Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need?
Each project is different depending on the type of material being painted and existing surfaces. Below are coverage guidelines, although these are only estimates.
Each project is different depending on the type of material being painted and existing surfaces. Below are coverage guidelines, although these are only estimates.
- 6 oz. sample -- up to 25 square feet *our new sample jars are 8 oz.!
- 16 oz. pint – up to 70 square feet
- 32 oz. quart – up to 140 square feet
What kind of materials can be painted?
Heirloom Traditions chalk-type paint is suitable for wood, metals, ceramics, leather, etc. When used with FAB! you can also paint fabrics.
Heirloom Traditions chalk-type paint is suitable for wood, metals, ceramics, leather, etc. When used with FAB! you can also paint fabrics.
How much prep work is required?
Heirloom Traditions Paint requires little to no prep work, depending on the surface you are working on. Most wood finishes can be painted without any sanding or primer needed. Just simply apply the super adhering paint right to a clean dry surface. ** To achieve superior results, Painted Treasures of Denver recommends prepping wood or painted surfaces with light sanding and application of TSP (trisodium phosphate) or similar product, readily available at hardware and paint stores.
Heirloom Traditions Paint requires little to no prep work, depending on the surface you are working on. Most wood finishes can be painted without any sanding or primer needed. Just simply apply the super adhering paint right to a clean dry surface. ** To achieve superior results, Painted Treasures of Denver recommends prepping wood or painted surfaces with light sanding and application of TSP (trisodium phosphate) or similar product, readily available at hardware and paint stores.
What about distressing and wet sanding?
Heirloom Traditions Paint is formulated to allow ease of distressing during the first 30 minutes to an hour after painting. This will allow you to distress and age your project without the use of sanding paper. For those areas for which you want to expose the layer beneath, simply scrub with a scrubbing pad or a soft grit sand paper. The paint will cure in 24 hours and the wet sand process will not work as easily. The wet sanding method will keep down the sanding dust, if using the products indoors.
Heirloom Traditions Paint is formulated to allow ease of distressing during the first 30 minutes to an hour after painting. This will allow you to distress and age your project without the use of sanding paper. For those areas for which you want to expose the layer beneath, simply scrub with a scrubbing pad or a soft grit sand paper. The paint will cure in 24 hours and the wet sand process will not work as easily. The wet sanding method will keep down the sanding dust, if using the products indoors.
What kind of clean up is required?
- Heirloom Traditions Paint is water-based, so clean up is easy with water (and perhaps a little soap/Dawn).
- The wax can be cleaned with a de-greasing soap (such as Dawn) and water.
- The top coat product is a polyurethane-based product, so it requires mineral spirits clean up. (Alternative low-odor mineral spirits are available at most paint and hardware stores).
Do I always need to use Best Chalk Top Coat?
No. Here are our general recommendations for using this polyurethane-based product:
No. Here are our general recommendations for using this polyurethane-based product:
- For "outdoor" items, use it to completely seal your piece (e.g. top, sides, legs, etc.)
- For "indoor items", use it to protect table tops or similar surfaces that probably will require long-wearing durability.
- For other indoor items that likely won't encounter a lot of contact (e.g. picture frames, wall mountings, etc.), you can just protect the painted surface with Heirloom Traditions clear wax. You can expect a longer lasting, superior coating if you also apply Best Chalk Top Coat, but you can decide if you need the extra protection.
What is the 1-2-3 process?
- Apply Heirloom Traditions chalk-type paint
- Apply Heirloom Traditions (colored) antiquing wax
- Apply Heirloom Traditions clear wax
- If you are not going to use a "colored"/antiquing wax, you can skip #2
- If you are doing a outdoor piece or wanted extra protection, you can substitute Best Chalk Top Coat for #3 (or add it as a #4)
Tips for a successful project
- If you are hesitant to paint your first piece of furniture, practice on a small item first. You can usually find a small item such as a cutting board, stool, picture frame, etc. at a thrift store and make it your first project. Starting on a small, inexpensive item will help you get familiar with the products and process.
- Lightly sand the piece to remove wax build up and years of polish.
- Heirloom Traditions Paint and other chalk-type paint manufacturers claim little to no prep work is required depending on the surface you are working on. But to achieve superior results, Painted Treasures of Denver recommends prepping wood or painted surfaces with light sanding and application of TSP (trisodium phosphate) or similar product. (TSP can be purchased at any hardware store).
- If applicable, turn your furniture piece (i.e. a table) upside down and paint the legs and/or bottom first. Beach towels can be used to protect the top surface. If possible, place the piece on a table-height work surface so that you do not have to bend down to paint. Place a beach towel or other soft fabric between the work surface and your piece. This will protect the top of your piece from scratches. (Thrift stores are great places to buy towels).
- Do not load the brush with paint. Dip the tip of the brush in the can of paint to cover about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of the bristles.
- Use quality brushes like the Heirloom Traditions products for the best results. An inexpensive or regular brush may deliver an inferior paint finish. Clean paint brushes with a water and a little soap (e.g. Dawn dishwashing liquid).
- Paint small areas at a time and paint in the same direction. Heirloom Traditions Paint dries quickly. If desired, a second coat can usually be applied within 15 to 30 minutes after the first coat.
- Use separate brushes for paint and wax. The Heirloom Traditions brushes brushes can be used for either paint or wax, but for superior results use one brush for paint and another brush for wax. If a brush is first used for paint, continue using it for paint. If a brush is first used for wax, continue using it for wax.
- Clean your brushes promptly after use. See the clean up recommendations in the FAQ section. Cleaned promptly after each use, brushes will last for years.
- Use plastic gloves and clean cotton cloths to wipe and smooth wax after brushing wax on your piece. Clean T-shirts (usually available from any thrift store) work well. Painted Traditions of Denver has prepared and sells a starter package of gloves and rags to save you a trip to another store.
- Store your paint and products in your home. Don’t leave paint or wax in a garage or other areas that may be subject to freezing or large temperature variations.