How do I care for my finished painted furniture?
To care for your painted furniture, dust with a soft dry or damp cloth. Avoid scrubby sponges because they could scratch your finish. The Matte Finish is resistant to water and chemicals.
What is the shelf life of the products?
The paint and Matte Finish have a shelf life of 2-3 years, but they will last longer if stored in a cool, dry place.
Do I need to sand or prime?
In most cases, you will not need to sand or prime your vintage find. If you are painting a piece with a previously glossy finish, however, light sanding would be recommended for best adhesion. If you have a piece that is particularly damaged and you desire a clean finish, then priming is recommended. Bungalow 47 Clear Primer dries clear to retain a wood appearance often desired when distressing and revealing the wood underneath. It will block stains and bleeding from seeping through your paint, which can often happen with vintage furniture. Review all warnings on the label before sanding any piece that might contain lead paint.
How do I prep my piece before painting?
It is always important to clean your piece properly. When junking, we are finding furniture that has a past life, and it may have been abused or left alone for many years. Remove all the dust, debris, and any loose paint. Wash your piece thoroughly with warm soapy water, a degreasing solution, or an equal-part solution of water and vinegar. Allow to dry before painting.
How is this different than latex paint?
Latex paint is made of synthetic materials, and Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint is made up of chalk and clay. Bungalow 47 chalk and clay paint also distresses easily, for a vintage look.
How many coats of Matte Finish should I apply? Do I always need a finish coat?
You should always protect your paint with Matte Finish, especially for a high traffic piece. Apply two coats in thin layers to a completely dry, painted piece. For an ultra-smooth finish, buff between coats with a super-fine grit sandpaper.
How long does it take to dry? How long should I wait before applying a second coat?
It depends on the weather, but mostly the paint will dry within a few hours, and sometimes much quicker. When it is dry to the touch and no longer feels ‘cold’, it is safe to apply a second coat.
What kind of brush should I use for the paint?
Brushes are a personal preference: if you are looking for a smoother finish, a synthetic brush is best. If you would like more texture, use a brush with natural bristles. If brush strokes occur and are not desired, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper or use a bit of water on your brush while painting. A misting bottle works well for wetting your surface quickly and evenly.
Can I distress the paint for a more vintage look?
Yes! Layer different colors together and sand lightly to reveal each desired layer. Since most of us are finding vintage items to transform, it is difficult to know what you will be covering and how the paint will respond, so using a medium-to-fine grit sandpaper is best to avoid removing too much paint.
At Bungalow 47, we are passionate about making our living spaces unique and meaningful: paint is a huge part of that. We believe your home is the scrapbook of your life, so we love a combination of found treasures that can be updated to function for how each of us wants to live today. Many of us have Grandma's old dresser, but we don't know how to make it our own, or create an up-to-date style. That's where chalk and clay paint comes to the rescue. Follow us as we share ideas using our zero VOC, solvent-free, and American-made paint.