I love junk. I love to transform junk and breathe new life into it. I also like to help others with their DIY projects.
Questions are great and help us all learn. I get asked so many questions asked that I thought I would share my most common here. Maybe they will help you.
Number #1 -Can I Paint it?
I sell DIY Paint which is a high-quality clay-based paint and it pretty much will paint over any surface. I have used it to paint wood, MDF, fabric, and metal. If you are painting a shiny surface you can sand it down a little to make it stick better, add a primer (like Salvation Solution) or just paint it. If you just paint you might get a really ugly first coat, but the second coat will go on great. Don't worry. If you are interested in painting fabric to check out Debi Beard's amazing video, How to Paint Upholstery, with step-by-step instructions on how she painted her sofa. And nope it is not crunchy at all. DIY Paint covers everything with little to no prep. So grab a paintbrush and get painting!
Number #2 - Is DIY Paint Chalk Paint or Milk Paint or What?
DIY Paint is different from all of the other paints on the market because it is a non-toxic, highly pigmented clay-based paint. Because it is heavily pigmented that means more color in the paint, better coverage, and fewer coats of paint for you. Who doesn't like less work? All-natural ingredients mean you can paint indoors near your kids and pets without any worry. I paint in the living room while my daughter does her homework in the dining room. Do you want to read more check out my post on Why I Love DIY Paint?
My Project Shop Booth at Plaza Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Lincoln Park, MI
Number #3 - What color should I paint it?
DIY Paint has over 43 colors. Whatever color you are looking for I am sure you will find it. One of the reasons I love DIY Paint is their huge color selection - whites, neutrals, pastels, bright colors - DIY Paint has it all. Not sure of your color choice? No idea where to start? I have a whole blog post called Three Tips to Pick Your Perfect Paint Color, to help you out. I always stress with my customers to paint the piece whatever color you like. Trends come and go, but if you paint it what you like it will always be perfect.
Picture courtesy of DIY Paint
Number #4 - Okay. I Have Painted it. Now What?
To wax or topcoat is a big deal. Let me make it simple. If it is getting a lot of use then you need to apply a topcoat. DIY Paint Big Top is my favorite topcoat. It is water-based, non-toxic, and will not yellow like so many other topcoats. I recommend waiting 24 hours before painting with a topcoat. Lightly polish the surface with a paper bag or 220 grit sandpaper and then brush on the topcoat. I use either a foam brush or a Paint Pixie Dusty brush to get an even first coat. Let the top coat dry for about 20 minutes and apply another coat or two. Two to three coats work great on almost everything. For kitchen tables, I apply four to five coats. To get smoother finish sand with 320 grit sandpaper (or higher) in between each coat.
Now let's talk wax. Most people seem to be scared of using wax. Perhaps, like me, they used other brands of wax in the past with super hard and sticky wax that had to be applied with a stiff brush. The whole process was painful and a ton of work. I loved the look of wax but hated it until I tried DIY Paint's wax. Open a jar for yourself. DIY wax is creamy and soft with no odor. I know a few people who use it as a lotion on their dry hands. I am not kidding. DIY wax brushes are also soft and flexible. When I use wax, I always start with clear wax. I put some on a paper plate and use my wax brush to apply the wax to the piece. I also keep a rag handy to smooth off any excess as I go and coat the whole piece. You will know where the wax is on the piece because the clay-based paint will change colors when the wax is applied. This is known as the "freak-out-factor". Don't freak out. The paint will lighten as the wax dries. I kind of like the change in color that way I know when the piece has dried. Just buff the surface with a rag or buffing brush to give the piece shine. Any piece that has wax should be allowed to cure for about 3-4 weeks before heavy use.
Need more help on finishing your piece? Check out my blog post, Wax, Poly, or Top Coat - How to Finish Your Piece.
Number #5 - What brush should I use?
You can paint it with any brush. When you are first starting out you probably will just grab whatever paintbrush you have and that is fine. I started out using the Purdy 2.5" angled brush. I still have a bunch of them and will use them from time to time. If you really get into painting I recommend a brush upgrade. I sell Paint Pixie brushes and DIY Paintbrushes, which are also made by Paint Pixie. All the brushes I sell are made in Italy by people that are painters and know what we need. You don't have to run out and get all the brushes, get a few at a time until you have a good selection.
The first purchase I would make is a good wax brush. Sure you can put wax on with a rag or a chip brush but it is so much easier with a wax brush. Wax brushes are large and cover quicker. High-quality wax brushes should also not lose hairs into your wax and will be flexible which makes spreading wax even easier.
My next purchase would be a brush for painting. Either Paint Pixie's #12 (natural) or DIY Paint's Well Rounded (synthetic). The brushes are identical except for the type of bristles. Both hold a bunch of paint, reduce brush strokes, and allow you to paint with long strokes even brush strokes. I also love the Paint Pixie Dusty (DIY Paint Blending Brush). They are number one in fast coverage over large areas and are amazing with blending paint. If you need more detailed information about brush selection I have an entire post called, How to Pick the Perfect Brush that might be helpful.
Number #6 - Where do I find stuff to paint?
Everywhere. I am always looking. All my friends and relatives know what I do and also help me find the good stuff. Get the word out that you want to paint furniture and the furniture will come to you. My friends and family send me texts of furniture they have found or are getting rid of all of the time. I also love garage sales, Facebook marketplace, estate sales, thrift stores, and curbside treasures (junkin'). Want to learn more? Check out my YouTube video on Finding Good Junk.
Number #7 - How Many Coats of Paint will I Need?
It always depends on the piece and what you want it to look like, but because DIY Paint is heavily pigmented most colors need only 1-2 coats for full coverage. Even difficult colors like white and yellow only need 1-2 coats.
Number #8 - How Much Paint Should I Buy?
DIY Paint comes in three different sizes 8 oz Sample, 16 oz Pint, and 32 oz Quart. Samples are perfect for a small project like a chair or a small table. Pints are usually more than enough to complete a good-sized piece of furniture. Quarts covers approx. 150 sq ft will cover several pieces of furniture. Always buy a little more than you might need. Sometimes things happen when painting and you will be grateful for the extra.
I hope I have answered some of your questions. If you still have more questions feel free to follow me on Facebook or on YouTube. I would love to help you with your project! If you are looking for painting supplies you can shop my Project Shop Booth at Plaza Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Lincoln Park, MI, or my online store and have it delivered directly to your door. Happy Painting!