A delay on the delivery of the radio cabinet gives me more time to– uh, make changes to the paint finish.
It’s my first foray into chalk paint. And it’s NOT GOING WELL, shall we say.
Everything you guys are always saying about “great coverage, spreads well, a little goes such a LONG WAY,” I’m NOT FINDING. Sure, I didn’t see a demonstration or take a class—but I’m no novice painter! And I’ve read more of your posts about using this paint than I can count. So, I felt pretty armed with knowledge.
Although I now have to abandon my TOTALLY CHALK PAINTED project to get this finished and swap it for the Radio cabinet in the antique store—I’m not giving up on using chalk paint. But, clearly, I don’t understand this paint, and will pursue some “training.”
All is not “negative.” I really love the color!
Btw–this is not all of the finished color pallet! AND, I added the lines to the picture to help decide on
the total amount, and spacing of shelves!
This is my experience….Chalk paint isn’t that much different than modern paint except its meant to be waxed. BUT you will ALSO quickly find it doesn’t cover the same. For me, I had to change my thinking that it would. It’s MEANT to be distressed, layered, chipped and to NOT have that perfect coverage that say, Benjamin Moor paint does. That’s your place to start. I “taught” myself chalk painting using small items; cigar boxes, tool carriers, lamps, coat rack, candle box and so on. By working small I got a feel for chalk painting coverage and waxing on pieces that offered more “forgiveness” for my inexperience. Less paint wasted too!
Small House / Big Sky Donna
BLOG: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com
I’ve had the same frustration when it comes to using Elmer’s glue to create an antique ‘crackle’ finish—some types just plain don’t work no matter what you read! I LOVE your projects and always look forward to your creativity–very inspiring!
I’ve used chalk paint on a few small projects, but haven’t been crazy about it, either. I use General Finishes milk paint for most things. I have to put on multiple coats, but love the smooth finish it gives. For some reason I usually have to water down the white, but most colors is a thinner paint- thus, the multiple coats.
I’ve not tried the chalk paint but am looking forward to. You are a talented girl! I can’t wait to show my husband what you did with a chair base.
The piece is absolutely beautiful and I’m in awe of your creativity. I’ll hope for the best for you as far as the painting goes. I’ve been using chalk paint for a bout a year and love the paint itself but I’m beginning to lose interest. Maybe it makes more sense to do a little prep work at the start instead of investing all the labor that goes into waxing at the end – sorry to say the hardest part of using chalk paint is ahead of you.
I have used chaulk paint on several pieces of furniture and I love it. Some of the lighter colors do not cover as well (2 or 3 coast I’ve used). Your cabinet is beautiful and I love the work that you do. You have given me alot of ideas. Also if the old dark stain area bleeds through your paint spray a clear sealer on the area first and let it dry for a day and then paint and when you wax your painted surface wait at least 24 hrs before you buff, and do not use alot of wax (it goes a long way).
Ummm, are you using CeCe Caldwell’s Paints? Or another brand…..
it’s beautiful even if you stopped right there. I bought 4 or 5 containers of AS chalk paint and found sometimes you have to add water to thin it. Making my own by adding non-sanded grout mixed with water to regular paint has worked out better for me. Can’t wait to see your finished cabinet.
Love this, Need to have you over to help me with one!!!! Deb…
It’s looking beautiful
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I absolutely love how you make such imaginative things from so many various pieces-parts!!
You already know how much I love Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint for furniture. What everyone above me here in the comments section has said about it being different is true … it takes only a little bit of effort to get a great, vintage-looking paint finish. (I’ll be happy to tutor you through it via email. Let me know what your problems were, and we’ll get you set on the right path.)