Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to work on the blog design and navigation changes on my blog. It takes time away from completing decorating, paining, and other creative projects to share with you. But I decided I needed to tackle them now and get things in order this summer before life gets back to full swing at the end of August.
I have finally finished a guide that will answer 95% of the the most frequently asked questions I receive in my inbox on a daily basis about painting,. My inbox is going to thank me and it is my hope that it will help you paint more confidentlly when you take on a new paint project.
My paint guide will serve as a reference for anyone that has basic painting questions, are not sure how to start, or don’t know what products to use. You can find the page here: How to Paint Anything
I will be updating it on a regular basis when new questions arise and new products come out on the market that I think are worth using.
Here is a snippet from the page.
To access this Paint Guide, you will find it under the Paint Anything tab in my navigation bar. It is available now.
I am working on new projects and will share soon. I am on a waiting list at my local tool rental place for a specific floor sander that is popular. I am waiting for them to call so I can start refinishing my kitchen and mudroom floor. I’m eager to get started and excited about what I am planning to paint on the floor.
My writing elsewhere this week: My latest post is up at My Colortopia. You can find it here: Essential Guest Room Decor
I want to paint a piece of furniture to look like they paint at the furniture store’ “Sticks”. They paint so it looks like colored stains that allow the wood to look more natural, not so opaque. Can you give me an idea of their procedure, what paint/stain they use and how it is applied?
Hi Pat – To create the transparent color on furniture you would use Milk Paint or mix latex paint with glazing liquid. Either technique will work, but I think if you like the furniture Sticks sells then you should look into Milk Paint. Milk Paint is usually sold in a powder form that you mix with water. The more water you add, the more transparent the color will be. On raw wood, the color goes right into the wood. On previous painted finishes, you may need to use a bonding agent first.
I painted a stool with Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. I went for an more opaque look and only added a little bit of water. I wrote about it here:
Clear Glazing liquid is a white liquid that turns clear when dry. There is also Antique Glazing Liquid that is black/brown in color that is used to age a painted finsih.
When glazing liquid is mixed with paint, it gives paint a translucent quality. The more glaze you add to the paint, the more transparent the paint will be.
You can buy glaze at the paint and or craft store. Milk paint is sold mostly online or on Amazon. It comes in many colors.
Hi Diane,
Do you have any tips on the use of Chalkboard Spray Paint? I am trying to make 4 chalkboards in the shape of a pig and I primed each board then did 2 thin coats of Chalkboard paint. I am not able to get a smooth shiny board and have rough areas. I have re-primed and re-sprayed several times and still to no avail. I tried to lightly sand and re-prime and re-spray and still have some rough spots. Have you used Chalkboard Spray Paint before?
I am able to spray paint a real airplane but can’t figure out what I am doing wrong on a little chalkboard? Go Figure. Any thoughts or ideas?
thanks much
Hi Cole – I have used many brands of spray chalkboard paint and have not had this happen. What are you priming the board with? When I use chalkboard spray paint to make a chalkboard, I don’t prime the surface. The surface of the chalkboard could be slightly different because of the primer or the finish is not the same on the surface and is taking the paint differently causing the rough patches.
It could also be that you are spraying when the temp where you are spraying is too hot or cold. Check the can and make sure what temp range is on the directions. Sometimes if it is too hot – the paint starts to dry the minute it leaves the nozzle and hits the surface.
My other suggestion would be to make sure you shake the can well and apply long strokes about 6-10 inches away from the surface. Try to keep the nozzle at the same angle as you spray. If it still happens, I think I would try another brand of chalkboard spray paint.
Purchased unfinished kitchen cabinets several years ago put polyuerthane. Would love to paint cabinets white. Do I sand and use degloser. Please help. Just read your articles and they are very detailed and informative. THANKS
Hi Theo –
I would sand the cabinets – especially if the polyurethane is super shiny. I took mine down to the bare wood. It has been over 10 years since I painted them and the paint has never chipped, peeled, or come off. It takes more time, but you will be rewarded for a long time for your efforts. If you don’t want to sand to the bare wood, sand enough to rough the surface up so the paint has something to stick to. Cleaning them well and using a deglosser will help. Using a gripping primer is a must. Thin coats and sand lightly in between each coat will give you a nice smooth finish.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This painting guide is a Godsend since our home will soon be finished and ready for us to move in and create our own space. I absolutely love your blog and think it’s one of the best out there…bar none!
Thanks Vickie, that is nice to hear. Moving into a new house is pretty exciting! Enjoy making it your home. XO
Diane,
Thank you, thank you! You have helped and given me confidence to paint my daughter and son-in-law’s dark wood table that is sitting in my garage. They are impatient to have it, but I find it a daunting task.
It will be transformed!
You are wonderful to share all this information.
Diane, you are so kind, helpful and thorough. I refer to your website all the time. This just makes everything easier and better! Thanks!
This is awesome! I’ve pinned so many of your tips but I’m excited to have everything in one place. Thank you for sharing!
Diane your blog is like a Craker Jack box. When you open it you know there will be a prize, it’s always a treat reading it and it’s always original. (Hope you like Cracker Jack). Thank ‘s for your generosity and all the care that goes with it!
Chantal from Montréal
Diane! What a good person you are- a full guide and at NO CHARGE. I’ll tell you-that is one of the things about blogland-so many people are willing to share everything they know on a subject and give freely of their advice. You are a shining example of that—and—-your blog looks just great-very professional looking. xo Diana
Hi Diana – Thanks – you always make me smile :) I started my blog to share what I know and have tried to learn as much as I can about presentation, images, photography, and Photoshop. I have learned a lot, but I have still so much to learn. I love when I get those light bulb moments. The more I do with the back end, and image programs, the more it starts to sink in and become easier.