Da Vinci’s Distressed Chalk Finish © is  a Only Green eco brand

Tools you may need

1. A piece of furniture or project to paint

2. A drop cloth or plastic cover

3. Distress chalk finish

4. A good paint brush

5. Water

6. Clean rags

7. Sandpaper or sanding block

8. Basic tools

9. Masking tape

10.Wax or clearcoat (waterborne polyurethane)

Eco Tip: Reviving Old Brushes

Here’s a great eco method for reviving a old well used, hard or stiff paint brushes.

Generally you should wash your paint brushes in warm soapy water immediately after painting with water based paints (acrylic or  alkyd (oil based) paints (including chalk paint ). If extra scrubbing is required to clean your brush, use a nylon filament fingernail brush or similar. Never use a wire brush. Failure to adequately clean your brush can cause a build up of paint in (or close to) the ferrule of the brush, causing the brush to become stiff.

Time to freshen them up with hot vinegar. You can use any white vinegar - (doesn’t matter the quality) This method will also work if you have forgotten to wash your paint brush after painting.

(1)Pour white distilled vinegar into a saucepan and heat over the stove. You could also heat the vinegar in the microwave.

(2)Once the vinegar is hot (simmering or boiling), pour it into an old bowl, jar or container. Place your brush in the hot vinegar. Let sit for at least 20 minutes until the paint softens. You should really suspend your paint brushes with a bull dog clip so the bristle aren't touching the sides. This will mean the bristles don't get out of shape.

(3)Once the brushes have finished soaking, wash them in warm soapy water (eg dishwashing liquid). Use your fingers to remove the old paint. If you use a nail brush, make sure you only brush down the hairs of the paintbrush as you don't want to "fluff" up the fibres. Do not use excessive force -you are better off to take care of the bristles and repeat the method than damaging your brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the paint and the soap.  You can also scrub the handles with steel wool to clean them up also.

(4)Rinse thoroughly and let dry by setting the paint brush on a flat surface

Inspirational Quote

“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.”

Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo Da Vinci.