12 Tips for Using Funky Junk Sisters Paint (or any kind of chalk paint).

1.   

We have painted tons of furniture over the years, we consider ourselves experts. Here's our two cents on the rules of painting with chalk paint. We finally got smart and decided to make a brand of our own, it's super easy to use ....anyone can do it. For more information on our Funky Junk Sister's Paint go to www.funkyjunksisterspaint.com. Here you'll see the beautiful colors we have personally selected just for you and a lookbook of some of the pieces we have created. 

1.    Before you begin to paint, turn the can upside down for 30 minutes or so (make sure the lid is on tight) to allow all the settled ingredients to float down. Then go ahead and shake the can vigorously to mix it up good.

2.    Always start with a clean, dry piece of furniture. If painting cabinets or furniture with grease build up, you may want to use Mineral Spirits to wipe the piece off, allow to dry overnight before painting.

3.    Usually you don't need to sand or prime the furniture unless the piece is peeling, chipping or there is damage. Remember an imperfect surface can give your piece character!

4.    Using long, thin, smooth strokes, paint your first coat.  For the second coat, try tapping your brush in water, then in the paint to thin it. This also helps to reduce the brush strokes. For a washed effect, water down your paint and wipe off the extra to allow the grain of the wood to show through.

5.    When painting fabric, first use a spray bottle with water in it to wet down the fabric. The paint will absorb better.

6.    When applying Funky Junk Sister’s Wax, use a soft cloth (we like to use old T shirts) a little goes a long way. We prefer a mat finish, so we don’t buff a lot, but you can buff it to any sheen you desire.

7.    Use a small sealable container to create your own dark wax with a few drops of paint added to our clear wax. You can use a little more Clear to erase some of the dark if you put too much on. This method also works well with paint glitter products that are available. You’ll get that shimmery effect.  

8.    Apply wax before distressing and it will cut down on the dust.

9.    For the best patina, use higher grit sandpaper. Use a lower grit such as 220 to distress. It’s best to sand against your brush strokes.

10.  For best results, temperature for painting and waxing should be between 55 and 80 degrees. Store your paint in these same conditions.

11.  Not often, but sometimes with pieces from the 30s and 40s, bleeding occurs after the first coat, it is best to stop and apply a coat of clear shellac and then continue with additional coats of paint.

12.  Paint brushes are easily cleaned with soap and water. If you can't clean them right away or are just between coats, put them in a zip lock bag to keep them from drying out.