I remember reading the Winter 2003 Faux Finisher magazine and coming across an article about the Richmond, VA-based Sunny’s Goodtime Paints. Launched in 2001 by Sunny Goode and her partner, they were introducing a line of pre-mixed glazes — which I thought was great for DIYers and those pros who were looking for a quick, great color with no mixing involved. They even have a line of Deck-o-rator cards which feature said glaze colors on clear acetate so that you can hold it up to your base paint and see the result immediately. Today, through selected retailers and online, they sell stencils, removable designs, colour washes and specialty paints along with releasing two Paint Can! books. Their website is elegant and extremely easy to navigate. They have a Get Inspired area with great photographs and a Learn How area with clear and concise instructions. It’s truly a DIYers dream…and the pros could find some cool inspiration there as well.
I wanted to talk to Ms. Goode about her beginnings and what she sees down the pike for the decorative painting world. She was very gracious with her time as we chatted online recently. (Here’s a photo of the team – LOVE the oversized graphics.)
What ideas were behind the creation of Sunny’s Goodtime Paint?
I have always LOVED color ever since I was very young. I was lucky enough to discover decorative painting could be a career right out of college. Sunny’s Goodtime Paints, Inc. was created as non-intimidating, approachable introduction into decorative painting for anyone who is interested. We want to be the first step in understanding decorative finishes. I want people to get comfortable and confident with how they work, to try new ideas, layers, patterns and colors without having to guess while they are learning. In fact, the Deck-o-rator cards were created for this very purpose: to see how a base color can effect a glaze and vice versa.
…and now you have two beautiful Paint Can! books…
With the books I like to show ideas like what a large stencil can do over or under a glaze or what vertical and horizontal stripes do to a room. I waited to find a publisher who would write underneath each photo exactly what we used from base coat to glaze color to stencil size, so the reader would not have to guess.
The more customers we have that try this themselves have a greater understanding of what goes into a decorative painting job. They love what they are learning. The ones who do it then NEVER complain about a price [from a professional] afterwards. Whether they choose to do it or not in the future is up to them, but at least the know what goes into it. It is like watching the TV show How It’s Made – once you see it, it helps justify the price.
Where do you see the decorative painting industry heading in the future?
I see decorative artist as a whole service industry. More and more people have grown up with decorative painted walls and will want them in the future. It will not be a luxury, more of a necessity and expectation. My goal is to help the average person understand it and help consumers find good decorative artists everywhere.
What are your favorite designs, finishes or colors?
Graphic painted floors. Any punchy color with a muted neutral gray or brown. White on white designs.
Who are some of your inspirations?
Kelly Wearstler, David Hicks, Wolf Kahn and Matisse.
I think my love of Kelly Wearstler is well documented! I like how, on Top Design, she helps aspiring designers with their careers. Speaking of, how did you start yours?
I was fortunate enough to apprentice for a Washington, DC decorative artist who had been in business for 12 years, Nancy Baker. She also was the daughter-in-law of James Baker, the Secretary of State at the time. She was extremely talented and we worked in a lot of really neat homes in DC. She had a large family and decided to stop decorative painting, and literally dropped her business in my lap. I was shocked but had to hustle. I immediately took as many classes as I could from the Isabel O’Neil school to make sure there was not a finish I could not do. It all started in 1992 and has evolved from there.
What has been the most positive and/or fulfilling project you’ve been involved with?
Two years ago I got a group of volunteers and we painted the Center for Alexandria’s Children. We warmed up a very institutional space for children who were being removed from their homes to be placed into foster care. It really meant a lot to me that these kids not feel scared when they came here. My sister played a large role in raising the money to create this center. The center houses a police precinct, social workers and medical care so kids do not get shuffled around the city from one place to another getting help during a very scary and stressful time. If I could do this all day every day I would- it was VERY rewarding.
It is the most rewarding feeling to give to others selflessly. Thank you, Ms. Goode, for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I hope you, dear Reader, will check out her company’s website – it’s so visually pleasing and informative. One of my faves is the Deck-O-Rator cards — so easy to immediately see what direction you’d like to go in with a color glaze. Until next time — have a safe weekend!
Reference Site: www.SunnysGoodtimePaints.com
Years ago I attended a seminar in Bethesda, Maryland given by the Sunny Girls. I haven’t seen the products in a long time, they were sold by Strosniders. The recipes are easy and I love the color deck. I’m glad to know that I can still order the glazes. New products?
Elise-
It has been a long time! We still have all of our original colors that can be found on our web site http://www.sunnys-paint.com. As far as new products we have added stencil designs that are fun, some are large scale and very graphic, as well as removable wall monograms in many colors. The monograms are also great on a child’s desk, or a piece of furniture. I have had a second book released, Paint Can! Children’s Rooms last fall, as well as the first book Paint Can! 2006.
I am glad you have enjoyed our products!
Happy Creating-
Sunny