Choosing paint is like choosing…choosing ice cream?

Choosing paint is like choosing icecream?

There are various kinds of paint out there.
They do various kinds of things.
Spray paint, chalk paint, flat paint, gloss paint, milk paint, waxes, and stains.
It’s enough to drive a girl nuts!
Walls are easy to figure out what to use. But, what about everything else?

Never fear!!! I have a simple way of helping.
Let’s be clear…I am not a pro. Just a doer.
So, if you paint something and hate it…don’t come running to me.
Good luck finding me .

Paint is like ice cream…it comes in all flavors.
It does all sorts of jobs.

Flavor #1. Vanilla.

Vanilla ice cream is a wonder. It can be anything I tell it to be.
It can be used in lots of treats and even turned into other flavors.
It is used in lots of ways, for lots of things, and is something I always keep on hand.

So it is with spray paint.
Spray paint can be used for many, many things.
It comes in so many colors it is overwhelming. Various textures, finishes, and uses.
It should be stocked in your craft closet…all the time!
It will be and should be a crafting necessity!!
Just like vanilla ice cream is in my freezer ALL THE TIME…so is spray paint.
Well, not in my freezer. That would be bad.

Spray paint tends to be brighter, truer, and bolder in color.
Of course, that can be changed and adjusted with technique.
But, mostly…this will be a more modern paint choice.

Here are some projects I have done with spray paint…

This table was done with spray paint. Then it was sanded and wiped with stain to “age” it.

Once again, spray paint.

Spray paint does a good job of making this mess of dowels, wreath forms, and lazy susan look like a legitimate craft!

I really do use spray paint a lot! It’s a wonder drug!
But…for soft finishes, for that special piece, or for vintage looks I would recommend looking at another type of paint.
And, of course, spray painting a wall is not recommended.
Can you imagine the fumes?? Gah!

Here is a great article with tips on how to spray paint…

Apartment Therapy—How to Spray Paint like a Pro

Flavor #2-Maple Nut or Butter Pecan. –Chalk Paint

Now when I think of Maple Nut ice cream I think of old times, it is sentimental.
Maple Nut and Butter Pecan always seemed to me an old time flavor.
Until I got old. And now I understand. It’s lovely, it’s comforting…it’s just an oldie but goodie.

Chalk paint is the choice for a similar feel.
Chalk paint has a soft, gentle color and finish.
It distresses beautifully. It shows age wonderfully.
It is…lovely.
Chalk paint is the choice I make with special pieces. Pieces that I want to do justice to.

I use my own chalk paint recipe but I have not had the opportunity to try many other brands.
I did get lucky enough to win samples of Ce Ce Caldwell’s chalk paint from Refresh Restyle.
And here are my thoughts of the two kinds…

DIY Chalk Paint… cheaper, cheaper, cheaper!! Stretches further.
Can turn any color into chalk paint.
But…requires sanding in between. AND…doesn’t distress as easily.

Ce Ce Caldwell chalk paint…expensive!
Beautiful colors…seriously beautiful!
Thinner in texture and required more coats.
Distressed beautifully with just a damp cloth. Really!

In all honesty…I will use my DIY Chalk Paint for almost everything.
But, I will probably spring for the Ce Ce Caldwell on a special piece that I REALLY love.
Then, it’s worth it.

Some pieces I have used DIY chalk paint on…

Flavor #3- Triple Fudge Coffee-Your run of the mill wall latex paint.

You know those flavors of ice cream you pick up spur of the moment?
Because they sounded good.
And you knew you didn’t need the calories but it had been a BAD day?

That is your latex paint.
Sure, when you are painting a room you usually plan ahead.

But, let’s face it…if you are willing to use whatever you find for furniture or crafting.
It’s cheap and does the job.
Yay!! This is great!
But…be aware that if you are doing something special, take care it is what you want!!

If this is a craft or something without sentimental value…paint away!
If it’s something special…take care to pick your paint accordingly!

Some things I have painted with “spur of the moment” latex paints (and in the sake of honesty, sometimes I turn that latex paint into DIY chalk paint!)…

(let’s excuse this picture and post…it was early blogging days. But, I wanted to show you the paint part)

Of course, I didn’t even begin to touch on the varying kinds of specialty paints there are out there.
It goes on and on.
But, this girl is not a pro.
I paint because it needs to happen and I won’t pay for it.
I paint furniture to get the look I want…without the price.
I paint crafts and walls because…it needs to be done.
And these 3 paints are about the only things I keep on hand. Always.

1. Spray Paint

2. Chalk Paint (or the materials for DIY Chalk Paint)

3. Latex Paint

There you go. An extra long post for you to read. Or skim

Goats and deer! Poop and buggars!

Did you skim that??

Hope you’ve learned something this week that you can use to create awesomeness!