our crush...

It's true...
Stiltskin Studios DOES love ASCP
(Annie Sloan Chalk Paint)

We didn't always love ASCP
We, like some, disregarded it based on price

I researched the science
I liked what I learned...
it made sense

I LOATHE sanding...
I realized my time is valuable

I also LOATHE latex and never use it
except for walls
(and latex with grout is STILL latex!)

We exclusively used Milk Paint, which is also pricey
compared to latex

It didn't have great coverage
took forever to dry
and was kinda stinky until it dried
(We still use Milk Paint sometimes)

So the price wasn't a huge jump for me...
plus, we aren't opposed to using
more expensive products
if it makes our pieces
more beautiful and durable
(and our lives a little easier!)

We believe our clients deserve the best
and we work hard to provide that
So chalk paint was worth looking in to...

I went to my local stockist
Robyn Story Designs

I played in the paint
and I say "played"
because it was FUN

We bought paint
We bought wax
We painted
We waxed

We had issues...

Sticky wax
uneven wax
heat rings
water rings...
(notice a theme here?
Wax issues!)

I called my stockist
I listened
I learned
We worked together to find solutions...

We read Annie's books
We learned more...

And we kept at it

Is chalk paint perfect?

It's perfect for us...

ASCP got very popular
very quickly
(or so it seems to me!)

Bloggers raved about it...
"Miracle Paint!"

Is it great paint?
Absolutely!
A miracle??
that's a bit of a stretch...
what product can keep up with that kind of hype?

Is there really no prep?
Clearly, if your piece has serious issues
you are going to have to prep...
no paint will magically fix
gouges, peeling veneer, or broken pieces
but for the most part,
no prep is required aside from a good cleaning

Can you set a hot drinks/food on it and not expect problems?
Nope.
You have to treat the finish as you would any fine finish...
Coasters and trivets are your friends!

Will liquid leave rings?
Yep.
But they go away.
I know, I didn't believe it either.
Until I saw it.

Will you over-wax the first time you use it?
Probably.
Live and learn.

Will you be able to purchase every color your heart desires
like at the paint counter?
Nope.
Mix and create...it's the best part!

I've heard some grumblings about
greasy fingerprints
and issues with durability...
We've not had these issues
since we learned how to properly use
the products
and our clients will confirm...

We've sold hundreds of pieces
done in ASCP

If you are perfectly content with latex paint
this product probably isn't for you

and that's OK...
(I know...everyone raves so much,
you feel like you HAVE to love it, too...lol)

But I'm passionate about this product
and think it's fabulous!

Are we affiliated with ASCP in any way?
nope.
We pay full price just like you...

But I'll shout ASCP's praises from the rooftops
for the simple fact that I think
it's the best.

Are there other Chalk Paints?
Yep.

Have we used them?
Nope.

Why?
Our experience with ASCP has been very positive
and very personal

We are loyal people
Treat us right
and we stick around

ASCP and the stockists
have always treated us well
and they appreciate our business
Annie Sloan (the person)
is literally an email away

We don't have a DIY blog
and we're not going to
do a tutorial on how
to use ASCP...

but I promise you...
play with it
work with your stockist...
practice...
play some more...
have fun with it...

And you'll never be satisfied with latex again!


I used to wonder...
Who the heck spends $35/litre
on paint?

Now I know...
people just like me :0)