Choosing chalk paint

Customer service is key, well in my opinion anyway. Yesterday I was in the process of choosing paint for a client and aside from the quality of the product itself, it was the customer service I received from the company that helped me make my final choice.

The brief: source suitable paint for lime plastered walls

The contenders: lime wash paint vs. clay paint

The winner: Earthborn

Originally the builder responsible for the work on this project had suggested we go for lime wash paint, as this it traditionally works best on porous surfaces such as lime plaster and lime render. Despite it being an ancient paint made from limestone which has good breathability, anti-bacterial and insecticidal properties (woodworm and death-watch beetle hate it) and hence suited to older dwellings, I'm just not a fan of it. You see, when it's applied on porous surfaces, any dampness in the background material causes shading, which means the coverage obtained isn't uniform. The paint itself tends to be quite thin and over time can easily rub off. For a much more solid finish with better general coverage I would suggest chalk paint as an alternative.

It was at this point I had to make my choice between my two main contenders; Nutshell Natural Paints and Earthborn Paints. Both are fantastic natural eco paints that have won awards and have the highest of eco-friendly credentials. I spoke with both companies about the suitability of their paints on lime plastered walls and got all the gen about each of the brands.

So how did I make my choice? I love the mellow Earthborn claypaint colours as they perfectly suit this project, the paint itself is free from vinyl and oil but is still thick and creamy, hard wearing and breathable and the guy on the end of the phone was so helpful. He was totally clued up and forthcoming with technical information plus he was a genuinely nice seeming chap, all chatty with time to spend telling me all about the Earthborn brand and paints. I still like the Nutshell range and the colour matching service they offer and I have no doubt I will use them on future projects, however yesterday my thumbs up went to Earthborn and it will be their White clay paint and possibly Smidgen that will be covering some 16th century cottage walls in Devon very soon!

www.homerestyler.co.uk

Beautiful period style homeware with a dash of English nostalgia

Every so often a request hits the right spot and inspires me to blog about it and share the love. So today I'd very much like to let you into a secret. Ok, so not exactly a secret, because this fab online boutique has been building it reputation since it launched in late 2010, but it's just had a complete overhaul and relaunch and is crammed to the brim with a range of new products. So if you're looking for period style homeware and accessories for your modern period home this is where it's at.

Victorian style cast iron rim lock

Grace & Glory harks back to the past, with a feeling of English nostalgia but is constantly evolving to encompass new trends and materials. As such this beautiful online boutique offers products for classic period properties and more contemporary homes alike.  The collection includes a select range of indoor and outdoor lighting, kitchen and utility ware, ceramics and other beautiful home accessories.

colourful ceramic hat & coat hooks

What stands Grace & Glory out from the crowd is it's impressive range of period hardware. Whether you're looking for brass door knockers, nickel finger plates or rim locks and latches, you'll be sure to find them. What's more Grace & Glory offer a period homeware sourcing service, so if they don't stock what you're searching for, just ask, I'm sure they'll be able to track it down for you.

raw oak towel ladder

Brompton table lamp

Psst... if you find something you like on their website, click onto their newsletter here and you'll get 10% off your order. You can't say I never give you anything *wink*

www.homerestyler.co.uk