FAQs

What kind of camera do you have?
Canon 7D

Are you a photographer?
He he.  No way.  I do have a great photographer friend, though. And I have always loved photography, so I do try to push myself out of the green “auto zone.”  Going to put together some tips for you guys…but one that can change your photos:  if it can move, move it to the light!

What color do you paint with the most?
I do shop the mistints at Lowe’s, Sherwin Williams, and the local buidling supply, so not always the same one.  I do love Benjamin Moore’s White Diamond…it’s cool, but soft, and not way too bright.  When I have to buy a new gallon, that’s my go-to.  (tip–if you love a creamier white, try BM Moonlight White.)

Where did the whitewashed flooring upstairs come from?  Is it wood or laminate?

The floors are a glorious laminate and I love them…perfect for the playroom and the kids!  It came from a Lumber Liqudators…it was clearanced and being discontinued.   If I ever run across it again, I’ll let you know!

 

What are your paint colors?

living room/kitchen/hallways-??? I’m sorry!  We picked the paint when we built 8 years ago, and I have no idea.  It’s about to be Benjamin Moore’s White Diamond.

dining room-Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice & Ben Moore’s White Diamond

playroom-Valspar’s Sea Breath

Guest room-Olympic’s Misty Surf (+ 2 extra pumps white)

writing room/bath-Ben Moore’s White Diamond & Benjamin Moore’s Iceberg

master bedroom-Benjamin Moore’s Feather Gray

Tell me what you know about chalk paint.  Is it your favorite for furniture re-do’s?

So far, it’s my favorite.  I’m trying some Milk Paint, and I’ll let you know what I think of that…but I love Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint!!  Check out my entire post and two videos here: Chalk Paint FAQ’S

What is your process for refinishing furniture using latex?

Oh my.  That is not the simplest answer, as many times, things do not go according to plan.  But here is the general plan for me….

Clean (if needed)
Most of the time I can lightly sand, but if needed I use a small hand sander with 60 grit paper to rough it up a bit.  I have worked with laminate and veneer a couple of times, so instead of sanding it, I use Gloss Off…this cleans the surface and helps grab the primer/paint.

I apply a coat of primer to everything.  If the piece is really an antique, you may be dealing with all sorts of obstacles, like water spots and stains that will bleed through, so primer is required.  I use Kilz water based primer…for a while I was using the spray cans (and they are super convenient and dry quickly) but I realized I was paying double what I would have using a gallon. BUT, then I realized it was taking me 2 times as long to cover pieces, so now I’m back to using Kilz Original in the aerosol can.

Two coats in the color of choice.  I better break up the rest. :)

What kind of sprayer do you have?  Do you like it/is it easy to operate?  I have a Wagner Power Painter Max with Optimus.

 

If you’re going to be painting lots of furniture, it’s definitely worth it!  I was really unsure of using a sprayer, never having used one before.  I tried an attachment for our air compressor and just didn’t like it.  Different people like different things, but it was too loud, to hard to operate, too messy to clean, etc. for me.  This Wagner cut my time in half…and it actually covers so well that I had to use a stronger grit sandpaper to distress my pieces.  That’s not to say it doesn’t have its own “flaws.”  But I will say, there are operating problems…i.e. when I hold the sprayer the right way, I don’t have to clean the sprayer nozzle, etc.  Even doing this the first few times I used it, it still dramatically cut painting time, gave a remarkably smoother finish (again, when it’s used the right way, it is seamless), and dried much more quickly–I tend to be a bit impatient with the drying time. :)
For my full review and videos of me using it, go here.
Do you seal your pieces?
Yes, yes, and yes.  For pieces I’m doing for others, I want to ensure the finish lasts and is able to be cleaned and protected.  But I also seal anything I do for our home.  I use Varathane….

It’s actually a floor finish!  I originally tried it because I had read/heard that it was the only sealant that didn’t yellow over time…and it doesn’t!  If you are painting lighter colors, like I do quite often, you’ll want ensure your top coat won’t yellow by doing a test spot somewhere on the piece.  Not only does it not change color, I love the luster on the finish.  Because it’s a floor finish, it has a nice glow.  Not flat, but it’s just a nice low-luster sheen.  I usually do 1 coat on legs and two on a top that will have more wear and tear.
**For more details on how I paint furniture, check out my Ebook!
What is the color of your entry dresser?
Unfortunately, I do not know!  I found this dresser on ebay last year, already painted.  My husband bought it for me for Christmas.  All I did was add new hardware.  Sorry to be of no help….I’m working on matching some colors to it to give everyone a better idea.  A similar color is Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint in Duck Egg Blue.

 

 

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