Purdy darn good

A few weeks a go a representative from Purdy emailed and asked if I would be interested in trying one of their paint brushes to review on my blog. A free paint brush? I just have to try it out and tell my good friends what I thought? Sure!

Last week this arrived in the mail.

The Purdy Prep and Paint Kit. Do you have one of those 6 in 1 tools? It's very handy for so many things. I had one before receiving this kit and I use it all the time. I was trilled to get a new one.

I put it to work right away when putting up the beadboard wallpaper in the living room. It worked like a charm removing the double stick tape holding down this cord hider thing. (don't you like that extremely technical name?)

I was able to remove the stubborn tape without damaging the sheet rock in the process.

I mentioned in my last post I painted all that furniture by hand instead of spraying. The main reason for that was I didn't want to drag all that stuff out in the yard. One, because it's heavy and I'm weak, and two, because I have to be able to keep a close eye on Bayleigh. I can paint in the living room while she plays. In the yard, there is too much trouble for her to get into. I could get Mitch to do it for me, that's what I usually do, but honestly, he's just so busy, I decided to give him a break from my shenanigans for a change.

Two of the pieces had been painted with oil paint, so I knew they would have to be primed first. I've not been a big primer in the past, but I am now. I used Zinser Bulls Eye. it dries fast, is easy to apply and two coats gives a base for a smooth as silk paint finish. I used my Purdy brush and a small foam roller for smooth finishes.

For paint I went with Behr Premium paint + primer, so I guess I could have skipped the primer on the pieces that didn't have oil paint, but they had stain finishes and I didn't want any dark wood tones bleeding through, so everything got two coats of primer.

I've always heard it said, you get what you pay for when it comes to paint and brushes. I've bought cheap brushes and I've bought pricier brushes, but have never really found one that made me say wow, this is a good brush. I got my money's worth. That was until I tried a Purdy brush, and I'm not talking about the free one. I told the lady who emailed me that I actually owned and loved a Purdy brush, but she sent me one anyway. I don't mind one bit sharing with you that if you need to buy a paint brush, go ahead and pick up a Purdy. I don't know what it is that makes it better, but I just know paint goes on smoothly and most importantly for me, the bristles don't fall out. Ever. They clean beautifully, even if you are lazy, super busy and forget to clean them right away. I'm not saying they clean any easier than other brushes, but once they are cleaned they hold their shape and work as good as new. Even if the paint has dried on for several days, and you have to soak the brush in laquer thinner. The brush will come out good as new...or so I'm told, I'd never do such a thing. (Cough, cough)

Until this week, I would have told you, spraying is the best way to go when it comes to painting furniture. While I still feel like it's pretty darn groovy when you can get your cute hubby with his mad paint spraying skills to do the work for you, I've learned you can get a beautiful finish if you are willing to take your time. I think several things were key in getting  a smooth even finish. Primer. I was not a big primer user before, now I'll be sure to keep some on hand. A quality brush. Even if it weren't free, I'd still recommend a Purdy, and quality paint. It may cost a little more, but you'll use less. The last thing I did was use paste wax on the flat surfaces. It doesn't really add any sheen, just gives more depth of color, if that makes sense, and also provides a nice layer of protection.

OK, my little infomercial is over. Happy painting, friends.

Comments

[Amber Carrillo]

We only buy Purdy brushes - the cheap ones just don't work like they do....love the paste wax finish - I'll have to try that whenever I paint again!

[domesticali]

I'd buy one if they sold them over here. Having just spent 3 days painting (and picking off dropped bristles).

[Autum]

HI Ali!
It drives me crazy when a brush loses its bristles all over what Im paining. I can honestly say Ive never had it happen with a Purdy brush. Sorry they arent available on your side of the pond.

[blop]

Those Purdy brushes are the BEST...I use only those when I want a nice finish. Those cheepy chip brushes are fine for little no nothing projects, but when you want the real deal...purdy all the way!! I have had some of my brushes for over 10 years and they still look new and hold their shape...Love 'em!!

[Denise Fahr]

I bought the Zinser Bulls Eye primer for the sunroom. It works great! The walls that I am painting are a very glossy pine wood. This primer works great on it but I did have to do a few touch up spots due to the knots in the wood. The final decision was a very faint celery green ceiling and cream colored walls. Jim just can't grasp the concept of a colored ceiling. Oh well, he's not painting it so he doesn't get a say! ;)

[Autum]

I cant wait to see how it looks! I know it will be great. I would love to have interesting ceilings instead of yucky stippled ones.
I was so happy to read Jims wonderful news today : )
Mitch settled in to the fact long, long ago that he gets no say when it comes to decorating the house.  Poor guy!

[Chel]

Does the wax give a stronger finish? I have a white round table that I use as an bedside table in the kids room and they chip paint off and I have to repaint constantly.

[Autum]

Hi Chel,

I dont know if it gives a stronger finish. I like it because the finish itself doesnt scratch. It protects the paint and makes it easy to clean, but its not like another layer that can be scratched or chipped.  Does that make sense? You can get a really strong good looking finish with polyacrylic. Have you tried that? It is a water based product that dries quickly. 
My previous kitchen table was painted white with a wax finish, and it held up nicely. Maybe the waxy coating makes the surface more slick, helping  to prevent some chipping ???

One thing Id mention, if you do wax it, you want to be sure to get it all off if you ever want to repaint. That may  be a bit of an issue.

Hope Ive not completely confused you : )

Autum

[pool contruction arizona]

Careful selection of your building contractor is crucial. Invite several reputable building contractors to quote on the blank Bills of Quantities and give a specific return date for the quotes.