Friday, September 7, 2012

Working with Chalk Paint

I posted the other day that I received my chalk paint samples from blogger friend Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage.


This isn't the Annie Sloan brand that is so well known and loved, but is a brand I had not heard of before before Shannon started selling it. Since she had the sample sizes I decided to give it a try.


The first coat I had a lot of brush streaks. That is the same "problem" I have had with my own recipe for chalk paint. But the second coat fixed the problem..so no worries.


I painted outside on the front porch. I think I entertained the neighbors. There is basically no smell to this paint but it has been so hot and humid here (don't even get me started on the weather because it makes me grumpy) that I decided to paint out front where it is shady.

I used every last drop of the samples and painted each chair. Also squeezed out enough of the pink to paint a small frame.


Above is the frame--looks so cute with baby pictures of the kids.

Back to the chairs...


I like the pink. It is an "old" pink--a little mauve, very pretty. It is called Debutante.


The green is nice too--but it is very green. The kids call it mint ice cream, the real name is Creme De Mint. So I guess they named it perfectly :) I am so into aqua now, I was hoping it would have a little more blue too it. That's why it is great to be able to buy samples! I should have got the Robins Egg.

So now here is where I need opinions...I was thinking of doing 2 of the dining chairs green and 2 pink. The only reason I wasn't going to do them all pink is because Wyatt didn't want his chair to be pink.


But now that I am not totally in love with the green I wonder what I should do? Should I do all pink and make poor Wyatt sit in a pink chair? Should I do 2 pink and 2 white? (I'm kinda liking that idea) Should I do 2 pink and 2 aqua? Or, should I go back to all white...because white is always right :)


Really would appreciate opinions because I am not sure what to do.


I have seen other bloggers who have recently done white tables with colored chairs and that is what got me wanting to try it. The chairs haven't been painted in a couple years and they get a lot of abuse so they needed a new paint job.

So as far as the chalk paint goes...I love it. I love paint the flatter the better. I love the coverage. But...I find no difference between the "real" stuff and what I make. I cannot speak for Annie Sloan paint because I haven't tried it yet. But happily, I guess I make my homemade chalk paint right! I would say though if you can afford the "real" stuff go for it! It is awesome paint.  I really love the wax too. I am going to do a post on how I paint furniture because over the last year I have had numerous requests for that. Now that I feel more confident about my own chalk paint I will soon do that post.

One of my first homemade chalk paint projects was this chair and frame...


After about a year--I'm still lovin' it!


Thanks for visiting!

edited to say: I just saw a blogger who had only one chair a different color. Maybe I should do the one pink and rest white? 

32 comments:

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I have been making my own chalk paint too and love it! I got started because I was painting inside due to the heat and thought why not throw in a little plaster and water and TaDa! I love it! Now, what to do with the chairs, I have no idea!!! I just know there is a lot of decorators out there and I am hoping one of them will chime in!

Carol

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

I have yet to try chalk paint! I really must get my hands on some.
I love the green chairs. I do like to mix some green with my turquoise. They have to be just the right shades to work.
I would love to see how you do your chalk paint and wax, I hope you will show us soon!

~Shanon

ShabbyESP said...

Hello Sandy,
I like how the chairs turned out!!! Maybe do one chair of each color? White, Green, blue and pink? And then maybe if you didn't like it once it was done you can decide after that if you want to keep only one color. What is the recipe you used for your homemade chalk paint? There are several different recipes I have seen on the blogs.
Can't wait to see what you have decided on for your chairs!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~

Janae said...

I am not crazy about the green either, I think all the chairs pink would be really cute!

Heirloom treasures said...

They look great Sandy,I think whatever you choose they will be lovely. I make my own paint too,and love it. I use the plaster of paris method. x

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Hi Sandy,

I love that pink chair! It is the perfect shade of pink. I like the idea of 2 white and 2 pink.
I can't wait to see what you pick.

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Unknown said...

I like the color green, love the old green color, but with the color scheme that you already have it may be a bit harsh. I like the idea of one pink and the others white. "Queen chair" *giggle*

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Everything is so pretty! I say two pink and two white so Wyatt can have a white chair. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the visit and sweet comment at The Dedicated House. It means the world. Would love it if you would share this lovely post at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-13.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Melanie said...

Love the chairs, the colors are so soft and lovely, the pink is my favorite!! I have never used the chalk paint, now I want to try it!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love both colors, Sandy! Maybe do another pink and the rest white and keep the green, too.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I like the pink chairs, but not seeing them in person I might like the other color...hmmm. I just bought plaster of paris to make my own chalk paint.. I am anxious to try it soon..I have used Annie Sloan but it is just so pricey and no one sells it near me so shipping is just too much. ~Hugs, Patti

Rose Garden Malevik said...

woow this is something I really must try.......a great job....
and do not miss.....

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WELCOME
HÃ¥kan ( The Roseman)

Every Little Birdie said...

I love the green!! I think two pink, two green. The pink looks very soft and light in the pictures. I've painted some of my furniture with the Annie sloan "Old White" Would love to have the receipe for your chalk paint. Yes, please share your knowledge!!! I need all the help I can get. Marsha @ Every Little Birdie

Kadee Willow said...

Boy... do I love to give an opinion! (DH, stop rolling your eyes over there!!) So here is my suggestion... I wouldn't do 2 pink and 2 green. However, as your son would appreciate his own "manly" chair I suggest honoring him with the green one. Then, to create balance I would do another one green and then 2 white. If you did just 1 chair green, I feel it needs to be at the head of the table. OR, if you want to play it really safe, to all of them white. Ok... Bossy Betty checking out now!!!!

Cindy said...

I don't know, i like both colors too. But in the interest of not having too much going on, i think 2 pink and two white, because that pink chair with the ruffly cushion is just tooo irresistable!

Cindy

Olivia said...

Hi sugar! Two pink and two blue...If your baby wants blue...gotta let them have blue, my family does not give a hoot about all my girlie colors, but when they have a special request I know it warms their heart when I honor it! LOL!!! Big hugs,
xoxo
Olivia

Peggy said...

Hi Sandy,
I love the green and the pink and I think two of each would be perfect but you know what's more perfect? Doing what feels right for you and your family! LOL I say - it's just paint - try the blue and see if you like it. I make my own chalk paint too and really love using it. I cheat tho and don't wax - I use a finishing product that you simply brush on - it gives a great finish. Can't wait to see what you decide....
Peggy

lashawnmontoya said...

My first choice would be to do one of each color (pink, white, green and aqua). A close 2nd is 2 pink, 2 white:). You KNOW whatever you pick, we're all gonna love anyway!

Heather Jacob said...

wow those chairs look so beautiful, and loving the soft pastel colors. AND your beautiful ginger cat , how adorable, I just loveeeeeeeeeeee cats . warm hugz to you x

June said...

I for one, love the green, but maybe for a different project if it isn't sitting well with you. You have to love it to live with it. I like the idea of two pink and the rest white.
Maybe?
I love your blog Sandy and just got through reading your last three posts. I loved the birthday for your beautiful girl. What a special day for you all. I also loved the picture of you...so cute!!!!!!!
sending hugs...

pipigirl said...

i say do one of each color. interesting contrast.... love your blog. made my own batch last weekend for 1st time. use acrylic paint to tint. turned out a very pale blue. perfect. gonna be chalk paint happy now....

pipigirl said...

oh forgot, since you dont care for that color green, maybe you could tone it down??? just a thought.....

Lady of the Woods said...

such luscious loveliness! I would do 2 chairs pink, 2 white,... cause.... Wyatt doesn't want pink, yet its beautiful there to see with the white, and you're experimenting with colors because all white is no longer "enough"....you want to see something else you love, pink is in :D:D:D

Anne said...

Sandy,
I also love the idea of two white and two pink!LOVE those chairs!
xx
Anne

must love junk said...

They look so pretty! But if you're not happy, I like the idea of each one a different color, or the 2 pink and 2 white. Good luck ;)
Susan

Anonymous said...

Sandy, these are so pretty! CeCe Caldwell has a Kentucky Mint color. I'm with you though, I like aqua. I like the ideas of two whites and two pinks too. I have never used this brand of chalk paint. I have used Annie Sloan's and CeCe Caldwell's; I like both of these brands. I'll have to give this one a try too! You have a lovely home!

Bohemian said...

What a Beautiful transformation! This Chalk Paint Project turned out Lovely, Thank You for Sharing the Brand so that I can now look for it!

Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Rebecca Nelson said...

The chairs turned out BETTER than FABULOUS! Oh my gosh. LOVE them both but I"m swooning over that debutante pink! YUM!

xoRebecca

Rebecca Nelson said...

The chairs turned out BETTER than FABULOUS! Oh my gosh. LOVE them both but I"m swooning over that debutante pink! YUM!

xoRebecca

Pam Kessler said...

I know I'm late on the opinion here, but I think two white and two pink would be very pretty. I think that green color would be great out on the porch on a end table or little dresser or something. I'd love to see you instructions on painting.

Amanda said...

Hello Sandy,
I haven't been doing blogging for the past week or so being busy back to school so I am currently going through all my blog feed looking at posts. I clicked on yours and realized I had missed a couple and needed a catch up. Love the chairs you painted, they look fab! Flowers are beautiful... i love pink too! I can't believe how adorable Walter is... I am so glad you shared it!
Loved reading all your posts,
Amanda - www.notsoperfectmess.blogspot.co.uk
xxx

Lady of the Woods said...

so what did you decide to do? I'm going over your blog to see how white homes look....I'm thinking of going white here....any advise?