New around here? Not sure where to start with Rethunk Junk Paint- well you've come to the right place. We love RTJ paint- and get asked all the time what can you paint with it? Answer- LOTS.
But before we get to what you can paint let's start with the basics.
Can I really start my project without sanding??
With a Rethunk Junk product for you to use (the Prep) and then you really DON'T sand and you really DON'T prime!!! You jump in and paint.
Will it cover in one coat?
You can always quit after one coat….if that’s the look you want. Lots of lines that advertise one coat also have a lot of fine print on the dry time before you start your second coat. We tell you up front – it’s gonna be two coats. You want your piece to be beautiful? Two coats.
What’s the dry time with your products?
There are more than a few lines out there that require 12 to 24 hours dry time, between coats, before you wax, before you glaze, before you touch it-not this! Turn on a fan – and you can get your piece dry in 20-30 mins. What allows us to teach a paint class in two hours – you paint a piece of furniture in ours and take it home completed….most other lines allow you to complete an 8 inch piece of molding! They cant offer the furniture option because unless you bring jammmies, there isn’t time to complete it!
How safe are the products?
Have you giggled at the “safe” products out there that recommend specific types of face masks and gloves and actually warn of the risk of respiratory issues – tell you to make sure you’re working in a well ventilated area – allude to health risks….it’s kinda scary. RTJ products have virtually no odor at all….are completely safe to use – all water based – and some of Laura's kids even swear one of our colors tastes like egg nog. (yes – they tasted it!)
What brushes should I use?
We just recommend a nice quality brush. No expensive options for sale by us….just use a good brush.
Bottom line? We LOVE to paint – we want you to LOVE to paint. We want your experience to be a positive one…..so whether you choose our product line (great choice) or another one…..please read ALL the fine print and make sure you’re getting what you THINK you’re getting!
Tips for a successful project-
Prep
Spray the Prep onto your furniture piece or your cabinets. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes. Then take a clean cloth and wipe it down. No rinsing necessary. If the piece is super shiny it’s a great idea to wipe it down with a green scrubby pad and then prep again with a clean cloth.
How do you know if you “prepped” correctly? This is a super important step….the Prep replaces the need to sand so you want to do it right. You can actually SEE the shine reduced – or gone completely – when you have prepped correctly. You can also feel a slightly sticky feeling and the rag will kinda drag. THAT’S how you know if you have prepped correctly.
Let's Paint
Once you’re finished Prepping, you can start painting! The first coat won’t look pretty This coat is your bonding coat – don’t make it too thick… it will dry quickly and adhere fabulously.
Once you have prepped well… painted your first coat….and then added additional coats till you have the look that makes you swoon , you can now distress. I am a fan of the Ryobi handheld sander and 80 grit sandpaper but this is one “rule” where you are free to branch out and make some choices on your own. Haha. Sand by hand, use a lighter grit, wet distress –you choose! Or – heaven forbid – don’t distress at all!
This is optional – but gorgeous. Choose one of our 3 fabulous glaze colors ( Antique Brown – formerly known as Dark Glaze, Classic Black Glaze or Soft White Glaze). Brush the glaze on your project and then use a LIGHTLY damp cloth and a gentle touch to blend/erase the glaze till you get the look you want. Glazing can take a minute to get the hang of but you CAN do it!!!
When you’re finished, we recommend sealing horizontal or high use surfaces. Our Tuff Top can be applied with a quality brush and is a super durable product. Occasionally there are oils in some woods that can cause a yellow tint when the Tuff Top is applied. No problem!! Just add a couple of tablespoons of paint to your Tuff Top and problem solved!
Here's some more info and photos of before and afters and different things you can paint.
What would you paint if you knew you couldn’t fail?
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