We see a lot of first-timers in the shop ready to take the plunge. No, I'm not talking about marriage proposals, I'm talking about the first box of Miss Mustard Seed milk paint.
Many have a sheepish grin, and start off with very little confidence.
We hear things like, "I've never painted anything but walls before," "I don't even know what I'm going to paint yet," "I don't know how this will come out, but I'm giving it a try." That last comment is the most important part. Painting furniture for the first time or trying a new paint product can be intimidating to some people, but it's very rewarding.
We ask customers how they're going to use the paint, try to answer questions, and talk through the general painting process. You can read blogs, watch videos, and pin projects on Pinterest, but once you have the box of paint in hand and the warm water ready to mix it, the game changes. Some people still seem to get intimidated.
Many of our dealers have tried the new milk paint line and those who've tried it, love it. Here are a few of our suggestions to help you take the plunge.
- Start small. Try something small like an end table or a picture frame to gain confidence. You can try that 7 foot high armoire as your second project : )
- Know where you're going. Be able to answer questions about your piece, like what is its current finish (raw wood, painted, stained, etc.), and what look you're going for (full coverage paint, a light wash of color, a chippy look). This will help you know what products you do / don't need, how you want to mix your paint, and how many coats you'll need.
- Watch someone else. If you haven't already, read about it or watch someone do it. Marian has videos online and many photos and instructions on her blog to walk you through mixing paint to application and sealing your work.
- Strength in numbers. It's always fun to try something new with a friend. Grab a girlfriend or two and have a painting party....it's always easier to learn as you go and share through trial and error.
What advice would you give to someone painting their first piece of furniture? What Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint colors do you really like to use and why?
Please leave comments and share with everyone your experiences. We'd love to hear about how you psyched yourself up for your first painting project!
Yes, The Old Lucketts Store has Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint. The full line is available in the lobby of the shop. We also carry Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint products online, through Shop Lucketts, our online store.
I'd recommend starting with one of the more saturated colors, not one of the whites. You'll get better coverage and fewer moments of "is that it's supposed to look like?"
ReplyDeleteMy favorite colors are Tricycle and French Enamel. But I love them all. Just depends on the moment.
Amy - thanks so much for the tip. A few of our dealers also recommended the darker colors for beginners for the very same reason you gave. There's always that moment of "did I do this right?" and the lighter colors (depending on what the wood you're going over looks like / how it's been prepared) may take more coats to get the coverage you're looking for.
DeleteMy first furniture painting project was huge! A very large dresser w/ mirror and chest of drawers. I was super nervous. But sanding, two coats of paint and a layer of wax later, plus some awesome hardware = a masterpiece. I get compliments on the pieces all the time. I used a blue grey with a brown wax and jute knobs.
ReplyDeleteWow, you went all in on the first try. Congrats on your dresser! The jute knobs sound spectacular!
DeleteMy first piece was done in Lucketts Green. I was very nervous about how it would turn out, but it was fabulous! I had customers trying to outbid each other on it. My next smaller piece was done in Ironstone over a dark finish, and when it finished "chipping", it was breathtaking. You can never know exactly how the piece will turn out, and that is part of the fun! I'm like a kid waiting to see what will be revealed. Of course, it is an easy fix if you don't like the first result. Love the paint!
ReplyDeleteIt's tough explaining to first timers that a lot of the chipping "depends" and to "just go with it". I find sometimes people are tentative or want a perfect answer "if you do A then you'll always get chipping / distressing that will look exactly like B" ---- sometimes it's just not like that, you have to go with the product and see what happens. I'm so happy you had a nice result ---- always makes you feel good when people are outbidding each other for something you made with your own hands : )
DeleteThis is my first time. I painted a small bookcase. Took off the back and glued a map to the back and reattached. Its soooo cute. Perfect to display small antique globes. Once in my space I know someone will fall in love with it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an awesome project! What color paint did you use? Old maps and globes are wonderful to decorate with!
DeleteMilk paint is an organic material that gives surfaces a distinctive color-washed finish and a very tough, flat finish that stains easily if it is not sealed but will last for a hundred years. It is very easy to use.
DeleteIf I use milk paint on a project and decide I want a more controlled color, can I use the chalk paint on that piece without having to scrape anything off?
ReplyDelete