When To Use Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is most often used to give pieces of furniture a matte look, but it can also be used to paint an entire wall if you really love the effect. It has the power to turn a bedroom dresser into a standout piece, or gives a dining room table old-school charm.

What do you use chalk paint for?

Chalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about chalk paint is that there isn’t a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work.

Do you have to sand before using chalk paint?

Chalk Paint® adheres to almost any surface, and there is rarely any need to sand or prime before painting. For the best results, we recommend using a good quality paintbrush like the Chalk Paint® Brushes to apply the paint. Always finish Chalk Paint® with either Chalk Paint® Wax or Lacquer for protection.

What happens if you dont wax chalk paint?

You have to also be careful to apply wax very evenly. What happens if you don’t wax chalk paint evenly is that built-up of too much wax can attract dirt. But a thin layer of wax could allow water to penetrate so be sure to use coasters on pieces that get a lot of use.

What are the pros and cons of chalk paint?

The Pros and Cons of Chalk Paint Pro: No Prep Work. One of the most challenging parts of any painting project is the prep work. Pro: Good Coverage. Con: The Cost. Pro: It’s Water-Based. Pro AND Con: Dry Time. Pro: Durability. Con: You Have to Wax It.

What is so special about chalk paint?

Besides its matte finish, chalk paint differs from traditional paint in several other ways. One of the benefits is that it doesn’t require any prep work—it can paint right over most clean, dry surfaces (expect for metal or shiny laminate), even if they’re already painted.

Can you use chalk paint straight over varnish?

You can generally skip sanding and priming before applying chalk paint, even when working with varnished wood pieces, because the paint can adhere to most surfaces. Untreated wood should have a coat of clear shellac applied with a cloth pad before painting; cure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do you prepare a dresser for 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 scratch easily?

When chalk paint isn’t properly protected and sealed it can chip and scratch pretty easily. So what’s the best way to keep chalk paint from scratching? Applying a liquid topcoat is the best way to keep chalk painted surfaces from scratching.

Can I use a roller with chalk paint?

People often ask us if you can “roll” Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan onto your piece. The answer is yes, you absolutely can! After your piece is nice and clean, you will need your paint, a paint tray, a velour roller with a low or short nap, Annie’s flat brush, a clean rag and a 220 grit sanding sponge.

Why is my chalk paint coming off when I wax?

The most common reasons that your chalk paint will scratch off with your finger nail is due to you having used a low quality chalk paint, not having used a wax sealant, using your chalk paint on an unsuitable surface, and only using a single coat of your chalk paint on the surface.

What do you seal chalk paint with?

Wax. Wax has become the gold standard for most people when they want to seal chalk paint. If you’re looking for the top chalk paint finish, wax is easily the most popular choice. This is in part because it matches the rustic charm of using chalk paint.

How long should chalk paint dry before waxing?

Before waxing or applying another top coat to your chalk paint, let the paint fully cure. You’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before applying the wax or top coat. If you don’t wait for the paint to cure before applying a top coat, you risk pulling up the paint.

Can I chalk paint kitchen cabinets?

You can use Chalk Paint® to repaint the doors on your kitchen cabinets and drawers quickly, easily – and with minimal spend. You’ll need to seal in your paint work when you’re done. For a traditional mellow finish, use Clear Chalk Paint® Wax. For extra durability, try Chalk Paint® Lacquer instead.

Is chalk paint durable for kitchen table?

When painting a kitchen table, you need to make sure your paintwork can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. That’s where Chalk Paint® Lacquer comes it. This water-based varnish is robust enough to hold up against daily use, whether you choose a Matt or Gloss finish.

Which is better milk paint or chalk paint?

And don’t forget: you can mix milk paint pigments to create any shade you want. Chalk paint, on the other hand, is better for creating a thicker, more even finish with a completely matte appearance. It can also create a realistic antique look when distressed, however, color options and color mixing is more limited.

Is chalk paint better than regular paint?

Chalk paint is about as durable as latex paint. They are both water based, so they will both react roughly the same to water stains, spills, nicks, etc. However, the finish coat is what protects your furniture. The wax finish will be a little more expensive than the latex clear coat, but will usually last longer.

What Colours can you get in chalk paint?

As detailed above, chalk paint comes in a variety of colors, ranging from white to light green, as well as shades of red, pink, and gray. You can choose whichever color you like, provided it pairs well with the color of the furniture you are painting.