Painting a Union Jack with Chalk Paint®

Posted on 09/05/2013 by Tricia

Congratulations to Harry & Meghan on their royal wedding….May 19, 2018! in celebration – I thought I would reshare this old post on how to create a Union Jack design on yor pieces. Enjoy!!!!……………………………….

It happens every time I post a photo of a piece painted with the Union Jack. ~ I receive a message from someone telling me I painted wrong.

Tonight I started to work on a mid-century modern piece for our upcoming Barn Sale. When I looked at this piece- I thought the outer edge made a perfect “frame” for a Union Jack.

Since I have received a couple messages- I thought I would revisit what are the rules when it comes to painting the trendy national flag of the United Kingdom. So, of course I referred to Wikipedia.

The main thing to know is that the design on the flag is not perfectly symmetrical. I learned that the easiest way to understand the orientation is approaching the flag as though you are going to fly it on a flag pole. Take a peek at the image immediately below regarding the width of the white strip relative to the red diagonal stripe located in the upper left corner.

Again, the flag does not have reflection symmetry due to the slight pinwheeling of the St Patrick’s and St Andrew’s crosses, technically the counterchange of saltires.

Traditionally, the colors are Union Jack (Royal) Blue, Union Flag Red and White. I like to paint mine using Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. I typically use Napoleonic Blue, Emperor’s Silk and Pure White.

I also like to add a little golden metallic gilding- like this:

The golden metallic is from a creamy French Gilding Wax that we sell. You apply the gilding last to your project- sort of like adding roses on a Birthday cake. Click HERE to check out our gilding.

Lastly, after I am done with my decorative painting, I like to rub over the whole area with some 200 grit sandpaper to distress. OR another option to really smooth the surface- especially if you do not want to distress through the layers of paint- is to use our 000 steel wool to smooth out the whole surface so when you slide your hand over the surface- it feels smooth as glass! Our Steel Wool is an awesome buy- 16 pads that should last you a very long time (even if you paint a piece a week!) for $5.95. Click HERE to visit our on-line store to read more about them.

Painting a Union Jack is a fun way to jazz up a piece.:

Painting a Union Jack either in the traditional colors or playing around and perhaps doing it in all shades of grey and white, or how about shades of pink and white for a girls room, or light blue for a boy’s, or….. (I think you get the picture.)

The Purple Painted Lady sells both Chalk Paint® and Gilding Wax at our stores and On-line HERE.

Thanks for stopping by and reading this post!
Trish

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

Chalk Paint® Sample Pots…come here my little pretties!

Posted on 08/31/2013 by Tricia

I am so excited!!!

Chalk Paint® Sample Pots….GLORIOUS Sample Pots are now available for me to order here in the USA again!

AND….I just ordered a TON! Seriously- I really did order a ton!

If you have been waiting for them- I want to guarantee you – that the day we receive ours …is the day yours will ship out!

And we ship orders Monday through Friday…almost always same day that you place your order too!

We sell sample pots for $11.95! So, if you are interested in purchasing a pot or two or three- just click HERE

And although you cannot see me- I just had to share that I am doing a happy dance!

Available in all 31 delicious colors. A sample pot can cover between 14 and 17 square feet of surface. And actually if you thin it with a little with water ~ it will go even further!

Happy Painting!

Do You Sell Your Painted Pieces? Always Add A Care Tag To Them!

Posted on 08/29/2013 by Tricia

Do you sell painted furniture? Maybe you do this on Facebook or Craigslist…or even just word of mouth. EIther way- help people understand how to properly take care of the masterpiece you created for them. Especially since some people don’t just use furniture- they abuse furniture. Protect yourself with a detailed care tag!

Many of you out there bought a quart a paint and a tin of wax~ just to do a piece for yourself, and then your friends saw it and…..BAM! You are in business!

Suddenly, everyone wants you to paint something for them, right? (and they probably want a super deal in price because your new and their friend)

Well, congratulations! You are in business!

Something very important – is to make sure if you are painting pieces- that the people who receive them know how to properly take care of them.

This helps them and also helps you in the long run- since you would not want them using a product on it that could effect the wax or ruin the piece.

So, please make sure to always attach a “care tag” & your business card to your painted pieces. Some people even add a notation on the receipt or paint contract that a “maintenance tag” was provided and have the customer initial it.

First, no matter if selling your pieces on Craigslist, a co-op, or in a store ~ adding a care tag and your business card is a very professional courtesy to provide to your customers.

I would suggest items like these below be included on your care tag:

First! Always include your business name and contact information! Sounds obvious, huh?

Even if you have a business card attached to the piece- if gets lost- your customer may have no way of tracking you down to paint another piece for them. (so here is a tip- decoupage one on the bottom of the top drawer. When I say “bottom”…I mean – they literally need to pull the drawer all the way out of the cavity and flip it to see it.) Tell your customer about it and I guarantee – they will think that was cool and not forget it is there!

Then…..write something like:

Your newly finished painted piece needs about 10 to 21 days for the top coat to cure. Wax may only take about 8 days depending on where you are located. Please treat it with care and avoid excess handling during this time.

To clean your painted & waxed piece, use a mild soap & water. Never use a degreaser soap that can effect the wax. On other top coats- still use a gentle cleaner. Method is a brand that is safe.

Avoid all contact with furniture polish, sprays, excessive water, alcohol and anything acidic.

Be cautious of using essential oils, diffusers or aerosol products like hair spray near your painted and waxed pieces.

If this is a table or desk – use a blotter pad to avoid pressing into a finished piece when writing on top of it. And always use placemats or coasters to protect from hot dishes or cups or glasses that perspire due to heat or humidity.

And- I only use Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan purchased at The Purple Painted Lady (LOL- I just had to my shameless plug)

If interested in purchasing Annie Sloan products, please visit our website if interested in ordering Chalk Paint®. We have Chalk Paint® available for $34.95 per quart every day, we offer low/flat rate shipping and it always ships same day (as long as Mike, our UPS guy has not come already!)

In fact- there are many reasons we think buying through us is the best. Read THIS little post about what sets The Purple Painted Lady apart from the rest.

To visit our on-line store- click HERE.

Lastly, we share a lot more information to help you get the most functionality out of your Chalk Paint® on our Facebook page. Consider checking it out by clicking HERE. While there- kindly consider LIKING us.

Thanks again,
Tricia Migliore Kuntz ~The Purple Painted Lady ~
Design/Consulting, Kitchen Cabinet Refurbishing, Custom Painted Furniture, Chalk Paint® & Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Retailer & herRochester Blogger

PHONE: 585-750-6056

Come visit us:

At our MAIN STORE at 77 West Main Street in Macedon, NY 14502 OR

3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge) OR

Our Village Gate Store at 274 Goodman Street North, Rochester NY 14607

Our Syracuse, NY location as of July 1, 2014 at 1 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Click HERE for Store hours and information.

How To Hold Your Ultimate Wax Brush In Your Hand

Posted on 08/26/2013 by Tricia

Do you use an Ultimate Wax Brush?

Hopefully you said YES since I strongly recommend that you use one. It will help insure that your wax application is applied correctly. CLICK HERE to watch my video on how to properly apply clear wax.

Holding your wax brush properly when applying your wax can make a big difference in regards to how your hand will feel after waxing a dresser or – a whole set of kitchen cabinets. It will also make a difference in your experience using Annie Sloan’s products.

If you are gripping the handle of the wax brush too hard- it will strain the muscles and your hand will cramp up and feel sore afterward or the day after. If this happens to you- you should consider holding your Ultimate Wax Brush the way I suggest which will then make your waxing effortless and easy on your wrist.

First- let me show you how NOT to hold it. (see photo below)

Again, I do NOT recommend holding your wax brush as shown above. When gripping and clenching- it causes strain on your muscles and will tire your hand. Ultimately, causing your hand to cramp.

I suggest to hold your wax brush where the handle naturally rests in the crook between your thumb and index finger like I show in the photo BELOW. Slightly wrap or cup your fingers around the outer edge- and voila…. you are ready to wax & roll!

Hope this quick tip helps you! I post weekly on Facebook ideas and suggestions. If you would like to be included, click HERE and then LIKE my page so you see my posts in your facebook updates.

Thanks again,
Tricia
The Purple Painted Lady

How much does a Quart of Chalk Paint® cover?

Posted on 08/15/2013 by Tricia

How far can Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan go?

Generically speaking- a quart of Chalk Paint® will cover 150 square feet. Did you know that is almost twice the amount a quart of Latex covers.

Now depending on the style of your painting, you may even get more surface coverage out of quart. And then on the other hand, you could get less if you are thick painter.

To put this more into perspective versus giving abstract numbers. Today I started to paint a vintage hutch. The hutch is 37” wide and 68” tall. I painted 2 coats of Country Grey on it. (I did not paint the inside- since I plan on painting that in Old White.

I still plan on accenting the hutch with Old Ochre also to highlight the details. And then, clear wax and a little dark wax too.

I opened a brand new quart of Country Grey for this project- and used an inch of the paint to complete the two coats on the hutch. I would estimate this was about 20% of the quart. In comparison- a quart of Chalk Paint® will cover double the amount compared to a quart of latex paint.

I used my Annie Sloan Medium Paint Brush. If you have never used a paint brush by Annie Sloan- you are truly missing out.

As I like to share- the brush works like a ball point pen, in that it holds the paint and releases it smoothly. You will quickly realize, that you are spending less time dipping your brush in the quart, and more time painting.

Annie’s brushes come in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large. I feel a bit like Goldie Locks here- but for me, the medium paint brush, is just right! The small paint brush is great for small projects, and the large paint brush would be perfect for a wall project or when you have a large surface area to paint.

If you are ever debating on purchasing a tool and would like to speak with me on if it fits your needs, or to know if it is a necessity or if it is a luxury- just give us a call or shoot us an email! We are here to help you!

Thanks for visiting my website!
Trish ~ The Purple Painted Lady

am so impressed how it holds the paint and

The Purple Painted Lady

YES! We sell Chalk Paint® ON-LINE! Click "BUY PAINT ONLINE HERE!" below!! 585.750.6056 OR visit our shop between Macedon and Palmyra!!

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Painting a Union Jack with Chalk Paint®

Chalk Paint® Sample Pots…come here my little pretties!

Do You Sell Your Painted Pieces? Always Add A Care Tag To Them!

How To Hold Your Ultimate Wax Brush In Your Hand

How much does a Quart of Chalk Paint® cover?