CHALK OR MINERAL?

One thing that I’m asked almost every other day is, what’s the difference between mineral and chalk paints. Lucky for me I have the advantage of a shop/studio to showcase the difference between the two.

Let’s start with mineral paint: The most obvious feature of Artisan mineral paint is the eggshell finish, or what I call a more contemporary look. I always recommend mineral paint for beginners for the following reasons-

·       Mineral paint is water based and VOC free

·       mineral paint glides on like velvet.

·       It has a built-in primer and blocker and used on raw or painted surfaces

·       It UV resistant and can be used indoors or outside.

·       It has a self-leveling compound that eliminates visible brush strokes

·       It has a built-in sealer.

·       If the worst were to occur, you can patch paint without a trace.

·       mineral paint guarantees you a fabulous finish from just one pot.

I could elaborate on the many other advantages and techniques one can employ with mineral paints, but for now, let’s address the basics.

If you’re starting out on your upcycling journey, mineral paint is a good place to start because you only need to buy the one pot of paint and start painting!

Chalk paint has been the ‘go to’ for furniture upcyclers for a very long time. Unlike mineral paint, you would need to use a primer over raw wood, and a sealer such as wax or polyurethane. You can achieve a smooth or a textured finish using hatched or even brush strokes, depending on the look you’re after. You can apply it thick or thinly to achieve a vintage country texture or a sleek smooth look . I like chalk because you can manipulate and play with it – or perhaps I’m just comfortable with a product I’ve used for years?

The Artisan range of products are water based and VOC free, which is of paramount importance to me and my customers, as it should be for you too. Reducing furniture waste loses all credibility if you don’t care about your upcycling supplies. While this ‘either/or’ explanation about furniture paint is very basic, I’d encourage you to buy a small pot of both and see which you prefer – or come to one of my workshops and I can show you all the wonderful properties of both.

Happy painting using the paint of your choice and please send photos of your achievements.

Deb

The Inner West is Best

Hi Everyone,

I’ve had a great month – some craziness and lots and lots of fun. Hampton & French is in the Inner West of Sydney, where there exists an exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and the circular economy, by our local council.

So, a few weeks ago I joined a Council initiated, Round Table conference for those businesses and organisation engaged in the circular economy. What a stimulating and informative event it was. I was blown away by the diversity of organisations working in a myriad of fields and I came away learning a lot about where Hampton & French fitted into this community of environmental giants.

Hampton & French was distinctive as having the added advantage of improving the original reclaimed item AND providing the social and mental health benefits of creativity to workshops participants.

Furniture upcyclers are working in an area that is quite unique. We serve the environment while improving our wellbeing – win win! The act of upcycling demonstrates how, with a little TLC, great things can happen. I have long thought that it’s a metaphor for life. No matter how crappy we might feel, there is always a better tomorrow. Creativity is recognised as a means of improving our mood and wellbeing. So, hello to all the happy upcylers reading this blog. You are doing a great job keeping furniture out of landfill and putting smiles on your (paint splattered) faces.

Let me know what’s happening in your local area. Are you involved in the circular economy? Meanwhile, send photos of your projects. 😊

Deb

Brushstrokes of a New Beginning

Today I read an Instagram post from a woman who had been made redundant, felt like shit for a bit before reinventing herself into the woman she REALLY wanted to be. (it was a long and moving story which I have hugely condensed)

I’ve heard this kind of story many times and it makes me wonder why we wait so long to respond to our inner voice and start living a life that’s true to ourselves.

Conformity can be a millstone so why do we do it? What’s preventing us from living a full and rewarding life. Who came up with the line that the meek will inherit the earth? UTTER RUBBISH. I guarantee they won’t!

BE BOLD.

Engaging with community, wearing bright colours, laughing out loud, singing, dancing, swinging your arms when holding hands and saying yes more often than no – this is being REAL.

Renaissance comes in many forms and at different stages of life. My renaissance moment came when I decided to take a leap of faith and open Hampton & French. It was like someone turned the lights on. I saw the world differently and I saw myself differently. Creativity, as a daily practice, enlivened me. As an upcycler of old furniture, I was an artist with an ever-changing canvas.

Don’t wait for the time or circumstance to be perfect for you to step into the real you. Be brave and take a chance. Yes, it’s scary, but drink in the adrenalin and go for it.

I could say that upcycling is a metaphor for my journey. I was feeling a little bit dated and out of pace with the world, so I refurbished myself to be a better version of ME – THE REAL ME

Happy painting people

Deb