A little Bourbon anyone?

A little Bourbon anyone?

My current project that I am working on…… and I love it. I hope someone out there will too and hopefully purchase it!

This dresser is painted in Graphite and Pure White Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan.

I am very excited about it- and I had to share it. Once I was done with the detailing – I planned on making it look a bit worn by sanding the surface strategically with some 220 and 400 grit sandpaper.

Here is a helpful tip for when you paint a dresser front…once you have the lay out done, feel free to remove the drawer and set it to make the painting easier!

Also, don’t panic if when using Chalk Paint™ and prior to waxing you get a light scuff mark, like what I am pointing at in the photo below. When you apply Annie’s Clear Wax that all disappears. But note, I am not referring to scratches or gouges.

Always have a copy of the image you are painting near by to reference. In the photo below you can see how I like to tape mine using Painter’s Tape to the piece so I can easily reference it at all times. I learned this when I primarily only painted murals. I would tape 4 copies of what I was painting above, below and on both sides of the area I was painting on the wall. This does really help a lot!


For the knobs I am thinking will by a glossy black of some sort. (I think)

Now after painting the detailing on, my next step is to lightly sand the surface to even out the paint. There are pros & cons to sanding or distressing BEFORE applying your first coat of Clear Wax. I typically sand BEFORE and will explain why in this post later today below.

Something I wanted to share now though, is that when you sand prior to waxing over a dark Chalk Paint™ color like Graphite (as I have in my photo below)…you will get this residual white chalky look. Don’t panic!

What I do to remove this “chalky effect” is GENTLY blow and wipe with a DRY towel as much of it off. (don’t use a moist towel since that powder are tiny particles of chalk paint and the water will reactivate it into a “wash.”) Do not be concern with removing it so it is all gone! First, you will not be able to. Secondly, it is not necessary because as soon as I apply the clear wax…all of that disappears. The photo below shows what the front looks like after applying clear wax to the top drawer. Notice, that white chalky residue or scratch look goes away on it!

When painting or waxing – place your piece up on blocks so that it easy to get right to the bottom of the feet without dirtying your floor.

Once done applying the wax (and please reference my video here if you need wax application instructions.) But after I applied the wax and removed the residual wax per my instructions, I gently buffed out the surface. The photo below is after I am done with all of this.

I ended up painting the inside of the drawers with Napoleonic Blue and waxed them. The only thing left is to add some black enamel knobs. I couldn’t wait to get it into the window though, so here it is….ready for sale! I hope you like it. It comes with my girlfriend Jeanne’s Bourbon Slushie recipe! Perfect for the holidays.

I will post a final photo when finish! (and don’t worry…I have something in the works that I will reveal soon to show you exactly how I do this!!!!!) Something that will be available to you via my on-line store.

The Purple Painted Lady Video Channel- First Live Video Show

I have always wanted to be on TV…and well, I guess a live stream on YouTube is the next closest thing.

As many of you know- I entertain your emails written to “Dear Purple Painted Lady.” Questions on “how to” or issues and problems you are having are the majority of what I receive when it comes to painting furniture or creating a mural. So, I have decided to take our emailing correspondence to the next level and host a weekly YouTube channel where we will talk about those issues. You can email me at takuntz@rochester.rr.com with painting questions when it comes to murals or decorative furniture.

If you are selected to be on the broadcast via phone or if I reference an email you sent me – you shall receive a gift certificate to be used at The Purple Painted Lady on-line store!

Our first LIVE broadcast will be on Wednesday, December 5th at 9pm EST. Stay tuned because I will be posting a link here to access the live stream!

We Paint Kitchen Cabinets- OR- Teach You How. (YOUR CHOICE)

Yes! The Purple Painted Lady will paint your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

We are fully insured and can transform your dated space into something straight out of a magazine! And, The Purple Painted Lady has partnered with Vekton (out of Penfield) and is their premier kitchen cabinet painters.

So, if you live in Rochester, New York (that means you in Pittsford, Penfield, Webster, Greece, Gates, Chili, Perinton, East Rochester!!!)….and if your kitchen cabinets are solid but dated and dark, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward transforming the space without draining your bank account.

Why would you want to paint your cabinets?

To save on cost! Substantial cost we are talking here! Tearing out your whole kitchen and purchasing new cabinets is very expensive. Not to mention that that you will either need to live through a demo happening in your home for about 4- 6 weeks or move out if dust and chaos overwhelms you. The up side to a whole demo is eating out almost every day. (but again, if cost is a concern…this is probably not going to help)

If your cabinets are architecturally sound – but you just hate the color- paint your cabinets.
I often walk into a home and see cabinets where the finish dates the whole house. I know that by changing the color, it will rejuvenate and freshen the whole space. I also know the serious POSITIVE impact that can have on a home owner in regards to the tipping point of either loving or hating their home.

If you are environmentally conscious- paint your cabinets.

Tearing out perfectly fine cabinets to be tossed into a landfill is a waste and impacts our earth. Re-using what you have is totally green! Not to mention, means more green left in your bank account! We use the best paint in the world when it comes to aesthetics and quality (the two go hand and hand!)

Our paint of choice and passion is Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan. No other paint or finish compares.

How do you decide if you should hire us or do it yourself?

First, do you like to paint?
Do you have some basic painting skills?
Are you patient?
Do you have a few days to dedicate to the project?

If you answered YES, to most of those questions…then you should consider registering for our “Kitchen Cab ReFAB” Workshop! We will work with you regarding color selection and then spend a whole workshop helping you transform one of your own cabinet doors. So that when the workshop is over, you will possess the skills and know the steps to then return home and finish your whole project!

If you answered NO, to most of those questions…then call us, The Purple Painted Lady (585.750.6056.)

We have been painting furniture and cabinets for over a decade. You may have met us at the Rochester Home Builder’s Association Home & Garden Show that is hosted at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
We have also been a featured Homerama painter for three consecutive years.

The process begins with you either phoning (585.750.6056> or emailing us.

Provide your name, address and phone number.
Also, provide:
* Photo of your existing kitchen
* Rough dimensions of the space
* Photo or link to illustrate what you would like the space to look like after transformation is completed. (NOTE that if this is the part of the equation you having difficulty with, we are here to help you!)

And if you want to take your kitchen to a higher level? We can personalize your space and create details no one can buy at a big box store!?

Customization and uniqueness alludes high end finishes. Consider having us add a touch of personalization. We can customize your space with detailing on a cabinet or even a wall mural.

Perhaps you are a wine connoisseur?

Maybe you love whimsy?



Again- let us help you in regards to color consulting.

This is our specialty! Together – we will design mood boards for you to reference and to build your new kitchen (or bath) from.

Often with design- I use the analogy of a road map. You don’t typically get in your car and ask for directions without knowing your destination. But yet, people often take this approach when it comes to decorating. They just start buying items and making decisions, without knowing the final design they want. This wastes your time and money. Again, let us help you!


Not only are we painters, we are also designers. We can guide you in helping you determine what it is that you love! Even the most fickle of customer- we can help you. The design discovery phase should be fun too! Don’t dread it! Again- we are here to help you and to make this easy!

So, give us a call or email us! I guarantee you will be happy you did!

~ Trish
The Purple Painted Lady

Annie Sloan’s WORK BOOK IS HERE!

Passionate Painting Patrons……..please start your engines!

I am so excited – all I can compare it to is the sound of all those race car engines humming at a NASCAR race before it starts!

To ORDER your WORK BOOK- please click HERE!

This WORK BOOK will make an incredible holiday gift for yourself- or that person you know who loves to create as much as you! Annie Sloan’s WORK BOOK is HERE!

Annie’s wonderful interactive WORK BOOK is for all of us to organize our creativity. Use this WORK BOOK to help stay on track when decorating your home or to sketch out future creative projects.

And…..

For the month of November, The Purple Painted Lady will add a FREE Purdy Paint Brush as a gift, if you purchase two or more quarts of paint with your WORK BOOK purchase. (If purchasing on-line, please do not add the Purdy Brush to your cart- or you will be charged for it)

Below is a sneak peak into Annie’s wonderful world of inspiration!