Have you discovered Annie Sloan chalk paint yet? If not, you’re in for a treat.
I was very kindly invited to an Annie Sloan paint workshop, run by Rigby and Mac, to learn how to use the paint and create some of the effects it is capable of. Lucy, who ran the workshop, was totally wonderful, warm and knowledgable and there was a lovely group of other people there too, including the 2 Lovely Gays – love them. Located in Dulwich, South East London, in a beautiful light filled industrial building (with a wondrous cafe called Volcano for lunch) the workshop was a very happy way to spend a Saturday morning.
The key things I learnt and love about the paint:
– No need to prime or sand your surface (AMAZING!)
– Can be applied to a variety of surfaces including: glass, metal, varnished wood, laminate (oh yes!)
– It does not smell and dries very quickly so no need to paint outside
– It can be watered down or mixed with other colours easily.
My mind is still reeling from the fact that I now have the potential to paint dark, varnished wood with no preparation whatsoever. I also feel a bit aggrieved that I spent two days of my life painting internal doors with five coats of primer and gloss paint when I could have used a couple of coats of this and some wax. Gutted.
Using the paint at home…
So, when I got home I was very excited to give it a go. I haven’t currently got any furniture that I want to paint so I decided to give a little set of Ikea Moppe drawers a makeover. I bought Antoinette pink, brass leaf (that actually looks gold in most lights), gold size and soft wax from Rigby and Mac. You will also need a paint brush, scissors and a j-cloth.
I can not wait to try the paint out on something more substantial. Thank you again to Rigby and Mac for the great workshop; is it too much to say this paint is life changing?!
Katy x