Painted Orbs With Clark+Kensington Paint

During the month of March, Ace Hardware gave away free quarts of their new Clark+Kensington paint+primer every Saturday.  Never one to pass up something as exciting as free paint, I popped into the paint department and scored 4 free quarts!  Woot!  Woot!

While the folks at Ace were mixing my free quarts, they took the time to tell me about this paint.  One employee said he attended a seminar and learned that the paint actually has ceramic in it, making it quite hard when it dries.  Another told me that some of the paint had spilled down the outside of the smooth metal can, and he couldn't scratch it off.  Sounds awesome.  By the way, I would like to take a moment to say just how friendly and helpful the employees at our local Ace Hardware are.  I really like that store.

Since the only finish the free paint was offered in was flat, I decided to choose colors to try on a few furniture projects. I reasoned that if the paint really dries hard, yet maintains a flat finish, it might be a good candidate to use as an alternative to chalk paint.  Why not try - it's free?

My first project was to turn some garage sale, gold orbs into something that would match my garden room.  Because I want to test this paint to see how it performs, I only washed the orbs.  No sanding, no stripping, nada.

Two things I discovered while using this paint:

One.  A stiff brush worked much better than a soft one for applying the paint.  The paint seemed to dry out quickly and glob on the soft brush.  I have no idea what would work best for painting a wall.

This is an untouched photograph to give you an idea of the color 

and finish of the paint.  I used Harbor Lane.

Two.  It took two coats to cover the orbs, but they looked fabulous when they dried.  The flat finish is gorgeous.

To finish my project, I mixed equal parts of brown shoe polish with this wax I also found at Ace Hardware.  I applied the wax/polish with a stiff brush, and then wiped it off with a soft rag.  I'm new at this method and do not know how this wax compares with the waxes people are using with chalk paint, but this was very easy to apply and wipe off.  It left a nice antiquing on the orbs, and I couldn't be happier with the results.  I kind of want to rough the orbs up a little and let some of the gold show through, but I'm going to wait a little while to see how this paint and wax combination holds up on its own.  I'll keep you posted.

Have you tried either of these products?  What are your thoughts - I'd really love to hear.  Please, please, please with sugar on top?

Oh, and if you haven't tried the Clark+Kensington paint, rumor has it they are giving away free quarts again this Saturday, May 5.  You can learn more about this offer here.

Have I told you how much I adore it when you stop by?

Well.......I really do!

Ellie

Parties I Will Be Linking To:

Sunday - The Sunday Showcase Party at Under The Table and Dreaming, DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff   

Monday - Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Tuesday - Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife,  

Wednesday - Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, 

Thursday - Open House Party at No Minimalist Here,   Catch As Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

Friday - Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Weekend Wrap up Party at Tatertots and Jello