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Are you looking to breathe new life into furniture and décor in your home with a unique, textured finish? Chalk paint is the perfect solution for giving surfaces an artistic makeover. From dressers and bookshelves to frames and fireplace mantels, chalk paint can be applied to almost any surface.
In this article we’ll look at the basics of painting with chalk paint, and provide helpful tips so you can get excellent results.
Prepare your surface
The key to successful painting with chalk paint is ensuring your surface is prepared correctly.
Before you begin, set up your workspace; use plastic sheets to keep paint off the floor or walls. You can purchase from a plastic sheets manufacturer direct to save money.
Next, remove any hardware or fixtures from the piece of furniture you’re working on. Wash the surface clean with sugar soap, which is specifically designed to remove dirt and oil.
Once the surface is dry, use a light sanding block to smooth out imperfections or rough spots. This will allow the paint to adhere better, resulting in a more even finish.
Use different brush strokes
When painting with chalk paint, it’s important to consider the variety of brush strokes at your disposal. Using multiple brush strokes can add texture, depth and dimension to the finished look.
Different brush strokes can create a variety of finishes, such as a distressed or aged look, while also affecting the intensity of colour applied by mixing different tones.
Use a brush with soft bristles if a gentle touch is preferred, to prevent streaking or discolouration of the chalk. Conversely, when aiming for heavier coverage, opt for harder bristles capable of absorbing the thicker paint.
Experimenting with different brushes and techniques will allow for more creative control when painting with chalk.
Distress very carefully
It’s easy to get carried away with achieving an antique look when it comes to décor. While chalk paint can lend itself perfectly to distressing furniture or other projects, there is one major consideration you must make before doing so: distressing should always be done very carefully.
This is because as you distress the decorative piece, there is a risk that you could damage it beyond repair. While using sandpaper or other methods of distressing is helpful, these steps must be taken with caution and a slow hand to avoid unwanted consequences. By proceeding cautiously according to the manufacturer’s directions when distressing with chalk paint, you can achieve the desired outcome without risking a DIY disaster.
Use two colours for depth
When it comes to chalk paint, using two colours for depth can make all the difference! Shading with two colours instead of one creates a more attractive design, and brings attention and focus to the particular feature being painted.
Start with your base colour and let that dry, before adding the secondary colour in sections to bring out certain details. You will be amazed by how easy it is to create deep, shadowed layers when you use two colours together.
Use dry brushing to blend colours
Painting with chalk paint can bring a touch of classic charm to any space. One technique is dry brushing, which is used to blend paint colours and create subtle texture.
Start by dipping only the tips of the bristles of your brush in the paint before moving it over the surface in light, even strokes. You can apply multiple colours in this way, overlapping them as needed and blending with a water-dampened brush between each new colour. The effect is beautiful and quite easy to achieve with a little practice, and you end up with perfectly blended colours that look professional.
Apply wax with care
A piece of furniture painted with chalk paint can be finished with a wax sealant. Waxing your project will bring out the colours and protect the paint from wear and tear.
For a high-shine finish, use a wax made specifically for chalk paint. Apply the wax in thin layers and use a lint-free cloth to buff to the desired sheen.
Take your time when waxing, as too much can cause a milky, hazy look on the surface. Done properly, waxing can be a great finishing touch to any painted object.
Painting with chalk paint can be a fun and easy DIY project to undertake. With the tips we’ve covered, anyone can transform their space and bring a little extra colour into the mix. The key is patience and taking time to prepare the surface properly, use different brush strokes, distress for attractive effects, use two colours for depth, and dry brush to blend everything perfectly together. Stick to these steps and you can let your inner sense of colour, design, and artistry shine.
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