2013-08-17 15.38.25

When driving down Front Street in New Westminster, which I do on a weekly basis, I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road. I’m always keen to check out which antique stores are open and what I can see of their merchandise while I drive.  In the last few months a new distraction caught my eye. A stunning storefront with gorgeous vintage lights hanging in front of the windows, and old chairs, painted and re-purposed as plant holders, set outside the door, beckoning walkers (and drivers) to enter.

Last weekend I finally had the pleasure to enter this mystery store and speak with the owner. Contrary to my belief, it was not just a cool store selling re-purposed vintage furniture, but the flagship store for FAT Paint.

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FAT Paint opened their location on Front Street in March and their paint is now for sale in 18 stores across North America (lucky for my readers from out of town).

Maybe you are wondering like I was…why “FAT” Paint? There happens to be a whole story behind the name, which Victoria, who co-owns the store with her brother, can relay to you when you visit. The simplest answer she gave me though, was that is refers to the viscosity of the paint.

FAT Paint is a new (might I say improved?) brand of chalk paint, which the owners make themselves. At this time in my DIY life, I know about chalk paint more in theory than in practice. It is used by vintage furniture enthusiasts for painting old furniture and is specially useful when seeking a shabby chic look. However, if your preference is more chic and less shabby, FAT Paint can still meet your needs, it just requires a different method. FAT paint is not for furniture alone, it works great on many different surfaces including wood, iron, glass, metal, etc.

The store has stunning architectural detail. The exposed is throughout the store and is stunning.
The store has stunning architectural detail. The exposed brick throughout the store is stunning.

The store not only sells their paint but has a variety of furniture and accessories for sale that they have re-done with FAT Paint. You can only tell so much from looking at a coin sized sample so it is great to check out their variety of colours on these pieces. If you aren’t into DIY, the furniture and home accessories are all for sale at reasonable prices.

This stool was painted with Fat Paint's "Pumpkin".
This stool was painted with Fat Paint’s “Pumpkin”.
They use the upstairs loft space as a gallery for art (also for sale).
They use the upstairs loft space as a gallery for art (also for sale).
This retro side table had a matching iron head and footboard but my pic didn't turn out.
This retro side table had a matching iron head and footboard but my pic didn’t turn out.

Expect to hear more from me about FAT Paint. I just bought two vintage frames and I’m eagerly waiting for the store to re-open on Thursday so I can get to some DIY. I have two chairs I plan on doing as well but I’m going to wait for one the workshops that FAT Paint offers before I attempt that.

For more information on FAT Paint or their workshops visit their facebook page or stop by, 623 Front Street, New Westminster, BC.

3 thoughts on “Brushing Up on FAT Paint

  1. Great blog about one of New Westminster’s best new shops!

    Just wanted to tell you a bit more about those “gorgeous vintage lights hanging in front of the windows”! Those one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures are created by RVN Industrial Lighting, a sister team, from New West too! Robyn Murrell is the creative force while Heidi Clarkson takes care of business. Check out our facebook page (we are in the midst of rebranding) http://www.facebook.com/RobynsVintageNest. All lighting items are for sale.

    Also, the artist showcasing (and selling) in the loft gallery at TFPC is Brett Rafferty (yup from New West) http://www.facebook.com/BrettRaffertyStudios.

    A huge thank you to Victoria and Brad from TFPC for supporting local artists and to fabrictherapy for stopping by!

    1. Thanks for giving those details! I didn’t write anything down when talking to Victoria and couldn’t remember it all. Sounds like another shop that I will need to stop by.

      1. Hi! We (RVN Industrial Lighting) actually don’t have a storefront – it’s home based at the time! That’s why it is so hard getting exposure! Any time you want to do a blog on lighting let us know! Lighting is often looked over when designing a space but we have items that fit into and complement any design theme…

        Victoria is one of our B2B NOW (Network of Women) – New West colleagues (and friend) so we have a great “support each other” system going. http://b2bnownewwest.com/

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