My Top Paints and Their Differences

[@cogginsjeffrey]

so glad i found your channel. so informative and i love the emphasis on the VOCs which is skipped by other reviews. thank you.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Jeffrey Coggins hi thank you - I’m glad you found me too! Thank you for watching!

[@ColeenLCGjoni-ms5bt]

Wow, this video was so helpful for a newbie. Well done!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Oh good I’m so glad, thank you for watching!

[@barbaracronin4164]

Thank you for your comparison between AS and WO! Answered more than one question for me. Thanks

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Of course! Thank you for watching!!

[@livmuller7109]

great video! I was going to paint my bedroom set and have a bit of distressed look. Would you suggest fusion or Annie slone? I have used both but would love to you which you would use.

[@katrinalynn11]

You are awesome answering back so soon. I love your videos and great advise. I am in the middle of bend watching your videos today. Painting old buffet that was in family and living room pieces. Thank you!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Katie lynn of course! Thank you so much! Thank you for watching 😀 - oh nice, have fun!

[@shellyphillips7468]

I'm so glad I found your videos! I'm looking to refinish a leggy federal revival sideboard. The previous owner used a chalk-like paint on it and didn't get a great finish. It's smooth, just not pretty to look at. 😆 I'm a total novice to furniture painting. Which would you suggest to be more forgiving with brush strokes? I'm not picky about the sheen, more so just the ease of application and forgiveness when it comes to being a beginner. I'm not going for a distressed look, if that helps. 😊

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Me too! So I love Lilly moon paint, fusion mineral paint and melange - they all are self leveling and easy to work with - I would Suggest a water mister bottle too so you can ease the application and reduce brushstrokes from setting too quick and over working the piece. A good brush is also key - I love Zibra, cling on and staalmeester

[@shellyphillips7468]

Awesome, thank you! This is super helpful. ❤️

[@lisafreebairn7736]

I just did a huge built-in bookcase with General Finishes white in the satin. Oh my gosh! I feel like it is a best kept secret in the furniture painting world. Seems like everyone uses Dixie Belle or Annie. I lovvvvvvvved General Finishes. It goes on so so smooth. It is self leveling and remains open for a very long time. It is such a forgiving paint. It is a fantastic product.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Yes its a great paint! So glad it came out well and you love it! Thanks for sharing

[@annmeyer7610]

Can you explain how you would use the Annie Sloane Chalk paint in your blending, with the fusion Stain and FO to get that lovely driftwood / blond wood top to a piece? Would you paint on the Chalk paint first and then go over with the stain and FO and then remove? Also, can you tell us the difference (if there is one) between the milk paint here in this video and the Fusion milk paint? You mentioned Chippy vs water based? Is that the distinction, and if so, what is the difference with the look? I will try to look through your milk paint videos. I am considering doing a large hutch in a milk paint, rather than mineral. And I have several pieces (previously painted or stained) that I want to change the top to achieve your beautiful soft wood/ blond / driftwood look, which is looks clean, elegant, soft, and just beautiful. Thank you for your superb instruction. You are the best out there.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I have never done a video on the look using Annie - it is a better process taught in my one on ones that in a quick tutorial - but the jist of the look is I take 5 complimentary colors light, mid and 1 dark. I do a base color and then with a misting water bottle I add one color at a time blending one into the the other. It is a look that is best done on a clean surface, sometimes I start with bare wood, just depends on the condition of the piece. I don't use the SFO over the annie, thats a whole different look. You are welcome - thank you for watching!

[@tracietarr1513]

Love your channel and videos are very informative. I am newer to painting furniture. I started with Annie Sloan and love it. I am planning on spraying my bedroom furniture. I like the General Finishes darker stain for the dresser tops. I wanted to spray a light cream or grey on the remaining piece. Any suggestions on which paint to spray? I never used Wise Owl or General Finishes paint. Thanks

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I love Fusion Mineral Paint, Melange One, Lilly Moon Paint and Country Chic. GF is still a great paint I just don’t use it as often. I primarily spray and all of these paints spray beautifully

[@sherryjohnston4477]

Because you definitely recommended General Finishes Milk paint I bought it. When I get home from vacation I am going to use it. what type of brush do you recommend? and also do you always clean with scotch pad and use the denatured alcohol on furniture before using it. I never did this with chalk paint when I used that.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I love my cling on brushes - my favorite is the F50. No, in California denatured alcohol is not available - I use Krud kutter and then wipe clean with a damp rag, I have a video on here about prepping 😀

[@fineartlifestyling]

What happened to Dixie Belle’s Silk all in One? I felt like in your last video you absolutely loved it. I guess it didn’t quite make the list compared to Fusion Mineral?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

DB is a good paint, unfortunately I cannot support a company that I don’t believe in any longer. For me, it’s not just about the product, it’s the customer service and the way a company treats its people.

[@apriljones1371]

So happy I found your channel. Very informative and entertaining. Thank you

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I’m glad you found me too! Thank you so much!

[@sharoncalloway8128]

Hello, I need help in selecting a color for a old cherry bedroom dresser and 2 night stands that I want to paint. Not sure if I should do it gray or off white. Do you know of any pretty colors you could recommend?? Love watching your videos. Thanks!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Hi and Thank You! There are so many nice neutrals out now. I am a big fan of Fusion Mineral Paint and Lilly Moon Paint. Fusion - Raw Silk is a classic, Sterling or Cobblestone are nice greys. In Lilly moon - Ivory Coast, Mountain Mist or Morning Haze - all great colors

[@sharoncalloway8128]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it. Now I need to figure this all out.

[@amandaprice324]

Hi loving your videos. So I’ve been using Annie Sloan chalk paint to redo all my furniture at home and love it bc I don’t have to sand prior. But I want to do my china hutch a solid black and don’t like the wax or matte finish for it. What paint would you recommend from the ones you listed. I would be painting in my house. Thanks

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Amanda Price thank you so much! I would recommend fusion (has a built in top coat) or General finishes milk paint (self sealing) but great paints and once cured very durable - the fusion is more of a matte finish and GF has a stain like sheen

[@tableflippinghousewife]

Great review! Do you have an issue with “dusty” fingerprints on your darker colors? I find I still need to top coat the Fusion and Dixie Belle Silk because if I don’t, I leave white dusty smudges when I touch it - especially the darker colors.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Yes that is very common with dark colors, I always topcoat my darks. Fusion is a matte finish so it does tend to show more, as for Dixie Belle silk - I don’t use it much anymore but I have done black and navy without issue in the silk line.

[@lisacavil8729]

I am a novice and am doing some research as I am thinking of painting my kitchen cabinets. I see in a video you had from about a year ago that you did like and recommending Heirloom Traditions. I like the idea of the potential of deglossing/degreasing and painting. (Less stress with that.) I also hear you in this video caution against "no prep," which I agree with. Have you changed your opinion of Heirloom Traditions? I am worried that, as a novice the quick drying of the Wise Owl could be problematic for me. Any advice/input is much appreciated!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Lisa Cavil hi. I am glad you are doing your research before jumping in - so important to find a paint that works for you. Heirloom is not s bad paint, but no I don’t plan on buying it again and using. If your looking for an all in one type Paint - you could try Sherwin Williams emerald urethane, General finishes brushable white enamel (which can be tinted if you have a retailer in your area that will do it). General finishes milk paint with their high performance top coat is a great combo. I don’t use fusion much anymore but it has a top coat built in and a lot of people use for cabinets.

[@lisacavil8729]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique Thank you. I very much appreciate the response!

[@vicstewart4849]

I also spray furniture. I use an Apollo 3 stage turbine. Do you thin your paints down? How many coats?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I do but it depends on the paint, some need no thinning, some need just a bit snd some need a lot. I don’t use it anymore I just eyeball now (been doing so much you just get used to it) I would recommend using a viscosity cup snd time the run through - between 35-40 is a sweet spot for most paints, it again depends on the consistency of each paint. Coats also depends on the paint brand and their coverage, as well as color (whites are notorious for needling more coats), and if you prime. On average 2-3 coats.

[@lin-bf3we]

Hi, love your review videos. They're so helpful. Just wondering which one is more durable for kitchen cabinets, GF milk paint or Wise owl enamel? Thanks 😊

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

lin thank you! Wise owl one hour enamel. It’s a different formula intended for a hard durable quick dry finish. GF milk paint with a top coat is equally as durable or they make a brushable enamel and an enduro poly which would be comparable to the wise owl.

[@lin-bf3we]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique thank you so much ♥️

[@amyjacob2100]

I finally ordered some General Finishes milk paint on Amazon. Looking forward to it arriving soon. I’ve been painting furniture for a year, starting off with cheaper paints because they were affordable. Tried a few expensive lines but just wasn’t in love with those. I hope I love General Finishes as much as you do! Thank you for the reviews. I love your videos.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Amy Jacob I think you will really like this paint, it is one of my favs to use. Keep me posted how you like it. Of course and thank you for watching! Happy painting!

[@amyjacob2100]

Born in a Barn Boutique wow! This paint is awesome! So smooth and levels so nicely. After using Rust-oleum milk paint for so long, I’m having to really change my perception of the finish! Lol. Not a bad thing, just new for me. Love that GF has so many colors to use also! Thank you again for the great reviews.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Amy Jacob I am so glad you gave it a try and like it. Yes with any new paint you kind of have to get used to all the things about it. All paints are not the same for sure. Thanks for the update! If. Of course!

[@carflk916]

I've been very pleased with general finishes milk paint.

[@stitchingbythemoon]

Thank you so much for this video. I started watching as I was looking for reviews for the Annie Sloan chalk paint, but now I'm wondering if I should use the General Finishes milk paint. Decisions decisions!!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Absolutely! Both are great paints, but very different! As I mentioned in the video - I use Annie for blending (its great for that), GF is a great durable paint with a nice satin finish and its easy to work with because its is self leveling and self sealing!

[@stitchingbythemoon]

Born in a Barn Boutique Thank you!! Just watching your video on the milk paint. Love your videos!!

[@natalieramsey4091]

Hi I was wondering with the fusion stain and finishing oil if you were using that on a table top that was going to be high traffic like a dinner table would you still do the general finishes high-performance on top?? Thank u! Also you said you like to do the drift wood luck do you combine two different stains and which ones are your favorite also what is your technique?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

No the stain and finishing oil is durable on its own - the finishing oil is the top coat. It was made for flooring and extremely durable. I have a another video on here that you can watch - actually 2 showing how I blend the stains for a different look

[@sandraatzen8638]

Just what I was looking for, thank you ! Do you think using GF stain blocker would be compatiable with a wise owl 1 hour enamel sprayed on? Redoing my kitchen cabinets. Thank you

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Yes I have used GF stainblocker with many different paint lines and wise owl too

[@sandraatzen8638]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique thank you so much for answering !!!!!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

@@sandraatzen8638 Of Course :)

[@nfinance2]

Which paint would you use on barrel chairs that have a lot of spindles? Using a brush, not a sprayer. Wanting to paint black.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I would use an all in one - I like melange one - I like fusion mineral paint - or General finishes makes brushable enamel and you can have it tinted black

[@katrinalynn11]

Thank you for sharing. Have you ever used chippy barn paint or diy paint? Chippy barn is sold on amazon so easy to order. Thank you

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Katie lynn yes I have used both and have reviews on here about them. I use the chippy barn (newer to it, but love it). I would order direct though, you will pay less for it - they are more costly $36.95 vs. $31.95 on Amazon with $12.95 for shipping on one can, and also they don’t carry half the colors the website does. I have ordered from the chippy barns site several times, no issues, fast shipping, never out of stock. It’s a great paint, the only reason I didn’t include in my video was because I just started regularly using it). DIY was ok, not one I have really used after my review.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Katie lynn also you can order General Finishes on Amazon, pretty much the same prices as in store and free shipping

[@louannheerspink1255]

Love, Love your channel! So helpful. Have you tried Benjamin Moore Advanced paint?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Thank you so much! I have on doors but not on Furniture!

[@rosemaryflee]

When using the Wise Owl enamel paint do you use Wise Owl primer or can you use any primer? Great video!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Hi - you don't have to use their primer. You can use any primer of your choosing! Thank you for watching!

[@lyndseymcswain5991]

I am wanting to paint my builder grade kitchen cabinets. What do you suggest? Any tips/tricks are greatly appreciated! Thank you

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Lyndsey McSwain hi there - so I painted my long ago and they still look great - but knowing what I know about different paints here are my suggestions: General Finishes Milk Paint, or their Brushable Enamel, Wise Owl Paint one hour enamel or Fusion Mineral Paint. All good durable finish paints, the first 2 even more so. There are other option by Benjamin Moore that I know a lot of people use I just can’t speak to that first hand because I have not tried that

[@lyndseymcswain5991]

Ok. Thank you so much. I've looked into Annie Sloan and heard pros/cons. Then a new one is Heritage traditions?? Just wanted to hear from someone who works with different paints. I don't want to start a huge project and it end up in disaster. Thanks for your advice!!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

@@lyndseymcswain5991 Of course. Mine are actually done with Annie Sloan (it was my first paint and I still use it today). Mine have have held up beautifully for 6 years and have no complaints. Its just knowing what I know now, there are so many easier options and durable finishes all in one. It is a huge project and so yes I understand!

[@annerewey9187]

Super helpful. I have learned more from your videos than the manufacturer videos!! Is there a spray (can) lacquer you have used and would recommend? Im working on a side table and unhappy with brush marks from my chalk paint.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Thank you so much! There are a few spray polys you can use. I don't personally use them but other furniture artists have used Rustoleoum Spray water based poly. Its tricky using the spray can, you have to watch out for striping. I use General Finishes High Performance top coat, I use a turbine sprayer. It also goes on well with a nice brush. If you have brush strokes from your paint, you can lightly sand them out prior to top coating.

[@annerewey9187]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique Thanks a mil. Can you tell me the brushes you use? I know you say them on your videos but its hard to catch the brand. Would you use the General Finishes high performance top coat over the Rustoleum or instead of it?? You are so helpful. I wish I watched your review of Anne Sloan chalk paints before I bought and used the Amy Howard paints. You gave more helpful information on how to use chalk paint than the Amy Howard videos!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Anne Rewey of course! Cling On brushes are my favorites! I use GF topcoat over all my paints and stains - it’s awesome. I’m so glad!

[@kellycato253]

Hello, I just found you channel. I am going to be making wood door hanger signs and other wood things. My question is if you were just starting out again what paint line would you pick? I would like to invest in one line and eventually start an Etsy shop. I would like to offer high end safe painted pieces.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

HI there! Thank you for watching! I would go with my top paint line I use now. General Finishes. Their products are all very good, from their milk paint to the topcoats. Their milk paint is self leveling, self sealing and has a nice low lustre sheen. It is a an easy paint for beginners to get used to as well. It has low VOC's. Good luck to you in your new business!

[@d.rogers4184]

The problem I have with Anne Sloan is the coverage and that could be because I didn't water it enough but one quart did not go very far. Dixie Belle went farther.

[@snaubdca7yebf]

Can you use flow aid with fusion to help with the brush strokes?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Yes you can use floetrol if you want, or water to help ease of application.

[@snaubdca7yebf]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique thank you

[@user-uz1iz8zb1y]

What would be your recommendation for an enamel or (hard finish) that is good for brushing?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Anne Hoerner I would recommend wise owl paint one hour enamel or Sherwin Williams emerald urethane - both brushable and super durable

[@lucarvian]

We are looking for non-toxic and it seems that Fusion is the only option for us. We have used it and I would say it it is more of a satin than matte. Matte really has no sheen whatsoever, whereas the Fusion has a slight sheen.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

There are a few paints are low or no VOC paints on the market (a few since this video 3 years ago). Lilly Moon Opulent is a great choice and has a nice sheen. I have worked with Fusion for a long time and am a creator for them - I know the paint well - their formula is a matte finish (flat has 0 sheen, whereas matte can have a very slight sheen and some colors tend to carry a bit more sheen (but darker colors especially are prone to fingerprinting and dust as they are a matte formula) - they even describe each color on the site and classify the sheen as matte. Its a great paint and still love after all these years

[@dianacease8546]

Thanks so much!

[@lindy9137]

Have you tried Good Bones Furniture Paint?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

No until just now I haven’t heard of it and I thought I knew most all of them! I just checked them out online - interesting

[@janie3117]

Do any of these work well on laminate cabinets?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

You can, I would suggest using a bonding primer - Fusion makes Ultra Grip and Lilly Moon Paint makes a great bonding primer - I have discounts for both if you would like either

[@charmangonzalez2807]

Do you know if Fusion Mineral paint can be applied with a sponge?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Yes it can, you may find it a little challenging, but everyone has their preference. I have used painting sponges with it, but I find that is soaks up a lot of paint, if you try foam brushes I am not sure you would be happy with the finish of the overall look. I say, practice on something and see what works for you!

[@kristieleighauthor]

Have you tried the heirloom?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

I have yes, I have a dedicated video on it here 😀

[@maryloudoyle8280]

My first was Annie Sloan, too. Then I tried Wise Owl. I’m using a lot of Dixie Belle which is the most used by major furniture sellers on KZbin. Wise Owl One-hour enamel is fabulous. You do NOT mention that FUSION is made in Canada and costs $12-15. for shipping on Amazon. All retailers listed on their site are in Canada.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Collie Chronicles with LilyMae Doyle yes Fusion is made in Canada but available throughout the US at all sorts of retailers, not just Canada. I don’t mention amazon because of that (I would never pay or recommend it because is the shipping costs). I buy my fusion local and there are so many retailers that do sell it and ship for less. Maybe check again their website, they 100% sell throughout the US.

[@maryloudoyle8280]

Born in a Barn Boutique thank you! Totally understand that. On their website, it’s only locations in Canada. I’ll have to ask around.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Collie Chronicles with LilyMae Doyle strange they have an option in person or online and then you can choose a region - Asia, Australia, Europe, Italy, North America and UK. There is also a Facebook group you can join - Paint it Beautiful - there are all sorts of retailers that belong to the group you can reach out to see as well. Good luck

[@maryloudoyle8280]

Born in a Barn Boutique yes, correct. I did that. Three times. 😬You are so kind to respond. Appreciate your info. ❤️

[@kathyl5610]

Collie Chronicles with LilyMae Doyle Fusion Mineral Paint is wonderful! I buy it local here in NY but I have bought it online at Savvy Swatch and I bought 2 and the shipping was only $5.00.

[@shannonbooth6208]

Thank you 🙏 so much !!!!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

You are so welcome! 😀

[@claudiaguzman6092]

Thank you!

[@tylerpcriner9406]

Hi, Love your channel. Have you tried Heirloom All-in-one paint? If so, your opinion please. If not, can you test it please? I respect your opinion. Thank you.

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Tyler P Criner Hi there! Thank you so much. Yes if you search the channel you will find it, I did do a review on it a bit ago! Thank you for watching!

[@tatyana7266]

thank you for the review!

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Of course!

[@itsmargemrssimpsonifyanast2016]

What paint would you recommend for floors?

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

Mrs Mom that’s a tough one because floors are so heavily trafficked. One product comes to mind General finishes brushable ehite enamel (it’s a paint and poly in one). Very durable. There are other paints I know people have used on floors (fusion, Benjamin Moore), but all should be top coated.

[@itsmargemrssimpsonifyanast2016]

@@BorninaBarnBoutique thank you so much! If I'm going to put in that much work, I want to be sure it will hold up a while. I appreciate your help. 🙂

[@BorninaBarnBoutique]

@@itsmargemrssimpsonifyanast2016 Absolutely! Good luck!