Monday, February 13, 2012

For Me Or Not For Me - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

By now, many of you know that I have never tried the real stuff, "Annie Sloan Chalk Paint". I love my homemade chalk paint (HCP) and hadn't given much thought to actually spending the extra $$$ to buy ASCP. But after reading The 411 On Chalk Paint by Mandie from Altard, I had to try it, in order to satisfy my own curiosity. SO, I searched the web and decided to purchase 2 cans from Robyn Story Designs. Not only do they offer the lowest price anywhere online but they also have a flat shipping fee. Additionally, RSD also had the newest color, French Linen which is really what I wanted to try.

Just like a little kid in a candy store, I could hardly contain myself when the box arrived. I tore into it and was pleasantly surprised to see not only the paint but a photocopy of the official ASCP color chart, a color board of real paint samples, instructions on achieving "sample techniques" and "color ideas for 2 color distressing".



I decided to tackle a simple project with one of the recommended '2 color distressing ideas', specifically French Linen over Old White and the piece, my kitchen table.


At first glance, the paint appears to be similar in consistency to my HCP. However once poured, I noticed that its texture is much smoother. I'm wondering if I used a finer unsanded grout in my recipe would it be less gritty and more like ASCP? I elected to roll it on with a smooth foam roller and below is the table top after one coat of ASCP.


I rolled on another coat of Old White and then applied two coats of French Linen. Once dry, I sanded the top coat of French Linen to expose some of the Old White. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture prior to applying my Golden Oak wax. Here it is, half & half...


After 'waxing on and waxing off' the darker wax, I applied Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. What I like most about this wax is the quick drying time (10-15 minutes) and it buffs to a brilliant shine.


Below is the completed ASCP table....


According to Annie Sloan, "Painting with our paint should always be a pleasure" and it is. Furthermore, it "is very easy to work with and allows people to be creative as one doesn't get involved with the technicalities of preparation", which is also true. However, the homemade chalk paint recipe that I use, does all of this at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, you have the flexibility of creating every color on the Pantone chart with endless color combinations to achieve a range of decorative and vintage looks.

Project #7 Complete!!!
Let me know what you think.....


Joining the Party...
DIY Club

 
Photobucket

30 comments:

  1. Interesting review. I've also had good luck with homemade chalk paint and wonder if its worthwhile to invest in the real thing. You are making me think I should stick to the bargain version!

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  2. Your table looks great with your chairs... Good review. It's true you can make your own chalk paint, but Annie Sloan has some great colors. I need to get some for a project coming up.

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  3. Wow...Another amazing work of art...Loved your "before" table, but must say that I love the "after" table even more...Looking forward to your next creative venture!

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  4. Hi, love your table. I like my homemade chalk paint! I use plaster of paris, that way you don't have the grit.

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    1. Mah; I will try plaster of paris. Is it the same recipe? Would you kindly send me the ingredient mix? Heather

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  5. The table looks good. I bought some, and it's OK. I think there are certain jobs it might be better for.

    I make my homemade version with plaster of paris, one fourth cup, to one cup latex paint. If you blend it well, it works just about as well. In fact, I just painted some tile floors with it.

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    1. Scribbler; Thx so much for the ratio....your recipe is my next project. Heather

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  6. Love the table and the color, no matter which paint was used. Think that's the idea - whatever works best for you should be the paint to use. ASCP is easy and that's why I've used it. Don't have the patience for getting all the ingredients, et al. Your table is amazing and kudos for all the work.

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  7. Thanks for sharing. I also don't have an ASCP distributor near me. I think I need to try your recipe so I can match it to the color I really want. Saw you on Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

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    1. I would love to know how it works out. Heather

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  8. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I love the old effect you finished on it. Have you heard of Cece Caldwell paints? It is like chalk paint, but even better, and cheaper. It is made here in the U.S. and it is 100% Green, no acrylic, nothing. The container it comes in is even 100% recyclable. I am finishing up my ASCP supply and switching completely over to Cece Caldwell.

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    1. ASCP is made in the good ole USA..Kansas City to be exact! I recycle my ASCP cans at my local recycling center. Just a little FYI.

      Love the French Linen table...well done

      janet xox
      The Empty Nest

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  9. I've never heard of CeCe Caldwell...I'm currently searching online for it. Thx so much for the heads-up!!! Heather

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  10. Very lovely job! I make my own chalk paint as there isnt ASCP around here and also her prices are a bit steep for my pockets:)Love your color choices,job well done,Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

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  11. I've only used the real thing, but I think I would like to try the homemade at some point. Great review. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

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  12. Found you via the One Project Closer party.

    Love the new finish in combo with the metal legs. I can't wait to check out the homemade chalk paint.

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  13. It turned out beautifully! I may have to try some on my old ugly desk! I am hosting my first link party today, and would love for you to add this, and anything else you like!

    http://www.mom4realky.blogspot.com/2012/02/4-real-friday-link-party-1.html

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

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    1. Jessica; I'll be there, thx for the invite. Heather

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  14. I like your table make-over. I just bought a can of French Linen. I have used minwax on other pieces of furniture I have painted, but not over the ASCP.. Glad to see how beautiful it looks. Thanks!

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  15. So beautiful. I think I need to try some of that wax.

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  16. Looks like it turned out great! For some reason, I'm terrified of trying wax :)

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    1. Steph; No need to be terrified of wax, it can always be removed. If experimenting, cover the piece with oak or darker colored wax, then wax it off and then you can apply a clear coat of wax which helps remove some of the colored wax if need be. Hope this helps! Heather

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  17. Hi, Heather! I pinned this on Pinterest, posted on fb, and featured at Creative DIYers Club. Please feel free to grab the feature button :) and thank you for joining Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop :)

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  18. Found you from SJ and I'm your newest follower! I bought the Plaster of Paris and I think I'll try it tomorrow on an end table I bought at GW, I love how your table came out too!

    Rondell

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  19. SO pretty, Heather! I haven't tried the AS Chalk paint yet.

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  20. Sorry, but I am and will always be an ASCP girl. It opened a whole new world for me....I figure if your gonna run with the big dogs.........get the best. Some homemade things are good......some, not soooo much. Quality not quanity...just saying.

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  21. Your table turned out really pretty. I have a can of ASCP, used it on a couple of small projects, but can hardly bring myself to use it because it's so expensive. From what I've read, the recipe using grout is actually for chalkboard paint; the recipe using plaster of paris is for chalk paint. Saw your feature on Power of Paint, look forward to checking out more of your projects! :)

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    1. I love your make over. I also changedl over to CeCe Caldwells Green Chalk and Clay paint. We loved it do much we are selling it now. The wax is amazing, like butter, no dragging and no petroleum...so no awful smell. Leslie from Orphaned Decor

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    2. I love your make over. I also changedl over to CeCe Caldwells Green Chalk and Clay paint. We loved it do much we are selling it now. The wax is amazing, like butter, no dragging and no petroleum...so no awful smell. Leslie from Orphaned Decor

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  22. I actually JUST started a project last night with YOUR recipe for Chalk Paint...but I also have some sample os the ASCP on order. I was TOO impatient to wait, and I will use it on other items anyway. I used the homemade on a cheapie little storage chest, that I am not attached to, should it get messsed up. I loved the way the paint covered last night, for SURE!!! I will let you know my own comparison, once I get home tonight to finish with the homemade, then next weekend, when I try the ASCP!!!!

    THANK YOU for providing your very smart recipe for homemade - I am sure I will use it again, when I want to use different colors than ASCP. But what I like about the idea of ASCP, is that the pigments are supposed to be much more vivid using little to no black, so they are never dull even if you mix the colors... I ordered the Violet color and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!!!!!

    THANKS!!!!

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