I have stepped into the world of
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
At Haven, I tried this product and was fascinated with
its ease of application.
But, I worried that the sweet ladies who were doing the demos
were the same as those guys you see at Home Shows – selling
knives that allow you to create fancy-schmancy vegetable
rosettes. You know the ones I am talking about.
They make it look soooo easy – until you get it home,
and figure out it looked EASY because he had
PRACTICED hundreds of hours.
Would my ASCP go into the same drawer as all those
unused kitchen gadgets? 🙂
I decided to start small.
I have been wanting to paint the back of my breakfast
room hutch for some time. It’s all part of my
“Un-Red” Movement throughout my home.
If I like it, who knows, I may even paint the whole thing.
Painted solid black like my table and chairs.
I told you I was starting out with a small project. 🙂
I was a little reluctant, since I have used latex paints
and glazes since, well – forever.
Here is a little known fact about me –
when I lived in Europe I spent several weeks learning
Old World Paint and Plaster techniques from some
European Masters.
I have to wonder what these Italian speaking gentleman would think of ASCP. 🙂
It definitely wasn’t like any paint I had ever used before.
The closest I can relate it to, as far as application, is that
it applied similar to a primer.
Then, I applied a coat of Duck Egg Blue.
This color seemed to be thinner than the Old White.
I went back and looked at it again. It just wasn’t what I
was looking for. So, I randomly applied a second coat.
was looking for. So, I randomly applied a second coat.
saying that you could not mess up with this paint.
Maybe she was wrong. Maybe I am the *one* person
who can mess up this paint.
So, I threw caution to the wind, threw out all the techniques
that the Italian-speaking teachers in Europe had taught me,
and just kinda “slapped” on the paint in no set pattern.
Some cross-hatching here, some random swipes there.
Then, I let it dry. Walking by about every 15 seconds.
The Hubbs asked what I was doing.
Paint watching, I replied.
He didn’t say anymore, he just filled his cup with ice and
water and went back to his movie. Good man!
water and went back to his movie. Good man!
After the 2d coat of Duck Egg Blue dried, I lightly sanded
it with a sanding block, and applied the clear wax.
I am using my son’s camera. It’s a nice expensive camera.
Don’t blame the camera for these really bad pics.
Blame my son for not giving me a quick tutorial. Ha!
I guess – along with ASCP – I am also camera challenged.
:-/
I have to be honest. I am not sure I like this.
Maybe I am a “solid” paint kind of girl.
Maybe I just didn’t know how to “let go” and enjoy the
experience and go with the ASCP flow.
I don’t know.
I will bring back in my accessories this week.
It will be more of a Summer look with white dishes,
glass and shells.
Don’t blame the camera for these really bad pics.
Blame my son for not giving me a quick tutorial. Ha!
I guess – along with ASCP – I am also camera challenged.
:-/
I have to be honest. I am not sure I like this.
Maybe I am a “solid” paint kind of girl.
Maybe I just didn’t know how to “let go” and enjoy the
experience and go with the ASCP flow.
I don’t know.
I will bring back in my accessories this week.
It will be more of a Summer look with white dishes,
glass and shells.
I will post the completed project this week.
For now, I think I need to go sign up for
Kevin Palmer’s camera class. 🙂
For now, I think I need to go sign up for
Kevin Palmer’s camera class. 🙂
We are sending out a Survey in relation to the
Southern Bloggers Conference we are trying to plan.
If you are interested, we would love to get your
opinion on a few things.
If you have not left a comment or think we do not have
your email, please contact me at:
barbgarrettnc@yahoo.com
so I can add you to the contact list.
Updated as of 8pm, Sunday Night:
Southern Bloggers Conference we are trying to plan.
If you are interested, we would love to get your
opinion on a few things.
If you have not left a comment or think we do not have
your email, please contact me at:
barbgarrettnc@yahoo.com
so I can add you to the contact list.
Updated as of 8pm, Sunday Night:
Well, I have walked by this piece at least a dozen times.
I keep thinking it will grow on me.
Nope.
In fact, I am starting to dislike it more and more.
I think it is the blue with the black. I also think I was
wanting a solid color with a soft glaze like this cabinet…
So before I give up entirely on ASCP, I am going to paint the remainder of the black white, and then see if I can lighten the blue
and use a dark wax or a mocha glaze.
I am determined!
Hopefully I will have this project completed before
I start decorating for Thanksgiving.
:)-
I am joining Susan at
Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Hum, I think I agree with you. From the pics, I don’t think I like this. Is it the color, or is it the way it looks. I think maybe I am a solid color kind of gal too. I know when you get it all finished, it will be stunning. Hugs, Marty
View CommentKim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Maybe once you add the accessories it will look fine. What I meant about you can’t mess it up is that you can fix any mistakes made with it. You can immediately paint right over it or if the waxes or too much distressing is done you can start again. Of course you want to go for an old worn finish with this paint. That is what it was created for. Not for a perfect clean look.
View CommentKathysue says
Barb, your instincts are right on this one!! Solid and a lighter color of duck egg blue, I still vote for white with the blue interior, not that my vote counts for much, just My humble opinion. I give you Kudos for the good ol’ college try!!! xo Kathysue
View CommentCindy says
I just bought more ASCP today! I love it but it is for a more distressd and worn looking style. I think white would look good too Kathysue.
View CommentLaura from Top This Top That says
not that you asked but not sure the black with the duck egg works as well as replacing the black with white and keep the blue inset OR paint the whole thing white OR paint the whole thing blue. Go for it girl!! 🙂
View CommentJudy says
One reason in addition to the price of the AS paint is I’m afraid I won’t like it either. Before I invest in it for 1-2 pieces I’ll try my hand at making my own.
I’m sure you’ll know pretty soon whether or not you like your new hutch color.
View CommentSuzy says
I like your new plan! ASCP is a great product that is super easy to use, but it sure does have a look all of its own.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Keep trying…you cannot mess it up…my granddaughter loves to paint with it…it will all come out beautiful…
View CommentI think the cabinet will look better lighter….but then again…do what you love…
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
If you decide you don’t like it, at least you were brave and gave it a try. I love ASCP because it’s so easy to work with … and I also like the distressed look. In the end, you gotta go with what works for you and what you like. 🙂
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
You know what I like best about AS paint??? It’s SO easy!!! No prep, and you can’t mess it up! ha! The “shabby look” of it doesn’t go too well in my home, but I love using it on finds for my booth. At least you tried, maybe it will grow on you soon! I’m sure when you put your special spin on the piece and get it just like you like, it will be gorgeous!
Looking so forward to the blogging convention! I don’t know if I’ll be able to help with much pre-planning. I’m co-chair of a women’s conference here in my town slated for January for 800 women, and we’ll be knee deep in planning around that time, but I’ll gladly help man tables or anything else you need done during the weekend! 🙂
View CommentNanaDiana says
I am on the fence about the paint, too. I see some of it I really like and other pieces- not so much. I have done several pieces and the jury is STILL out with me. I am feeling like a triangle in a trapezoid world here…not quite fitting in- xo Diana
View CommentOcean Breezes and Country Sneezes says
Hi Barbara, I’m interested in seeing the finished product, I’ve never used chalk paint, and I know everyone who does loves it. I’m like you, a regular paint kinda gal! I’m now your newest Follower & Linky Follower. I’m going to pin this on my decorating board on pinterest too!
Have a wonderful day!
Mary
View CommentBarbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
Looks like the vote is to go lighter all over. I wonder what the blue would look like with an old white wash over it? Isn’t it great to work on this as a committee!?
View CommentBarbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
Oh, and I’m amazed that you did this without using any tape. Very brave of you! Looks like you colored inside the lines!
View CommentAlison @ The Polohouse says
Hi there!
I have used ASCP on several items and I do think it takes a little practice. I also think that having the right paint brush helps to apply the paint more smoothly.
I also have to say that when I first bought it, I bought the dark wax and some Paris gray paint.
THAT was a mistake for me.
You really need (in my humble opinion) to buy both waxes. Apply the clear as a second step to seal the color, then buff it out, and THEN apply the darker wax.
(Otherwise the dark wax totally gets in the paint and makes it look dirty and streaky.
You cannot manipulate it at all which is fine if that’s what you are going for,,,, but for me, I like just a little dark streaking and the dark wax in the cracks!!)
Oh you are probably sorry I saw this post!
I can just hear your frustration and thought I would share my experience!
So I am thinking if you used the blue paint and only clear wax, you will have achieved what you were hoping to love?!!
You can delete this Barb!
You have my permission!!!
Alison 🙂
View CommentAlison @ The Polohouse says
Ok! Just scrolled through again and thought you had used the dark wax when I first read it.
View CommentYou did everything right!
Shelia says
Hi Barb! I’m like you, I don’t care for the not quite painted look. I haven’t used it yet because when I paint something I do like it to look solid. Some folks really like the distressed look, I’m just not a fan of that look. I love your hutch and like others have said, I think you hutch painted white with blue insides would look gorgeous.
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Mary says
Go with your gut and what you learned in Europe.
Mary from Virginia
View CommentAnnie Sloan says
Hi Barb, I found your blog through my Google Alert. Thanks so much for using my paint and I’m sorry you were a bit underwhelmed by it! I hope you’ll persevere as you obviously have some great experience with your training in Europe.
View CommentAnyway I thought I’d give you a few pointer to help you with the paint.
Firstly I usually wax then sand, rather than wax after sanding. However, one of the features of my paint is that it can be used in lots of different ways….thick and impasto, thin and watered down to make a wash or very smoothly, or distressed ..the list goes on! Anyway, please get back to me if you want some more help.
By the way the team at Haven were all users of the paint and some were my retailers – all independent shops which is part of my ethos. We want to keep it real!