I recently picked up a jar of old 55 paint after seeing several incredible furniture flips on social mass media, and I say, the hype is really justified. If you've spent any period within the DIY globe, you know how frustrating the paint aisle can be. You've got your standard latex, your tricky natural oils, regarding a million different chalk chemicals that all claims to be the "easiest" to make use of. But there's something about the particular texture and the finish of this specific line that just feels a little bit more authentic, specifically if you're choosing that lived-in, vintage look that doesn't look like a cheap plastic covering.
The very first thing I noticed when I cracked open the particular lid was the particular consistency. It's dense but smooth, which usually is exactly what you want whenever you're trying to conceal those tiny defects on an old thrift store look for. I've spent way too many weekends sanding down layers of old varnish only to have my paint peel off anyway, yet using old 55 paint experienced like a lot more forgiving process. It stays to surfaces within a way that will makes you feel as if a professional, actually if you're simply working in your garage on the Sunday afternoon.
Why This Paint Hits Differently
Many people jump directly into furniture painting because they want a quick change, but they frequently end up frustrated when the paint doesn't level out or requires 5 coats to cover a dark wood. What sets old 55 paint apart will be the color load. You aren't just moving colored water around; you're applying a wealthy, clay-based or mineral-style formula that truly remains where you put it. It has this particular matte, earthy high quality that reacts wonderfully to light, which is something a person just don't obtain with the bright stuff from the particular big-box hardware stores.
Another huge plus will be the "open time. " When you've ever used a paint that will dries too quickly, you know the struggle of trying in order to fix a drip only to have the paint gum upward and ruin the particular whole section. These things gives you a little bit of breathing room. A person can work the particular brush, blend colours, and really get the finish you would like without feeling like you're racing against a stopwatch. It's a much more relaxed way to paint, which usually, let's be honest, is what a spare time activity should be regarding anyway.
Preparing Your Piece With out the Headache
We've all noticed the claim which you don't have in order to do any prepare work with these kinds of paints. While old 55 paint is incredibly backing, I'll be the first to inform you that "no prep" is generally a bit of a stretch out. You don't require to sand points down to the raw wood, however you definitely want in order to give your piece a great scrub. Dirt, oils from fingertips, and old home furniture polish are the enemies of a great finish.
I actually usually just utilize a bit of cozy water plus a slight degreaser to clean everything down. If the surface is usually super slick—like the laminate or a high-gloss mahogany—I may give it a very light scuff with some 220-grit sandpaper. It's not about removing the old finish; it's almost giving the old 55 paint something to grab onto. Once the surface is dry and clean, you're good to proceed. It's way much less work than the traditional "strip, fine sand, prime" routine, and the results generally look just because good, if not better.
Learning the First Coating
When you start that 1st coat, don't stress. The "ugly stage" is a genuine part of furniture artwork. That first layer of old 55 paint might look a little streaky or bumpy, but that's totally normal. The advantage of this particular paint is exactly how it builds. By the second layer, everything starts to opaque out and look solid.
I've found that using a high-quality synthetic brush makes a world associated with difference here. You would like something with sufficient stiffness to proceed the heavy paint but soft plenty of that it doesn't keep deep brush marks. If you find the paint is a little too dense for the liking, you can actually mist your brush with a tiny bit of water. It thins the paint just enough to be able to glide like butter without losing the insurance.
The Enjoyable Part: Blending and Distressing
In the event that you're the type of individual who likes the "shabby chic" or farmhouse look, you're going to have a blast with this. Because old 55 paint is so rich in solids, it's a dream regarding distressing. You can take a damp rag or even a bit of sandpaper to the particular edges and sides once it's dry, and it drags back naturally to reveal the wooden underneath. It doesn't chip off within big, ugly flakes; it wears down gracefully, which can make the piece look like it really aged over years rather than over a weekend.
I also love experimenting with "wet blending" making use of two different tones. You are able to put a darker color from the bottom of the dresser leg and also a lighter shade toward the top, after that blend them where they meet. Considering that the paint remains workable for some time, a person can create these types of really soft, smoky transitions that provide the furniture a lot of level. It makes the particular final product appearance like an expensive antique rather when compared to the way something you just slapped a coat of paint on.
Sealing the offer
Once you're delighted with the color and any disturbing you've done, a person can't just keep it as will be. Since old 55 paint provides that porous, dull finish, it'll saturate up oils and stains if you don't seal it. You have a number of options here based on how much "work" the piece is usually going to notice.
- Shaving: This is the classic choice. Rubbing a clear wax over the paint deepens the colour and provides it comfortable, satiny sheen. It's excellent for decorative parts like picture frames or side desks that don't obtain a lot of weighty use.
- Topcoats: If you're performing kitchen cabinets or a dining table, go along with a water-based poly. It provides a far harder barrier towards spills and scratches. The cool issue is that actually with an obvious topcoat, the character from the old 55 paint still lights through.
Dealing with Common Hiccups
Every project offers its moments exactly where things might move sideways. One factor I've run directly into is "bleed-through, " which occurs the particular tannins in old wood (especially cherry or mahogany) begin to seep with the paint, creating pink or brown areas. If you see this happening after your first coat of old 55 paint , stop right presently there. You'll need to strike those spots along with a stain-blocking 1er before continuing. It's a bit of a bummer to have to pause, yet it's way better than finishing the entire piece and viewing spots a 7 days later.
Also, keep an eye on your moisture. If you're artwork in a basements that's super damp or a garage that's freezing, the particular paint is heading to act upward. It needs a relatively dry, room-temperature environment to cure properly. I've discovered the hard method that trying in order to rush a task in a cold garage usually leads to cracking or peeling down the line.
Conclusions upon the Process
At the finish of the day time, using old 55 paint is definitely really about the experience of creating some thing unique. There's the tactile satisfaction in transforming a piece of junk into something beautiful. It's not just about the color; it's about the consistency, the history of the piece, plus the fact that will you did this yourself.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or even someone who's never picked up a paintbrush in their life, this stuff can be quite hard in order to mess up. It's forgiving, it's high-quality, and it can make the whole procedure feel less such as a chore and much more like an artwork project. So, if you've got an old desk or even a group of chairs gathering dust, grab a few old 55 paint and see what happens. You may be surprised at just how much a little bit of color can change the entire character of your room.