Choices in paint

I know I write a lot about Annie Sloan Chalk paint.  It is how I got turned on to this idea of recycling and restyling furniture.  I have always enjoyed taking something that did not look too great and making it look really good....on a budget! 

It is a challenge and I enjoy using my creative side!  Guess I am pretty much left brained...or not too much brained this time of year!!

My absolute favorite paint is Annie Sloan. I learned about it taking a class at Sea Rose Cottage in Bristol, Rhode Island over a year ago.  It is a beautiful little town on the water with lots of cute antique and gift shops.  About half an hour from Providence, RI.


Nancy Chace, the owner of Sea Rose Cottage is trained in decorative painting and is a great instructor in Annie Sloan chalk paint.  There are so many different techniques one can use in chalk paint and then finishing off with clear and or dark wax can be part of the tecnique. 

Nancy now sells Miss Mustard Seed's line of Milk paint as well.  I have used milk paint once.  It was not Miss Mustard Seed's line of paint, it was another brand I had in my stash of paint. 

I did the oak commode pictured above in the milk paint. The quality of milk paint a lot of people enjoy is that it distresses itself!!! you apply it to a piece of furniture and you don't know if or how it will distress.  The paint seems to flake away in certain areas and I think it can be a more primitive or country look.  I have seen some gorgeous pieces done in milk paint.  You can also use it with a bonding agent if you do not want the chippy, distressed look. 

I would say that the annie sloan paint is a more modern look and her paint colors are gorgeous.  Miss Mustard Seed came up with some pretty great ones too! 

I use latex now very infrequently.  I don't think it is as durable as Chalk paint and I like the more artistic finish of the Chalk paint and the different ways I can distress it.  I love the clear wax as a protective coat as it can be brought to a shine on a piece.  The dark Annie Sloan wax can be applied to any piece after and only after the clear wax.  It does change the color of the paint to a degree but I have always liked the look it provides.  It gives the piece more character and can make it looked a little "antiqued".  As i have said before, sometimes the piece tells me what to do with it and other times it tricks me and i have to change plans of attack!!

If you have any questions about doing a piece yourself post it here. I can also do custom work for you!