We all know paint is an affordable and easy way to update your décor. The right colour can transform a lacklustre room into something extraordinary.
Consider taking your paint project to the next level by including one or more specialty paints.
One interesting specialty-paint option is chalkboard paint. There are lots of great ways to use this versatile finish in décor and craft projects. As well, the new colour choices make this a fun prospect.
Benjamin Moore has introduced a new edition of its chalkboard paint that is tintable in any colour. With more than 3,300 hues in the Benjamin Moore system -- plus the ability for unlimited colour matching -- the choices are exponential and go far beyond the classic black and green chalkboards.
"We've just infused a lot more fun and imagination into a communications staple that, since the schoolroom slates of the 1800s, has remained almost unchanged," said Sonu Mathew, Benjamin Moore's senior interior designer.
"Now, the opportunity to enliven and invigorate a space has exploded by dialing up the colour options so extensively."
Benjamin Moore chalkboard paint (308) is a latex topcoat that turns virtually any interior surface into a chalkboard. It's easy to apply, dries in a matter of hours to a durable eggshell finish, is easy to clean and fully washable. It's also formulated to minimize lingering odours, making it ideal for a child's playroom, bedroom or the kitchen.
The photograph featured here shows a wall painted in the traditional black chalkboard paint. The bright pink table (springtime bloom) is eye-catching. The colours could easily be reversed, with the table painted with standard black paint and the chalkboard wall with bright pink. Think of the possibilities!
"There's no rulebook that says chalkboard paint is for walls only," said Mathew, who offered other chalkboard paint ideas.
"Think about treating a toy chest, tabletop, dresser, a closet door or cupboard faßade. Any place where you want to see temporary art or a shared family communiqué is prime real estate for a coat of Benjamin Moore chalkboard paint."
The Benjamin Moore site has some great ideas for creative uses of chalkboard paint. Using it inside a pantry door to make erasable grocery lists is one project I might use myself.
Creating an entire chalkboard wall in a vibrant colour in your home office is a great way to stay organized. The fun part is you don't have to paint an entire wall. You can paint a large square, rectangle or even a circle of colour to create a focal pint that's also functional.
Painting the top of a child's table in chalkboard paint will provide hours of fun and easy clean-up. A really cute idea is to make small chalkboards and frame them to create a rotating artwork wall.
The Benjamin Moore website will get your creative juices flowing.
Other specialty finishes
Paint that offers textural finishes can be great options for feature walls in the home, especially if your space lacks architectural interest.
Suede, metallic and textured paint finishes are some options. Some finishes can be more undoable than others, so consider this when making a decision about a project.
Consumer Reports has a report on its website from 2009 rating the difficulty and durability of several specialty-paint products. You can review this report to get more information at www.consumerreports.org -- do a search on specialty paints then click on news & articles.
Glam in a can
For smaller projects, specialty spray paints might be a good option. Use a frosted-glass finish to jazz up a plain mirror (or to hide imperfections). Sprays with textural-stone finishes, as well as bronze, silver or copper-toned finishes, can be used to update lamp bases, picture frames, decorative containers and accessories.
Each product will list what type of surfaces it can be used on, so check before you begin. Also, pay attention to special safety precautions for use, especially with aerosol paints. You'll need to have a well-ventilated working area while using most aerosol products.
Pick a project, then find your specialty paint. There's a lot of fun to be had while adding colour to your décor.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
