Chalk paint inquiry

Im looking for advice or opinions from anyone who has used Annie Sloan chalk paint. I'm going to refinish a bunch of "hand me down" furniture using ASCP. I've done some research on it and it's pretty expensive and only comes in quart size cans and I'm wondering how much furniture can be painted with one can? And I know you need to seal it with a clear and dark wax, so I'm wondering if anyone knows how much of that I would need? I have a hutch, 2 dressers, 2 end tables, a coffee table, a book case, and a dinning room table with chairs. Most of the furniture is wood. I love the look of this paint, but it is a pretty big investment, so I wanted to get some opinions before I jump into this project! Thanks in advance!
  11 answers
  • Hi Allisen! I have been using Dutch boys chalk paint from Menards It comes in a ton of different colors and It's only 18.00 a quart. I did a large dresser and a matching desk and only used a quarter of it. I have painted many pieces of furniture with ASCP and it is a very nice paint but for the price, I'll be using Dutch Boy from Now on. I also use Minwax furniture wax that produces the same if not better results as any other High dollar brand. Hope that helps.
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on Nov 17, 2015
    pulled this from web: Generically speaking- a quart of Chalk Paint® will cover 150 square feet. Did you know that is almost twice the amount a quart of Latex covers. I mainly use Annie Sloan & General Finishes Milk Paint (it's actually an acrylic) it's about $10 cheaper per quart than AS. I like both brands. It goes a long way and covers well. The main reason for the popularity of chalk paint is the claim "no prep". Personally, I feel you need to prep for quality and lasting durability. If the piece has a shine/gloss it adheres better if you scuff the surface. I always clean with a degreaser too. Prep is everything in my opinion. I personally have never really liked working with wax and for high traffic areas you would want something that doesn't have to be re applied. When using dark wax, use the clear wax first so you can manipulate where you want the dark wax. General Finishes makes a High Performance Top Coat that is waterbased and very nice. I personally have started using Polyvine Varnish and LOVE it. Its all I use now. I put 2 coats of the satin, and 2 coats of the dead flat (which has a wax feel) but more durable. Once you use these specialty type paints...it is day and night difference in application and the outcome over the traditional latex paint you buy.
  • Nancy Shore-Goldwire Nancy Shore-Goldwire on Nov 17, 2015
    Or, you can make your own. Ck the internet for formulas. It's only Plaster of Paris, water & colorant.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 17, 2015
    Since this is a new technique you are trying my advice is to focus one piece of furniture at a time. Like Nancy stated you can make your own paint which of course will be alot cheaper. If you are happy with your results then continue to the next piece.
  • Denise Hardy Denise Hardy on Nov 17, 2015
    Hi - I would also advise to use Polyvine Acrylic Varnish (I use satin finish) it will give your furniture more protection and I also use 2 coats - well worth doing this - I love the feel of it and it's easier just to give it a wipe with a damp cloth. Good luck with your furniture
  • Mandy Loriot Mandy Loriot on Nov 17, 2015
    It is far better than anything homemade or from Home Depot and it's the only brand I use. It goes very far for the size of the can. Everyone is different so I recommend getting a small can and doing one project liker the coffee table and ends tables and see how you like it. You will need to put the clear wax on first and then the dark wax. A local Annie Sloan store should have samples painted showing how it looks with clear wax only and with dark wax. The clear wax makes the colour more rich, and the dark wax makes it warmer. Go to a local store and they can show you. Also check out things like gilder's wax off you want to add even more richness.
  • Mandy Loriot Mandy Loriot on Nov 17, 2015
    Oh, and for a matte finish poly if you want that instead of wax I recommend Modern Masters.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 17, 2015
    Because you have never used this before I would like to suggest you buy a sample and try it out first. It doesn't paint like other paint. It creates texture. Before jumping into a large project it is always better to practice first. Even through I use a lot of this paint I always seal my tops with water base polyuthane. Then I use wax and aging wax and distress it other places, but my tops are always protected.
  • Wallace Wallace on Nov 17, 2015
    I have used a variety of chalk paints and I must say I did like the way the AS paint and wax applies, it is so smooth and the wax wonderful. The Purple Painted Lady offers 2 sample cans of wax for $15. I bought this to see if I liked it , I can also say they are great for asking questions because they use all their products. The paint is pretty much a one coat covers all so its not as costly as you might think.
  • Allisen Linzy Mueller Allisen Linzy Mueller on Nov 18, 2015
    Thank you everyone for your input! I picked up some samples at a local craft store tonight and got great advice on how to properly use the AS paint, so I'll try it out! I'll see how it turns out to see if I want to stick with it or not. Thank you again.
  • Birdie Berghuis Birdie Berghuis on Nov 19, 2015
    I have tried a couple of chalk paints and Annie's is by far the best. I painted a cabinet with a glass door and used 1/2 a can for 2 coats. Her products go on smoothly and I wouldn't use anything else.