
Why use chalk paint vs regular paint?
Know the Difference!
- Effort Spectrum. A self-priming paint, chalk paint clings effectively to a wide variety of surfaces. ...
- Finest paint to use on Discoloured wood. Distressing is a cinch using Chalk Paints. ...
- Penetration of Chalk Paint Vs Latex Paint. ...
- Expense. ...
- Painting with Chalk or Latex? ...
- Sealing and Protection. ...
- Painting Furniture While Mingling Paints. ...
What are the benefits of chalk paint?
Top 5 Benefits of Annie Sloan® Chalk Paint®:
- Priming and sanding are not required. We all know painting is a long, tedious process. ...
- Applications are incredibly versatile. Annie Sloan® Chalk Paint® can be used on a variety of surfaces – floors, walls and furniture are all possibilities. ...
- This paint is made by the world-leading expert in Chalk Paint®. ...
- The color options are endless!
Is chalk paint safe?
Yes, chalk paint can be scratched and chip easily if not protected properly with a protective layer of polyurethane or varnish. Many people choose to wax over chalk paint, but it doesn’t provide scratch resistance to the painted surface.
Is chalk paint good?
What is so great about chalk paint?
- Chalk Paint Properties. Generally colored with natural pigments, this paint is highly concentrated and has a high covering power, between 12 and 14 m² per liter, which is the surface ...
- Tips for Applying. Chalk paint is applied with a synthetic brush. ...
- Conclusion. You can apply chalk paint on a variety of surfaces. ...

Is chalk paint good for painting furniture?
Chalk paint is commonly used on furniture, as it gives pieces a gently aged appearance and is easy to distress. It's a great option when working on an intricate furniture design, as you don't have to sand or prime the surface you're painting.
Does chalk paint last on furniture?
Chalk paint will last a long time if the right primer is used and a protective top-coat is applied. If the topcoat is wax, it will need to be rewaxed every 3 years or more depending on how much the piece is used.
Do you need to prime before using chalk paint on furniture?
Do I need to prime before I start my Chalked paint project? Priming is not required for most surfaces. Priming will always help for adhesion and covering surface defects. We recommend priming for woods high in tannins(cedar, redwood, mahogany and fir) and knotty woods.
Can you use chalk paint on furniture without sanding?
Chalk paint adheres to furniture beautifully without the use of primer and (usually) no sanding. A quick cleaning is typically all you need. With that being said, there's very rarely a piece of furniture that goes through our shop that doesn't need some type of prep work before paint.
What happens if you dont wax chalk paint?
If you don't it's going to get marked – water will harm it. You need to be able to protect it in some way, and I devised the wax to go with the paint. I think the wax is the most beautiful, I really love it. It's got a lovely mellow feel to it – a lovely mellow sheen.
Why is my chalk paint coming off?
TRISH: Okay, Are you using Chalk Paint®? TRISH: Peeling can happen based on a few things: You did not clean the surface well and there is something on it repelling the paint or preventing the paint from adhering correctly. Temperature.
Does chalk paint leave brush marks?
This might sound strange, but some chalk paint is designed to be a little dry to show brush strokes. Having the strokes show is just a different style of chalk painting that some people love. I just prefer a smooth finish with chalk paint. The first coat of chalk paint always looks a bit streaky and blotchy.
Does chalk paint need to be sealed?
The important thing is to completely seal your piece so no water can get in and damage your paintwork. Stir Chalk Paint® Lacquer well before starting and regularly during use.
Do you need a special brush for chalk paint?
Best Brush for Chalk Paint & Wax It's best to use a natural bristle brush (often labeled as “pure bristle”) to apply Annie Sloan Chalk Paint instead of your more typical synthetic brush usually used for painting walls. It can be something as inexpensive as {this set of brushes}.
What should I use to seal chalk paint?
Polyurethane. Polyurethane is one of the best options for coating your chalk paint projects. This is because it's very easy to use and it provides an incredibly durable cover. Oil-based polyurethane is a great choice for indoor and outdoor projects as well as furniture and tables.
How many coats of chalk paint should you use?
For most purposes, one to two coats of paint are enough. Chalk Paint® adheres to almost any surface, and there is rarely any need to sand or prime before painting.
What do you clean furniture with before chalk paint?
To clean your piece of furniture before painting, use a damp cloth and wipe over the surface. For stubborn dirt and grease, use warm soapy water but avoid harsh chemicals. For shiny laminates, use a sanding pad and lightly sand the surface. Wipe away any sanding dust before painting.
Does chalk paint need to be sealed?
The important thing is to completely seal your piece so no water can get in and damage your paintwork. Stir Chalk Paint® Lacquer well before starting and regularly during use.
What should I use to seal chalk paint?
Polyurethane. Polyurethane is one of the best options for coating your chalk paint projects. This is because it's very easy to use and it provides an incredibly durable cover. Oil-based polyurethane is a great choice for indoor and outdoor projects as well as furniture and tables.
Is chalk paint better than regular paint for cabinets?
Durable (After Waxing) After adding a protective coat of wax on the paint, it'll give you a lasting aesthetic appearance. This is also in part because chalk paint tends to be thicker than regular paint. If you want a more rugged, vintage look for your cabinets, chalk paint is perfect for that too.
Is chalk paint washable?
Chalk paint is water-based, so you can clean your brushes with soap and water rather than having to use mineral spirits.
What color is chalk paint?
Chalk paint comes in a variety of colors from white and black to baby blue and light green. You can choose any color you’d like, however, keep in mind that depending on the color of the item you’re painting, you may have to put on additional coats.
How to keep furniture from getting unpainted?
2. Mark off areas with painter’s tape. If there are any areas on your furniture that you’d prefer to leave unpainted, make sure to mark them with painter’s tape. For example, if you are working with a dresser or items with drawers, you can add painter’s tape to the side of each to keep them clear.
How to apply Annie Sloan wax?
You can use a product like Annie Sloan’s Clear Soft Wax or Minwax Paste Finishing Wax, which will bond to the paint to create a lasting and durable finish. Use a wax brush or soft cloth to apply the wax. Work in small sections and rub the wax into the surface in circular motions.
How to sand down wood furniture?
Sand down wood furniture. Take a fine-grit sandpaper like Pro Grade Precision 220 and use a sponge or sanding block for consistent pressure. This will keep your sanding even. Work from the top downward. Make sure to sand with the grain as sanding against it can deeply damage the wood.
How to get rid of grit under paint?
Clean off your furniture. Start wiping down your furniture to remove any dirt and debris. Try wiping down the piece with a clean, slightly damp rag first. Then take a cleaning wipe like Lysol or Clorox and go back over it. You don’t want any dust or grit to get stuck under your coats of paint.
How long does it take for a paint coat to dry?
Don't worry! It is normal for the first coat to look a bit unappealing. Wait for this coat to dry and then apply another immediately after. Each coat should take a half-hour to an hour to dry.
How to get a bleed out of paint?
Test a small patch. Pick a small out of the way area on your furniture. This can be on the back of the piece, inside a drawer, or an inconspicuous corner. Apply one coat of paint and let it dry. Then add another layer and allow that to dry as well. Check for any bleed through of the color beneath the paint.
What kind of furniture is best for chalk paint?
I have had great experience with chalk paint adhering to all kinds of surfaces. Solid wood furniture works as does cheaper particle board and laminate pieces.
How do you prep for painting furniture with chalk paint?
Chalk paint is formulated to adhere to furniture without the need for extensive prep work.
What kind of work area do you need for chalk painting?
Here are a few things to consider when deciding where to paint your furniture:
Where do you find old furniture to paint?
There are so many old furniture pieces out there just waiting for a makeover! Here are common places to find old furniture to paint:
What brand of chalk paint is best?
I don’t have a specific brand I’d recommend over others! I’ve personally tried Amy Howard, Annie Sloan, DecoArt, and Rustoleum chalk paints, and all have been easy to work with. I’ve never done an in-depth test of different brands side by side.
How long does chalk paint take to dry?
Chalk paint dries very quickly! The Rustoleum Chalked paint I used on my cabinet project took 30 minutes to dry to the touch and could be handled in 1 hours. I waited 1 hour in between coats and let the last coat dry for 2-4 hours before moving the piece. Check the label of the chalk paint you are using for specific guidelines.
How do you clean your paint brushes?
Chalk paint is very easy to clean up with water and soap. Take the time to thoroughly clean your brushes with warm, soapy water until the water runs clear. Lay them flat to dry. Care for your brushes and they will last a very long time!
Do you get brush marks on paint?
Yes, you are more likely to get brush marks with this kind of paint but you don’t have to. ;) Not unless you want to or are going for that look. As I already mentioned above in the “pros” section, there are many ways to combat that. Stains and bleed through. Some stains will bleed through the paint.
Do you need primer for chalk paint?
Yes, no primer is typically needed with chalk paint. But you really can’t say that across the board. There are just going to be those times when a primer is necessary for any type of paint. It’s not magic. One of those times and one that comes up often around here is when you are painting a reddish type of wood/stain.
Do you need to prep before using chalk paint?
If you have a really slick finish, you need to prep before using chalk paint. If you have a rough or chipped finish, you need to prep. But overall, yes, in most cases, chalk paint is pretty user-friendly in that it really does require little prep. It will stick really well to your stuff.
Can chalk paint leave marks?
Because, if you have used chalk paint or any chalk style paint, you know it can leave brush marks. There are several ways to combat that….thinning it out with water, sanding it between coats, using a roller to apply or using a paint sprayer. (>>> this one is my favorite!)
How to distress laminate furniture with chalk paint?
Distressing laminate furniture with chalk paint is a real challenge. You can distress a wood made furniture only by sanding. But when it comes to the laminate furniture, you need to put extra effort and spend an entire week.
Do you need to sand laminate before painting with chalk paint?
You don’t need to sand laminate before painting with chalk paint. Chalk paint is made with quality ingredients, including latex paint and powder.
Will chalk paint stick to laminate cabinets?
Chalk paint has an adhesive ingredient that helps it stick to laminate cabinets. The latex paint and powder are the best among all the chalk ingredients. They help the chalk paint to stick to the laminate cabinets.
Can you use chalk paint on laminate furniture?
It will be wise to use quality chalk paint like the Annie solan Clark paint on your laminate furniture. You don’t need to put any other coating or paint on the surface; you can directly apply the Annie chalk paint. But more options are there.
How to keep chalk paint from drying out?
Chalk paint typically dries pretty quickly but using the fine mist spray bottle with water helps keep the paint moving. You’ll get to a point when blending chalk paint and think to yourself, “oh, this looks amazing,” and then you will go too far. STOP! Walk away if you’re not sure and let it dry.
How many colors should I use for chalk paint?
Chose 2-3 colors that are complementary to each other. For example… for this piece, I chose Colonel Mustard (yellow), Pine Cone (brown), and Butter Cream (off-white). Blending chalk paint is much easier when the colors are cohesive. One-color blends into the other, creating a third color, and you can create some amazing finishes when colors collide.
How long does chalk paint dry?
Dry time should be a good 12 hours so that all of the water has had time to evaporate from the paint. The paint is still technically wet when it’s dry to the touch, and it can take hours to days depending on the temperature and humidity for chalk paint to dry properly.
How to paint a sandbox?
Once you start painting, you’re going to need your full attention on the task at hand: paint, water mist bottle, paper towels, and paintbrushes. Use one paintbrush for each color you chose. Turn off your cell phone! Lock the door ! Do whatever you need to do to be ZEN and feeling peaceful and calm about the art you are about to create. This is your time, and paint can be extremely therapeutic.
How many paint brushes do you need for each color?
You will need to use a different paintbrush for each color for the best results. Three colors = three paintbrushes. Hey, you’re an artist now, and artists have lots of paintbrushes. 🙂
What happens if you mix paint and water on top of a base coat?
If the base coat isn’t allowed to fully cure and dry well, blending paint and water on top of the base coat will break it down and cause it to pull away and leave you with exposed wood. It’s like pouring water on water. Then you’ll be crying! Not a pretty picture.
What color to use to blend paint?
This technique will take time and practice. Each time you blend a different color, use the base color (yellow) as your blending base for the other colors you apply. This creates a cohesive look, and soon you’ll be blending paint like a pro.
