Using Annie Sloan Matte or Gloss Lacquer – Important Tips!

The Purple Painted Lady® is always here to help her customers!   (please LIKE my Facebook page by clicking on my business name to the left) 

Annie Sloan Lacquer in the 750 mL containers comes in both a GLOSS and MATT.

Lacquer behaves differently than paint in regards to how you apply it and it is important to understand some specifics so we can help you be successful with your projects.  So, if you are about to start a project- like literally…right now are going to use your Lacquer, stop reading and go flip your can over upside down to help get the flattening agents dispersed.  You do not want to shake the can…..only stir it afterwards.

IF USING LACQUER OVER A DARK COLOR PAINT?  =>    KEEP IN MIND…..as with any matte finish product, it is recommended that you use a gloss finish first , then apply the matte when going over darker colors. The flattening agents in the product that give it a matte finish will show as a cloudy look over dark colors. You have to cover with a gloss first. The other option is to mix the Gloss Lacquer with the Matt Lacquer in a one to one ratio in a container and then apply.

OR…….

MIXING A LITTLE CHALK PAINT® INTO YOUR LACQUER:

Some will add a little of their “dark” colored Chalk Paint® with some of their Lacquer to tint it. Seriously, mix a little of your Chalk Paint® with Matt or Gloss Lacquer for the first application.  This is helpful with dark colored paints. Just add paint to the Matt Lacquer and mix it really well. Some will only add a tablespoon to the amount they will apply for the first coat. I have also received feedback that some have started with a 1 to 1 mix (paint with Lacquer) ~ then applied a second application with less paint mixed in or NO paint mixed in. Customers have stated that the Matt will be fine to use without applying Gloss first.  We encourage you to experiment..

USING LACQUER ON A FLOOR IN YOUR HOME? => Annie always recommends doing a test with your Chalk Paint® Lacquer to each of the patch test areas. This is the really important step. Chalk Paint® alone will always cover stains etc; but it’s only when Lacquer is applied that any damage to the floor will become apparent. The chemicals in Lacquers which make it such a durable, hard wearing finish for your floor have the unfortunate effect of pulling stains and spills through Chalk Paint® and to the top of the surface, where a yellowing effect can occur. It is therefore crucial to apply Lacquer to all the tests to ensure no stains come through.• When they’re dry, check your test patches. If they look clean and clear, then you’re ready to paint. If they have yellowed or drawn out a stain; fear not!

Using Annie’s Lacquer for OUTSIDE PROJECTS? CLICK HERE to read more about specifics …but read this whole post first!

USING LACQUER ON YOUR FLOORS:  If you are considering using Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan on your floor, no matter if it is concrete, linoleum, slate or wood – you will want to protect it using Annie’s Lacquer.

If you own a container of Annie’s Lacquer and are reading this prior, as in literally- you are going to use it NOW…..stop and flip the Lacquer upside down and let it sit like that the whole time you read this!  It will get the flattening agents at the bottom of the container loosened a bit! And when you are ready to use the Lacquer and take the lid off, use a stir stick to gently …and patiently mix all the good stuff together.  You can not rush this important step.  

Ok…….here we go!  Using Lacquer however, is NOT like using or applying paint.  There are some special steps and directions you should be aware of BEFORE opening your quart and using!

First and foremost- one thing I want to drill home is that if you OVER brush your Lacquer  especially with the MATTE Lacquer when applying – it will look bad!  Often you will get a white haze – professionals call this “flashing.”  Moisture and humidity can cause hazing, blushing and Whiting.  So, use the product at room temperature and if you are going through a serious wet season with lots of rain…consider waiting till the humidity levels are more reasonable.

If you purchased Lacquer from The Purple Painted Lady®….we included instructions…READ THEM CAREFULLY!

We suggest adding about 10% water to your first coat only.  If you do NOT add water to the first coat – like we direct- it can look bad. Bad as in blotchy after your second coat has been applied and has dried.

So, please read all of our instructions! (did I stress that enough?!)

MIX THE MATTE AND GLOSS LACQUER TOGETHER:     Here is an interesting tip- if you want more a satin finish, purchase both Gloss and Matte Annie Sloan Lacquer  and mix them together.  Mix them both really well in their original containers first.  As in- like get that paint stick all the way to the bottom and around the outer edge .  TAKE YOUR TIME when it comes to mixing.  This is seriously- super critical!  Once you have them both mixed super well independently…..then combine them together.  And then, you guessed it…mix them really well AGAIN.  And continue to mix them as you use the product!

WATER BASED:  Annie Sloan Lacquer is a clear water based varnish that comes in both Gloss and Matte.  It is a strong penetrating Lacquer meant to be used over wood, linoleum or concrete floors painted with Chalk Paint®.   It is the penetrating characteristic which makes it so hard.

WHAT DOES A PENETRATING LACQUER MEAN?:  Also- since it is strong penetrating Lacquer…. if painting over an old wood floor, you may want to consider doing a test spot painting and sealing the floor in an inconspicuous area to confirm that the “strong penetrating Lacquer” does not pull up wood tannins or yellow hues up through your paint – especially is using a “white” Chalk Paint®.   If it does- then you may want to consider sealing your floor first with Zinsser bullseye Shellac.  Shellac is meant for inside use only though.

Whether your paint is applied as a wash or applied solidly with a foam roller, this robust lacquer will seal it perfectly when directions are followed.

APPLICATION:

Always be patient when mixing your Lacquer!  Flip your container upside down and let it sit like that for a few hours, if possible.  Take your time once you have opened it and get a sturdy paint stick and scrape all the way to the bottom to mix in the flattening agents. Flattening agents can appear a bit sludge-like.  KEEP MIXING ….you will eventually incorporate it all!    YOU CANNOT RUSH THIS PROCESS!

THIN COATS! Always apply lacquer in thin coats.  If applied to heavy and thick, clouding will result.  Often customers will state after the first coat they see some slight lines in the lacquer if using a roller, but after the second coat is applied- it looks wonderful. (just sharing this so you do not panic) No need to sand in between either! Again, the Lacquer will slightly darken the paint beneath it.

The varnish is quick drying, non-toxic, low odor, and non-yellowing. The lacquer will give you a very durable scuff resistant finish. Because you can use Annie’s Lacquer for exterior use- it can be used in bathrooms.  The one thing I would like to share – that is a bit awkward though to write about- is when using Lacquer on bathroom floors.  If you have little boy’s in your home – who do not have good aim…per say…. it is important that you clean up afterwards since uric acid can impact some top coats.  

Annie’s lacquer is ring resistant- meaning it can tolerate hot cups. It is also resistant to alcohol spills, which if using wax as a top coat- is not.  However,… ‘resistant’ doesn’t always mean ‘proof’ …as in alcohol proof or like water proof…….. even resistant gives way from time to time … just ask my Spanx. 

COVERAGE:   The 750 ml containers will cover approximately 204 square feet (depending on how porous the surface and how thickly the lacquer is applied.) Two coats are recommended for areas of high traffic (never substitute one thick coat if in a hurry- it will not dry uniformly and you will just have issues- this rule applies to paint and for that matter – ANY product on the market!) I applied it on the top of a heavily used dresser and it was dry to the touch within minutes!

HOW TO USE:   Before use, turn the container upside down for at least 1 to 2 hours since all the “good materials”  that may have sunk to the bottom can get well incorporated again to the top and well dispersed.

STIR IT OFTEN:  Can I just repeat that?  STIR IT OFTEN before …and during use!

Also, this product should be stirred BEFORE AND  as well as during using it.  

DO NOT SHAKE the container of Lacquer since this will cause bubbles to form in the varnish which you do not want to happen!
It is best to gently mix the lacquer by rolling the containers around in your hands or pouring the contents into a bucket to stir.  If Lacquer is not thoroughly stirred, the finish will be shinier due to the fact that the flattening agents weren’t completely mixed in. Note that the thick stuff at the bottom of the quart is the flattening agent, and that needs to be totally incorporated …So, be patient and mix it well….which if yours has settled, could take a good ten minutes.Lacquer Clumpy Jan 2015

ADD WATER TO FIRST COAT ONLY:

It is advised to add about 10% additional water to your FIRST coat only.  Second coat should be FULL strength- NOT watered down.

We recommend full strength for the second coat because most people do not batch their product, so if one container is mixed with 10% water and another is mixed with, let’s say, 15% water there will be a difference in sheen.  The more water that is added to Lacquer the lower the sheen level becomes because the flattening agents are dispersed over a greater volume of product.  A full strength coat helps to guarantee that the amount of flattening agents will be consistent throughout the project, therefore the sheen level should also be the same.

IF BATCHING ALL OF YOUR LACQUER INTO ONE LARGER BUCKET:   However, should a customer decide to batch the product first and then thin with water, that would be okay but they should be aware that it will lower the sheen.

 

 

Annie Sloan Lacquer Application Tips By The Purple Painted Lady

APPLICATION:

Apply the lacquer with a high quality sponge roller using a sponge brush to cut in at the edges.  Or- if brushing it on…Annie’s 2 inch Paint Brush is great!   Again- do NOT over play with the Lacquer.   OR- another option is to  have one person roll the Lacquer on using a roller, and another person go back over it immediately with Annie’s 2 inch Paint Brush .  This will leave the lacquer with a clear and smooth appearance after it has fully dried

The Purple Painted Lady Annie LARGE FLAT PAINT BRUSH

Apply two THIN coats for areas of high traffic such as a hallway, stairs, or sitting room but only one for a bedroom for instance. Again- it is best to apply two thin coats rather than one thicker one. You never get a head taking shortcuts

Something to understand when using Lacquer is that it does not want to be back stroked. Confident strokes in one direction for an even sheen is extremely important because varnishes do not like to be back brushed. This can cause flashing…meaning an uneven finish.   Thin uniform applications are extremely important over dark colored paints!    

DO NOT STOP HALF WAY THROUGH A FLOOR:  Always work off your wet edge when applying Lacquer.  If using Lacquer on a floor- I feel it is important to paint the whole floor at one time and then…when you go to apply the Lacquer – you need to seal the whole floor with Lacquer all at once.  VERSUS, dividing it in half and sliding furniture to one side and doing the floor in sections on different days because you will potentially see that break once all is done.  Sort of like painting a wall red.  If you do not do it all at once….you will see the “seam.”

CREATING PAINTED FLOOR CLOTHS

Annie’s Lacquer is perfect for floorcloths … non-yellowing, flexible, durable, scuff-resistant … a great addition to Annie world!

STENCILED WITH MULTIPLE COLORS AND NOW MY PAINT IS SMUDGING?

If your stencilled colour smudges, this can happen when a painter tends to over brush the Lacquer during application to get a ‘nice, smooth look’. The friction created by the back and forth motion of the brush can ‘wake up’ some of the underlying paint.

I APPLIED A “WASH” and the LACQUER REMOVED IT:

If you apply a wash technique …for example- you thinned your Old White Chalk Paint® with water to create a wash effect over a wood dress and when you applied Annie’s Lacquer – you felt it removed it.  The same rules as noted immediately above about over brushing can apply here but there could be another reason this happen. Wash techniques are created by mixing water with the Chalk Paint®, making the paint translucent. If the wash is too sheer, the addition of a clear protective coating, in this case Lacquer, will make the wash appear even more translucent.  Sometimes even creating the illusion that the wash has come off. Using Annie Sloan’s Clear Wax can have the same effect. So, you may want to consider doing a small test application with your wash and let it dry to determine the best concentration …or amount of paint in the wash so aesthetically, you still after you have applied your topcoat.  


AFTER I APPLIED MY ANNIE SLOAN LACQUER, THE PAINT BLISTERED:

If you experienced some blistering to the Chalk paint® after you applied the Lacquer that is a sign that either the underlying paint layers are not completely dry or there is inherent moisture in the substrate. Making sure the paint has completely dried or the piece you are working on – has also been in a place with minimal humidity or moisture is important. It really shouldn’t matter if you dampen your brush first when using Lacquer. For the first coat of the Lacquer application, adding 10% water to the Lacquer is advised, but if you are in a state or place that is extremely dry…for example, like Arizona or Utah, we can understand why you might need to add a bit more to adjust.  ANother reason for adding a bit more water, is that whatever you are working on – is very porous surface …like concrete…….or perhaps, it is just your personal working preference. Whatever your reason, it is best to not exceed adding more than 20%. water to your Lacquer for the first coat.

MY LACQUER HAS A PINK, BLUE OR YELLOW TINT TO IT:

Ithaca BandB Pink LacquerAll water-based clear coat products will be look milky or translucent while still wet.  I’ve seen blue, pink (see photo to right), and yellow undertones in the wet mix across different product lines. This shouldn’t really matter, though, because if applied properly the milky appearance and any undertones should disappear once dried.  I find that the Lacquer will often have a milky white-blue hue to it before using.

CAN LACQUER GO OVER WAX?  NO!  Lacquer, being a water-based material, will not bond to the wax which is an oil-based product.  If you apply Lacquer over wax- it will probably peel away.  It may not happen right away, but it will happen.  : (  Do yourself a favor and don’t do it.

 

DRYING TIME: (HOW LONG TILL I CAN WALK ON IT?)

It dries quickly – but allow your floor or furniture piece to cure overnight before using.  And even then- do not drag furniture across a freshly painted or sealed floor.  Recruit some strong help and carry or lift pieces into place.  An average coating needs to dry 1- 2 hours BUT if it has been rainy or damp where you live- this will take longer before another coat can be applied..  Do not try to rush it.  There is chemistry in paint products and it is going to take all the time its needs, no matter how impatient you are!!!       Leave it overnight to “cure” before walking on it.  And initially- only walk on it in socks- NOT stilettos (high pointy heels) or hard soled shoes. Give the Lacquer a couple of days before the kids ride the big wheel across it too and again, DO NOT DRAG furniture. Carry and place it in position!  Lacquer is a very strong and durable product but this finish needs enough time to cure (water-based products typically need 14 – 28 days to cure).  If using in a bathroom environment, always wipe up standing water from shower or bath. I recommend this too if you have a wood floor.

If you are doing a bathroom and have little boys, …or big boys who lack aim skills, make sure to have a carpet in front of your toilet bowl.  (Sorry to write this, but I want you to be happy with the products performance and urine can be acidic.) I recommend this too if you have a wood floor.)

LACQUER CAN CAUSE PAINT TO DARKEN SLIGHTLY:

The Lacquer when applied properly, will slightly darken the color beneath it with a matte finish that has a slight sheen to give it strength.

CAN THE LACQUER YELLOW?

It is impossible for any water-based varnish (Annie’s Lacquer is a varnish) to yellow. However, Annie Sloan Lacquer is a strong, penetrating varnish and it has been known to pull up underlying tannins from the wood, causing a yellow staining effect over light colors. This will only happen over wood cabinets or floors and not on every species of wood (mostly pine, oak, and mahogany).   This can happen when applied over new unsealed pine/ oak floors or old floors with broken down polyurethane top coat.  Lacquer shrinks down into the surface as it dries, pulling any tannins and bleeding stains with it.   Some may shellac the floor prior and seal it to prevent this bleeding, paint with Chalk Paint®, then apply Lacquer.  

LACQUER MADE MY DARK PAINT LOOK WHITE:

If you have a problem with Lacquer turning your paint white after applying, it is because it was applied too thickly – this causes the flattening agents in it to appear as a milky area. Unfortunately, the only fix is to repaint.  So, follow my directions that I provide to you when you purchase Lacquer from The Purple Painted Lady

LACQUER vs POLYURETHANE?

Please allow me to quote Annie Sloan … ” I hate polyurethane with fierce and fiery passion. It has a plastic-looking finish, it scratches, and it changes the color too much for me … polyurethane does not adhere to the paint; it sits on the surface … like a plastic sheet.”

CONCERNED ABOUT BLEED THROUGH WHEN USING “WHITE’S”?:

Is your project on a piece that is pine and oak or mahogany or cherry?  You will want to consider applying Zinsser Bullseye Clear Shellac over it prior to painting and sealing it.  Bleed through can sometimes happen over certain species of wood when sealing with Annie Sloan Lacquer, particularly pine and oak. It’s most noticeable when using lighter colors of Chalk Paint®- like Old White, Purple White or Original White. Lacquer is a strong penetrating varnish that “drills down” through the paint layers, giving the finish a lot of strength, but it can also pull out the tannins as it dries.

BLEED THROUGH AFTER APPLYING LACQUER:

(Read previous note and then)  You should apply one or two thin coats of shellac and then repaint and seal. It’s the only way to correct this situation. 

CLEAN UP OF ROLLERS:
Wash brushes/sponge rollers thoroughly in water.

HOW The Purple Painted Lady Fabulouso Cleaner LacquerTO CLEAN A FLOOR FINISHED WITH LACQUER:

We recommend a product called Fabuloso. You mix it water and you do not let it pool on the Lacquer.


Note that Annie’s lacquer is NEVER applied over waxes!
However, you can apply Annie Sloan’s soft waxes over the lacquer.  Call Trish with ?s 585-750-6056

 

 

Painted Linoleum Floor bathroom Annie Laquer The Purple Painted Lady Chalk Paint

APPLYING THE LACQUER OVER A PREVIOUSLY FINISHED FLOOR?

Make sure to know if the previous poly is water-based or oil-based? Annie’s lacquer cannot go over oil-based. Better to stick with the original coating for both compatibility and matching sheen level. Also, if it is a new unsealed pine/ oak floors – you will want to seal them with clear Zinsser Bullseye Clear Shellac OR if the floors are old with broken down poly… a thorough sanding may be needed and the two applications of Zinsser Bullseye Clear Shellac.  Please read this post HERE on using Shellac

HOW TO TEST IF THE PREVIOUS POLY WAS WATER BASED OR OIL BASED:

To determine if the previous finish  is water-based or oil-based…..just rub a small area with a rag and a bit of mineral spirits. If the finish softens and a bit of color comes off, it’s oil-based.  This means- do NOT use Annie’s Lacquer.

STORING LEFT OVER LACQUER:

A general rule of thumb … if stored properly one to two years … which is typical for most water-based clear coat products.

 

PACKAGING CHANGED in 2019.   DIFFERENCES IN THE 750mL vs 1000mL Lacquer Container:

  • the coverage per square foot has increased. The 750mL containers will cover approximately 200 sq ft the 1000ml was specified to cover 100 sq ft. (I know what you are thinking, less Lacquer but more coverage…but that is correct)
  • the 750mL can be used on BOTH inside and outside painting projects
  • there is a UV protector
  • it is certified “Toy Safe”
  • Gloss is now available as a sheen

Painting floors and floorboards is easy with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan! Chalk Paint® is an extremely functional furniture paint that can be used on almost any surface; making it the perfect solution to update and refresh floors.

  1. • Firstly, you should always test how Chalk Paint® and Chalk Paint® Lacquer will perform on your flooring. Floorboards are often old with no previous known history of exposure to varnishes, spillages or stains. When you apply Chalk Paint® Lacquer to a surface it can draw out old stains from your flooring, through the Chalk Paint®, and mar your finish.• To test the flooring, apply two coats of your chosen Chalk Paint® colour in a few small areas. Annie Sloan recommends testing several different areas of the floor to give a better estimate of its condition: some areas may have different stains or additional water damage.• Once dry, apply a coat of Chalk Paint® Lacquer to each of the patch test areas. This is the really important step. Chalk Paint® alone will always cover stains etc; but it’s only when Lacquer is applied that any damage to the floor will become apparent. The chemicals in Lacquers which make it such a durable, hard wearing finish for your floor have the unfortunate effect of pulling stains and spills through Chalk Paint® and to the top of the surface, where a yellowing effect can occur. It is therefore crucial to apply Lacquer to all the tests to ensure no stains come through.• When they’re dry, check your test patches. If they look clean and clear, then you’re ready to paint. If they have yellowed or drawn out a stain; fear not! Here are your options:1. Use a dark Chalk Paint® colour such as Graphite, Aubusson Blue, Athenian Black, Amsterdam Green or Oxford Navy. Here, Annie has demonstrated with Chalk Paint® in Athenian Black. A stain previously showing through Old White does not come through on the black paint. This is a quick and easy solution to the issue, although we would still recommend testing the darker colour for reassurance. 2. If you want to stick with your initial design plans for a light Chalk Paint® colour, your course of action should be to apply a stain blocker to your flooring. These usually come as either transparent or opaque and can be purchased from most hardware stores. Annie prefers transparent stain blocker. Apply all over your floor, and then follow the next steps. • Once you have done all your relevant testing, what’s next? Make sure your floors are clean! Use warm soapy water and a sponge. Do not use products containing harsh chemicals such as bleach when pre-washing your floors, as these can prevent Chalk Paint® and Lacquer from performing properly.• Application! You can either use a paint brush or roller to apply Chalk Paint® and Lacquer to your flooring, but many people find a roller easier.• TOP TIP: try an extending handle or even attach the roller or brush to a long stick to save your back and posture during the painting process.• Start by painting the edges of the room, applying Chalk Paint® with a brush along all the sides and corners, cutting in a few centimetres. Then paint the rest of the floor. Depending on the colour you’ve chosen you may need two coats of paint. Apply the second coat in the same manner as the first.•TOP TIP: Start from the furthest point away from and work backwards towards the door so you don’t literally paint yourself into a corner.• Once the Chalk Paint® is completely dry, apply Chalk Paint® Lacquer. Stir the Lacquer thoroughly before use. Apply in the same manner as Chalk Paint®; using a brush for the edges and a roller or brush for the middle section. The Lacquer is faster drying than Chalk Paint® so be sure to work semi-quickly and be aware of over brushing. Try not to brush or roll over drying Lacquer as this may drag the finish.• Chalk Paint® Lacquer is available in both a Matt and Gloss finish. Gloss varnishes /lacquers are always stronger than matt because the additional matting agents can affect the strength of varnish. Both finishes will work, however do bear this in mind if your floor is a particularly high traffic area. The matting agents in matt lacquers can also sometimes cause a cloudy effect on darker colours. Therefore, if you are applying Matt Lacquer onto a dark colour we would suggest a coat of Gloss first.• We advise applying two to three coats of Chalk Paint® Lacquer for full coverage, strength and peace of mind. The more coats the better! Leave plenty of time between coats for the Lacquer to fully dry. Once touch dry, the Lacquer will go through a further curing process over about 14 days where it will fully harden. You can use the floor during this period but please be gentle with it.

 

WANT TO WIN FREE STUFF?:
The Purple Painted Lady LOVES seeing “before & after” photos from her customers!  And in fact- we always send a thank you gift if we use your images and story.  So, please feel free to share your photos and a little write up by emailing them to Trish at takuntz@rochester.rr.com!  Remember to include a few details of your project, any tips/tricks that you like to do that help you, or even something you learned through the process that another person could benefit from!
 

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.  But, if you 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!  And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
 
SOME OF THE REASONS WE THINK OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
 
*  We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
*  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.
*  We offer the lowest 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!
 
 
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you.  (my shameless but honest plug)    Here is a link to our on-line shop=>  http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
 
: )  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®

PLEASE VISIT OUR TWO LOCATIONS!

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

77 Main street with phone number

 

OR

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

The shops on west ridge pic 3200 The Purple Painted Lady

 

 

Using Chalk Paint® Outside

Living in a home that was built in the 1880’s – can be wonderful. And then on the flip side, it can also be very expensive and labor intensive. For example- since we moved in ten years ago, we have:House The Purple Painted Lady

* Painted every room since the whole house was white inside.
* Pulled out the big old-oil furnace that looked like an octopus and installed a high efficiency gas furnace. But before we could do that- we had to run the gas line about 700 feet from the road to the house.
* Then, we changed out the electric hot water heater to a new gas one.
* We had concrete walk ways added to three entrances to our home, cement aprons in front of the garage, barn entrance and had a patio poured.
* Next was the roof ..yep, it needed a total tear off – all FIVE layers! Fortunately (VERY fortunately) for us- we have a an incredible friend who is a commercial roofer and he stepped in to help us with this project. I do not think we could have afforded to have had this done if he hadn’t. (Thank you John S!)
* And lastly, about a month ago, we had all the old, drafty windows on the second and third floors replaced with new vinyl windows by Wonder Windows. What a difference that made with noise control and drafts. I am excited to see what a difference the new windows will be this winter.
We have also changed out the 30 year old appliances, put in new toilets and sinks, and …well, I don’t want to bore you with everything else we have done, but again….if you are thinking about buying an old house…heed my warning. Plan on spending some money.

Anyway, my “to do” list of smaller chores for our house is pretty long and does not get addressed often. It is not that I procrastinate in getting these chores done, but rather finding the time to do them is really impossible. But today I found myself with the luxury of having a little time where I did not have to be anywhere and thought I would tackle one of my many “to do” items!

If you live in a home that was built over 100 years ago, peeling paint is no surprise. We have two porches that both need painting. But the floor on the porch off of our kitchen had been screaming to be painted for at least the last four years now- and today it was going to be silenced!
Slide5

To prep the porch, I used a big bristle broom and swept it really well- to remove any of the remaining loose paint. I had washed it about a week ago after I hosted my Barn Sale & Junk Jubilee due to the dirt that was all over it, so I knew it was still fairly cleaned. (you should consider washing off the surface of what you are painting outside, but give it a few days in dry weather to make sure there is no moisture left prior to painting. Moisture in what ever you are painting is one sure way to cause the paint to fail on you!)

Like I said, the porch has needed this for a long time- so the good thing about that was practically all of the paint that could peel off – has peeled! After aggressively sweeping it, I used the leaf blower and removed any dust or Hollyhock seeds I accidentally got on it while working in my garden that is directly in front of it.

Kitchen Porch being painted

Choosing which paint to use was the easy part. Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan is incredible paint. Besides creating luxurious finishes on furniture and cabinetry- it performs hard core for uses outside of your home. The important thing to keep in mind though, is that although Chalk Paint® is amazing, it is not a miracle! It will certainly work well if whatever you are painting is exposed to sun and the Chalk Paint® is able to dry really hard. Annie Sloan said, “I have painted many things outside and they are incredible but some don’t work that well because they have too much water on them and have been done when it is too damp I think. As long as that wood is not teak, then it should be fine.” For me, The Purple Painted Lady – not needing to strip, sand or prime are also a few additional bonuses when it comes to choosing Chalk Paint®. And if you live in an old home and have plaster walls versus dry wall- Chalk Paint® will provide an incredible beautiful finish to the plaster. (and it also works wonderful on dry wall too!)

Steve (my hubby) and I chose to use Old Violet. I love this color which is like a periwinkle in my opinion. Old Violet definitely has a blue hue to it – but works well with the various shades of purple and white that already are on my house. Oh, and this is how I named my business by the way. I started my painting/mural business about 10 years ago- and one night when I was sitting around with Steve brainstorming a name to call the business- he came up with “The Purple Painted Lady.” Since we live an old “Victorian” farmhouse- and Victorians are often referred to as “painted ladies” – “The Purple Painted Lady” was born!

Old Violet Sample Board

You may recall that I painted the cupola for the top of my barn last year with Pure White Chalk Paint®. It has been over a year now and my cupola – that is exposed to New York winter’s, changes between the hot and humid summers and the freezing cold months- looks amazing!

Cupola July 2013

For the kitchen porch, I used a foam roller, the 4 inch kitchen cabinet roller (Whizz brand) and added an extension to the roller handle so I could paint the floor without straining my back. Since the end of all rollers typically have a universal thread, so the extensions found at Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart can be used. Get one of these and I guarantee you the next time you paint a room or floor, you will cut your project time in half!

I painted two coats of the Chalk Paint® today and I think the porch looks amazing! Quite frankly, I could have done just about anything and the porch would have looked better. But most importantly, I wanted whatever I did- to last more than just a season.

Kitchen porch painted

TOP COAT?:For exterior use – there is no need to add a top coat to the paint since Chalk Paint®. Chalk Paint® cures and is very durable. I realized this quickly after we had a Chalk Paint® spill outside of my old shop. A sample pot of Old White was dropped in July of 2012 on to the cement walkway outside my store. That splatter of Old White- endured – even after we attempted to power wash it off. So, I figure a protected porch should be a piece of cake! Keep in mind that Chalk Paint® is a flat, matte finish. It will show scuffs and serious dirt, but you can rinse the dirt off- and I am good with that. If however, this was an interior floor- I would have chosen to use Annie’s Lacquer that is made for interior use only- specifically high traffic areas. It is water resistant, but not water proof. So, do not use the Lacquer if the space gets exposed to lots of water- especially if it is standing water (meaning where it is not wiped down.)

COVERAGE WITH CHALK PAINT®: My porch is about 16 feet wide and 6 feet deep. (that equates to 96 square feet) A quart of Chalk Paint® is noted on the quart label to cover approximately 150 square feet. I was able to get 2 whole coats completed out of one quart.

I am now excited about painting that little side table in the photo above in Annie Sloan’s Arles. Arles is a golden sunflower color that will compliment the Old Violet floor and the white and orange chair perfectly!
Arles Sample Board

If you are wondering if Chalk Paint® would be a good fit for your project, don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here to help you. And if you know me- I am not afraid to lose a sale if I feel what you want to do is crazy and not a good fit. For example, I had someone ask if they could paint the inside of their bathtub. My answer- NO! Or, how about your boat? NO! I am here to help you and when it comes to my customers- I am always available to answer project questions! So, with that said – did you know that I sell Chalk Paint® and other supplies. Visit our on-line store HERE if interested in placing an order. We ship every weekday and ship your order same day it is placed. We also offer the lowest flat rate shipping.

Now, with this side porch done~ I just have to hope this incredible warm spell continues so I can get the front wrap around porch done next!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
XO
Trish ~ The Purple Painted Lady
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Tips & reminders on painting unconventional surfaces:

1. Chalk Paint® is amazing- but it is not a miracle. Be realistic in what you are painting. Decide if you are looking for a “season or a lifetime” and get feedback on if it will perform to your expectations.

2. Slippery surface? Chalk Paint® does not require stripping, sanding or priming, however, if you are covering something that is super, super slippery- it would not hurt to scuff it up with some rough sand paper. Again, Chalk Paint® is amazing- but it is not a miracle. I have people write me about painting wall tile. Annie’s does not promote that, but I have a customer’s who have and they are elated. I would clean them really well. Use a little Mineral Spirits on a ScotchBrite scrubbie. Clean and then rinse with plain ole’ water. Make sure to wait a day or two to allow any moisture in the grout to dry. Scuff them up with some 180 grit sand paper. Blow off dust.

Apply initial coat of Chalk Paint- thinning it just a little. WAIT 24 hours before applying a second coat. This allows the paint to “do it’s thing” – basically scientifically – to let the molecules settle, connect and really adhere to the surface. Once done- clear wax over your paint or lacquer.

3. Allow your base coat to dry 24 hours before applying another coat. I am incredibly impatient- but in general – just like I wrote above- the wait time allows the paint to “do it’s thing” – basically scientifically – to let the molecules settle, connect and really adhere to the surface.

4. If choosing to use Chalk Paint® outside, it needs to be on a surface that will not be saturated with water all of the time. Most products will fail in this environment.