Painting vs. leaving "au natural."
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I've gotten quite an education regarding how people view their things, particularly furniture. Hometalk has introduced me to chalk paint, which is something I was completely unfamiliar with. Having said that, I suppose chalk paint is a trend and has captivated people for a little while. In some applications, I find it very attractive but there seems to be an amazing "jump" to chalk paint everything. While it is a useful tool to cover up blemishes on furniture that might be difficult for the average person to tackle, it seems to me that it's used way too much. Don't jump on me here. This is purely my opinion and is based on my many, many years or living with, and working with someone who was a master restorer.
After viewing a myriad of photos of furniture painted with chalk paint, I finally discovered tonight what bothers me the most about it. There is no depth to it, in spite of the favored technique of distressing pieces. It just comes out, to me, very flat.
I wouldn't be discouraged from using chalk paint on some furniture that might merit it, but I much prefer furniture in its natural state.
Just wanted to share.
After viewing a myriad of photos of furniture painted with chalk paint, I finally discovered tonight what bothers me the most about it. There is no depth to it, in spite of the favored technique of distressing pieces. It just comes out, to me, very flat.
I wouldn't be discouraged from using chalk paint on some furniture that might merit it, but I much prefer furniture in its natural state.
Just wanted to share.
9 answers
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I understand your ambivalence. I, too, struggle with this. I refuse to paint fine woods, opting instead to repair what I can unless it is truly beyond saving. I hate seeing mahogany, fumed oak, Birdseye maple and other high end finishes covered in paint. The tide will swing the other way and in a few years people will be stripping some of those pieces and refinishing. Fortunately, chalk paint does not destroy most finishes but lays on top of them so hope remains that the wood will be salvageable.
MaryStLouis
on Jan 10, 2015
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Fashions come and go and the good thing about paint is that it can be removed later if necessary. I agree that if something has a beautiful grain and is in good condition it seems a shame to paint, but many people on here paint stuff to earn a living from it and if that is what people want to buy - painted stuff, then you cannot blame them for painting. It seems human nature to be never satisfied with what we have and to want to keep changing the look of things. If that were not the case the fashion and beauty industry would not be the money spinners they currently are.
Carole
on Jan 11, 2015
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I like to look at everyone's efforts but I like the wood grain. I did try to paint my husband's Memaw's kitchen table. I'm disappointed. I'm going to strip it back off.
Jacinda Stevick
on Jan 11, 2015
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I respect your opinion. However, as @Carole mentioned some people earn a living from painting furniture, and I fall into that category. I predominantly use chalk paint, but use other types paints and restoration finishes as well depending on the piece. You mentioned chalk paint specifically -- is it just chalk paint that you don't prefer, or any kind of paint? If done correctly the overall chalk paint finish will have a subtle dimension to it. Also, the furniture I work on for resale is basically furniture that nobody wants anymore. Yes, some have spots of as-is beautiful wood, but overall my finds are in bad shape. Some of the thrift shops have a hard time giving it away! I am including a photo of a china cabinet that I refurbished. But frankly, if it doesn't sell I will paint it. If I found a truly valuable antique I would not refinish it but instead would sell it for the big bucks! http://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-12-25T20:42:00-05:00&max-results=7
Patricia
on Jan 11, 2015
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I also make my living this way and yes there are always people who just slap paint on and call it good and ready to go. I can tell you I strip and sand all my pieces, I fill in the holes and always try to leave the tops natural and stained. But we always know it isn't possible to leave the wood tops if it is to damaged. While you might not like the chalk paint trend I consider this artistic, I think the painting world was a man's world before and it has opened the doors to many many women. While some pieces may not be great at the beginning many of these people turn into professionals. There is so many stunning pieces and it saves our landfills that used to be full of trash. Women have taken the recycling craze and ran with it. I admire so many of these women because of what they can do with a crappy piece of furniture and turn it into something magical. One other thing is that many old pieces of furniture that sat in flea markets and in garages weren't selling or used because it's outdated. Now it is sitting in it's pride and glory. I would never paint a true antique but if it was damaged and the value was gone i would. I think there is more to this than painting a piece of furniture, I think on so many levels this has changed so many things and people. It has opened doors that were closed, saved furniture from trash and given women a new careers.
Sherrie
on Jan 11, 2015
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What I have seen in the chalk paint movement is that many, many people are taking 'ugly' furniture that would normally be put in a garage or basement and creating beautiful pieces out of them. There are delightful craftspeople who take a damaged, overlooked and unwanted piece of furniture into something useful. The painted furniture movement has always been around, hence the primitive pieces of milk painted furniture prized by collectors. My mom painted furniture in the 70's and I was not happy with that - and now I find myself wanting to paint some 'not so pretty' pieces and make them nice again. Stripping and refinishing is great if the wood is good and there is no damage but painting is an alternative to saving pieces from being banished to the garage or basement.
Laura Werley
on Jan 11, 2015
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To each her own...I LOVE exciting pieces that I do not have to spend a fortune on and since I enjoy change in my surroundings. I always have a bucket of my new favorite color be it a colored minwax stain or whatever I find appealing...I have used chalkboard paint but not chalk paint which I have found to be overpriced. After 50+ years refinishing and even restoring special pieces I find some things are only good for the fire pit. However it is amazing what a good new finish can accomplish and many of the Hometalkers here are 'masters' or mistresses at that particular ART
Sharyn Diaz
on Jan 11, 2015
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We painted our (husband made) kitchen cupboards with chalk paint. After living with them for 2+ years I am ready to say good by to that finish. I don't like how even with 3 coats of poly they absorb every stain imaginable and as u states, they have no depth. I think regular paint has more character. It may have applications on small lightly used wooden pieces, but definitely not for what we have.
Sheri Ketarkus
on Jan 11, 2015
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@Swan Road Designs I think you are right - it is a matter of preference as well as the condition of the piece being refinished. I have nothing against chalk paint pieces, some are more talented that others when using, and it can be quick and easy fix. I have done pieces that are combination of stained wood and paint, I prefer to at least some of the wood be evident. Some members have created depth with their pieces, they are usually the more experienced. Having said that let me clarify - I do see the positive changes made in all pieces when the person doing it is going with their preferences.
Gail Salminen
on Jan 12, 2015
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