I have been blogging about paint and paint products for more than four years now and because of that, I always receive emails from all the various paint companies telling me about their new paint/product line. Most of the time, I already know about the product and have probably already tested it because well., I’m a little obsessed with paint.
When it comes to paint for furniture, I have never really been thrilled about any of the paint lines on the market. I have always felt that there is a huge void in the market when it comes to furniture paint because we just have to work way to hard, layer by layer, just to get a decent finish. It has always bothered me that painting furniture is so intimidating to first time DIY’ers because of all that layering and prep work.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from interior designer Kellie Smith from Georgia, who wanted to tell me about her new paint line for furniture called Velvet Finishes Paint that she recently just launched (I had never heard of it). Kellie’s first paragraph in her email caught my attention when she said that as a designer, she always struggled to find a beautiful paint finish for furniture and came to realize that what she wanted, did not exist (ring a bell?).
Kellie went on to tell me that she also struggled with the lack of great paint color choices in furniture paint and she wanted colors highly pigmented (ok, now she’s reading my mind), so she spent two years developing a “velvet finish” paint line in hopes to fill the void. Kellie also sent me a link to the Velvet Finishes website with these gallery pictures of furniture painted with Velvet Finishes:
Source: Velvet Finishes
Source: Velvet Finishes
As I read Kellie’s email and looked through the Velvet Finishes project gallery, my jaw hit the floor. The finish and colors were incredible! She told me that her paint was ultra matte but that it had a wax like additive that when dry, it looks like the piece has been buffed with wax. No primer or sanding needed for most projects! What?!? I gotta see this for myself! I immediately sent an email back to Kellie and told her that I had to try this Velvet Finishes and crossed my fingers that someone finally developed a paint finish for furniture that I too had always hoped to find.
Kellie sent me samples of the paint and when it arrived, I could not believe the color samples that were so rich and highly pigmented (I shared this picture on my Instagram):
I immediately started painting and I absolutely could not believe the finish I was getting. I was blown away and so excited to see that Kellie nailed it! I don’t know how she did it but she created something pretty extraordinary. I can’t even really describe the finish. It’s really like a durable, chalky but not chalky ultra matte wax finish. It’s so different that I can’t even describe or compare it to anything. All I can say is that is so easy, so beautiful and the colors are so intensely pigmented. Halleluja!!
So let me just show you because the pictures speak for themselves…
I painted this junky bookshelf in my kitchen that I picked up years ago at Hobby Lobby for about $150.00. I was going to get rid of this piece because it is so poorly made and I thought it would be the perfect project to try out Velvet Finishes:
This is the piece before I painted it:
and this is what the piece looked like after I painted it with Velvet Finishes ( I also wallpapered the back of the shelves):
Can you believe that?!? I kept telling my husband as it was drying that the finish looked smooth like butter. Although, “Velvet” is the perfect description and it has a unique texture, almost again chalky but not really. I tried to get some closeup shots to try and show the finish better:
One of the best things about Velvet Finishes is that there are no brush strokes. None! They disappear as the paint dries. Just take a look here:
The instructions say that you can use any brush you are comfortable using and you can roll it on as well. Also, no primer or sanding is needed unless you’re painting something that has been shellacked or glossy. No need to wax either because of the waxy like additive in the paint that you can see when it dries. I got this finish with just two coats and no primer! Unreal…
Ok, so this is what I did. I actually mixed together the colors Rococo and Timeless 50/50 (you can see all the color choices here):
Source: Velvet Finishes
Source: Velvet Finishes
These two colors gave me a rich beautiful light warm gray color that I needed to match the undertone in the fabric of my kitchen chairs:
I could have used the color Opulent because it was really close but because I was matching chair fabric, I needed a little more brown than gray but opulent is a beautiful gray with hints of warmth:
Source: Velvet Finishes
For my bookshelf, I did not prime or sand the piece and just painted on my first coat directly onto the piece. The instructions were very specific and said that every coat needs to be light and it needs to dry completely in between coats:
As you can see above, I just did a light coat that was just enough to cover the piece like I would when I prime. When I was finished with my first coat, the piece looks just like it would if I primed:
I let the piece dry completely for about two hours. No sanding needed so I went right into my second light coat after two hours. I brushed on the paint going in the opposite direction of my first coat:
The paint is very thick and a little goes a very long way! The instructions say that you can add water if you want. Also, because it’s so thick, it automatically fills in easily in holes or inconsistencies in the wood. I didn’t worry about brush marks because they were disappearing right before my eyes. Again, my my second coat, I followed the instructions and did a light coat:
I have never seen a paint look like this 5 minutes after I painted!
The second coat dried in about two hours but I waited 24 hours before I put things on the shelves. Velvet Finishes offers a commercial grade polyurethane top coat to protect high traffic pieces and this finish is so rock solid (never felt a hard finish like this before). I tried to scratch it and couldn’t. Not sure if I need it but if I was doing a kitchen table or nightstand, I would use the protect top coat. Velvet FInishes also offer a a dark wax to highlight and I know that Kellie has plans for a white wax as well. They also have glazes in great colors too! I can’t wait to play with them!
Velvet Finishes paints come in two sizes; 32 ounce for larger projects like mine (I used almost exactly 32 ounces) and they have a small 4 ounce to sample the colors and for smaller projects like lamp revamps, accessories, etc.. You can order right from the Velvet Finishes website here and you can look through and see the colors and gallery. Kellie just launched the line not too long ago and will be adding more products, colors and gallery pictures. You can keep up with Velvet Finishes on Facebook too here.
Ok, I am officially the biggest fan of Velvet Finishes and I cannot wait to show you guys some of the other projects that I have done with the paint. I’m also now a huge fan of Kellie Smith because not only is she awesome but because she just couldn’t find what she wanted in a finish and she just set out to invent it! Oh yea! High five girl! Girl wanted that paint finish bad! (I can relate!).
Thanks for hanging out with me today friends!
Cheers!
Cyndy
mary says
Where can we find this miracle?? I have a piece to do but it has a lot of pieces and the task seems daunting at this point but I would love to try this paint on it.
Cyndy says
You can find the Velvet Finishes paint here Mary: http://www.velvetfinishes.com/ Remember, a little paint goes a long way. I painted my bookshelf with 32 ounces. Yes, if you have a lot of little pieces, this paint is ideal because you won’t see the brush marks. Thanks for stopping by Mary!
Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says
That paint looks amazing, Cyndy. What a great name for it since it looks like it really goes on beautifully! Thanks for sharing this product.
Cyndy says
Yes Megan, she really picked the perfect name for it! You will LOVE it girl!
Laura J says
This stuff looks great! Thanks for bringing it to us . . . .
Cyndy says
It’s pretty awesome stuff. I’m really excited about (as if you can’t tell) Ha! Thanks for stopping by Laura!
Carrie says
So excited about this paint! And after going to the Velvet website and FB page it looks like Kellie is local for me! I’m all about supporting local businesses and will be ordering a couple sample pots to try out. Just having a hard time picking out which colors. They are all so beautiful!
Cyndy says
I agree, the color choices are amazing and it’s hard to choose! That is so cool that she is local for you! She is such an amazing person and I think its so cool that she actually did something about this. She worked on it for two years until she got it right. I am so thankful that she did!! Send me pics of whatever you decide to paint! Would love to see! Thanks for stopping by!
Brenna@DomesticCharm says
That paint sounds fantastic! I know you said that there is a wax additive in the paint so you didn’t wax it. Does that seal it completely or did you seal it in some other way?
Cyndy says
Nope, you don’t have to wax because of the additive and the finish looks like its been waxed and buffed over and over. There is a dark wax if you want to highlight and she is working on a white wax for highlighting as well. The instructions say that you do not have to protect it unless its a very high traffic piece like a table top or nightstand. This finish is incredibly durable and I tried scratching it and I couldn’t make a mark. I think whatever the waxy additive also protects and seals. I will double check with Kellie but I can tell this finish is heavy duty and sealed.
Mary Ruth says
Well another step type paint… (like A/S paint theology) I have been bored with the over and over repeated wording that comes with this type of marketing… that being said….
BUT: This paint, not knowing the price point yet… has information up front about the colors (already making the mixing of colors known) at first, instead of waiting for the book to come out 5 yrs later. The one at a time information leak gets old. I like this ‘upfront’ approach. AND: I like the color chart, seems to be more American-thinking friendly than all for ‘Country French’ type colors… (not that there is anything wrong with that).
I like your project and HOW YOU TRY IT FIRST and have your own photos to show us, very professional on your part and wonderful of you to think of your followers! AND mostly it saves us all money (by having the product pre-tested) and that is such a plus!
My experience with paint:
Goes way back (about to turn 65 in like.. days) so I KNOW how tedious it can sound to paint 2 or 3 coats and then wax or top coat… BUT that is the way it was when I started painting my own furniture. We used (paint that was bad for us to breathe in and made us high, but not in a good way LOL)… I used Oil paint for furniture, talk about tough sticky mess to remove too…. and the clean up chemicals and sanding dust meant a quick shower after each session with the piece. For me, I had to wait for dry days without much wind, haul a piece to my back porch (with cement floor) and do my thing with whatever stage I was at… then haul back in… the fumes & dust were so bad I was dressed and covered as if working in an industrial chemical plant! All that expensive paraphernalia I had to purchase! Oil paints had to be stirred constantly and thinned with mineral spirits as needed… Was a very involved process!
I am liking this low VOC and safer paints that lets women (and yes men too, but for the purpose of my comments… I will mention the advantages for us women) be empowered to DIY on their own!
I am disabled now (within the past 4 yrs) and have to wait for my husband to come home and help me with some things that are heavy or need to be moved…gone are the ‘Wonder Woman’ days of hauling furniture to a spot and then going through each step on my own! Power tools are wonderful to help accomplish good finishes…I love mine!
Washing down furniture before painting is just good practice (did not see that mentioned) to remove oily dust. Other than that I LOVE products that give women the opportunity to express themselves and not have to wait for results! This new company looks like it has all the right moves in place. I will be trying some of this paint… because YOU posted about it here and tried it for us! So, my risk factor for investing in this paint is lower.
Cyndy, I wrote all this (sharing my thoughts) because I want to thank you for putting information out there that HELPS people (especially women) to accomplish their DIY goals. It really empowers your readers, and makes me feel (even though I am physically limited now) as though I can STILL DO this type of project with so much less effort so that I too can feel empowered. You test your project before posting, AND share in your experience. You also choose projects with a realistic approach and not for a quick wow factor. Your projects are well done and lasting and show good sense. For years to come, your projects will still look good. Though I personally think the chevron might be getting tired….
I should have written a ‘you are great’ response sooner, but somehow it felt right to do it today…
So happy to have your newsletters and I look forward to them!
Keep on doing what you do! I am sure your blog makes a difference in the lives of your grateful readers!
Cyndy says
Oh my gosh Mary Ruth, what a sweet note! My heart is just warmed and you have made my morning! Yes, I agree about those other paint product lines (who shall remain nameless), which is why I never talked about them much or featured the paint in a post. Those products in my opinion just never gave me the finish I wanted and I had to work really hard and really, if you work that hard with any kind of paint, you can get a decent finish.
I would never share anything on my blog that I didn’t love and especially test first myself and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me to hear you say that comes through in my posts. This paint is so different and unique that I cannot even describe it. I’m so anxious for you all to try it and come back and share your pics with me. I can’t wait to play with it more as well. And yes, Velvet Finishes and Kellie are the real deal, no marketing games and just great paint. This paint was born out of just wanting to finally create something that was amazing with minimal work. Kellie should win the Nobel Paint Prize (lol!).
Thank you for your note Mary Ruth. Your note was the first thing I read when I woke up. What a wonderful gift. Thank you friend!
Melissa says
Ooooh! Ahhh! I can’t wait to try this. The fact that it’s doesn’t chip and is rock solid hard after drying is awesome. I tried another brand and I can scrape it off and it shows water marks even after sealing it with their wax. I’m loving all the colors. I would like to try this and paint some old furniture ASAP!! Thanks for the post!!! Your furniture turned out lovely! That wallpaper looks amazing with it!!
Cyndy says
Yep, I had the same problem with those other lines and really, the finish was just ok. I am so anxious for you guys to try this and send me pics. It is really a finish that is indescribable. It’s something so unique that we really have never seen before. You’re gonna love it! Keep me posted!
kerry brown says
Nice review, I will check out the website for more info and pricing. Can you clarify what you mean by painting the second coat in the opposite direction? Do you mean that if you painted vertical strokes on the first coat make horizontal strokes on the second coat? OR do you mean if your finishing strokes were done in a downward motion on the first coat, move upwards for the second coat? Also wondering why this is recommended. Thank you.
Cyndy says
I have always recommended with paint that if you painted vertical strokes on first coat, do horizontal strokes on the second coat. Velvet Finishes did not suggest, it’s just a way to layer and distribute the paint more evenly. While the paint strokes disappear with this product, it’s just a way to evenly balance even the faintest of strokes. Thanks for stopping by Kerry!
sherry hart says
OK…I must try this paint….that is an absolutely stunning makeover!
Cyndy says
You need this Sherry! You are not gonna believe it! I can’t wait to try it on lamps, frames and accessories too!
Dwell by Cheryl says
You have officially inspired me to tackle my vintage china cabinet. I’m in!
Jodi Pearce says
LOVE, Love, love this – especially since we just purchased a full set of honey maple shaker style set of kitchen cabinets (for $500). Please tell me this could possibly be used for cabinetry?? Was considering Urbane Bronze from Sherwin Williams – how does the Timeless compare? Also planning on painting an old oak pedestal dining table exactly like the white pictured above, think I’ll try that first! Thank you!
debbie says
Cyndy,
I can’t wait to try this new paint. Great colors and it sounds to good to be true but I always trust your judgment completely. If you say it’s great, I know it is. Thanks for sharing all your great info.
Take care
Cyndy says
Ha! Yes, it does sound to good to be true Debbie but it really is the real deal! You guys are gonna be amazed. Thank you for your kind words Debbie! If you try it, I would love for you to send me a pic.
sandyc says
Perfect timing, Cyndy. Just moved an open ladder bookcase out of my office because, although the perfect size for a 2′ stretch of wall between the window and the foyer, the black color was just too heavy. Figured it would be perfectly useful in my laundry room but not in black. Not a big DIYer (last and only time I ‘antiqued’ a piece of furniture was over almost 40 years ago), this inspires me. Just have to figure out the color and glad to know I can mix to get it. Love what you did with your cabinet, and the wallpaper backing is so great.
Cyndy says
Yes, this paint is really ideal for the first time DIY’er. Very, very easy and very forgiving with the brush strokes. Yes, don’t be afraid to mix colors. They mixed up beautifully. If you have any color questions, just send me an email and I can help you choose colors. Good luck!
Mary says
I have several furniture pieces that can use this paint ASAP. I’m going to order me a few. I love the colors you mixed together for your cabinet makeover. Can you tell me where you got that awesome wallpaper to used on the back of your cabinet.
Cyndy says
Yes, the color combo that I used is incredible in person. If you want a little more gray, Opulent is very close to the color I mixed. The wallpaper is gorgeous in person and you can’t see it in the picture but it’s a metallic silver!! They also sell it gold and graphite. It’s by Schumacher and its pricey (well worth it though) and I found the best deal for it here:http://www.insidefabric.com/p-860233-5005932-malaga-silver-by-f-schumacher.aspx
If you do use the paint, please, please send me pics! I would love to see what you do Mary!
Jenny@EvolutionofStyle says
Wow! This looks FANTASTIC, Cyndy! I’m so impressed with how your piece turned out, and even more thrilled at the ease in which you were able to do it! I’m always on the lookout for new products (especially since I have furniture pieces that are begging to be completed). Going to have to give this stuff a look! So jealous of your awesome samples! Thanks for sharing!
Donna Smith says
Thank you for posting! I just discovered your blog thru Pinterest and am LOVING it! I just bought a beautiful piece for a linen cupboard and was debating painting it…if I do, I am SO trying these paints. No brush strokes??? YIPPIE! Thanks!
Bernadette says
Sounds awesome, I’m wondering if I can use it to paint my bathroom cabinets. I was just about to start this project and instead of sanding and painting, sanding and painting, I’d like to use this paint. Will it work for this?
Diana Minutelli says
Not a “junky’ bookcase any longer is it? :0) Love the look and will now follow Velvet Finishes on FaceBook. I’d love to paint the top of my kitchen table….and a night stand….and a rocker….and daybed…and, you get my drift. Thanks!
Michelle says
Wow! Your post is so inspiring….I have passed up some great furniture pieces at thrift and habitat restore because I just didn’t think I would be able to paint them great like the bloggers do…this post is almost making me believe “I Can Do It”!
Most of the pieces I end up eyeing are old wood finishes that have not been painted….so most likely they have some type of varnish or topcoat? What do I need to do on stained wood pieces before using this paint?
THanks for sharing this paint with us.
Amanda Eck says
Woo hoo!!! It is FABULOUS!!! The pictures turned out amazing!! and I love the styling! well done friend! This is going to blow up in the DIY world!
Cyndy says
Thanks girl!! I agree, Kellie has really developed something amazing and its just what we all needed. Can’t wait for everyone to try it!
Sallie says
Cyndy, I should have sent you a note a year ago when I first started following your blog–I love it, and have found the Paint it Mondays especially helpful and inspiring!
I’d like to try this paint; have been wondering what the best paint would be for a Jenny Lind style crib and changing table for my first grandbaby.
Would this be a good option? I’m a little afraid to paint the crib at all since it’ll probably be gnawed upon at some point!
Would appreciate your thoughts, and thank you again for sharing your creative gifts with us!
Cyndy says
Thank you for your kind note Sallie! I think Velvet Finishes would be ideal for a crib because of the low VOC and the hard finish. I would also seal it with a good poly. Because cribs like this probably have a sealant on the finish already, I would use the “Ready” product that Velvet Finishes sells to prep the piece before painting. I think this product would be ideal because the paint is not going to flake off. Would love for you to send me pics if you decide to paint it. Thanks Sallie!
Donna Oliphint says
Wow! This is exciting. Do you think it would work on kitchen cabinets?
Cyndy says
Kellie says that cabinets are ideal to paint with Velvet Finishes because of the durable finish. However, I would still use the commercial grade poly top coat that she has because kitchen cabinets get such high traffic. With this finish, I would think it could really make old cabinets look new.
Christine says
Oh, how lovely! And different.
I don’t think people realize that the world is far too full of Old White/French Linen/Paris Gray/ and my least favorite, Duck Egg Blue furniture. It’s starting to create a genre of furniture that’s going to be almost as “eh” as MCM can be. 1980s furniture “updated” with all the same colors, all over the world.
I am already drooling over the blending possibilities. I’ve created my own finishes, usually by trial and error, but even have my own, successful “craqueleur” that isn’t in make-up sized jars for the price of gold. Come ON.
Thanks for the link. I’m glad they do samples, because that’s such a good way to dive in! 🙂
Cyndy says
I too can’t wait to really play with this stuff and blend. I’m getting ready to revamp my daughter’s room and these bold colors are going to be so fun and yep, so much easier (and cheaper)! Yep, I refused to “invest” in that jar and made my own as well! Ha! Thanks for stopping by Christine!
Mariella says
Hi Cindy,
As usual thanks for spreading the love. I just bought 2 paints and can’t wait to try it out!
-Mariella
Cyndy says
Oh, I can’t wait for you to try it Mariella! I would love for you to send me pics of your finished project. It’s pretty incredible stuff. Thanks for your note!
Julie Spear says
WOW!!! WOW!! WOW!!! this paint looks amazing, and your project is JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! I cant stop drooling over the photos, and the gorgeous wallpaper with it is SPOT ON!!! and that paint finish…. I want to eat it!
I am getting some of this paint right away! I did have one question: Did you think that the Velvet Finish poly topcoat was especially special? or that any old poly would work just as well? or I also wonder if an additional wax coat would make high traffic pieces durable enough?
I also wanted to say I just started following your blog via e-mail, and your posts are FANTASTIC! I agree with Mary above in saying that I know your readers appreciate your trying products and showing your results, that is super-helpful! And your superior eye for decor and great DIY projects is very inspirational, too. I am in love with this cabinet makeover, and I wish it was in MY dining room, right now, LOL!
Cyndy says
Thank you so much Julie! Sorry for the delay in thanking you for your comments but somehow I missed this is my comment queue. I so appreciate your kind words. I always like to use the same products that a paint line offers because they are designed to work together. You just never know with certainty if products will compliment the ingredients of each. With that said, you could certainly test out different things but I do have to say that I like the top coat a lot-Protect from Velvet Finishes. Thanks so much again Julie!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
I’m always on the lookout for new paint to try. This one looks yummy!
Shanna Gilbert says
This looks like some amazing paint! I run a furniture business from home and am always looking to try something different!
Kolene spicher says
Really like the brushless finish. Will keep this product in mind and thank you!
Janine says
Hi,
I’ll be honest, I didn’t read every question, so forgive me if this was already addressed. I’m thinking if the finish is super hard to scratch, it would be great for kitchen cabinets? I love the idea of no brush strokes and that I could get a great finish without hiring a professional…
Kellie Smith says
Hi Janine – I just sat down and read of the amazing comments on Cyndy’s blog post and saw your question. VF is wonderful for cabinetry! Email me through the VF website and we can discuss further if you like. (-: Kellie
Katherine Jewell says
Hello!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I can’t wait to try Velvet Finishes! I just inherited an old nightstand that came from my husbands grandparents condo and I was thinking about refinishing it. Being a “refinishing” virgin, I think this is the ticket to a successful attempt! Do you suggest the larger or smaller container of this paint? I plan on only doing the nightstand for now, which isn’t huge Also, how would this paint look if I were to finish it off with a light sanding, to give it a little antique-rustic look?
Thank you so much!
Kellie Smith says
Hi Katherine! VF distresses beautifully and easily! Check out the ‘projects’ page on the website and you will see a piece painted in Boheme that was distressed. I actually used an electric hand sander on that – it took me about 30 seconds! Otherwise use an 80 grit sandpaper block – just as easy, honestly.
Kellie (-:
Kristi says
Hi Cyndy,
I absolutely love how you styled your bookcase. Can you tell me where you found some of these pieces? I have been going to Home Goods every week but haven’t been able to put together something so nice. I religiously read your blog and find it very helpful.
Thanks!
Kristi
Cyndy says
Thank you so much Kristi for your sweet note! It made my night! Several of the accessories in the shelves that you see came from Kirkland’s! You can read more about which pieces I used here:https://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2014/02/fab-finds-from-kirklands.html Thank you again so much. I’m thrilled to hear that you follow along! Cheers friend!
Kristi says
Thanks Cyndy! I did stalk that post out after I had send my comment. Where did you get that squiqqly silver thing with the greenery on it and the other silver pieces, like the long silver footed thing with the three green balls?
Sorry to be annoying!
Kristi
Cyndy says
That is an old piece that I have had for years (that squiggly thing). The long silver footed stand came from High Fashion Home in Houston. I bet you could give them a call and have them ship to you. The green balls came from Hobby Lobby. I hope that helps Kristi!
Michelle says
I just found your blog and just started browsing..I couldn’t believe it when I saw this bookcase! I bought the same one years ago at Hobby Lobby as well!! We are moving to a new house and I am going to try my hand at painting all my old black furniture white or light grey! This tutorial is absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to try this line of paint on this and other items!! Not sure if this was answered yet, but how did you do the wallpaper back? I have never experimented with wallpaper yet so I wasn’t sure if it went on normally on furniture like this! Can’t wait to read the rest of your blog and learn about your projects!
Jen says
I just received my paint and tested it out. I had a few questions that I know with your expertise you can help with. I tested it out on one of my son’s step stools (I am eventually painting a twin bed). The color looks great (no brush strokes) but to the touch it still feels really chalky and not really smooth. Would the top coat make it more like a pottery barn furniture finished look? Also, the bed I am eventually painting is from pottery barn. The finish isn’t glossy, its just really smooth and nice to the touch. Why do you have to lightly sand/and use the ready first? Wouldn’t painting on a smooth service be better. I’m new to the furniture painting so these things still confuse me. I love what you did with your daughters pb dressers, too.
Kellie Smith says
Hi Jen! So excited that you are trying out Velvet Finishes!
Our product has no chalk, what you are feeling in the finish is really the fact that the finish is a low matte – so it does feel sort of like a flat paint. For step stools, you definitely need to use the PROTECT product, just simply due to the amount and type of use.
As far as whether you sand or not, a good basic rule of thumb – for any paint product – is that if there is a shine, it’s always best to take it off. Shine can = slippery and may not give (any) paint enough of a surface to ‘grip’. Does that make sense? However, if your piece isn’t shiny or super slick feeling, then you can probably just start painting! When in doubt, always do a test spot.
I’m going to let Cyndy follow up with this since you are also painting a PB piece, she can tell you what, if anything, she did to prep her piece.
Let me know if I did not address all of your questions – and please share your pictures! We are excited to see! Kellie
Cyndy says
Hi Jen!
Velvet Finishes is a matte finish. It’s smooth but smooth in a velvet kind of way if that makes sense. Kellie described it well, almost like a flat finish because of the matte but of course far more durable than flat paint. I just used Velvet Finishes on three PB pieces and I lightly sanded with a sanding sponge in the finest grit to get the top PB sheen off. The sheen on pieces from stores like PB are smooth but because they are too smooth, paint needs something a little rougher to stick to if that makes sense. I didn’t sand for long, just enough time to take the top sheen off and rough up. I then used ready and waited till it dried and did several coats of the Velvet Finishes (drying in between layers). Aside from using “Ready”, I did not use a primer with the Velvet Finishes. Be sure and use the finest grit sanding sponge you can find. Anything more will leave lines.
I hope that helps Jen! We would love for you to send in pictures of your finished piece(s)! We’re doing a Velvet Finishes round up in a couple weeks and I would love to include your project. Thanks so much!
Michelle says
WOW this sounds so amazing!!!! I am obsessed already and MUST use this for something, although I don’t even have any projects lined up after I finish what I’m doing right now. Going to have to find something else to paint! hehe
Danielle says
I apologize if this was addressed in a previous comment. Is this just a low VOC paint? CeCe Caldwell is no VOC and that’s a big win when painting in the house and worrying about offsets after it’s dry.
Denise says
The color you made seems perfect for my bedroom. I’d like to ask about the wallpaper you used. It’s beautiful, the color and geometrics. Can you share the name and where you purchased it?
Brittany says
I’m hoping to try my Velvet Finishes paint on my son’s picnic table- it will be used outside. Should I use something different or maybe its best to apply a sealer afterwards? I love this paint and definitely want to use it for this project if possible. Thanks!
Ashley says
Hi Cyndy! I have been bingeing on your blog all morning (just found it yesterday in BHG). I came across this post on velvet finishes paint and I am seriously intrigued! All of a sudden I want to paint everything! Since I have a three and a half year old and a ten month old I have a beautiful kitchen that we remodeled three and a half years ago (ha!) and a living room that I am completely tired of but have no time or money to shop for. But if this paint is as easy as you say it is to work with, perhaps I can squeeze in a coat during nap times! The only hard part now is figuring out if my furniture pieces will look good painted, and what color!
Kathy says
I love the wallpaper used to line the shelves. Can you share where you found it?
Sania Dewan says
I need to find something like this in India. I know its a long shot, but any clue?
Carol Cromell says
My cabinets were painted white, my painter then used your velvet finish protect. I’m not sure if she didn’t put enough solution on the cabinets, because there are streaks of dull areas and areas of protect. Can I go over these dull areas with protect ?
Anissa says
Is there any other store I can buy this paint at, or do I have to go through their website? I was hoping to start a project that this seems perfect for this weekend..
Cyndy says
Unfortunately, it’s only available right now online.
chris shook says
Can the Ready project be used in conjunction with another brand of paint, such as Behr, for wood projects?
Joanna says
Thank you for your post. How does this compare to chalk paint? Chalk paint is easy but I wasn’t too happy with the finish. I’m looking for something that doesn’t look like a home craft project.