Recently, I needed a bit of ME time, so I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in 9 months. I'd needed to take a break while recovering from my c-section, and after that I had just been too busy and too tired for anything extra.
I have a little side table that I had painted several years ago, but it was in need of a refresh. The colour wasn't working in my home, and more importantly, I had not done the proper prep work so it just wasn't holding up to toddler life.
Proper preparation is so important! Even for brands that claim no prep is needed. I cleaned with TSP Alternative, which is a no-rinse formula BUT I rinsed it anyway as my table was so dirty. Then I sanded with 220 grit sandpaper, and washed again. If you were sanding bare wood, clean sanding dust with a dry cloth. Otherwise, the water will raise the grain and negate all the sanding work you just did!
This paint is ONE by Melange Paints, in the colour Silky Blue, from Chik's Design Group. It's a line they brought in and wanted to know my thoughts. They've had it for a little bit now and I have seen furniture pieces they have painted with it. It has a different top coat built in and has an absolutely beautiful, satin smooth finish so I am excited to try this out.
Do you know this paint pouring hack?? Make yourself a little spout from painter's tape, resulting in clean pure & easy clean up.
I used a microfibre roller which was the perfect size to get into the leg details, and a small brush to get into the corners and crevices. This paint is a thinner consistency than the brand I usually use, so it felt like my stiff brush was pushing paint around more than depositing it. I started using a brush and flung paint all over myself as it was less viscous than I expected! Whoops. So between the larger brush I had and the roller, I preferred working with the roller for this paint.
The second coat had great coverage, and that's all I needed to apply for this piece. You can watch all the behind the scenes & my process on my Instagram highlight about this project.
My little assistant styling with me.
My thoughts on ONE by Melange?
While the thinner paint took a moment for me to get used to, I really liked the longer open time. That means there is more time to work before the paint starts to dry, which eliminates flashing (paint strokes showing). I was able to cut into the details and then roll over and around the legs without worrying about streaks appearing, which has been an issue with other brands. So I am very pleased about that feature.
The paints are packaged in glass, which adds to their cost but is also more environmentally friendly than plastic. They are water based and low VOC, as well as self priming and self levelling. I appreciate low VOC products that makes it safe and easy to paint inside my home, around my kids. The paint dries to a smooth, satin finish that is not chalky to the touch. It has a lustrous sheen that really makes the dark colours glow and the bright colours pop. And the range of colours available is rich and trendy! All in all, I am very impressed. I definitely look forward to using more paint in this line.
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