This post brought to you by Flood Wood Care. All opinions are 100% mine.
Shabby Chic may not be the same rage as it was ten years ago. Ditto with marbleized and cracklified textures. I perfected the "textured" look. You know the one that feels slightly gritty? Carpenters would say, "Hey, nice tooth. Now what color is the finish coat?" The amazing effect was achieved through the wonderous technique called "Haste." How does one make "Haste?" It is being so eager to start on the project that you don't properly prep your surface. Leftover paint splotch that wouldn't come out? Check. A little sand? Check.
You won't want to trick ME into whitewashing your fence. Or would you?
The folks at Flood® Wood Care, who have been in the wood care, stripping, painting and staining business since 1841 – the fateful year that Abraham Lincoln initially broke off his engagement to Mary Todd, but of course reconsidered down the line – would frown on my free form techniques. It may work in a pinch, but may cause long term issues.They actually do have a product called SWF-Solid that allows the wood texture to show through, but of course doesn't have the grit. That is why Flood® has earned the reputation as "The Wood Care Specialist" and is the best solution for any summer wood care products. I have not. And am not.
Here are a few tips for decks, siding and even large surfaces like kitchen floors:
- Thoroghly clean the surface first.
- Stir the stain or paint frequently.
- If you can, mix all cans of the stain or paint to be used today. This way there is complete uniformity. You aren't getting a different effect from the can that was opened yesterday, or the one you accidentally dipped the purple paint brush in for just that second or too.
- Keep a sample piece of wood if you have one, as the actual wood and the "porosity" will play into the final result.
- When needing a break, don't stop in the middle of a board. Paint the entire board and stop then.
- For vertical surfaces, work from too to bottom, drippy.
Okay, Tom Sawyer, now whitewash that fence. I need to salvage it for a rustic kitchen table or pot rack!
