As most of you probably have noticed, over the past few years house paints have changed. With the new low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) requirements paint manufacturers have had to change the make up of their paints. In 2008 I began to see some drastic changes in the products I had been using for over 14 years.

I went to my local Sherwin Williams dealer and he gave me several different products to try. After several months of trials I settled on a marine-grade exterior paint and a marine grade polyurethane. This stuff is fantastic. Not only is it low VOC, I  can get it mixed in any color I want AND it stays flexible, even when the floorcloth is cold.

This picture shows the hairline cracks which can occur when canvas which is painted with inferior paints and poly  is flexed.

This photo shows the flexible nature of Canvasworks’ high-quality paints and poly finish which we use on EVERY piece.

Now we use these two products for everything we paint. Even the floorcloth blanks we sell are primed with the same marine-grade paint. We also sell the polyurethane in quart-size cans, which are not available through Sherwin Williams retailers.

So what’s the big deal about cracking?

The cracks themselves do not necessarily harm the floorcloth. They may even provide an “antique” look, if that’s what you are seeking. BUT, if the cracks go down through the paint to the canvas surface (like the photo on the left above) the paint may chip and peel off within a few months of use.

If you are shopping for a floorcloth, don’t be misled by lower prices. Cheap paint is almost always guaranteed to crack and chip. If you are shopping where you can feel the floorcloth, try flexing the canvas and see if little cracks appear. If you are shopping online, send the craftsman an email, asking what type of paint they are using and what kind of poly is used. Ask if their floorcloths crack. Ask to have them send a sample swatch of painted and finished canvas so you can try flexing it yourself. (Canvasworks is happy to send you swatches just email us and include “painted swatches” in the subject line.)

What to do if you have a floorcloth which is cracking?

Flexing the canvas is what causes the cracking. If you have a floorcloth which has started to crack make sure it is secured to the floor. Use double-sided carpet tape and apply it all the way around the hem. This will prevent the floorcloth from moving and if it never moves, it shouldn’t crack. Do not pick up your floorcloth to clean it. Leave it stuck to the floor and clean it in its place.

Learn more about the paints we’ve tested and have had success with by taking an Online Canvasworks class. The next one is coming up April 12th and 13th. Click here to register.

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance put on a terrific show this weekend. People came to Manchester, NH from all over New England to learn all about stuff they can do for their old homes. There were demonstrations going on throughout the weekend- Charles Mower, making beautiful Windsor Chairs, was whittling away right across from me all weekend!

People stopped by my booth and saw the brand-new “Peaceable New England” floorcloth as well as the first panel of the mural for a home in West Windsor, Vermont I recently completed. In the afternoon on both days I demonstrated how I paint the Artichoke design on the “Artichokes and Berries” floorcloth. There were lots of great questions and one very inquisitive little girl who wanted to go home and practice watercolors!

We conducted a raffle for a 2′ X 3′ “Checks and Scrolls” floorcloth (valued at $275). The winner is CATHY SPREEMAN! Congratulations, Cathy! I’ll be in touch soon to find out what  colors you want that done in!

A special thank you goes out to my husband, Bart, who hauled, packed, cheered and boothsat throughout the weekend. Also thank you to Lauren for taking care of everything at home!

Please take note that the pricing for this class has changed- in your favor!!!

Now the base-coated floorcloth is included in the class price.

The next Canvasworks online workshop has been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm EDT, April 12 and 13, 2010.

Here’s how it works:

When you register for the class ($60)  you will receive a blank florcloth which is base-coated in Waterbury Cream ($50 value) a stencil sheet with diamond, leaf and  pawprint motifs and a materials list for the other supplies you’ll need. On the day of the class you will receive, by email, directions for how to paint the piece and you will be directed to YouTube videos which demonstrate the techniques used – Painting the border, laying out stencil placements, how to cut the stencil and then how to stencil the design. During the two hours each evening on the 12th and the 13th, you can ask questions via the blog and Lisa will answer them as they are received. Everyone gets to see everyone else’s questions and answers, so all participants learn from each other. If you prefer to use an alternate motif, such as a flower, instead of the pawprint, you can certainly do that, but you’re on your own to make or purchase the stencil for that. Colors as shown for the design will be indicated in your materials list. if you would like to use alternative colors, that’s totally up to you too.

Register now ($60) shipping is an additional $15

Also at the show Lisa will be showing her new mural project. One section of the canvas mural will be displayed. Here’s a snapshot of it. Come see it in person if you get a chance. It’s 44″ wide by 68″ high for a dining room here in Vermont.

Check out the Canvasworks blog for updates about the show throughout the weekend.

The first contest was very well received. Thank you so much for all the nice comments.

The second contest is under way!

Here’s the print:

This was the scene as I looked up my road Monday morning coming back from doing the chores in the barn. The sun was rising and the snow is melting!

And here’s the deal: All you have to do is comment on this image and mention ” VTWT” in the text and you’ll automatically be entered in the drawing which will take place on Friday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).

The print is 4.5″ X 6.5″ and is matted to be framed in an 8″ X 10″ frame.

Want to see more  paintings like this? Go to this link to see new work added daily!

AND THE WINNER IS….

Fran MacPherson! Congratulations!