tried to scratch on the top but was unsuccessful.  That wax finish is tough!

I've done two more pieces now with the chalk paint & am very happy.  What has your experience with chalk paint been?  I'd love to hear!

thanks for stopping by!
kathie

linking to these great parties:
Centsational Girl's Paint Projects
Redoux's Friday Redoux
Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday
My repurposed Life's Catch as Catch Can
Blue Cricket Design's Show & Tell Wednesday
Domestically Speaking's Power of Paint Party
Primitive & Proper's Piece of Work Wednesdays
The Shabby Chic Cottage's Transformation Thursday
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Mama Hen's WOW Wednesdays
Remodelaholic's Anonymous 

28 comments:

  1. Still waiting for my order to arrive - can't wait!!!

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  2. I am really intrigued by the chalk paint. What is the binder for the pigment? would you just use your regular stained wax to finish it? What is the texture after it dries?
    very interesting stuff!!

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  3. I haven't tried the chalk paint yet but I suppose I should hop on that band wagon... I've heard nothing but wonderful things about it.

    Your dresser turned out fabulous!

    Jennifer

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  4. I've still got mixed feelings about it. It dries too quickly for my tastes and I prefer a smoother finish. I agree - it's definitely better with the sponge roller, but I'm reserving final judgment for after I've completed a few more pieces and seen how the finish holds up.

    Glad you're enjoying it!

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  5. the wax turned out perfectly on it! tha color is so bright without the wax- i love how it looks with it! it would also be great on more fun and modern pieces in its original paint color. it looks beautiful, kathie!

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  6. I'm your newest follower :). I came across your blog during my early morning addiction (blog surfing on my iphone) and love it! You've done really great pieces! Come on over if you'd like to my little 'ol blog paintedparlor.blogspot.com if you'd like!

    Julie~

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  7. Can I only order chalk paint online? Does lowes or home depot have it?
    http://shabbytochicqueencreek.blogspot.com/

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  8. That turned out so cute. I might have to try chalk paint. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Shara

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  9. somebody needs to describe WHY you all love this chalk paint. its expensive and you have to order through the mail, in most cases.
    so tell us whhhhyyyyy you love it.

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  10. I just brought some chalk paint, on offer, now I'm really pleased as it looks awesome! Such an amazing transformation!

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  11. Yea, I'd like to know what the paint is made from. I heard it has to be touched up periodically. I did find this recipe on the internet.

    How to Make Chalk Paint

    Begin with flat finish latex paint in any shade you want. If you only need enough for a small area, such as the size of one door panel, just mix one cup at a time.

    Steps:

    1. In a container, pour 1 cup of paint. Add in 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Use a paint stirrer to mix and break up the clumps.

    2. You can apply with a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface.

    3. Work in small sections and apply over the same section several times to ensure coverage is thick.

    4. Allow to dry.

    5. Take 150-grit sandpaper and smooth the area. Wipe off the dust.

    6. Rub the side of a piece of chalk over the entire area to condition.

    7. Wipe away any residue with a barely damp sponge.

    Making chalk paint is a simple process. Now, you can create any color you want for any project you have.

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  12. It looks awesome! Provence was my favorite color when I was browsing the chalkpaint site a few weeks ago!

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  13. Just gorgeous! I have done four pieces with two different colors of chalk paint. Like you I found the roller to work best on a large piece. However, the do not recommend using a roller, and I can't figure out why? Your piece is amazing. Funny I used the same nobs too...from world market.

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  14. Wow this is amazing! I love the color and it sounds like I need to give that chalk paint a try!

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  15. I went to the Chalk Paint website yesterday to order 4 pints. I was STUNNED at the price!!! Okay, so everyone in blogland has talked about this....but the reality of the cost is astounding! Four pints (remember,not gallons) with shipping and the pound to dollar conversion was $239!!! I didn't order it to say the least. I like my Sherwin Williams products. But then again, I prefer Dunkin Donuts coffee to Starbucks!!! lol

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  16. I love your work! I just ordered some chalk paint for my bathroom cabinets. Can't wait to try it out. I do a link up party every Friday, I would love it if you linked up too! I announce winners on Monday. Your blog is so lovely! Have a great weekend. -Karen

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  17. That looks AMAZING! I just got a dresser from my MIL and I'm going to use that color that you showed, I LOVE it! I have a new link party starting on Monday and this would be perfect to link up! There's more info at the bottom of this link: http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/04/weekend-warrior-backyard-transformation.html

    Thanks! Anna :)
    www.askannamoseley.com

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  18. I ordered the provence for a little desk in my daughter's room. Can't wait to get started. Your piece looks gorgeous.

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  19. BTW I added this to my Tutorials TO DO page: http://www.askannamoseley.com/p/features-i-want-to-do.html

    Anna
    www.askannamoseley.com

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  20. I see that piece got the kitten-seal-of-approval, Kathie! :) It's gorgeous and I liked hearing the nitty-gritty details, like how quickly the chalk paint dried. I hadn't heard that before! There is a stockist about an hour from where I live and I'm looking forward to buying some soon, however, it's great to know these little details before plunking down a wad of cash on it. How much paint did the dresser require? I'm thinking of repainting my kitchen cabs since the idea of not primering is *very* appealing!

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  21. I love it!! I'm a little jealous of your chalk paint! LOL! I can't wait to try some!

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  22. I LOVE chalk paint!! I have done 2 pieces so far and absolutely love it! It is so easy to work with and the best part...no sanding or priming!!! LOVE IT! Your piece is beautiful!

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  23. Chalk paint is amazing bc you don't have to prime or sand, you can use it over a glossy surface and it sticks amazingly well. The finish is like a matte, not smooth or laquered. I painted my first piece of furniture tonight with it. I love it!

    Cheers!

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  24. Hi,

    I'm doing a post on Annie Sloans chalk paint, do you mind if I include this post?

    Cheers,
    Lisa

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  25. I adore the way it turned out!! Great color and depth!

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  26. Wow. Great job. A new follower by way of MMS.

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  27. This dresser looks so great! I am intrigued with the chalk paint, but the price is scary!
    super job!
    gail
    "catching" you this week

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