So what are you trying to paint? Is it super shiny, looks like it has a lot of polish on it. Personally, I would give it a quick ligh sand with 220 grit sandpaper or block just to take of the shine and give it some grit. Make sure you wipe the surface clean afterwards. If all is good, then paint, paint paint! Chalk Paint dries quickly! If you use repetitive brush strokes you will get a rough finish look if you don't want that then long fluid brush strokes work better. Load your brush up with the paint and use longer strokes across the piece. With chalk paint® you need to learn not to go over your strokes like you may have done with latex paints. Because chalk paint® dries quickly you soon learn your own style of painting and what you like. Use foil to wrap your brush if your taking a break, this way it will not be stiff when you return.
Access
Aside for a light sanding on some pieces you can just paint. However, keep a can of Zinsser Clea Shellac handy, this is because if you see a bleed through while your painting or yellow stain, stop, apply the shellac over the stain or entire piece if need be, let dry and continue painting. Some furniture around the 1930'40's often have unseen tannins in it and therefore you can get the occasional bleed through.
Find Your Style
Find your style of painting. Depending on the piece you are painting and the look you want. Modern, Rustic, Distressed.
You don't need to put the first coat on thick, just use straight from the can for the first coat. You will see brush strokes with the first coat, don't worry, the magic occurs with the second coat. If I want my piece to be more antique or rustic looking then I brush the first coat in any direction to give texture. When dry, apply second coat, only this time, dip the tip of your brush in water, then in the paint and use long fluid stokes to paint. Magic occurs at this stage.. Make sure the paint is not running on the edges are building up in corners. Let dry. If you find when you come back to your piece there is paint build up on edges, lightly sand with 60 grit paper to take that away and repaint that part. Remember this is the basic style of painting, in our workshops we also learn how to achieve many other looks with the paint brush.
Just Paint
After two coats, then wax. I personally like to wax first, as it makes the distressing part easier. Once you have waxed go over your piece with 220 grit sandpaper and lightly sand back the areas you have chosen to distress. Usually this is raised parts on the furniture, detailing and edges. Its up to you. When you have finished the look you want, then go back over with wax again. Really give it a good buff up. This brings a beautiful matt, soft to touch and smoothness and professional look.
Waxing
Oh the dreaded waxing!! I know some of you are not to sure about this. If you think you would like to use a brush then it is worth its wait in gold to buy one and helps you get into the nooks and crannies. Again it is personal choice. I use a lint free cloth for most pieces, but on larger projects and details I will switch to a brush. So be flexible when it comes to waxing. Work in small areas at a time, this way you can see the difference in color as when you apply the wax your paint looks a bit darker, don't worry it is not, just enhanced as you wax. Apply lightly following the grain. Then with a clean lint cloth really take of any excess and give it a quick buff. Now go onto the next section. Dark wax is usually applied over the clear wax on the same section, using dark wax is what will give the 'aged' appearance to a piece. If you would like to just darken the paint and want the aged look, you can apply the dark wax on your piece instead of the clear wax. But note: it does stain the paint darker and you will not get it back lighter unless you repaint. If at any time you feel you have put to much dark wax on a section, apply some clear wax and remove with lint free cloth, like old t-shirts etc.
Caring For your Brushes
If I am doing a lot of painting and waxing I leave my brush in a neoprene (not latex) surgical glove. This keeps is supple and ready to be used again even if its a few days or so later. I only wash my wax brush if I am using one, when I am finished. Then its warm water and something like Dawn dishwashing liquid or one that cuts through grease. Use a paper towel to take of excess water and leave on paper towel to dry.
Paint Outside!
Chalk Paint® can be used on wood, metal, concrete and front doors outside. Do not wax afterwards. Reason is sunlight will melt the wax, so even if you have painted your front door, you can wash it, even tho you did not wax, it will be fine.
Workshops
I highly recommend taking a workshop with your local stockist. I learned so much myself both with a class and training myself. My lovely customers have so much fun and are so taken aback with how much they learn and how much their hidden creative side suddenly appears. The Chalk & Tea 101 is an introductory class and if you want to get cracking on painting your own furniture or other projects then this class is for you.