Con: You Have to Wax It
While chalk paint is known for being durable, the paint alone won't give you that tough outer layer. Without a protective topcoat, chalk paint can scratch easily. Waxing is a 2-part process that requires you to apply the wax with a brush and then clean and buff it to wipe away any excess wax.
When chalk paint isn't properly protected and sealed it can chip and scratch pretty easily.
Due to the flakey, chalky nature of chalk paint, it is not easy to clean or wash without having a wax product applied over the chalk paint. This is why we usually don't recommend that you use chalk paint for high trafficked areas of your home as it will not be able to washed often in most cases.
Chalk paint is not durable on it's own and need some kind of protective finish. Chalk paint has a much easier alternative to wax if you are looking for a good protective clear coat for furniture.
It's also good for thinning out other paint, or for achieving a rustic, 'chippy' style with a very light sheen. 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.
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. See 'Dealing with stains coming through Chalk Paint®' for when to prime or sand before painting.
While chalk paint can last from 1 to 5 years if stored properly, chalk paint will dry up much faster than that if left exposed to air. If your chalk paint has thickened considerably since last use, know that you can thin it with water if you'd like to use it again.
You can use Chalk Paint® to repaint the doors on your kitchen cabinets and drawers quickly, easily – and with minimal spend.
A decorative paint known for its matte, chalky appearance, chalk paint is a popular choice for giving furniture and home decor a rustic, vintage, or shabby-chic style. Because it can easily be given a distressed look, chalk paint is ideal for those who want to add character and vintage charm to their home.
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.
Although it isn't necessary to seal chalk paint, it's highly recommended, as it will protect the paint so that it lasts longer, while looking its best. That being said, there are people that prefer not to add a top coat to seal the chalk paint.
Annie Sloan's brand of furniture paint will adhere to most surfaces without any sanding first. Chalk Paint® has incredible sticking power so it really doesn't need any surface prep in the vast majority of cases. You can even paint directly over hardware, if you wish.
Applying a coat of clear wax over Chalk Paint® will deepen the colour of the paint and create a beautiful, matt finish. It will protect against fingermarks and stains. It's also water-repellent, so you can wipe any marks away with a damp cloth.
Create a Smooth Finish 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! In this quick post, I'll show you how to use a velour roller and Annie Sloan's flat brush to create a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Can You Use Chalk Paint Over Regular Paint? Most surfaces that are paintable or have already been painted can be painted with chalk paint. Sand the item first, then wipe clean if you want a smooth finish. You can smooth out the paint after it dries by using very fine sandpaper or a sanding sponger.
It depends on the type of chalk paint and what was used to mix it. Some paints are not designed for washing and should be used with a sealant or wax after painting. Other types of chalk paint can be washed out using soap and water if you want to change the color later on.
Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets
If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.
Yes, chalkboard paint — NOT to be confused with chalk paint. I've used chalk paint for other projects like painting laminate cabinets. If you have laminate countertops that get light use (like in a laundry room) and are in need of some love and like the look of slate, then keep reading!
It's OK to use chalk paint on cribs or other furniture for children, but you want to wait the full 4-6 weeks to allow the paint and wax to cure before using the item. Also should be noted that pregnant women should not apply the wax.
Unlike other paints, chalk paint does not require sanding or priming, which makes it unique. Paint can be applied to almost any surface, indoors or outdoors: floors, ceilings, walls, furniture, glass, metal, wood, concrete, plaster, and even fabric.
In most cases, chalk paint adheres to furniture without primer or sanding, and it does not require primer. Cleaning quickly is usually all you need. In most cases, chalk paint adheres to furniture without primer or sanding, and it does not require primer. Cleaning quickly is usually all you need.
Latex Paint – The Best Alternative to Chalk Paint for Furniture. The primer takes only 30 minutes to dry. When you're ready, paint the piece with a roller like THIS one. It will also save time on your entire project and gives you a much smoother finish than painting with a brush.