…blue egg q&a’s

Here are your Q&A’s! Got questions? Email me at cbensten@blueeggbrownnest.com and I will post!

I just bought a fantastic pedestal table yesterday. It was marked down, for to what looked like water marks on the surface. It has a black distressed look. I’d like to keep the base black, but lighten up the top. Could I use that wipe off method with grey paint? I’m guessing it would leave the black underneath and still show the little distressed marks. I’m scared. It was a $2200 table,  marked down to $700. That’s a lot for me and I don’t want to ruin it.

That is a very expensive table. You can try to the weathered wood method, but, yes, wood would not show. You would get the black showing. If it does not look good then your choice is to just repaint the top and really sand it down to get a layered look.

I have a question.  Eventually I want to do my kitchen cabinets and I  going to do my bathroom cabinets as well.  I was at lowes the other day getting a brush and the lady told me that I shouldn’t wax those cabinets when done because with the heat and humidity the paint will start to streak so I should use poly-acrylic.  What are your thoughts?

Clear wax will melt if in the heat. The first time I sold at the Luckett’s Spring Market the wax was not happy in the direct sun. I am not sure you will get that kind of heat in your kitchen and bathroom, however. Again, if you are happy with a worn look then you can use a furniture paint. If you want something more solid then do with your latex. It taste here.

I wanted to do my kitchen a sage green color.  What color mixes should I do.  I saw olive and white do that color but I’m not sure how much of what to mix.

Color is SUCH a taste thing. I could say one color is olive and you could think it was bright green. You are really going to have to mix your colors yourself until you get your desired look. AS has some color combos on her site that you can check out.

I am a chalk paint virgin (lol) and could use all the info you can give me.

Check out my YouTube Tutorials and read some of my back posts. I’ve been writing about it for about 4 years every single day so there is a lot of content!

I read that you watered down your chalk paint to let the wood show through.  I’ve already applied two coats of a creamy colored chalk paint.  Is there any way to get this look now?  Can I get it by dark waxing or dry brushing with a darker paint?  Any advice is greatly appreciated.

You could try to take a damp cloth to it and wipe off some of the paint. If it has been days then you may need to do back to the drawing board. Sand off your paint and then water you paint and apply.

Love the color of the walls in the room where you painted the round oak table.  I think it might be your dining room.  Can you tell me what color you used? 

Look up “Wall Colors Revealed” on my site.

My question is your opinion on how to best choose a paint color. I do not see any distributors in my area (New Jersey) and I’m afraid that the color pallets that I have seen on Annie’s site do not give the best visual of what the final product would/could be. I first thought the old white would be my go to, but then saw a few pieces that you did on your site in other colors that looked amazing and now I’m just confused! If it wasn’t so pricey I would just order a few, but want to make sure I’m actually good at this first!

I think the answer is that you just have to take the plunge. Buy a few cans and see what you think. I prefer the neutrals as most of you know 🙂

Did you strip and sand first?  I know you don’t need to with ASCP but it looks like maybe you had and wondering if it changes the look.

Not sure which piece you are referring to, but the answer if probably no. I do not strip any of my pieces if I’m not staining.

Also, what do you suggest as far as getting a hard finish for a much used item like a table – just one or two coats of wax??

One coat and let dry for a few days.

I watched your tutorials and loved your personality.  I am 43 and have been a nurse for 20 plus years.  I am also the mother of 2 special needs children.  I have always loved painting and being creative, so when I recently got laid off from my nursing job, I decided I would finally live my passion!  But, how do I get started and make it sell?  I am very creative so I know I can do the pieces, but how much do I charge, how much do I pay for the pieces up front before I paint, how do I market myself, build a website etc?  

Bless you. I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now, but I do applaud you for seeking out your passion. I would recommend going through my “Building a Business” posts. I know many people have found them helpful and I’ve written on all these topics.

If you have a lighter piece of timber and want to paint it and then distress it but want the timber that comes through to look like a darker timber rather than a light, do you put a stain on the timber to begin with before painting?

Yes. Stain the piece first.

When I am painting with ASCP I always leave subtle brush strokes within the finish..Yikes!…How can I avoid this.

Painted furniture will always have some brush strokes unless you use an electric sprayer and that takes away the peace of it all if you ask me. You can try watering down your paint a bit more to reduce strokes, but you will always have them and that’s ok. Embrace it.

I have a question about profit and how much to spend. When you make do u put that away? And only use the funds u originally spent to repurchase new pieces?

Yes and no. I would like to say that I only use my profit towards my furniture, but that is not always the case. My home is part of my business and I love designing the interiors so I do spend money on fixtures and furniture and accents for my home. It has worked for me because that is also how I get press. I would just make sure that you have enough money stored up so that you can always buy your paint and next piece. This will be different for everyone depending on location and piece. You should know if you are spending money where you shouldn’t – like on a new purse!

I wanted to know do you sand your pieces before painting to get a smooth finish? I recently got a beautiful vanity but the original painting on it is all chipped and I think I need to strip it , what would you do?

Sometimes I do. If there is paint flaking off then absolutely. Try sanding it off by hand and if it is still pealing off then use an electric sander to really get it smooth.

I am getting ready to paint my bathroom cabinets and need your help in selecting a color or colors. I am leaning towards a 50% of pure white “or old white” and French linen. By counter tops and tile are a light sand “very light tan” swirl with off white. Do you think this would be too grey as I won’t be changing out my counter top anytime soon. I will be changing the wall color too, just not sure what route to go. If I want to stay neutral earth tones what color would you suggest? 

I would recommend that you do something monochromatic instead of introducing a grey that may not really match. Can you find a shade darker or lighter in the tan family?

When might you have new desks to sell?

You can always email me off line and we can hunt for one together.

Do you stay firm on the pricing of your pieces, or are you willing to negotiate?

Great question. It really depends on the context. If I am working with a customer on Etsy and the shipping price is really high then I may offer a discount. If I am selling at a show I will come down a bit if asked. If I have a great piece and I know what it is worth then I may stay firm.

I’ve notice in your photos and tutorials that your first coat of paint is generally very thin where you can see lots of the wood.  Is there a reason for this and are you able to get enough coverage with the second coat.  I realize that the color may be a factor and or the type of wood.  I generally only have to do 2 coats which saves on labor and paint but my first coat is thicker than yours.  I know you use this technique when washing a piece but that’s not what I’m referring to here.

Yes, my first coat is generally light. I do this because I want to get a general feel for the piece. I want every brown part touched with paint to start off with. It may just be me, but that is my personal method.

I had read and was also advised by my supplier of the ASCP to never use polish of any kind.  Technically Endust isn’t a polish but more of a dust remover.  I’m also concerned that the chemicals in Clorox wipes would be too harsh.  Having small children as you do I can understand why you would use these and I also assuming if you use them, it doesn’t damage the wax finish or you wouldn’t use them.  I want to make sure I’m telling clients the right message so can you please reconfirm.

I don’t really like rules when it comes to painting. I know there are guidelines and “rules” to painting, but I tend to not what to hear them. I experiment and see what works for me. If it’s a disaster then I go another direction. I have never had an issue with cleaning products on any of my painted surfaces. If you are nervous about being accountable then just tell your clients to use soap and warm water.

I love the fruit bowl you have on your center island in your kitchen. Where did u get it or did you make it as I know your also talented in pottery! I just love it. Do you have fake artichokes inside?

I found it at the Luckett’s Spring Market a few years ago. You could probably find something similar at a garden store as it is meant for outdoor use. Real, dried artichokes 🙂