Water based Lime & Chalk paint from Autentico

Blog
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James likes modern design. I prefer older stuff. He likes crisp lines. I prefer curves. He likes crates. I prefer baskets. He likes making furniture. I prefer restoring it.


This could be a recipe for disaster but luckily, we both agree that when it comes to decor, we like the ‘distressed’ look and we also both appreciate good quality paint products that do what they are meant to. So I was really intrigued to hear that Tony Cox has become a distributor for Autentico paint products.


If the name Tony Cox rings a bell, it’s because he’s not only an SFN member but also the man behind Screwpak.



Screwpak is based in dept. 46 in a small village called Le Vigan, about 4km from Gourdon.


The 300sq m showroom has been open for just under three years and Screwpak has just been appointed as the Autentico distributor for France. They’ve just had a paint tinting machine installed which enables them to mix and supply the whole range of Autentico colours, no less than 140 of them! Over the next few months, they’ll be adding to their stock until they eventually carry the entire Autentico product range.


Tony explains “We looked long and hard at the current market for Chalk and Lime paint products and found that in terms of quality, ease of use, colour range and price, nothing came close to Autentico. This is a product that we really believe in and having met the Autentico founders, Eric and Ris Adams, we are delighted to be their representative in France. You can see the great range of products on our new website and you can buy online, from our shop or one of our stockists. If you’re close enough to get to the shop or a stockist, we recommend that you do so as we can advise you on exactly what you need to achieve the finish you want.”




I absolutely love the chalky, distressed paint effect on old furniture and at any given time I usually have a couple of kitchen chairs in need of a bit of TLC, so I was delighted when a batch of Autentico testers turned up last week. Without further ado, I put my bikini on (well a girl’s gotta work on her tan, especially after the summer we’ve had...) and got the paint brushes out. Having selected my chair, I found that the colours were so delicious that I simply couldn’t choose which one to use so, as you can see, I eventually went with a multi tonal effect! These paints really are great to use. I can assure you (hand on heart!) that they have a lovely texture and that the application is nice and smooth. But the best thing for me was the really amazing range of colours. Looking at the range as a whole, I can say that I like all of them and my only problem is going to be choosing which colours to use. So yes, we are Autentico converts. They have a range of finishes suitable for most applications including exterior, walls, floors and ceilings as well as waxes for sealing your handiwork. This is a truly great quality product and one that we love.


View the entire range and place an order here!

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Tony is offering free delivery on tester packs on this range until Friday, see here. Give it a go, they are lovely.

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Venetian plaster I am aware of but not heard of the paint, any more details?

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Has anyone used the Venice Lime Paint on walls?

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I don't know how they do it, I have just visited the shop where they have display examples and also seen their photographs on display and in their portfolio. I have been in a couple of houses where they have done more conventional work. If you are within range of Cadouin then I'll find out what they are called and let you know.

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Hi Brian sunburst affects on wall sound very interesting, can you tell me more or send me to a site that has more information. Sounds just like what I am looking for. Cheers

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Alternatively mix some lime (chaux aerienne) and water. Sieve the lime first or work the surface afterwards to smooth it. Add earth pigment as required. (I'm using sheep raddle). Experiment. http://www.spab.org.uk/advice/technical-qas/technical-qa-18-limewash/, and there are books available.

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Exciting. Can you paint these directly on to old furniture without an undercoat like the Annie Sloan range?

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Thanks Theo!

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There are the differences that lead to good results...but your writing is really excelent, - and its a good idea with Autentico. This paint here is often a reason for headache, after 3-4 years most paint we have bought in this diy markets is "changing" the colours...

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Really nice to get some positive feedback - thanks!

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I am a big fan of Annie Sloan paints, waxes and paint brushes. Did a quick half day course with her Wimbledon section in January, before moving to Provence in February. I have used her paints on some furniture here that needed a facelift - and they look very nice, and as you water the paints down a bit, even a small pot stretches all you need to remember, they need to be waxed, but it takes no time at all! There is a place in Mernerbes, where an English and French lady run Annie Sloan courses + sell her paint, but they are so much more expensive than in the UK. Lime paint is very different and the smell quite strong. No, I'm a huge fan of chalk paints, great to see it's possible to get something similar here in France... :)

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Thanks for the link - I've been using Annie Sloan chalk paint but find it expensive in France and the delivery charges high! I've been bringing Autentico paint over from Ireland but nice to see that we can now get it locally for a decent delivery charge.

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There is a place just near us in Cadouin that will do lime and chalk painting in houses, on furniture or sell their own mixes. The cool colours, like the blue in your pictures, are wonderfully soft and like really cool. Some of the other stuff though, sunburst affects on walls for instance, is stunning and we only wish we had the place to do it although once we convert our attic we are likely to use the technique on plasterboard between the beams. This is a household that loves the technique and like you we are going to find it hard to choose when the time comes.