We will be doing paint classes a couple times a month. The class will give you the beginning knowledge and experience using chalk/clay paint as well as Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint.
When I first started researching Chalk Paint, I had to pull information from all over the web, stockists, and painting classes, I couldn't find it all in one place. So here are a few tips about using Chalk/Clay Paint, that I have learned along the way. There's a lot more in the brain of mine...but I don't want to overwhelm you!
You can paint any surface with chalk/clay paint...wood, plastic, metal, ect. My suggestion if this is your first piece...start with a small item...a nightstand is perfect!
1. Always clean your project with TSP (Available at Lowe's or Home Depot)
2. If the surface area is very shiny, lightly sand it with a 200 grit sand paper. If it's not real shiny, no other preparation is necessary.
3. You can use any paint brush you like, but the better the quality the less chance for brush strokes.
4. You will most likely need 2 coats and possibly some touch up (depending on the piece)
5. Sand lightly with 100 grit sandpaper between coats. (this will give it a smooth feel and eliminate any brush strokes)
6. Once you are finished painting, let dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then lightly sand one final time all over with 100 grit sandpaper.
7. Distressing can be done with a wet rag, the paint will just rub off. You can also use a 200 grit sand paper to distress as well. You'll want to distress where you have detail and where it would naturally distress over time on it's own. Have fun with this part!! Nothing is permanent, if you do something you done like...just paint over it! That's the beauty of this paint...it's extremely forgiving.
8. Once you have wiped the piece down (getting rid of any dust from the sanding), you'll want to wax (seal) it. You can use a poly if you prefer (it's good for table tops that will get a lot of use). You wax it just like you would wax shoes, apply the wax (lightly with a rag or wax brush), then buff off with a clean rag. There are a lot of furniture waxes out there. I like Johnson's Furniture Wax (available at Home Depot & Lowe's). You can use Annie Sloan, Fiddes, American Paint, CeCe Caldwell, ect. If you are painting your piece white, I suggest using Annie Sloan's clear wax, as it's the only one that will not yellow over time.
9. Now if you like, you can use the dark wax. I use Annie is Sloan's Dark Wax, again you will use a rag or wax brush to apply the dark wax. Be sure to get the dark wax in all the details of the piece to really make them pop. If you apply too much and you don't like it, just use the clear was to remove some...it acts just like an eraser! It's like magic!
10. The most important part is to have fun! It isn't meant to be perfect.
I hope this information is useful. I tried to keep it brief, but informative. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below!
