Tuesday, September 16, 2014

DIY Chalk Paint



 
Its all the rage!
Chalk paint is a very easy way to update
an old piece of furniture
 
You can achieve a shabby chic look,
antique look or cottage look.
 
We have made a DIY chalk paint
the colors are endless
and with no need to prime
it can be an easy project
 
 
Before Chalk Paint on Dresser
We got this dresser off the curb!
it was in rough shape
 
Using our plaster of paris, cups, an empty quart can and our recipe
this is what the plaster of paris mixed in the water looks like
next we took our paint and mixed it into the plaster of paris/water mixture
We used the Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa Matte finish Paint
We have used a couple different paint products with this recipe but the Aura Bath & Spa has had the best results so far
The color we used is
CW-565 Anderson Blue
 
After the first and second coats dried
We began distressing,
We used an 80 Grit sand paper for this piece
But a sanding sponge also works well
Distress until your happy!
 
 


 
 
DIY CHALK PAINT RECIPE
 
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup paint (flat or eggshell finish)
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup plaster of paris
*double for extra large pieces
 
Tools Needed
Pint or Quart of latex paint
plaster of paris
cans for mixing
measuring cups
quality brush
sanding sponge for distressing (if desired)
Howard citrus shield wax
 
Steps
1. Dissolve plaster of paris into hot water (mix well)
2. Let cool to room temperature
3. Stir into paint well
4. Paint first coat, let dry
5. Paint second coat, let dry
6. Distress if desired
7. Finish with Howard citrus shield wax
 
To Apply Wax
Use a lint free cloth or old T-shirt
Rub in circular motions all over
Wait 10 minutes
Buff in circular motions with clean cloth
Make sure to rotate cloth frequently to clean sides
Done!
 
 
*Howard Citrus Shield Wax comes in Neutral, Walnut and Dark Oak
We used the Neutral here because we didn't want to change the color at all.
 
 
Adding A Special Touch
 
We used the original hardware of our dresser
Using a metallic silver spray paint
We transformed the handles instantly!
We use the Krylon Dull Aluminum Spray Paint
And finished it off with two clear coats
of Deft Semi-gloss Spray Paint
for extra durability
 
 
The End Result
 

 
In the end you have a beautiful piece!
No matter what shape its in
the chalk paint hides imperfections
and covers without primer
 
 
Happy Painting!
 
 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Another Grand Entrance

*use HC-159 Phillipsburg Blue
 
 
The entrance to a home should be welcoming,
a little glimpse of your style,
and a way to add color.
 
 
In our past post we showed examples of door colors,
noticing the popularity of it
we're doing it again!

Now that, inevitably, summer won't be around much longer, we want to inspire some weary doors.
It can be a simple paint job that will have big rewards all year round.

use 2000-10 Red
 
use CC-200 Vellum
 
use 2129-30 Blue Note
 
use 2006-40 Glamour Pink
 
use OC-17 White Dove
 
use 2118-40 Sea Life
 
use 2129-20 Soot
 
use 2137-50 Sea Haze
 
use 2047-40 Capri Seas
 
use 2170-10 Fireball Orange
 
use 2147-40 Dill Pickle
 
use 2048-20 Juniper
 
use 2024-40 Yellow Finch
 
use HC-128 Clearspring Green
 
use 2048-30 Aruba Blue
 
use CC-544 Overcoat
 
use 2052-40 Blue Spa
 
use 2126-10 Black Tar
 
use 2136-30 Amazon Green
 
use 2128-40 Oxford Gray
 
use 2123-30 Sea Star
 
another great idea;
use gel stain on fiberglass doors!
just apply two coats of
Wood Kote Jel'd Stain in Black
with an exterior clear coat
beautiful results and texture.
 
 
If you still can't choose,
why not every color.
 
Stay Inspired

 
 

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Color Spotlight - Dark Harbor

 
Color Spotlight
 
CSP-720
Dark Harbor
 
majestic and dramatic
 this hue blends a blue and green in their finest qualities
 
Dark Harbor is apart of Benjamin Moore's Colour Stories
This collection is different from any other color selection available
the colors are full spectrum metameric
this means that there is no black and gray added to make the color
a regular spectral color uses about 1-4 colorants, one normally being black
with full spectrum, there is 5-8 colorants, with no black or gray
Even in the lightest colors there is about 6-7 colorants.
In doing this the colors are richer and more truer.
it's also like a mood ring for your walls,
they will change more frequently in different lighting.
 
 
Dark Harbor is a perfect color for anywhere that needs a dramatic deep color with a underlying electric bluey green.
Excellent in a bedroom paired with lots of white.
 
 
 
 
No need to be scared of dark, plunge into it!
 
Stay Inspired
 
 
 

Monday, July 28, 2014

Apartment Facelift

 
We'd like to share a fantastic transformation
of an apartment building
from A Step Above Renovations
 
Before
 
After

For the stucco we chose 2175-10 Aztec Brick
in Super Spec Exterior Flat
 
2132-10 Black was used around the windows, front entrance, corners painted as faux bricking and parging.
 
 
 
Now this apartment is ready to stand out
Such an extraordinary change
 
 


Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Choose Stain Like A Pro



Considering it's that time of year
We'd like to share our favorite exterior stain products
 
It can be a difficult thing choosing stain,
especially for our weather
the finicky summers of boiling hot,
and beyond cold harsh winters. 
 
We've searched for the best
and have found three exceptional stains
 
 
 
To start in choosing stain
What kind of transparency is right for your project?
We sell three different opacities
 
The most transparent is
Penofin Ultra Premium Clear
 
We fell in love with this product
It's perfect for any project
The finish is close to that of furniture.
When people tell us they love it when their wood is wet,
it's our go to product.
 

 
 
-Why it's great-
 
Increased transoxide pigments for 99% ultraviolet protection against fading
Extra protection against mildew
Brazilian Rosewood Oil wood stain that deeply penetrates to protect against moisture
Pigments won't fade, turn chalky or wash off
 

 
Your next option is a Semi-Transparent finish.
We carry the Arborcoat Classic Oil Semi-Transparent Finish.
 
There is still a high demand for alkyd stains,
they have proven their excellence time and time again.
Best if the wood is a little worn, or already has a semi-transparent finish on it.
Or if more color is desired.
 
 
-Why it's great-
 
Provides protection and colour without obscuring the grain or texture of the wood
May be applied to new, pressure treated lumber
A water repellent coating
Formulated to penetrate, protect, and beautify
 wood decking, siding, fencing, shingles and furniture
Scuff resistant
Specially formulated to resist mildew growth on the stain film
Available in 75 colours
 
 
Lastly the final option of opacity
Solid
We sell Flood in their solid stain.
 
Solid stain can be one of the easiest choices,
basically fool proof.
It looks like paint, but doesn't need a primer and it protects and penetrates the wood.
This finish is especially best for wood that has seen better days.
 
-Why it's great-
 
Opaque finish hides imperfections and aging wood while allowing the wood texture to show through
Adheres to challenging exterior wood surfaces - with no primer necessary
Retains color exceptionally well, so it can be applied less often
Long-lasting stain protects wood and resists peeling, blistering and mildew
Easy soap-and-water cleanup