| Chalk Paint |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-210 |
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Q: We will be redecorating my son's room very soon. I would like to use chalkboard paint for one of his walls. Can you tell me about this product? Is it easy or hard to use?
A: (Nate Berkus, Ask DIY Decorating & Design Expert) Chalkboard paint is as simple as can be, and just like using regular paint. Before you use it, though, you should sand your surface to make it smooth and help the paint stick. Next, with a ruler and a level, measure the area you wish to chalk paint and then mark off the space with painter's tape. Then it's time for the paint. You can find lots of cool colors, even purple, in the craft stores. There's also spray paint, but if you use it you'll need to work in a well-ventilated area for safety's sake. If you're using the canned stuff, paint the corners and then roll the rest with a low-nap roller. That's it! You can make a clever growth chart with chalkboard paint. Paint some trim pieces red and use them to frame the chalkboard part of the wall (attach them with finish nails). Then run a self-stick measuring tape down the length of the chalkboard, so you can use it to record your child's height over the years ... writing with chalk, of course. Start the measurements from the floor, though, not from the bottom of the chalkboard. More Questions for Nate:
Q: When it comes to painting, what does the term "cutting in" mean? How is this done?
A: "Cutting in" is the careful part of painting, painting around the trim, which requires a good-quality angled sash brush. You angle the brush into the crevice below, say, the chair molding, and brush across the surface (figure A) carefully, so the wall gets covered but you don't get paint on the trim.
Q: Can I add sparkles to my drywall mud to give my ceilings a sparkling textured effect?
A: That's a great idea!
Q: I have a quart of paint that has too much pink in it. What color can I add to make it appear more of a peach color?
A: No color. Toss the paint because you'll never be able to make it peach. Instead, go to the home improvement store and buy the shade you want. Web Site Resources for Chalk Painting: Handwriting On The Wall from HGTV.com' Annie Sloan Paint from Annie Sloan.com Books: Decorating With Paint and Wall Coverings
by Southern Living
ISBN: 0376090634
Sunset Publishing Corp. (1999)
Division of Time-Warner
80 Willao Rd.
Menlo, CA 94025
Phone: 650-321-3100
Fax: 650-322-1043 Paint Recipes: A Step-By-Step Guide To Colors And Finishes For The Home
by Liz Wagstaff
ISBN: 0811811735
Chronicle Books (1996)
85 Second St.
6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-537-3730
Fax: 415-537-4440
E-mail: frontdesk@chronbooks.com
Web site: www.chronbooks.com
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