ARNES PAINT STORE

This locally owned store has all but been completely pushed out of business by the big box stores. Even I forgot they were there and I've lived in the area over 30 years.

So... what do they have that big box doesn't? Loads of knowledge and speciality paints.

As a local family owned (my assumption) business they're open Monday through Friday and close at 5pm sharp.

I walked in their door 10 minutes before closing on a Friday trying to find 2 colors of paint I could use to spruce up an old heirloom (1950's or early 1960's) plastic hamper. (See photos.) I knew latex wouldn't work because it wouldn't stick. I was looking for a small amount of an oil based paint that would stick to this old piece. The kind I use to find at Orchard when it was here in Yuba City. (Oh how I miss OSH.)

I was asked what my project was and how I wanted to do it. As I said I knew I needed oil based paint but, the store owner explained why ordinary oil based paint wouldn't stick either.

He went on to tell me how I needed a specialty paint that was meant for plastic adhesion. I would need a paint that auto restorers use to paint the plastic inside of cars (think dashboards and inside car doors). Unfortunately, it didn't come in a brush on, only a spray.

To get the look I'm going for I'll have to do a little Kung-Fu (wax on, wax off) training. It's an aging effect I've done before where I first applied the main color. Then, after curing a bit, I went over a small area at a time with a darker color and immediately wiped it off. This left the darker color in the hard to clean and drip line areas giving it a more natural antiqued appearance. (See pillar photo.)

This is going to be a bit different though as I'll have to be even quicker as I spray on with one hand and wipe off with the other. I won't have much time to work it because a spray will naturally dry faster than a brush on. Of course with a spray I won't be as accurate either. I'll have to be careful, diligent and do it on a day that the wind doesn't blow. It should work...if I cross my fingers, right? Lol But, I digress.

Once he knew what I wanted to accomplish he sold me the right paint for the job and I was out the door at 4:59 pm.

I've done plenty of painting in my day but had no idea painting this little heirloom would require a specialty paint though it does make sense. I'm glad and grateful for the education and the right paint.

Having the paint chip and peel would've been so upsetting. I wouldn't be able to take a solvent to the plastic to re-do it for fear of it melting and causing pits in the otherwise smooth surface. And who wants to repeat what they did because of a poor quality or, in this case, the wrong product?

I'll have to wait for the right weather but, once finished I'll add a pic of the finished lil heirloom.

Thanks Arnes Paints for the education and the correct paint. 😊

There were two employees on duty when I walked in. As we began to look for some fiberglass material, a lady got up and began to help us. She was very friendly, she had great customer service skills. Small town store, big city service. Nice supply of paints, resins, and painting supplies. I recommend giving ARNE's PAINTS consideration if you need to get painting supplies.

This place also sells automotive paint, base coat clear coat etc....
I recently helped out a neighbor with his damaged rear quarter panel and had Arnes mix some color match paint which they can put in a rattle can. The paint color was dead nuts on. A bit expensive but when you need it right a little extra cost is really a small price to pay. I will definitely be using them again. I included a pic of the rear quarter I painted and the door which I didn't paint, this is before wet sand and buff but the color match is perfect.

Very helpful & professional. My daughter was with me and fell in love with their Cat 🐱. That’s all she spoke about for the next hour 😂

It's been around forever, family owned and operated. They seem very knowledgable and are willing to spend time helping you, even if you're just getting a couple cans of spray paint. And they have the sweetest dog in the store sometimes. It's nice to go somewhere for a paint project, and not feel ignored because I'm not a big time contractor spending $10,000.

This place has everything paint related from cars to houses l found oil base equipment paint for a antique tractor a perfect match

Hands down the best paint shop I've ever been so helpful so nice an they know there stuff here not like lows or kelly moore or home depot

An amazing place to come for all your automotive paint needs and house paint needs very professional staff and very knowledgeable. And don't forget to pet the dog on the way out

Best paint store around always helpful and know what there doing! I highly recommend this place for any house or automotive paint or accessories!

The gentleman that helped me was not trying to upsell. Lead us where we wanted to go and was genuinely trying to help us actualize our vision.

Very knowledgeable, friendly staff.

The people here are professional and helpful when do it yourself paint projects. Will do business with them again.

Very Helpful, super nice, had the paint I needed. Wish I had gone here first!!!

Auto paint section have some very knowledgable and helpful people

Great people, great products, awesome prices and customer service

Good stock and one of the few places that carry automotive paints.

Very helpful staff and good quality materials.

I was pleased with friendly helpful and excellent customer service.

Super helpful staff, would recommend to family and friends.

Nice knowledgeable folks and great service