Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
I have heard such great reviews about the Ann Sloan Paint Line, and I wanted to try it out for myself. I was instantly attracted to their claim of ‘no need to prime or prepare’! I also loved the idea of being able to paint any surface such as wood furniture, plastic, clay, concrete, stone and formica furniture. As described on their website “Chalk Paint is a unique paint in 24 decorative and historical colors made specifically for painting furniture, painting floors, painting 'blackboards' and for giving walls a completely matte velvety finish.”
French Linen Old White Paris GrayIt was a great pleasure to drive down to historic Bristol, RI. It was a beautiful day and it is such a quaint little town with shops right on the water. The owner of Sea Rose Cottage, Nancy, invited me to come to her store and work with the paints:
She had all different painted samples to get ideas from:
Although there are only 24 paint colors, there are actually many, many ways to mix the paint together. You can mix the paint with wax or water to make numerous shades and different techniques of paint.
Their claim of easy is so true! You just paint the surface with your color with two coats, then rub two coats of wax on. That’s it! If you want an antique look, just paint on the dark wax and rub off until desired effect. Pretty easy! Below are two examples of finishing the wood with the dark wax:
What I also loved was there is no right or wrong way to do it. You paint on the color, then use one (or both) of the two waxes, clear and dark, and then just adjust the effects you want with a rag. I know I am making this seem very simple, but that is actually the steps you follow. The picture below shows the color Versailles shown in different coats as applied:
From right to left- 1) one coat color applied, 2) two coats color, 3) two coats color with one coat clear wax and the last on the left is two coats color applied with two coats clear wax, then buffed with a rag to a beautiful shine.As stated on her website "Annie Sloan developed her now famous Chalk Paint to answer the need she had for a paint which would have many uses from acting like limewash to looking like old painted furniture and that had a good range of color that could be extended by the user. This paint is very easy to work with and allows people to be creative as one doesn't get involved with the technicalities of preparation and it also allows you to change your mind without hassle."I chose to experiment with the French Linen:
Nancy told me the most popular colors are Old White, Duck Egg Blue and Paris Gray. French Linen is a new color in the collection as well as a Pure White color and a beautiful Coco color I loved. I had no idea these colors have been in Europe for 20 years. They have only been in the United States and Canada for one and a half years. Brand new really! I really think it is a miracle paint for getting that antique and vintage look! But, it also can be made to look very contemporary depending on the color and sheen you are looking for. Below is a mirror painted with Provence and then waxed. The molding held up to compare is painted with no wax (both treatments beautiful!):
I ended up buying a quart of the French Linen paint ($36.95), one tin of the clear wax ($29.95), one tin of dark wax ($29.95) and a few samples jars to experiment with. The dark wax should last forever because you only use such a small amount of it.I can’t wait to start painting! I am going to start with a small wood table and then I will share with you. There is a great technique book that is easy to follow step by step written by Annie Sloan called ‘Quick and Easy Paint Transformations’ that you can purchase online from the Sea Rose Cottage as well as all Annie Sloan paint and waxes. This special paint is only sold in about 70 stocklists throughout the United State and Canada. It can be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
Love it! Love new products, new experiments! I have invited Nancy to guest post in about a week to explain in more detail about the products and painting techniques. Stay tuned!Comments? Have you had a chance to try the Anne Sloan paint? What do you think of it?I love the way that they advertise their paint:
Why our Paint is Special
1. It's the BEST paint for painting furniture by a long way.2. You can use the paint by diluting it with water to make a wash to show the wood grain.3. You can use it as an impasto ( thickly) - leave the lid off to thicken.4. You can use it on any surface, indoors and out ( the outside of our shop was painted in it- perfect!)5. No need to prime or prepare.6. The colors are mixed intelligently and the web site shows how you can adapt your colors for your use.7. It's a girls' paint, but boys can use it too.8. It's flexible so you can be creative and change you mind.9. It allows your walls to breathe so it is perfect for cottage walls.10. Extremely low VOCs so it is good for the environment.11. Very little black is used in their manufacture so the colors are mixed with thought using a mixture of colors.13. You can paint it on walls for a soft matt effect or wax it for a polished plaster effect.Related topics you might enjoy:Beautiful Gray Color CombinationsThe Magic of Paint – For Wood Paneling