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 (except for metal or shiny laminate), even if they're already painted.
Chalk Paint is the original creation of Annie Sloan. It's a furniture paint designed to adhere to surfaces without sanding first. Chalk paint dries to a matte finish, requires a finish coat to protect against staining/damage, and is extremely versatile.
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.
When chalk paint isn't properly protected and sealed it can chip and scratch pretty easily.
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.
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.
You can use Chalk Paint® to repaint the doors on your kitchen cabinets and drawers quickly, easily – and with minimal spend.
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.
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.
CHALK PAINT CONS:
Chalk paint is thick and leaves brush marks. (Latex paint will also leave brush marks, but last time I used a spray gun for the latex paint.) You can't have custom colors mixed with Annie Sloan paint, though you are encouraged to mix them yourself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is generally not recommended to paint over varnished wood, but you can paint over it without sanding it. If you want to protect the surface permanently, you can use Chalk paint and seal it with a top coat. Or, you can use a special bonding primer to prepare the surface for painting without sanding it first.
Wax is absolutely worth applying to chalk paint, especially if you want to protect your furniture and keep it looking good for longer.
Chalk paint can thicken up when the lid is left off, so make sure to leave the lid on when not in use. Keep the brush damp when painting by misting it with water before dipping it in the paint. If you ever feel like you're dry brushing the furniture, it's time to mist that brush again.
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!
–You can use chalk paint on any surface. It adheres to almost anything, and I've painted laminate, particle board, solid wood, leather, old and new furniture alike. It's held up beautifully.
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.
Chalk paint is great to use if you want an aged look. After painting interior doors, you can easily sand parts of the paint away to reveal the original surface, then apply wax to seal everything.