My First Annie Sloan Experience

Yes, using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is an experience!

If you have no idea what Im talking about and/or have no idea who Annie Sloan is, no worries, just keep on reading. If you do know about ASCP, stick around and see if youve had a similar experience (Id love to hear your thoughts).

I shared the result of my first Annie Sloan paint project yesterday and the response was unbelievable. Thank you ALL for your kind comments I was blown away by your kindness! If you missed the reveal, I revamped and reupholstered a side chair for my desk. Before the reupholstery could begin though, I painted the chair frame with my newly purchased Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I had never used this paint before and it was quite an experience. I shared a little about it yesterday, but wanted to go more in-depth with a dedicated post. So here we go

Ill start off by saying, I had some issues and jumped a few hurdles, but got through it. (but keep reading please)

Many of my blogger friends have used the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and the results are amazing. One that really sticks out in my mind is Erins table and its probably because of the vibrant orange color with the antique dark wax. This piece turned out amazing and after reading her post and seeing her pictures, I was sold and had to place my order.

In the meantime, I also (virtually) met Trish of The Purple Painted Lady and saw this piece which blew me away. Trish and I corresponded back and forth a few times. She gave me amazing tips and techniques on using the paint and wax, so I thought I was on my way.

I ordered a quart of the French Linen color, which seemed similar to the taupe hue that can be seen throughout my home, and a can of the clear wax. My shipment arrived a few days later and an anxiety came over me. After ALL the many DIY projects that Ive taken on, I was actually nervous to paint. Yes, paint. How could I be nervous?? I think I hyped up the idea of this magical formula so much that my gung-ho attitude went out the door. And for me, when Im nervous, things go wrong. Does that happen to you?

I started off as I was instructed to (by Trish) and turn the can upside down for at least 60 seconds. Basically, all the good stuff settles to the bottom and needs to be well mixed around. Of course, shake and stir as well.

Then I started painting. Yup, I started painting WITHOUT stripping, sanding, or priming the existing wood. Thats the beauty of chalk paint. Its designed to adhere to most any surface including wood, concrete, vinyl, and even bathtubs (I learned that from Trish too). Plus it provides 50% more coverage compared to latex, so the 1 quart can goes a LONG WAY for this chair, I hardly used any paint.

So coat 1 went on just like usual. Using my favorite Purdy brush, I applied a light coat of this gorgeous color.

Then coat 2.

Two coats was just enough for most areas, but a few spots need three.

Done. Trish stressed that it wasnt good to paint in the heat, but I was just fine since I was indoors, in the A/C ideal conditions!

I wasnt sure what the result of the chalk paint would be. I was guessing it would be chalky (obviously), but its not. Honestly, if I didnt know it was chalk paint, I would think the paint was simply a latex Until it dries. The finish on the dried chalk paint is very flat and dull. You can tell it is in need of something for a top coat. What is that something? Well, wax.

Why Use Wax?

Chalk Paint is very porous and the wax will penetrate the paint and literally fuse with it making it very strong. Waxing the paint provides protection. Chalk Paint in nature- is a very flat chalky finish and over time could be effected by oils from your skin, stains from beverages, dirty fingertips. They can permanently stain the paint. The wax finish is what seals and protects your piece. The Purple Painted Lady

A day later, I jumped in and started the wax process. Ive painted before, but have never applied wax. Not even car wax, so I was definitely entering unchartered territories. Again, I was nervous, but sucked it up and followed the steps (once again stated by Trish).

The wax is smooth, kind of like Crisco, and should be applied in very thin, uniform coats.

Remember this VERY THIN, UNIFORM COATS

This is the basic process -

* The brush you choose is important. It CANT be a new brush and really should be a specific wax brush. I used a well-worn brush that was leftover from my fence project. I really should have used a true wax brush, but being the frugal gal that I am, decided not to get it with my purchase (probably a mistake). As I always preach suggest, the right tools make the job much easier. I guess I havent learned my own lesson yet

FYI These instructions are for applying clear wax only, not the dark wax. That has a whole set of different directions that I havent even looked at yet.

Trish at The Purple Painted Lady has an AMAZING Q + A on her website and every issue / problem that you may run into is on there. She gives a very thorough step-by-step of how to apply the wax, so its a MUST READ!

But of course, I ran into an issue. Here goes. I applied the wax, waited a few hours, but it still was tacky. I waited another 24 hours, but it was STILL tacky. What did I do wrong? I immediately sent an email to Trish and this was the subject line: Need HELP with wax! (that should get her attention, right?)

Like always, I heard back from her right away with a thorough explanation and she directed me right to her Q+A page. I scrolled down and found my answer.

Thankfully my issue is one of the most common too much wax! I went over the wax with a cloth and a few days later, it was all dry and smooth to the touch.

Boy, what an experience, but Im glad I stuck with it and learned from my mistakes. Trying something new always has its hurdles, but once you get over them, its often smooth sailing. Im thrilled with the result of my newly reupholstered chair and every time I look at it, I have a chuckle about the days when I wanted to pull my hair out figuring out what I did wrong.

And heres the finished result.

Ive received quite a few questions on, Is the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint worth the cost?. Its difficult to say depending on the look and style piece you want to achieve. With the bonus of no stripping, sanding, or priming, plus how much this paint covers compared to latex paint, its worth to give it a try! You may just fall in love