t smugala
Chalk paint has been around for hundreds of years (much longer
than latex and oil-based paints). Chalk paint gets its name from
the paint base, which is Calcium Carbonate (tums, chalk). Chalk
paint has had a significant resurgence in recent years because it
100% natural, water-soluble, contains no VOC’s (volatile organic
compounds), has virtually no odor, requires very little surface
preparation, sticks to almost anything, dries within minutes, and
is very easy to distress to get that farmhouse, shabby-chic look.
Chalk paint dries naturally with a matte finish. The finish can be
easily changed to satin, semi-gloss or high gloss.
Chalk paint allows you to transform pieces quickly. I can quickly
paint a chair in 1-2 hours, including dry time. Most other paints
would require sanding, priming, and painting to achieve a similar
look. Total time (including dry time) is around 1-2 days.
Recently, we met an artsy couple who have a nice shop in Farmington aptly
named The Painted Chair. At The Painted Chair, they can revamp any piece
of furniture into shabby chic, beach chic, French country or any painted look
you desire. With chalk paints and finishing products, they can make your
drab or outdated furniture come to life, and their workshops are a fun way to
discover the magic of chalk paint. Meet Laura and Mike Berkerey, the gurus
of chalk.