T
he Blue Orchard is a home décor boutique store in Chemainus selling interior products for the enthusiast such as furniture paint, stencils, waxes, brushes and furniture transfers as well as painted refurbished furniture, vintage and new home items. I have a background training in art and design and have painted old unloved furniture for many years, giving them a new lease of life. This passion and the recent popular interest in refurbishing furniture rather than buying new appealed to my sustainable ethos and I decided to provide people with the means to do this themselves at home.
The Blue Orchard and Country Chic Paint
I wanted to use a paint that was eco friendly, great quality, easy to use, and made in Canada. I did not need to look far. Country Chic Paint fitted this brief perfectly as it is made in Duncan, meaning a very low carbon footprint. It is a chalk style, matte finish, easy and fun to use paint, and virtually VOC free so no nasty chemicals and no odour. I carry the full range of 55 colours which covers everything from neutral to vibrant, moody to energetic. My top selling colours are Crinoline (a vintage white), Elegance (a soft warm teal) and Starstruck (a deep dark blue). It is for anyone to use, and I sell to beginners who want to brighten up an old piece of furniture, someone who has an heirloom but want to change the colour, and professional furniture refinishers needing a high quality paint for their projects. The paint is very easy to use, and can be done indoors due to its low odour. Following a few painting rules will ensure a great finished product. Preparation for me is key, a quick clean, sand
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down and possibly a primer if necessary before painting will ensure that the paint adheres properly. Usually 2-3 coats as adequate, and the paint goes a long way! Drying time is about 45 minutess and after waxing or clear coating with a sealer, the piece is done and ready to begin a new life. I sell everything needed to complete a project from start to finish, and can provide advice/ guidance and workshops or individual classes in furniture artistry. The Blue Orchard, Chemainus Public Market, 9790 Willow St Chemainus 604 358 4859 cath@blueorchardstore.com
Cath Scanlan The Blue Orchard, Chemainus Public Market, 9790 Willow St Chemainus
