Learning a new Chalk Paint® Technique - Frottage

One of the things that I really like about using Chalk Paint® are the dozens of different ways the paint can be used. Although I tend to use the "basic" techniques most often, I am always eager to learn a new one! So, when Annie (in her latest blog), spoke about "Frottage", I was intrigued. 

What is Frottage? It is a textured look frequently found in Swedish homes, caused partly by how the paint peels away from the surface over time. This technique can be used on furniture and walls as well (think I would really like this effect on a wall).

Annie reveals how to achieve this look in her latest blog HERE. There is also a great step-by-step in Annie's book, Color Recipes which we have at both shops and our ONLINE SHOP.

I can't wait to try this myself - I'll let you know how it turns out!

Happy Painting!   Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:

4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 

19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

Directions to either shop

To see more tips, tutorials, photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Want to see more? Find Rachel on:

SHOP ONLINE  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  BLOG  | TWITTER

Using Annie Sloan Craqueleur

I want to use Annie Sloan's Crackle Medium called Craqueleur on a project I am going to work on and since I've not used it much I decided to paint a sample board first. For those of you who have taken my Workshops, you know that I always talk about trying out a new project first on a sample board. It's simply the best way to test a color or finish without committing to an entire piece.

Since I've just returned from the beach, I am thinking of beach blues and greens so I've picked Chalk Paint® in Louis Blue and Greek Blue for my color palette.

To give the piece some depth, I painted a first coat of Greek Blue, let dry and then a second coat of the Louis Blue. I wasn't trying to actually see the Greek Blue, but like the way it gives some depth to the Louis Blue. (Try this with any two colors that are similar in tone.) When this dries, we are ready for the Craqueleur. 

Annie's Craqueleur is a bit different from what you might be used to as a crackle finish in that this product involves the application of two transparent varnishes, the second of which cracks. It doesn't work on the underlying paint but rather creates a topcoat surface that crackles, a look more like what you would see on an old oil painting or ironstone china rather than actually cracking the paint. To achieve this look you will need both Step One and Step Two. Both are transparent and allow you to see the paint colors beneath.

You can vary the size of the crackles by varying the amount of the Craqueleur applied - thicker results in larger crackles and thinner in finer crackles. After the paint had dried, I applied a thicker coat of Step One to the left side of the sample board and a lighter coat to the right side and then let dry.

Then I applied Step Two to both sides, also thicker on the left than on the right. As the Step Two dries, you will begin to see the crackles. You can let it dry naturally or, as I did, use a hairdryer to speed the process.

It's a good idea to test this particular product so you are sure as to the right thickness of each of the steps. I've applied it thinly to one half and thickly to the other just to see the difference, as I mentioned.

As a final step, I applied Soft Dark Wax to accentuate the crackle. Although you don't have to use the Dark Wax, I think it adds to the look greatly. Here's the finished sample board.

You can see the larger cracks where I applied the Craqueleur thickly on the left side of the board and the smaller ones where I applied it a little more thinly on the right.

Large crackles - with Dark Wax and without. You can see how the Soft Dark Wax really accentuates the crackles.

Smaller crackles - with Dark Wax and without.

Think I'm ready for my project!

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:

4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 

19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials, photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Want to see more? Find Rachel on:

SHOP ONLINE  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  le BLOG  

French Gilding Waxes

Want to add a little bling to your projects? French Gilding Waxes are just the thing.

Photos via various Chalk Paint® Stockists

They are easy to use and pack a lot of punch. You can even apply it over the hardware as was done in the photo above.

First paint, wax and buff your piece. You will want your piece to be "finished" before applying the gilding wax. It is not necessary to buff after applying the gilding wax. Applying the gilding wax should be the last step in your process.

Below is the before of a table that I had painted in Aubusson Blue, with a Soft Dark Wax finish. I decided to add a little French Gilding Wax in Silver to it.

Decide just where you want to apply the gilding wax. Although you can paint over it, it is just easier to decide how much to gild at this point. Remember, it is easier to add more later and a little goes a long way! If you do apply a little too much, you can apply a little more paint, or even a little Dark Soft Wax to soften it a bit.

I use my finger to apply the gilding wax, but you can use a small artist brush if that is more comfortable. Glide your finger over the raised areas. I usually apply the gilding wax to raised or carved areas of the wood - this will highlight them beautifully. Here is the finished table with the French Gilding Wax in Silver.

We offer four colors of gilding wax:

Renaissance Gold, Empire Gold, King Gold and Silver at both our Irvington and Richmond shops, or, you can purchase them along with all the other Chalk Paint® Supplies at Brocante Home Collection's Online Store.

Warning: It is so easy and fun you may want to gild everything!

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:

4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 

19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

Directions to either shop

To see more tips, tutorials, photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Want to see more? Find Rachel on:

SHOP ONLINE  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  BLOG  

Creating a Little Age - How to use Aging Dust

 Sometimes age is a good thing…such as this new product that I am really enjoying using called Aging Dust. This is a natural compound used for polishing wax. It creates a beautiful hand finish and a soft sheen. (It is a wonderful metal polisher as well).

Especially effective for highly carved or decorative areas, the Aging Dust settles into the grooves giving the appearance of age over time. I have used it all over my furniture, not just the carved areas, and like the soft look it gives my projects. It gives a softer, less antiqued look than the Soft Dark Wax. On the photo below, the lower drawer is prior to being treated - the top has been treated.

This high end finish is often found in fine antiques, furniture and custom cabinetry and now you can create this authentic time worn look yourself!

It's fairly easy to use: After applying a coat of Clear Soft Wax, wait about 15-20 minutes (until the wax is almost completely dry) and then apply the Aging Dust. You can sprinkle it across a flat surface and use a brush for the sides and carvings. I just sprinkle a little on a piece of cardboard and dip my brush into that, applying it to the areas I want. Allow to dry for another 30 minutes or so - you are waiting for the wax to dry or the Aging Dust will "mix" with the wax and not give you the result you are after when you buff.  Lightly brush off the excess and polish the piece using our new Buffing Brushes, leaving some Aging Dust behind in the crevices. Gorgeous!

We carry both the Aging Dust and Buffing Brushes at both our shops, or you can SHOP ONLINE.

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:

4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 

19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials, photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Want to see more? Find Rachel on:

FACEBOOK |  PINTEREST  |  le BLOG  | WEBSITE

Dry Brush Technique using Chalk Paint®

I almost always get comments on the technique I used on one of the very first pieces I painted with Chalk Paint®, my jewelry case at the shop. It is called a Dry Brush Technique. It is really quite easy, just remember that less is more (I'll get to that later).

I like to use this technique when I am wanting an overall distressed look without distressing with sandpaper. The look you are after is that of old paint underneath a newer coat. 

First, paint the entire piece  - I used a neutral color, Paris Grey. You will want to cover the entire piece. I like to use Annie's Chalk Paint® brush. As you can see, the paint brush is loaded - I'm pointing this out so you can see the difference for the dry brush.

Then, barely tip another brush into a second color such as Old White - and here is the trick. WIPE OFF MOST OF THE PAINT. I'm showing you with the Paris Grey as it is easier to see the contrast between the brush above and the one below.

Using sweeping strokes, lightly brush over the first coat (you've let the first solid coat dry). You are not trying to cover the first coat, but lightly adding the second color. Work quickly since the paint will dry faster with the dry brush. Add more or less paint to the surface by layering. If you do it right, it looks as if you have distressed down to the first coat.

Do this as many times with the second color as you want to achieve the "look". For more depth, you can even dry brush the first paint color again over the second.

Finish with Clear or Clear and Dark Soft Wax and that's it!

Your finished piece will look like you have spent a lot of effort distressing. It couldn't be easier.

This is just one of the techniques I will be teaching at the upcoming Chalk Paint® Workshops, so if you haven't registered, the link is below. 

P.S. - My October 15th Chalk Paint® Workshop in Richmond is full - but, I still have room for my Saturday, October 19th Workshop in Irvington. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:

4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 

19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials, photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Want to see more? Find Rachel on:

FACEBOOK |  PINTEREST  |  le BLOG  | WEBSITE

Creating an Aged Patina with Chalk Paint®

There are numerous ways to create an aged and distressed finish on a piece of furniture painted with Chalk Paint®. I talked about one way in an earlier post about Annie's new Wax Paint Technique.

For this project, I have used three products, Chalk Paint®, Soft Wax and High Grit Sandpaper (600 grit) - painting, wiping and distressing to obtain the look of a nice worn patina on this table. 

I first painted the entire mahogany piece in one coat of Chateau Grey, a beautiful neutral color that Annie calls an elegant grey green - the color found in old French woodwork. Don't worry if the color does not completely cover the wood - I will be painting several other colors over this.

Next, I added a second coat in Old White, wiping the paint as I went with a clean soft cloth to take off some of the paint and achieve a bit of distressing. I did not thin the paint with water, but applied it full strength.

After the second coat dried, I then painted a third color, Old Ochre, over it, also wiping it back. Make sure to wipe back while the paint is still wet, so do this in sections. 

After letting all three coats dry, I mixed a little Dark Soft Wax with Clear Soft Wax for a softer brown color. I waxed the entire piece with this mixture and with a little pressure, wiped off the excess so that some of the original paint (Chateau Grey) and wood showed through. I did not need to use any sandpaper to distress, but if you want a more distressed look, give it a try. A little bit of buffing with the high grit sandpaper (600 grit) and a soft cloth and I was through. 

It's that easy! I'll explain the steps further at my next Chalk Paint® Class in Richmond this Tuesday, August 20th. To reserve your spot, please call DéCOR at 804-562-8326.

I still have room in my two hour Chalk Paint® Workshop in Irvington next Saturday, August 24th. For information, click HERE.

P.S. - I am now offering private Chalk Paint® lessons! For more information please click HERE.

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont Ave. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA
For directions to either shop, click HERE

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

A Smooth Modern Finish

Sometimes you just want a smooth, contemporary finish on the furniture you are going to paint with Chalk Paint®. It represents an opportunity to use a clear contemporary color such as Provence or Florence, or in my case, Louis Blue, since I wanted to use a soft blue to compliment the summer feel of the shop. 

Supplies You Will Need:

Chalk Paint®

High Grit (600 to 800) for sanding & buffing

Clear Soft Wax

Clean Soft Cloth for removing excess wax and polishing

Paint Brush (I like Annie's)

Ultimate Wax Brush

As always, I first cleaned the table with a gentle cleaner such as Simple Green or Method. Lightly sand the surface, if needed, to smooth out any imperfections. (Remember, we are going for a smooth finish!)

Then, I applied a first coat of Chalk Paint® in Louis Blue smoothly and evenly over the entire piece. Work the brush in one direction with the grain. The paint should be smooth and flowing - if not, adding just a little water will dilute the paint, making it flow easier. (Or, try dipping your brush first into a bowl of water, then into the paint to thin it a bit, especially for the second coat.) 

 And then I applied a second coat once the first has dried. The first coat should cover the piece and the second coat should make the color "opaque".

PaintTip: Don't overwork the paint with your brush! Long, smooth and easy strokes are best. I like using Annie's brushes because they deliver just the right amount of paint and the paint goes on extra smoothly.

Option: After the second coat is completely dry, you can lightly sand with the 600 grit sandpaper. Note: this is the only time I might suggest that you sand prior to waxing. Make sure that you are sanding over a drop cloth, or if you can, take it outside. This will help to smooth out the brush strokes, but remember, you will almost always see some of the brush strokes. (Personally, I find that I can get a nice smooth finish without this step and who needs the mess?)

Using a wax brush, I then applied a thin coat of Soft Clear Wax over the entire piece. Chalk Paint®, when dry, has a matte, velvety finish that absorbs Annie's Soft Wax perfectly. 

I like using the Ultimate Wax Brush to apply Soft Wax to my projects - it gets into all the nooks and crannies perfectly. Wipe off any excess wax with the soft cloth, polishing as you go. You should not be able to "feel" the wax after this step. If you use the Ultimate Wax Brush, you should not have any problem with over waxing. P.S. - Check out the shops for our new smaller Ultimate Wax Brushes! 

Then, when the Soft Wax has dried, I buffed with the 600 grit sandpaper for that patina we love.

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont St. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Complimentary Colors

A Complimentary is the opposite color on the color wheel - 

it can mean that they can fight each other or they can get along really well....

Cream is the opposite of Old Violet and in this case get along really well!

With these two Complimentary Colors, one is primary and one is secondary. 

Here, Cream (the primary color) is made from 
yellow with lots of white in it and 
Old Violet (the secondary color) 

is made from blue and red. 

Mix them together and you get Paloma - 

a lovely purple grey.

Want to learn more about Chalk Paint® colors? 

Join me at the next Chalk Paint® Class in Richmond 

where we will be talking about 

Expanding You Color Options. 

Classes are complimentary, but please, 

call 804-562-8326 to register.

Happy Painting!  Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont St. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA
For directions to either shop, click HERE

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Chalk Paint® - A Typical Application

  

I am asked so often about a "typical" application of Chalk Paint® that I thought it worthwhile to write a post on it.

The following is for a typical one or two color painted and distressed finish. There are many options for using this wonderful paint - this is just one of them - and Annie Sloan has several terrific books with step-by-step projects, including Quick & Easy Paint Transformations, The French Look and her newest, Color Recipes for Painted Furniture. Try her Workbook to organize and experiment with Chalk Paint®.

The first coat of Chalk Paint® is put on thicker, moving the brush in different directions to lay on the paint for texture or with the grain for a smooth finish. Varying the direction will add texture that will show when distressing and also grab any dark wax which may later be applied. The first coat is left to dry.

The second coat is applied thinner and smoother and left to thoroughly dry. A small amount of water may be added to the Chalk Paint® to make this step go easier. Or, dip the paint brush in a little bit of water before the paint.

Clear Soft Wax is then applied with a cloth or brush (I prefer a brush), spreading and pushing the wax into the underlying paint. Wipe off all of the excess wax with a clean cloth. Be sure to change out your cloths frequently.

When the wax no longer feels "wet" (this may be only a matter of minutes), you can randomly and lightly sand any edges or other select areas with a fine grit (220 - 300) sandpaper to distress. 

Applying wax before sanding softens the Chalk Paint and makes it easier to distress. It also cuts down on the sanding dust.

Apply another thin coat of Clear Soft Wax, particularly in the areas where you have distressed the finish, and remove all of the excess with a clean cloth.

If desired, apply Dark Soft Wax to further age the piece. Work in small sections and remove the excess Dark Wax with a clean cloth. Be sure to apply the Dark Wax while the Clear Wax is still moist.

For a higher patina or sheen, gently buff with a very fine (600 - 800 grit) sandpaper and / or a clean soft cloth.

Happy Painting!

Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont St. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Posted with Blogsy

How to Paint a Harlequin (Diamond) Design with Chalk Paint®

Adding a harlequin or diamond design to furniture, floors or even walls is easy to accomplish with a ruler, frog tape and two colors of Chalk Paint®. 

Follow along as I paint my shop counter...

My shop counter before.

Start by painting the entire surface with one of the colors. In my case, I choose Old White and Graphite. 

It is only necessary to paint one coat - just make certain you have complete coverage. If not, you may want to paint a second coat of the first color.

After the first color has dried, you need to map out the design by first measuring your total surface from top to bottom and then from side to side. You will need to mark off the midpoints with a pencil. 

I drew a point in the mid-point of both the horizontal and the vertical planes of each of the above two panels. Keep cutting the midpoints in half until you have the size of the diamonds. In my case, I was painting four across and one down. You can see on the photo above where the points are by looking at the tape. Tape off the pattern with frog tape.....

Then, fill in the taped area with you second color - here in Graphite. I painted two coats since I was planning on using this as a chalkboard. Repeat until you have painted all of your diamonds. 

Then, pull of the tape and you are finished!

Now, wasn't that easy?

Happy Painting!

Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont St. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls

Painting Outdoor Furniture with Chalk Paint®

With Spring in the air, I was inspired to paint a few outdoor items around the shop such as the front door, shutters and a metal bench. 

Chalk Paint® works wonderfully on outdoor items such as these as well as wicker, cement or concrete and terracotta. 

Here's how to do it:

1) Begin by sanding off any uneven finish such as chipping paint (only if necessary) and then clean the piece. No need to prime! 

2) Paint one or two coats of Chalk Paint®. Let dry in a protected area before putting it out into the elements to let the paint "cure". Chalk Paint® actually will harden over time and will weather and distress naturally. 

3) Waxing outdoor furniture is not recommended because heat could keep the wax soft and keep it from curing. (Although I did wax my door the last time I painted it and it was fine.)

Old Violet

Duck Egg

Paris Grey

Some colors that work well in a garden are Old White, Paris Grey, Country Grey, Chateau Grey, Duck Egg Blue and my favorite in the garden, Old Violet. But let your imagination go wild! 

Need help painting? Join one of my Chalk Paint® Workshops or Classes. Click HERE for more information.

To see the new front door at my shop, click HERE.

*Photos courtesy of Annie Sloan and photographed by Christopher Drake.

Happy Painting!

Rachel

Chalk Paint® and supplies are available at my two shops:
4323 Irvington Rd., Irvington, VA and 
19 S. Belmont St. (in the heart of Carytown), Richmond, VA

To see more tips, tutorials and photos: Paintbrush and Pearls