Last weekend I was finally able to get around to a project I have been wanting to do for a long time.
I had a table on my back porch that was very plain. The lines were great but it was a plain light wood table that had been varnished. I really wanted to paint it, but I was not looking forward to all the prep work. You know, sanding the whole thing to make the paint stick and then cleaning off all the dust (again, so the paint will stick) My friend Jan, from Lucy's Baby told me about a great line of paints that she had recently become a rep for. They are made by Country Living and are called Caromal Colors. So Jan told me all about them and I was definitely intrigued so I asked her to send me some. I am sooo happy she did!! I loved them. There are several things about this paint I really liked.
First... No prep work!!! Yes, you heard me. I did not sand a single thing first. These paints are designed to stick to anything, porous or not!!! The second thing I loved was how easy it was to get the finish I wanted. I don't know if you've ever tried to get that multiple layers of paint look, but for me it's always been really hard. I rarely get the look I am going after because latex paint is so rubbery and it's hard to get that "chipped away" look. So, because I was so impressed with this paint, I thought I would share the process with you all so you can go get some for yourself!!! First I just smooshed the first layer of Bayberry paint on. And yes, smooshing is an actual term they use to describe how to apply the paint!!!
It's really thick. Thicker than any paint you've tried before. As you smoosh you will be creating texture. That's a good thing. I didn't worry about complete coverage with the first coat as I was just going to cover it up.
After the first coat was completely dry (a couple of hours) I applied the Chipping Cream. It's a clear paste that you put on between the coats of paint. It allows the second coat of paint to come through easier.
After the chipping cream was completely dry I smooshed on the second paint color (Parchment). See all the texture?? It really goes against all the painting techniques I've ever learned but the results were fabulous. I went over it twice to be sure to cover all the green.
Next, I broke out my Sander and went at at!! Sand as much or as little as you want.
The sanding smoothes out the finish, but there will be still be small lumpies and bumbies.
Now came the glaze. It filled in all the details on the table and added a wonderful aged look.
And here it is all done! I added a coat of finished wax to protect it, and love the buffed finish it gave the piece. Their paints are durable enough to be outside! (I would probably keep it in a covered area though.) I wish the photo could do it justice, because it came out fabulous. It was exactly what I wanted. If you want to try Caromal Colors paint for yourself go visit Jan.
I think she even has a coupon code on her site, and I'm sure she would be happy to answer any questions you might have. I will warn you... it's not the cheapest paint out there. But the time I saved doing prep work and the finished results I got made it definitely worth the cost. I have a chair in my living room that I'm going to use their blue as the basecoat. I can't wait to use it again!!!
