

It dries to the touch in as little as 15-20 minutes and a second coat can be applied the same day as the first coat. With chalk paint, there’s no prep work needed besides cleaning the surface you’ll be painting (standard procedure for any paint project). A typical paint process begins with the daunting job of preparing surfaces by stripping/sanding/priming (sometimes all three) before painting begins. Chalk paint does not require much prep work.It’s useful for large paint projects such as walls, ceilings, floors, or exterior painting for houses, sheds, gazebos, etc.įor smaller projects, chalk paint has a few advantages over regular latex paint: Latex paint, while also water-based, is manufactured from acrylic resins. The Benefits of Chalk Paint vs Latex Paint Whichever decorating style you prefer, chalk paint is up to the task. You can combine chalk paint with waxes and finishes to create finished looks that run the gamut from rustic to bohemian to modern. It sticks to a wide range of materials, such as cement, metal, wood, plastic, or brick. You can use chalk paint for all sorts of home makeover projects.
#Chalk painted furniture full#
But some prefer to leave chalk painted projects unsealed for the full effect of the chalky finish.Ĭhalk paint is not used just for furniture. Chalk paint should be sealed with either wax or poly sealants to guard against dirt, fingerprints and the paint chipping due to use. Chalk paint adheres very well to many surfaces and dries to a velvety, matte finish. It lends a vintage charm to furniture by creating the look of a well-worn, aged piece. They also give the dried paint finish a powdery texture.įinally, different pigments give the paint specific shades of color. And that, in a nutshell, sums up what chalk paint is.Ĭhalk painting is a painting method that leaves surfaces with a soft, “chalky” appearance. Aggregates in chalk paint act as binders that allows the paint to stick to surfaces. Calcium carbonate, plaster of Paris, diatomaceous earth, actual chalk, or similar finely ground substances can be found in different chalk paints. Being water-based also means that chalk paints tend to be very low VOC (volatile organic compounds).Ĭhalk paints contain aggregates, which are ingredients that give the paint the “gritty” texture it’s known for. The consistency is thicker than regular paint which means 1) less drips and 2) a little bit of chalk paint goes a long way (two more things for DIYers to love). Most chalk paint is water-based - for project cleanup, this means brushes can be cleaned with soap and water, instead of mineral spirits. Today, there are many brands on the market for DIYers to choose from. It didn’t take long for other paint manufacturers to come up with their own versions of chalk-style paint. The paint she developed with a Belgian company was a huge success because of its unique look and how easy it was to use.

You may have heard the term “chalk paint” mentioned, or even liked some chalk-painted furniture pieces you have seen. But you may not know what, exactly, chalk paint is.Ĭhalk Paint is an actual brand of paint that was invented over 26 years ago by Annie Sloan, a fine artist who then became a decorative paint expert. If you have an old piece of furniture you’ve considered getting rid of, it might be the perfect candidate for a chalk paint project! What Is Chalk Paint?
#Chalk painted furniture how to#
In this post, we’ll explore all you need to know for how to chalk paint furniture. If you’re a first-time chalk painters, this is the guide for you. As a DIYer, why not do it yourself? There are lots of clever ways to give furniture pieces a new look and new life in your home. Going to a furniture restorer might not be in the budget. We all have some furniture at home that we know needs a makeover.
