Not all paint and wax is created equal

Since it is sub zero degrees in many parts of America, I thought I would share a little paint and wax care and a little about why I prefer, and love, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and wax.

This time of year, it gets below freezing in many parts of the world. Paint, not just Annie Sloan, but most paints like an ambient temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't keep your paint inside (basement is usually fine), your paint will freeze and that will change the consistency. It will turn into paint cottage cheese. Yuck! And then, your paint is wasted! So, bring in your paint and hope it hasn't frozen already. Also, your furniture likes to be warm too, so you either need to bring it inside to paint or warm up your painting space a couple hours before you paint. Your wax is probably fine if it gets a little cold, but you will want to bring it to room temperature before applying as it will be easier to work with.

Is there a difference between Annie's paint and other so called, "chalk" paints. YES! Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is non-toxic (in fact my coworker Jen drank some thinking it was her coffee...she assures me it does not taste very good), very low VOC, lead free, odor free and EG free. You just can't say the same about most others. A lot of people have tried to make their own chalk paint by adding things like sandless grout, Plaster of Paris or baking soda to latex paint. Pretty toxic stuff. The other couple issues are: it is next to impossible to get your homemade paint to be smooth, so you end up with some pretty gritty paint and it is pretty difficult to get your color to match if you need to make another batch, and thirdly, when you figure the cost per item of using Annie's paint versus making your own, it comes out about the same, so why not use the best? Most knock-off paints are made using latex and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is not. I don't know exactly what's in this magical goodness of paint, but this stuff goes forever and is so delicious! (looking that is, not tasting).

A little on wax. Most waxes are designed to sit on top of a surface, whereas Annie Sloan Clear Wax is designed to actually be absorbed into this scrumptious paint to help in the curing process. Speaking of wax, more is not always better when it comes to wax. A little goes a long way. If you use too much, you are just wasting your wax! I even use Annie's wax on other paints like Miss Mustard Seed. There is a ton of really, really bad information on how to use Annie's wax, so make sure you are getting the right information from the right source. Try to find a stockist or go to Annie Sloan Unfolded to watch her tutorials.

Cashmere and Coco

What an exciting time! My pal Ann has opened her third boutique Cashmere and Coco in Vail, CO. http://www.cashmereandcoco.com/

Ann's husband approached me a little while back about doing some pieces for their store. What an honor! Most of the pieces in the photo are mine. Just a sampling of the fun colors I like to work with. Remember, 100% of my profit goes to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. So, get in there and buy so we can find a cure for this heinous disease that takes too many lives.

Speaking of fun....this is one fun, funky place to shop! Ann has awesome taste and incredible style! She has a great mix of things that range from cowboy boots to glam and glitz furs! The accessories are to die for! So, when you head to the high country of Colorado, make a pit stop in downtown Vail and go see Ann at Cashmere and Coco.