Paint Your Dark Cabinets…don’t be afraid! (how to spray Chalk Paint® too) …Watch our YOUTUBE Videos

Paint Your Dark Cabinets……..don’t be afraid because The Purple Painted Lady is here to help you!

Here is a photo from our customer Loretta McKinley who painted her dark black cabinets with Coco Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan and used dark wax.

Below are a couple of links to full length tutorial and intense information for painting your cabinets.  The videos are literally like taking a workshop with The purple Painted Lady, but …..instead they are free.

After having my shop for 8 years and have helped literally, thousands of people transform their dark cabinets to something lighter, brighter and fresh…. all of us at The Purple Painted Lady are here to help you too!

I know the feeling – it is almost like depression when you walk into a room of your home that is dark and that you do not like.  How long are you going to live like that?  There is no reason to not change it because:

  • it’s affordable!  For an average size kitchen, you can purchase your product and tools to transform it for under $300!
  • it’s okay to paint wood…especially if you do not like it!  Life is short…eat the cake!  But more importantly, painted cabinets are more appealing during resale.
  • you will be happier living in your space….and why shouldn’t you like where you live?

TIPS to think about before beginning any cabinet painting project:

• Become familiar with your painting technique. If painting cabinets is new to you, consider painting a small piece of furniture first to get used to applying both the paint and wax. It can also be helpful to have a small scrap piece of wood available in your workspace as a surface on which to test each step of your process before proceeding to the cabinets.

• If you are painting with a custom color, be sure to mix enough paint for the entire job.

• Paint in the way the cabinet doors are constructed. If the doors are typical five-piece construction, paint the center panel first and then proceed to the rails and stiles, using the brush to create a nice line where the rail joins the stile. Use even brush strokes and don’t overload the brush with paint. When painting the rails and stiles, start painting on the outer edges and work your way in towards the center panel to avoid excess paint pooling where the panel joins the other components.

• To help ensure a consistent look, complete each step of your finish across all of your cabinets before proceeding to the next.

• Chalk Paint® is a thick paint.  Load your brush, get it on and with a light touch feather it out.  It does not like to be played with for an extended time!

Now, we have a bunch of posts here on our website sharing tips and tricks and instructions on how to paint your cabinets, but this week we decided to share some real life video!  So, catch us on our YOUTUBE channel while we paint the cabinets shown below with Old White Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.

Video ONE (this contains the nest tools to be using, how to prep properly, and first coat application)

Video TWO (this contains tips for applying a second coat and your first coat of wax) Jump to the 14 minute marker to skip some of the review if you are not a patient person.  LOL

 

PAINTING OVER THERMAFOIL?:

We have a wonderful technical director at Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan headquarters.  She shared with us,

The subject of painting over Thermo-Foil or other types of foil-finished cabinets comes up often. I know some of you do it and it may look good for awhile, but I really have to discourage you from doing so. These foil finishes are very sensitive to heat and moisture which can cause the foil to peel away, taking any paint finish with it. Also, paints of any kind will not bond to these materials and can eventually chip and scratch from normal wear and tear. I spoke last month at the Surface & Panel Symposium in Milwaukee which was attended by prominent printers, foilers, and cabinet manufacturers in the US and Canada. I made a point of asking various ones if their surfaces could be painted and their answer was a resounding NO. The good news is they are working on a paintable version to address the needs of the design community. The bad news … engineered cabinets with foil finishes is the future. They are being produced in various wood patterns, colors, and texture, and they truly amaze the eye and the hand. While we have been used to seeing foil finishes in white or beige applied as a sheet over solid doors, I saw it being applied to the individual components … center panels, rails, and stiles … for the more classic 5-piece constructed doors. They are making great strides in the stability of these finishes so heat and moisture problems will be a thing of the past.  I believe it will be in our best interest to stress to customers that Chalk Paint® is a wonderful option … for wood and the occasional laminate cabinets. 

KITCHEN CABINET PROJECT STEPS Using Annie Sloan Products
585-750-6056 www.ThePurplePaintedLady.com
This is a high level of the order on what to do…so, make sure to still read the individual instructions for paint and wax for detailed info!

1. Remove cabinet doors and number them. (Some people will paint the doors while still hanging. I don’t…but you can if you want to)


2. Remove hardware (Have an old home? – I leave the hardware in that cabinet’s cavity in a plastic bag so to know which door it goes to- keeping screws with their original hardware and doors is helpful.) Numbering cabinets can be helpful too.


3. CLEAN! Lightly Sand ONLY if you already have product or “stuff” on your cabinet that causes bumps or serious imperfections that you do not like. Spray Krud Kutter on a rag and wipe down doors –- THEN=> Using a fresh rag that is moisten with fresh water….wipe the doors thoroughly down again! <= THAT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP …allow dry time -maybe 30 minutes? Use a Scotch Brite pad if excessively dirty OR have loose paint. Denatured Alcohol or TSP can also be used, but thoroughly rinse with clean water afterward (always rinse with fresh water no matter your cleaner.)


4. IF changing the hole orientation with new hardware – Fill holes from old hardware with wood filler and sand once it is dry.


5. Drill new hole locations.


6. If you need to use shellac…use new Zinsser Bullseye Clears Shellac (spray or brush/rub on) on and allow dry time- 2 thin, uniform coats are best. If you used wood filler you will probably HAVE TO shellac the doors. Lightly sand with 200 grit. Do not break through shellac. NOTE! Most times you do NOT need to use shellac! => So, do a test by applying Chalk Paint® without shellac on one door that is seen the least,….if you have no bleeding of tannin- skip this “sealing” step. If you get bleeding after 1st coat of chalk paint®- apply shellac over paint once dry. NEVER apply shellac over wax! I like to apply shellac with a rag- NOT a brush.

7. NOW the fun part…..PAINT!:   We love to use the Annie Sloan 2” Flat Brush. (this is our favorite brush to paint cabinet doors with)  (https://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/Chalk-Paint-Flat-Brush-Large-by-Annie-Sloan_p_174.html) If painting the backs of the door- which I always do even with just one coat- paint backs first, and finish them all the way to completion using your top coat. Always “practice painting” and apply wax on the back of the doors before starting the fronts- which are the most important side of the doors, right? Want a smoother finish- thin your paint with a little water. Maybe 20%? (Paint most likely 2 coats…could be three depending on color and technique) Apply first coat and wait 24 hours…..if possible.  In general, the paint dries within 30 to 45 minutes, and then you can apply additional coats, but after the first coat only- if you can wait 24 hours, do it.  : )  Annie Sloan herself has always stated, never do more than three applications in a 24 hour period.  that could be two coats of paint and one coat of wax, or one coat of paint and two coats of wax.  It just starts to get too thick and you want each individual to set enough.

APPLYING THE SECOND COAT:  I will often use my Fine Mist Spray Bottle (https://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/Fine-Mist-Sprayers-10-oz-Clear–Great-To-Use-When-Applying-a-Wash_p_883.html)  filled with water.  I lightly mist the dried paint and then immediately apply my second coat.  This light mist of water acts like a slip coat and makes painting the second coat easier and smoother.  Always allow ample dry time. Always end painting a section with a clean finishing stroke from end to end.

8. Number of Coats of Paint: Again…the number of coats is dependent on desired look – LIGHT sanding the surface after 2nd coat with 220 or higher grit sandpaper will create a smoother finish -ONLY IF DESIRED…but this is not required. Stay away from the edges if you do not want to break thru the paint to show base cabinet.

9. WANT A WORN DISTRESSED LOOK? Just because you use Chalk Paint® does NOT mean you have to distress to get a rustic or shabby chic look, but… if you do like that…this paint is perfect for it!   So, distress edges and corners of cabinets with Annie’s sanding sponges …then blow dust off! I do this outside in the garage or outside if nice weather.

10. Seal and Protect Your Cabinets:  Top coat the cabinets using Clear Wax (2 coats is optimal – (follow our wax instructions!!!) Make sure you can glide your hand on the wax surface after removing excess wax. If using Dark Wax or making a glaze – apply after 1st or 2nd coat of clear wax. Try using Annie’s FINE Sanding Pad on the wax surface after it has cured to get a shinier finish- use with GENTLE pressure. Dark Wax is the last step of your whole project. Unless you are using Metallic Gilding Wax to embellish details- then the gilding goes on last.

INTERESTED IN USING A SPRAYER FOR YOUR CHALK PAINT® in Liters?:

If using a Fuji Q4 Platinum sprayer – here are a few things learned be a fellow stockist:

1. They used a 1.3 mm tip and have changed to a 1.8 mm tip since they found it works much better. Because the paint is a lot thicker you will definitely need different tips than you were using with the paint that was packaged in quarts”
2. Warming the paint helps and thinning with warm water also works. Thinning about 10% to 20%.  (start with the lesser, but you can add more paint if you add too much water)
3. Having the shop and doors heated to about 70 degrees makes a difference. So, work in a reasonably warm space.  And this is not while you are in it.  The space should be kept at this temperature consistently prior and for the entire cure time!
4. Also playing around with the sprayers spray pattern settings was needed. 

Additional IMPORTANT Sprayer Information for Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan:

Experiment to get the right results when spraying with your particular model. The most important thing to know is that there is no ‘magic’ ratio of paint to water and you will need to tweak it every time you spray, as site specific conditions mean that results can vary.  With that said, Annie Sloan Interiors recommends that you add 10% to 20% water as a starting point. 

ADDING A PAINT EXTENDER:

You can also add a paint extender to the Chalk Paint® to help get a smooth finish.  We reached out to Annie Sloan Interiors and they shared that they have used XIM Latex Extender with good results in the past.  Don’t let the name fool you- there is no Latex in Chalk Paint®.  This product is meant to be used with any water based paints and Chalk Paint® is water based.   The one in the picture below is the one Annie Sloan Interiors referred us to use, but others are available. Their spray consultant guys tell them that the main ingredient of these extenders is propylene glycol and that you can effectively make your own extender using this ingredient.  Personally, I would just suggest purchasing the product pre-packaged and ready to go.  

Even though you have added water as stated in the previous step – you still dilute with water AND add the extender – if you find it’s too thin to spray you can always add more paint. Don’t get too hung up on the amounts – the spray guys we work with just eyeball it!   

Using an airless sprayer is not recommended – the high solids content in Chalk Paint® will damage the nozzle. 
 
You will want to warm your Chalk Paint® because it will spray and settle better.  Place your container of paint in a bain marie of very hot water for 15 minutes.  Bain Marie is a container holding hot water into which a pan is placed for slow warming. After 15 minutes, When we have taught this in workshops in the past, we used a large crockpot as a bain marie. It doesn’t really matter how much water is in there just make sure it is not too high that when you set your containers in- that the water overflows into your paint!
 

How To Clean Your Painted and Waxed Cabinets

Hi!  If you have have refinished your cabinets using Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan and her wax ….. I bet they look awesome!  Congratulations!

I want to help you keep them looking great!

NIGHTMARE:    First- let’s address the worse situation.  Meaning, something VERY BAD happens- (queue the scary music in a horror film now)  ……like a black sharpie was taken to the front and there is a “permanent” mark….or Crayola Crayons were used, or the black from the rubber bumper around a vacuum left a scuff …or a scuff from a kids shoe…..or for that matter……anything that does not come off with a gentle cleaner/dish soap and warm water.    

  • Grab your tin of Annie’s clear wax (in fact- always leave it under the kitchen sink.) 
  • Take a soft towel and get a small amount.  Like less than a single green pea.  
  • Lightly rub that on the abused area until you see the stain lift off.  
  • You might need to re-wax the whole door to get a uniform look- but this should have done the trick.  The reason this works is –  there is a component in the wax that keeps it soft and spreadable.  This component will also soften the top micro layer of existing wax on your cabinet door (or dresser, or table, etc)   When it softens that layer- it also allows you to lift any serious dirt or stain.  
  • If your cabinets were painted a while ago- you do not realize this…but dirt and dust will land on them.  By cleaning only one spot….it may acknowledge that the rest of the door needs to be cleaned also.  So, a nice once over with the clear wax will do the trick.
  • NOTE- if you have applied a tinted wax all over your cabinets- such as Annie’s Dark, Black or White wax.  You will probably need to use Clear Wax over the entire door, and then re-apply the tinted wax.  
  • Another option is using Odorless Mineral Spirits on a rag- to wipe off all of the surface wax, in hopes- it also removes the problem area.  Using a little odorless mineral spirits on it and wipe off some of that wax build up. Your rag should be damp only, not dripping! I like to use “real” Mineral Spirits..meaning not the environmentally “green” Mineral Spirits that has a milky white appearance. I feel it does not work or perform nearly as well as the original Mineral Spirits. Take your rag and place it on the opening of the Mineral Spirits container. Flip the container a couple of times in different areas of the rag. (the image I want you to think of is how a person would put nailpolish remover onto a cotton swab or ball!) With a tiny bit of Mineral Spirits on your rag, rub the area you are trying to remove the wax.  The mineral spirits on the rag will remove some of the wax. You do not want to be aggressively scrubbing in any one spot- you want to have uniformed removal of the build up.  If the stain or problem area disappears- then – take a rad lightly moisten with water,  Wipe the cabinet down again.  Let it completely dry.  Finish with a fresh coat of wax over the entire surface. 
  •   Lastly- Annie Sloan’s products are amazing- but they are not a miracle.  If for some reason- you can’t remove the “nightmare” of a stain – you may have to repaint and then wax.  This is why I always tell people, to keep some of their leftover paint and a tin of Clear Wax in the back corner under their kitchen sink.   And know this- a touch up probably will not work.  You may need to repaint the entire door.

ON GOING CLEANING of Cabinets painted with Chalk Paint® and have Wax as a top coat:

Cabinet Care & Cleaning

From regular dusting to cleaning splatters and spills, you can help maintain the beauty of your cabinets by following these recommendations.


CLEANING GUIDELINES (HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PAINTED AND WAXED CABINETS)

A soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient to clean your cabinets. If more thorough cleaning is required, please use a fresh solution of mild hand dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water.

After cleaning, wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately using another soft, clean cloth.

Do not aggressively scrub in any one spot.


CLEANING PRODUCTS TO AVOID:

The following cleaning products are to be avoided as damage may occur (this would apply to brand new cabinets from a big box store too):

  • Harsh detergents, strong soaps, abrasive cleaning products such as tub and sink cleansers, scouring powder, scouring pads, steel wool or self polishing waxes.
  • Sponges or dish cloths. They may contain particles that could scratch your cabinets, or they may contain food and oil residue or remnants of harsh cleaning solutions.
  • Solvent-based or petroleum-based products such as mineral spirits, nail-polish removers or paint thinners.
  • Ammonia or cleaning products that include ammonia.
  • Bleach or cleaning products that include bleach.
  • Silicone-based cleaning, waxing, or polishing products.
  • Soaps that are a “de-greaser.”

SPLATTERS AND SPILLS

Clean spills and splatters immediately. Prolonged exposure to spills, including food, water or other liquids, or to oil and grease splatters, can cause permanent discoloration or damage to your cabinet’s finish.

REGULAR DUSTING

cabinet care tips

Use a clean, soft lint-free cotton cloth for regular dusting.

Packaged dusting sheets are not required or recommended. Do not use pre-moistened dusting sheets, and do not use aerosol products made for dusting.

POLISHING

Over time, polishing compounds may build up on the surface of your cabinets and cause a hazy, streaky or yellowed appearance. Never use Endust or Pledge on cabinets.  

DO YOU PAINT CABINETS FOR OTHER PEOPLE?

I recommend that you add or embed to your painting quote ….the cost of one new tin of clear wax by Annie Sloan.  Leave it with the customer under their kitchen sink.   Explain to them and leave a document on how to use it.  

Provide them with TWO copies of a documented “CARE TAG” regarding on the proper way to clean their cabinets and have them sign off on your job – acknowledging that you left it. 

If you do not have a care tag…MAKE ONE NOW!   Just copy and paste what is above and tweak it to fit your style! 

If you transform a project and would like to share it with The Purple Painted Lady® via your Facebook or Instagram page, please use our hashtag!!!  #thepurplepaintedlady   We love seeing what you are all working on!

 

BUY PRODUCT FROM …..THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY®:

First- if you have a local stockist- go visit them and build a relationship with them.  Go to them with your questions and project issues.  BUT- if you do not have a local stockist- we invite you to try our customer service!

As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady® to be your one stop resource!  We have two locations in western NY.  Check out our Information tab and come and meet us!  Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you.  
 
This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist.  Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them. The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable.  Get inspired by their shop that they lovingly curated – just for you!   Enjoy that one on one experience!   But for those who are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us.  With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
 
We are here to help you, our customers!  We want you to be successful!  
 
SOME OF THE REASONS WE THINK THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY® CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
 
*  We love our customers and it shows!
*  Ordering online?  If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.   We ship orders out every since week day all over the US.  (THIS IS DIFFERENT than SAME DAY DELIVERY. We do not offer that)
*  We offer low flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
*  We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
*  We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
 
 
: )  And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project!  And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!  Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady®.  Here is a link to my Facebook page=> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710    This really helps me!  (wink, wink!)
XO
Trish

The Purple Painted Lady® ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office

Little Gray House Update

#littlegrayhouse update!

Back in September of 2016, we purchased a property that had a little old house on it. The house was built around 1856.

Little Gray House The Purple Painted Lady

 

 It is a tiny little house- right around 1,000 sq ft.  It was in pretty poor condition and hadn’t had any work done since the 6th layer of linoleum went on the floor back in the 1950’s. 

Linoleum Little Gray House Old Flooring

The Purple Painted Lady® is getting ready to paint the upcycled wood cabinets in the kitchen.

We don’t plan on having any upper cabinets, instead we will have white tile with barn wood floating shelves and white counter tops.

This custom blue shown is made of 1 part Greek Blue to 1.5 parts to Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint®.

Aubusson Blue Greek Blue Cabinet Custom

Then we used clear wax and black wax. I love this sample cabinet!