Chalk Paint® 101

Painting 101:

Friends don’t let friends paint in situations where peeling will occur!

If there is one thing you can take away from this post- it is to please read the instructions that The Purple Painted Lady provides with your product purchases.  They are really important and will help you be successful the first time you use your products. 

So, for example I thought I would share a couple calls I received this weekend from customers calling with problems.  

  1. Customer calls that Chalk Paint® is peeling off of cabinets in specific areas. 

TRISH: (ring,ring)  Hello, this is Trish, The Purple Painted lady.  How can I help you?

CALLER:  I am working on painting a friend’s kitchen.   I painted my boyfriend’s kitchen already and it turned out awesome, but on this project, I have one coat of paint and it is peeling. Why is this happening?

TRISH:  Okay, Are you using Chalk Paint®?

CALLER: Yes

TRISH: Peeling can happen based on a few things: 

  1. You did not clean the surface well and there is something on it repelling the paint or preventing the paint from adhering correctly
  2. Temperature.  If you are painting in an area where it may be too cold, like under a constant 60 degrees.
  3. What type of surface are you painting?  You do not want to paint over Thermafoil.

Is the peeling happening all over or just in some spots…like near the sink, dishwasher, over the stove, an area near a pet’s food dish or near a garbage can?

CUSTOMER: Yes, it is peeling only in a few spots.  Like right below the sink, a corner near a handle and above the stove.

** since the peeling is only happening in a few spots – this leads me to believe that the problem is isolated to areas that were not properly cleaned.  They can be  dirtier than other areas and may have needed some extra TLC or someone  missed cleaning them as well as they should have been.

TRISH: Did you clean your cabinets per our instructions?  The prep prior to painting with Chalk Paint® is one of the most critical parts.  If there’s any residual dirt, oil etc. left on the cabinets prior to painting,…….the paint will not adhere properly.  (I know this customer has already successfully completed a different kitchen and has experience with painting. But…something is different)

HOW TO REMEDY PEELING PAINT:

Per our instructions, I recommend to clean cabinets, to follow our 2 step process.

  • Wipe down the cabinets with a rag moistened with odorless mineral spirits (NOT the milky white environmentally green kind.)  We like to use the Kleen Strip brand due to the fact that just because a product is labeled “odorless” – does NOT mean that is totally true.  Some “odorless” mineral spirits still have a very strong smell.  We like this brand better than others.)  Once all of the cabinet doors and casement have been wiped down with the a rag moistened with odorless mineral spirits, then go back and follow up using a new rag moistened with fresh water to wipe them again….rewetting and rinsing the rag periodically.  When using the  odorless mineral spirits or the rag with freshwater, neither should be dripping wet!

Sometimes, depending on the amount of crud that may be on a door or area, you may need to use a Scotch-Brite scrubby.  This could be because of where your pet’s food dish is located, or a garbage can is near a cabinet and people miss when throwing things away or by the kitchen sink….. So, in order to clean off any extra “stuff“ for lack of better words ….  meaning “filth, grime or crud”  use a Scotch-Brite scrubby.     

CALLER:  I left the cleaning to my friend.

TRISH: They either did not clean well enough or they did not wipe with fresh water thoroughly enough afterwards.  It could be both?

CALLER:  What do I do now?

TRISH:  I recommend that you lightly sand the peeling paint away and any other loose paint.  Sand enough to feather out the edge to make the surface smooth, versus leaving a crater from the missing paint.  Sand enough of that area to lightly remove any potential left behind residue. 

Then wipe away any dust.

Lightly paint over that area and let it dry.  This should a thin coat, but with total coverage.  It should not re-peel….but if it did and you followed our instructions…text Trish!  Her number is on your instruction sheets. 

 

Once that has dried, wait a few hours and paint again.  The moral of this story- take extra time to clean your cabinets before painting…and do it yourself if you want it done right.  : )

 

2. TEMPERATURE is a factor with paint products…….in fact, ….temperature is a big deal!

Never store or use your paint products or top coats in the cold!  Never store them where it will be less than 55 degrees too!

It’s important that when painting anything ……that the paint is at room temperature ….and the piece being painted, such as a cabinet door or a dresser is at room temperature too. Meaning, you cannot go out to the cold garage turn on a heater for the limited time you are in there and then turn it off, when you leave…..but leave your paint and painted piece to suffer in the cold….your project will fail!    This also means, if you are bringing in a piece from the cold garage and immediately start painting it just because you are in your warm home. The material, be it wood or otherwise of the dresser or cabinet needs to be at room temperature also. This may mean, you may need to wait a few hours before starting to paint.   Once done painting, while the paint dries the piece has to stay at room temperature through the entire curing process.

I had a customer over the weekend who sent me photos because she was painting a dresser and to her surprise, it started to peel on the side of it.  After asking a few key questions, like how did you clean it, what the temperature was where she painted….. She immediately said she painted it in her garage. It was only 30° F outside. She thought it was warm enough in her garage to use the paint and to store the piece while it was drying. NOPE…..it is not, I replied.  Now the paint in some areas is peeling off and will not adhere properly in cold temperatures.   To remedy this, bring the dresser INSIDE…let it get to room temperature on its own.  Then, follow the process noted about where it states “HOW TO REMEDY PEELING PAINT”

And just for good measure-  I thought I would share a little more about painting cabinets.  Paint is basically, all chemistry. It’s a liquid that when dries….. people expect it to be as strong as a military tank. That just doesn’t happen by magic. When people are painting their kitchen cabinets (or floors or laminate/Formica surfaces…or really smooth surfaces ) ……..if possible always apply the first coat of paint in a uniform, thin application, but where you still get complete coverage.  Then…….(if possible) wait til the following day to paint a second coat. Yes, I know we share that you can paint or wax a total of three applications in one day …..but by waiting for that first coat to set, like overnight …..the better it will be on the cabinets. I also tell customers to not try to scratch the paint with their thumbnail and see if they can scratch some off……because guess what….. you will be successful.  This would happen no matter what paint line you’re using. If fact, many paints have a 30 to 45 day cure time. Chalk Paint® is very unique in that, as long as you are gentle initially- you can begin using your painted and waxed piece immediately. This combination is extremely durable but again, you have to allow some time for the chemistry to do it’s thing. 

Here is a link to a post I wrote about painting over super smooth surfacses like laminate or formica.

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

How To Apply an Iron Orchid Transfer

Wow, these Iron Orchid Transfers are the bomb!  If you have not used an Iron Orchid Transfer – you should consider doing so!  They give you the look that you spent hours and hours hand painting a design or some typography, but really…all it took was about 30 minutes of your time.  They are easy to use and will bring your painted pieces to a higher level!

Iron Orchid Transfers come in all different designs.  Some are a charcoal color and some are white.  Obviously, the base color you are applying them over will dictate which color transfer to use. 

They are great to use on walls, furniture and other wood pieces.  They should be applied BEFORE you apply your chosen top coat like wax or hemp oil.  

These work beautifully over Chalk Paint® or Milk Paint.  

You need to be patient when transferring them though.  As you rub the back of the transfer and slowly – pull the transfer tape away- make sure that the image has taken to the item you are applying it to.  If it has not, lay the transfer back down and carefully rub more.  

VIDEOS SHOWING HOW TO APPLY:

We have a couple videos on how to apply the transfers.

Here is one from a Facebook LIVE that we did on December 11th, 2017 showing Courtney and I applying one….check it out HERE

We also have a Youtube video HERE for you to watch also.

The Facebook LIVE video shows how we cut the transfer when placed over multiple drawers.  Sadly- we ruined a small amount of the stencil, but went back in with an artist paint brush and some white paint and “fixed” what we tore.

Once you have carefully applied the transfer, then you can apply your top coat.  At The Purple Painted Lady- our top coat of choice, is wax.

HOW TO APPLY WAX OVER A TRANSFER:

Check out our Facebook Video HERE where we show you how to apply the White Miss Mustard Seed Wax over the Artissimo and Transfer.  We used an Annie Sloan Wax Brush and Scott Shop Towels to remove teh excess wax.

 

 

 

Paint Your Own Shoes With Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan

We do some crazy things at The Purple Painted Lady and try to keep it fun!  This workshop qualified for both!

We hosted a “Paint Your Own Shoes Workshop” and we had everything from ballerina slipper shoes to cowboy boots brought in to be painted using Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.

The secret to painting your shoes- is similar to painting fabric.  You want to thin your Chalk Paint® with some water.  Since shoes do not require much paint, we poured about a 1/8 of a cup in to a plastic glass and then added a tablespoon or two of water and mixed it well.  You want to thin the paint, BUT NOT to the paint it loses it covering ability.

In the image above, you can see the inside of the boots that I painted.  The boots are a faux leather and I bought them at Target.  in fact, in 2015 – it seemed cowboy boots were all the rage in western NY, and I purchased a few pairs of the same boots since the quality and price was right!  They did not come in a “red” and I always wanted a pair of red cowboy boots…so I made them myself.

You need to be patient when painting shoes or fabric / leather couches and furniture.  You thin your paint with water so it is not super thick – especially because we want it to be flexible for the change in shape a shoe or boot goes through when we physically walk.  

Is this a permanent – life long solution?  Yes…and I also have a bridge to sell you too!  No, lol…but it is an option that will last a good while though.

I chose to use Burgundy Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.  In my photo above – you can see the boot on the right in the drying process and how the color darkens as it dries. 

Annie Sloan defines this color as a rich deep warm red the color of dark cherries. Most of Annie’s colors are 18th and 20th century inspired but this one comes from the 19th century when the discovery of Alizarin Crimson made this color possible for the first time to a large number of people. It is now one of the classic colors used in particular for neo-classical painted furniture.

The Purple Painted Lady has found Burgundy to be interesting, in that the color appears to almost be like a bright berry color when wet, but the shade changes to a Burgundy when it is dry.

I painted my boots with three coats of thinned Burgundy and then did two coats of Annie’s Clear Wax.  I applied the wax with a lint free rag and I used the same amount of pressure that you would if putting eye cream around your eyes….meaning a delicate touch!  I also was gentle to remove the excess clear wax, and my hand glided over the surface when I was done.

 

I recommended to everyone in the class, to give their newly painted shoes or boots a couple days to be alone so they can cure and to hold off wearing them for a few days.

So, what do you think? 

If interested in taking a workshop with The Purple Painted Lady®- check out our shopping cart under workshops HERE.

 

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 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

 

Catch us on Facebook LIVE, how ’bout that?!

Many of us have New Year’s Resolutions….and The Purple Painted Lady® is no exception!  

So, in 2018- we promise….to host monthly, scheduled Facebook LIVE events showcasing how to use the products we sell and answering your questions LIVE.  We will announce a few days prior to the date and time so you can plan to participate if you want….or, you can just catch the video afterwards since they are always saved on our Facebook page.

Our next Facebook LIVE showcasing distressing of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint and applying an Iron Orchid Transfer will be on Monday, December 4th at 11am Eastern time.  I hope you will join us!

xo~

Trish

 

 

Graphite Chalk Paint® with Black Wax

Graphite Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan with Black Wax

Isn’t this handsome piece a show stopper?!

Sometimes you have to be patient and let a piece of furniture speak to you, for example…..like this vintage top hat dresser above!

Initially, we started out using Lem Lem Chalk Paint® on this piece.  And – with a little of Annie’s White Wax and even maybe an Iron Orchid Transfer in white – it could have been a show stopper too!    

But…after getting the Lem Lem on it…   I did not feel right!  This “handsome” piece had a maculine feel to it with its hefty wood posts on each side and just the way the burled wood on the drawers attracted me! 

Burled wood is special!  It is that swirly-grained wood that is often used on modern-styled pieces or as an inlay on vintage chests and dressers.

And the more I looked at it- it spoke out saying, “Please use Graphite Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan with Black Wax on me!”

So, we took it another direction.

MATERIALS USED ON THIS PROJECT:

Graphite Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan’s Black Wax

Annie’s SMALL dome top Paint Brush (this is my favorite!)

Annie’s SMALL Wax Brush (this is also our favorite wax brush!)

Scott Shop Towels (they are lint free and are hearty to remove the wax)

Odorless Mineral Spirits

Graphite Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan is a soft black – which I like to compare to a dark slate color or a vintage slate chalk board in an old school room! It is made with purplish blues, browns, and is not completely black. When waxed with Annie’s Dark Wax- the color becomes even more richer and warm. This is a popular color, especially when I am detailing a piece with vintage typography. I receive a lot of emails about this color. First- I want to clearly state again – Graphite Chalk Paint® is NOT black.

 

For this top hat dresser- I knew that I wanted it darker in color, so it was repainted using Graphite Chalk Paint®.

 

…..once we finished painting it – we decided to use  Annie Sloan’s Black Wax.  This photo belows shows the very top hat finished with Annie’s Black Wax but the lower portion with raw Chalk Paint®…meaning that is not waxed yet.  

Typically, at the shop we suggest to customers, to always apply a coat of clear wax before applying either black wax or dark wax (brown color)….this is especially important over light Chalk Paint® colors.  But since this is Graphite Chalk Paint® – we skipped the clear wax and went straight to the black.  

Here are the steps we took to paint this piece:

  1. We dampened a rag or a Scott Shop Towels with Odorless Mineral Spirits.
  2. We wiped down the areas of the dresser we planned on plainting.
  3. Took a rag moistened with fresh water and wiped down the whole piece.
  4. Once it was dry- we shook our quart of Graphite Chalk Paint® and shaked it  well, then opened and stirred it with a paint stick – making sure to scrape the bottom of the can.
  5. Using Annie’s SMALL dome top Paint Brush – paint the dresser applying the paint in the same direction as the wood grain.  Be sure to “lay” your paint on the final stroke.  (watch this VIDEO HERE if you do not understand what I mean by that)
  6. Once the first coat is thoroughly dry- (like within an hour)   Paint your second coat of Graphite Chalk Paint®.  
  7. Later that day or the next, feel free to apply Annie Sloan’s Black Wax using Annie’s SMALL Wax Brush (this is also our favorite wax brush!)
  8. I take a plastic spoon and using the back of it- I scoop some wax out of the tin and place on to a paper plate.   I have never dipped my wax brush right into my tin of wax.  It does not matter if I am using clear, white, black or dark wax.  I have always taken a scoop out and placed it on a paper plate and pulled from that wax with my brush.  I guess because if something was on my brush or if I got some light paint transfer – which can happen- it never would get into my tim by doing this.
  9. Once you have the Black Wax on the tips of the  Annie’s SMALL Wax Brush start to spread it all over the surface.  This is like skin moisturizer- you want a thin veil over all of the surface and you want gentle pressure so – it gets absorbed into the  Graphite Chalk Paint®.   
  10. Once- you have it all over your area- take a few sheets of your Scott Shop Towels  ….fold it into quarters and begin to wipe off the excess.  Thus, why we do not want to slather the wax on like we are icing a cake- because it will just go to waste now when we remove it.  
  11. Once I have lifted most of it off- Iusually take a clean Scott Shop Towels and wipe again gently in one direction.  just like we “laid our paint” – I feel this “lays” the wax.  You should be able to FLIP YOUR HAND OVER- and using the top of it….glide it on the surface.
  12. Now either move on to another area- OR leave it alone for an house!  Let the chemistry in the products have some time to set up.  Although “curing” takes a good 8 days –  after an hour or so….you can immediately begin to gently use your piece! 
  13. YES!  It is that easy!

If looking to purchase Annie Sloan products- we are here to help you!  Both on-line OR at one of our locations in western NY!

 

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