I got hooked on chalk paint about six years ago when I decided that painting some of the furniture pieces for my 125-year-old house would be better than stripping and refinishing with stain. I had heard about chalk paint but hadn't used it, so upon moving to Sarnia, I contacted a store that sold Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which is the "original chalk paint."
I took a few classes, including refinishing a piece of my furniture. I found it easy to use; there was a large colour selection, and the finished product looked great.
A Brief History on Chalk Paint.
The term "chalk paint" is trademarked by the company Annie Sloan, which created it in 1990. Annie Sloan, the founder of the self-named company, wanted a paint that required less prep and was easier to work with. She created one when she couldn't find a product that suited her needs. Over the next few decades, the formula was honed so the paint would adhere to just about any surface and require little to no preparation.
Chalk paint quickly gained popularity, becoming the go-to for creating distressed furniture or shabby chic decor. Today, other companies besides Annie Sloan sell similar products, but they're branded as "chalk-like," "chalky-style," or as having a "chalky finish."
Chalk paint is water-based, meaning you can clean it up with water instead of mineral spirits, which makes it environmentally friendly and a low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) option compared to other types of paint.
Chalk Paint That We Have Tried
I started out using Annie Sloan brand chalk paint. It suddenly was unavailable in my area because the vendor here started carrying Jolie Paint which had been distributing Annie Sloan's products in North America. They have since come out with their paint line. I have used Rustoleum and Behr, which now have their chalk paint line. What is nice about Behr is that most stores can mix most colours that Behr provides in other paint types, whereas with Rustoleum, you are stuck with only their preset colours. I prefer Jolie Paint or Annie Sloan Waxes to finish the paint over Behr's wax products. Many of the Chalk-style paints offer a varnish or water-based protective top coat. I use polycrylic on top of chalk paint when not using wax.
Due to the number of colour choices in small bottles, when I do stencilling and use chalk paint, I prefer Folkart Home Decor Chalk as an option that runs specials regularly on Amazon.ca.
Chalk Paint vs. Chalkboard Paint
Understanding the difference between chalk paint and chalkboard paint is essential, as they are often confused due to their similar names. Chalk paint provides a matte finish on surfaces, while chalkboard paint creates a surface that can be written on with chalk and easily erased. Avoid drawing on your chalk paint, as it may ruin the surface.
The Key Benefits of Chalk Paint
Chalk paint offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for furniture and home decor projects. Here are some of the top benefits that I have found:
No Prep Work Required
One of the most significant benefits of chalk paint is that it requires little to no prep work before application, so you can skip the time-consuming process of sanding, cleaning, and priming most surfaces. While very slick surfaces may still need a light sanding for better adhesion, chalk paint generally sticks to clean and dry surfaces without additional preparation. A couple of those surfaces are most Ikea furniture and some kitchen cabinets with a slick surfaces.
Good Coverage
Chalk paint is thicker than regular paint, often providing better coverage with fewer coats. Fewer coats save you time and money; you'll need less paint to cover the same area.
Versatility
Chalk paint is incredibly versatile, as it can be applied to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and fabric. This versatility makes it a popular choice for various projects, from furniture makeovers to decorative accents like many of our items.
Easy to Distress
Chalk paint is ideal for creating a distressed or aged appearance on furniture, as it is easy to sand down and remove layers of paint, allowing you to create an authentic, time-worn look on your pieces with minimal effort.
A Forgiving Application
Chalk paint is forgiving in its application, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced painters alike. It blends well with other colours for a seamless finish. It can be easily touched up if mistakes are made. I have touched up several pieces that have been knicked and then reapplied wax or top coat finish, and you would never know it had been retouched.
Water-Based and Low VOC
As a water-based paint, chalk paint has low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it safer and more environmentally friendly than other paint types. It has little to no odour, making it more pleasant to work with. You do not need to worry about the ventilation and toxic fumes that you do with other paint options.
The Best Uses for Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is incredibly versatile and can be used for various projects. Some of the most popular uses for chalk paint include:
Furniture Makeovers
Chalk paint is commonly used on furniture, as it provides a gently aged appearance and is easy to distress. This makes it perfect for breathing new life into old or worn-out pieces. It's an excellent option for intricate furniture designs, as you don't have to sand or prime the surface you're painting.
Kitchen Cabinets
Many use chalk-style paint on their kitchen cabinets, especially in shabby-chic or country-style decor. Chalk paint can give your cabinets a fresh, updated look without expensive renovations.
Metal Surfaces
Chalk paint adheres well to metal surfaces, making it an excellent option for updating metal furniture or decorative accents. This can help you create a cohesive and coordinated look throughout your home.
Two-Color Distress Technique
Another popular way to use chalk paint is to create a two-colour distress. This involves painting a base colour, covering it with another shade, and then gently sanding down areas of the top layer of paint to reveal the initial colour underneath. This technique creates an authentic and distressed appearance on furniture and other surfaces.
How to Apply Chalk Paint
Applying chalk paint is easy, even for beginners. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
Before applying chalk paint, ensure the surface is clean and free of dust or debris. This will help the paint adhere better and result in a smoother finish.
Chalk paint can settle over time, so it must be stirred well before use to ensure consistent colour and texture. If the colour has gotten thick, add water and stir it back to its original consistency.
To achieve the best coverage and finish, apply thin coats of chalk paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This will help prevent brush marks and ensure a smooth, even finish. There are brushes made especially for chalk paint. Though you can use any brush, I find the ones made for the chalk paint and those for applying the wax the best. They cost a little more but have had the same brushes for years.
You can lightly sand between coats to achieve an ultra-smooth finish if desired. This step is optional but can help create a more professional-looking result.
Once the final coat of paint has dried, it's essential to seal it with a wax or other protective topcoat to ensure durability and protect the surface from damage.
How Much Does Chalk Paint Cost?
The cost of chalk paint can vary depending on the brand and quantity. The original chalk paint from Annie Sloan and Jolie typically costs around $50-$60 CDN for a quart. Behr comes in at around $39CDN, while Rustoleum, in the last three years, has almost doubled the price of their paint and is in the same range as Annie Sloan or Jolie. Since the pandemic, the prices have soared on all of these products.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own chalk paint by mixing regular latex paint with Plaster of Paris. If you're painting a large area, this may be a more budget-friendly route, but there's a bigger margin for error.
Is Chalk Paint Durable?
One of the most common concerns about chalk paint is its durability, especially on high-traffic pieces. Chalk paint can be durable if properly sealed with a wax or protective topcoat. With Annie Sloan paint, it's recommended to use soft wax to cover the paint, applying two or three coats on tabletops and other high-use areas. Be sure to allow the wax to cure between coats fully.
Alternatively, you can use varnish or polyurethane to seal your chalk paint, improving durability. However, this may take away from the matte finish that chalk paint is known for.
Disadvantages of Using Chalk Paint
The paint for the same size container can be more expensive than other types of paint, such as acrylic or latex.
It requires sealing with wax or another protective top coat which is an additional cost.
Some would prefer something other than the rustic or distressed finish or the chalk-like look.
In some cases, depending on its use, it may not be as durable as other paint options.
Conclusion
Chalk paint offers a unique and versatile solution for furniture makeovers and home decor projects. With its ease of use, excellent coverage, and ability to create a rustic, distressed appearance, it's no wonder that chalk paint has become a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, as with any product, weighing the benefits and disadvantages and considering your specific project requirements before diving in is essential. By understanding the benefits and potential drawbacks of using chalk paint, you can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results for your next project.
Check our gallery on a regular basis to see items that we have used chalk paint on from the start or to refinish.
Overall, chalk paint has many advantages for the DIY enthusiast. It's easy to apply and requires no prep work in most cases. With its minimal VOCs, it is also a healthier option than other types of paint. Plus, with the range of colours available, you can create a unique look for your furniture and home decor projects. However, chalk paint may only be ideal for some projects, and it's important to consider how durable the final product needs to be. If you're working on a piece requiring heavy use, you may opt for a more durable paint or epoxy coating.
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