I am totally sold on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Up until last week, I had read that people fall in love with this paint after trying it out, but we don't have stockist near us, and it never occurred to me to order some online. Then, our pal, Shaunna, opened up her shop and I knew it was time. (Yes, it was just that dramatic). Did you know that you can paint almost any surface with chalk paint (not chalkboard paint) without prepping? No sanding, no stripping, nothing. And it adheres to everything because it's magic. And awesome. And we're a match made in DIY heaven if I ever saw one. Paint that eliminates all the hard work? Yes, please. I thought I'd give it a whirl on my marble fireplace surround, because I'm crazy like that. I did not like this marble one bit. It was sort of dirty-looking and leaned toward the peach color family. Yuk. Like I said, it was time for an upgrade.
I also took this time to try out the new Purdy paint brush I received in my haven swag bag. We love these things so much!
I also took this time to try out the new Purdy paint brush I received in my haven swag bag. We love these things so much!
I still need to buff and wax the paint so that it's all sealed nicely, but I'm happy with the small, but noticeable change. I originally was planning on painting stripes, but for now, I'm digging the simplicity of the matte color. Doesn't it look better? More serene and understated and classic.
I've been messing around with some of the ideas I learned from Layla about photo styling, and alas, I still have much to learn. :( But it's still fun to try!
I brought a few of the pillows my mom made for the bench in my basement upstairs to our living room to add some color and a summertime feel. So fun!
Looks pretty darn nice with my target dollar bin mantel, if I do say so myself.
And now for the {very subtle} before and after shot:
Have you guys tried chalk paint yet?
What are your thoughts about it?
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coco was my first color to use too! Love it. And the fireplace looks wonderful, Careful if you got the dark wax it really changes the color. I just used a plain minwax. Lori
ReplyDeleteI was definitely thinking of a clear wax, for sure. Thanks for your thoughts on it!
DeleteJess
Jess - I think it looks perfect!! I love the matte color...leaves the possibility of patterns and other colors wide open for your mantel.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina! I can't stop thinking about stenciling or painting stripes on the surround now. Wouldn't that be awesome? Oh, the possibilities!
DeleteHave a great day-
Jess
Just wondering how the chalk paint will hold up to the heat from the fireplace? Looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm not entirely sure, Susan. But, even though this is a working fireplace, we don't really use it at all! (My hubs is wierd/paranoid about having a fire in the house. It might be as a result of one time when he lit a fire in the fireplace and forgot to open the flu. Smoke and flames poured into our living room. (no damage was done!) Yup, that's probably it. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Jess
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ReplyDeleteLooks great! How many coats did you use?
ReplyDeleteJust one coat, so far! It covers really well. I did order another sample jar though, and will do one more coat before we wax it. It really didn't take much though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking :)
Jess
I just finished up dresser #2 using ASCP Pure White. I did 2 large dressers with one can and still have a teeny bit leftover. I. love. it. And, once I learned how to use the wax properly, that part is incredible! Now, I'm just waiting to use a sample I have on an end table makeover soon. That's awesome that it works on marble. And, I agree that this transformation on your fireplace is great! Good photo styling :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so nice, Jess! That paint must really be amazing. Do you think I could use it on that bureau I showed you?
ReplyDeleteWow! That stuff works on marble?? It looks great! I'm wondering how you would remove it from marble (just in case you ever want that beautiful peach back)? I have some dark green marble topped tables & I'd LOVE to change that color but wonder how to remove it if it doesn't look great over something like that.
ReplyDeleteI love how it came out. I have ugly brass surrounding my fireplace. I wonder if it would cover that. I've been thinking about spray painting it oil rubbed bronze.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of chalk paint for sure! I love the stuff. Your fireplace turned out fabulous and I am also trying to learn photoshop. I haven't finished Layla's course yet but I'm working on it :)
ReplyDeleteYes I am in a love hate relationship with it. The finish is AMAZING, totally me style with the country, shabby, chalky finish perfect for a lot of my furniture projects. But the price is just a bit much especially when i can get the same look with other products. Time is money though. So it is a toss up! Here is my own review of this product, if your interest.
ReplyDeletehttp://littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com/2012/06/chalk-paint-hmmmmm.html
Looks great! I still haven't used chalk paint yet. I have a sample from Haven and I need to find the perfect thing to try it out on. I'm definitely intrigued by it!
ReplyDelete-Erin @ DIY On the Cheap
So, this has nothing to do with this painting projects (which is cool), but are my eyes playing an illusion on me, or is that a different ship on the right side of the mantle? All the decor looks the same in the before and after, except for the ship, right? Well, and the paint, and the basket, and the suitcase...
ReplyDeleteI have offending green marble! I even emailed Annie months ago to see if I could use her paints on my marble fireplace and she replied definitely, just use wax after. I have just been apprehensive, until I found your blog! I have been searching for painted marble fireplaces!! Now to choose a color. Thanks for the little push. I love how yours turned out.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I have this dresser that I repainted and couldn't figure out how to cover the three ugly marble cut outs on top. I will be looking into chalk paint this week!
ReplyDelete