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Heard a lot about the results of using chalk paint (chalk paint not chalk board paint). If you have used it, please tell me all you can abut the process, where to buy and if you like the results. I have a small bedside table that I would like to try it on. It is stained but since it is so old, the stain has faded so much. There is a grain on the top of the table but no grain on the legs. Your comments are so needed and appreciated. Thanks

I love the chalk paint look but have never done it myself. Have you looked in an art supply place? Try some atisans in your area who paint furniture. Somebody has to know and can answer all your questions. We have several paint experts in here so perhaps they'll chime in and help?

There is a process for wall paint using a cactus only found in Mexico that I'd love to try but it's apparently illegal to bring that cactus into this country. The walls looked amazing - I think it was in a Sunset Magazine several years ago but I've never forgotten it.

Here are some pics of our chalk wall...

The Pros:
Looks really cool!
Keeps the kids busy
Functional

Cons:
Dusty
Chalk dust gathers at the bottom of the wall when you chalk and erase

Not a hard project to do...Basically you paint/roll the chalk on and let it dry and then you condition it by "rubbing" the chalk all over the wall and then rubbing it off with a paper towel or similar...Then after that it has it's chalkboard feel to it.

Hope this helps!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Christine-P,

Here is some info on the How-To with some great tips.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forum...msg062102048873.html

More how-to instructions

http://www.anniesloan.com/acat...o_use_the_paint.html

Check with your library to see if they have the how to books which show examples and projects too.

Love the pretty colors available. It's hard to choose which one to use.

http://www.anniesloan.com/acat.../United_Kingdom.html

Good Luck!

Beaus---yes, this is what I am talking about. I located a store yesterday and it was full of furniture that had been painted with Anne Sloan Chalk Paint----wow such pretty stuff. Thanks for the link as I need to read up about how to apply the paint. I bought a can of Country Grey and Old White and the wax. I sure had a hard time chosing a color. This paint is expensive but it sure has the wow factor. Thanks again

You are welcome. I have two of the books and enjoyed reading them with the step-by step how to on the painting techniques. Lots of explainations on how to use the waxes and finish off the piece.

I haven't had the chance to do any actual painting yet but have a few pieces waiting for some magic.

That is why I suggested the books for you. Easier to see the pics and steps. Does your local store offer any classes for the AS paints?

Love those colors you have. Did you see on her blog about mixing your own custom blends for your projects. Plus you can create variations with the wasx/distressing techniques.

Good Luck again! Show us pics when you are done please.

beau---got the book and have really enjoying reading it. This store does offer classes and I hope to take a couple of them next week. Having those cans of paint sitting around really makes me want to jump right in and paint. I will probably start with the small bedside table this weekend without a class and see how I do. Cross your fingers for me. The gal at the shop has a lot of fun with this paint.

Please let us know how it turns out. I've been doing some online snooping about the Ann Sloan line and would like to try it. We have a small china cabinet that we'd love to experiment on in maybe the gray and old white. Have to find a distributor in our area first. Keep us posted on the pros and cons.

Ann Sloan paint is super expensive so from what I have read on blogs, it is much cheaper to make your own. Some have used unsanded grout in their paint and other have used joint compound. The recipe I have is 1 tablespoon unsanded grout to 1 cup of paint. I have not tried it myself but it looks just as good. You have to buy your wax separately.

quote:

Originally posted by Hammerhugger:
Ann Sloan paint is super expensive so from what I have read on blogs, it is much cheaper to make your own. Some have used unsanded grout in their paint and other have used joint compound. The recipe I have is 1 tablespoon unsanded grout to 1 cup of paint. I have not tried it myself but it looks just as good. You have to buy your wax separately.

Your formula is a little light on grout...we use much more, especially on the first coat for adhesion and coverage. It makes for a great finish that stands up well. We do not wax as we use a satin finish paint or a urethane based antiquing glaze. We sell this painted furniture every day and our customers love it.

Some say they've tried both Annie Sloane and grout based chalk paint and prefer the Annie Sloane, but for the difference in price, I say why not try the grout/chalk paint and see if you like it?

Belstone, as I have said, I have not tried it myself, only read this on blogs so you probably are right about the ratios. What ratio do you use for the paint and grout?

Here is another recipe I found in blog land. It is 1/2 cup plaster of paris mixed with 1/2 cup hot water. Then stir in 1-1/2 cups of paint. She didn't say what type of paint (flat, semi-gloss, etc)

quote:

Originally posted by Hammerhugger:
Here is another recipe I found in blog land. It is 1/2 cup plaster of paris mixed with 1/2 cup hot water. Then stir in 1-1/2 cups of paint. She didn't say what type of paint (flat, semi-gloss, etc)

This one is closer...we start with about 1/4 cup grout, add water till toothpaste consistency, mix thoroughly and add paint until a good spreading consistency...maybe a cup. We usually have to add water as we go. It's not precise...you get a "feel" as you use it more. Here's another tip...we sort of "scrub" in the first coat.

I haven't started on my little china hutch yet, but I was considering using the chalk paint recipe. I hoped you could advise me on whether I should sand all the varnish off b/4 I try the chalk paint recipe. I understand with the real chalk paint that step can be eliminated. That would be a faster approach, but would hate to add more work. I've already bought the paint a Sherwin Williams Pro, but they advised if I was painting over varnish to be sure and prime first. So, I bought the primer, but am I defeating the purpose if I want to "wear" down my edges? Can someone point me in the right direction? I'm trying for the cottage look with this piece.

We lightly sand most pieces...not to take the finish off, rather, to give it "tooth". We also wipe down each piece with paint thinner to get rid of any residue or shmutz. Primer is not necessary. Paint with the chalk recipe, really "scubbing" the paint into the piece ("lay off" the paint in one direction, though). Let it dry and lightly sand, then, if you think the coverage is good enough (it usually is), paint with straight paint or a thinner version of the chalk recipe. At this point, you can decide how much you want to sand...just the chalk dust (fine grit sanding block, then paper bag to polish) or "wear and tear" (coarser grit on the edges). Now, you can "finish" it however you choose...wax, antique glaze, clear finish or, depending on the paint, leave it alone.