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Dec 5, 2012

Barb vs. Chalk Paint. Round #1 Goes To...

So I tried out this chalk paint phenomenon that all the kids are talking about. My friend Joanne, from Muddarittaville Studio, recently became a distributor of van Gogh chalk paint so she gave me all of her leftover Annie Sloan paint.

We have an old bookcase that is cheap and an ugly shade of brown. Not real wood, just one of those particle board jobbies with a fake wood grain. Perfect for my first stab at chalk paint.


I'm completely new to this don't-need-to-sand, just-slap-it-on kind of painting. Kind of scary. I'm not that trusting. But since I didn't like the bookcase anyway, I had nothing to lose. I used Old White for the sides, top, and shelves, and Paris Grey for the back wall.

annie sloan chalk paint - Turtles and Tails blog

When I opened the white paint it was very thick so I added some water to thin it out. I think I might have added too much though because it took 4 coats to cover the sides. I didn't water down the grey at all and it only took 2 coats. Also, when the paint is watered-down it doesn't self-level as well as it should and I was left with brush marks. So there you go, lesson learned - leave it thick.

brush marks. boo.

Here we are at the end of the first day. I do like how fast it dries. Even though I had to do multiple coats, they didn't take long at all. 


(How 'bout that Hoosier cabinet in the background? Can you believe my father-in-law was using it to store paint cans and hardware? I can't wait to re-finish it.)

Joanne gave me several colours to play with, so I used a few blues and a yellow to stencil some flowers onto the back wall. Again a first - first time using a real stencil - hey, Martha! - and real stenciling brushes. I like how the flowers don't jump out at you in a hippie-dippy, mystery machine sort of way - they're just there behind the books as a little extra surprise.

chalk paint bookcase - Turtles and Tails blog

chalk paint stencil - Turtles and Tails blog

I waxed everything and then roughed up the white a bit along the edges with a sanding sponge to give it a chippy look. I didn't sand the grey at all since the back wouldn't normally wear, amiright?

chalk paint bookcase - Turtles and Tails blog

I haven't decided where to put it yet - probably in the craft room since there are never enough places to hold all my stuff. For now I gave it a little decoration and put it in the front hallway.

chalk paint bookcase - Turtles and Tails blog

chalk paint bookcase - Turtles and Tails blog

chalk paint bookcase - Turtles and Tails blog

chalk paint stencil - Turtles and Tails blog


I don't know if I'm completely sold on chalk paint yet - it's a little heavy for my liking. My favourite wood finish is still to stain it then give it a light wash of colour (and wax of course). I do want to try it again though. I'd love to paint something with one of the bright blues - maybe a stool or a small table.

Have you tried chalk paint? What's your opinion? 


~~~~~

I'm linking up here this week!

17 comments:

  1. Hello,
    My name is Joanna, I am Brazilian and I live in São Paulo.
    I can not speak or write very well in English, sorry. So this comment was via google translator, ok?
    Your blog is beautiful, your work is beautiful and inspiring, congratulations! And could not fail to mention that their dogs are too cute and Sasha opening Christmas present killed me laughing! Too bad the "pin" the video did not work: (.
    Hugs and happy holidays.

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  3. I think it came out beautiful. You can thin chalk paint out a bit by adding a little water. I happen to love it because you don't need to prime. I would love for you to link up to my party going on right now. Hope to see you there. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com

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  4. The bookcase turned out great Barb. I love the stencils you added.

    Jo

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  5. Hi, Barb
    The bookcase turned out great. I love your honesty on the paint. I have not tried it yet and that is because its so expensive. Maybe one day. What color did you like the best?

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  6. Something Nice and PrettyDecember 10, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    Visiting from Make it Pretty Monday! I'd keep it out where everyone can see it, love the stenciled flowers and I think you did a wonderful job on it!

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  7. love it! i'm definitely going to try chalk paint and do my little girl's toy shelves! love the stenciling too

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  8. Looks great! Thank you for sharing this at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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  9. the flowers stencilled on the back are fun. I think you did a great job....!
    hugs x
    Crystelle

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  10. Thanks! I liked the darker colours best - there are some really great blues.

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  11. Thank you! Happy holidays to you!

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  12. Did you lightly sand the book case in between coats? I heard that helps with the brush marks.

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  13. No, I was too afraid I'd sand the paint off. I might try that next time. Thanks!

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  14. Old white is the hardest color to work with. Duck Egg blue has a great consistency.

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  15. I have been thinking of re-doing it. Thanks for the tip!

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