Sharing Some Things I've learned about Chalk Paint!

Lots of little things running through my mind to tell people. So, thought today I'd jot some down for you because it seems I'm getting phone calls and emails every day now of folks just learning about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!

Number 1: Never totally trust a color chart in a book or on line. Call me and we will discuss colors or come visit me and we will open cans or make sure you see a Hand Painted Color Chart! Why???

The print process and whatever they do with color on the web changes the true color of ASCP! (or probably any other paint for that matter). And sometimes the names can be a bit confusing. To me, Chateau Grey is really green (or is it just me?) and Country Grey is more tan or khaki. All the colors are beautiful, but maybe not quite what you think you are getting if looking at one of Annie's books.

Number 2: If you are planning to paint the next day, make sure the lid is tight and turn it upside down overnight. This will make it easier to make sure the paint is well mixed the next day and save you lots of stirring time! Some of the good stuff sinks to the bottom, so you need to stir it up, no matter how nice and creamy it looks when you open the can!

Number 3: Get this paint to the consistency you want to work with it. Don't be scared to add water. I pour off what I think I will use in a separate container and often add water so I can eliminate brush stroke lines. If you get it too thin, not to worry. Leave it open to the air and it will thicken up again.

Number 4: Think outside the box. I've always been fairly traditionalist in my style of home furnishings and clothes. I like the classics. I feel at ease with that in the business world. But there is this secret Bohemian side of me that loves my ratty jeans and tie dye hoodie (found at the Louisville Slugger Museum). I miss my Flower Power college days, wearing bandanas on my head and big dangly earings. Even my shabby chic pieces are conservative colors. I just saw this gypsy chest of drawers on line in wild combo of colors. I'm thinking about new color combos and experimentation....This should be interesting....

Number 5: Become a follower of my blog, visit Annie Sloan American Tour, check out my Dec 5 blog -- win chances for the gift basket and potential chance at a spot at one of Annie's American Tour workshops!