What exactly is chalk paint? I guess I'm really not in the loop.

Question

Saw this on Hometalk, and was just wondering what it is, the effect it creates, and why it is so popular.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Chalk paints contain a bit of lime or calcium carbonate. This gives them a rustic flat type of look, color layers are often mixed and distress then followed up with tinted waxes for the final affects. http://inmyownstyle.com/2013/02/diy-chalk-paint-review-update.html the two big names are Ann Sloan and Cece Caldwell

Shabby Paints · Answer

Chalk Paint is widely loved because it requires no prep. You can paint over glossy varnish or stains without sanding or priming. Good quality ones will paint over glass, metal, wood, fabric, etc. With that it also is very flat and chalky until you decide how you want it finished. Other paints use wax and buffing to protect and we have VAX which is non toxic and is just brushed on, then hardens in minutes. You can choose to distresses on corners for a warn, or chippy rustic look if wanted but can be left alone and finished with a shine for a more modern look. Very versatile. Just be on the look out for imitations, toxic ones, and the ones that have imported ingredients that are monitored in the USA. It is the anyone can do it paint. You can't mess it up so it is the most forgiving paint out there. Shannon

Melody · Answer

Anita, this is the video from the Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan hangout. Great information and it might help answer some of your questions. Debbie from Annie Sloan Unfolded has a wealth of knowledge about the product. Hope this helps! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/chalk-paint-tips-from-the-pros-will-you-try-it-1589601

CarolAnn McDanel · Answer

I was also new to the concept, and had to give it a try. I started with a homemade chalk paint (I saw a blog that said to add unsanded grout to your paint), but I've also seen one that said to use plaster of paris - which I will try next time. My first project was a garage sale coffee table I snagged for $6.00. I used a paint/primer combo to make my chalk paint and didn't bother to sand or prep other than cleaning up all the spider eggs YUCK! from underneath the table. I applied two coats of chalk paint. I lightly sanded after the first, then applied two coats of Annie Sloan clear wax. So far, the kids haven't managed to do any damage whatsoever to the table and I can clean it off with a Clorox wipe with no problem at all. It's a lot of fun and you don't have to distress if you don't want to. I'm not big into major distressing, myself. I do think you need to finish it off with the wax, though.

Shabby Paints · Answer

CarolAnn sounds like you have the bug. :) Chalk painting is fun and easy. Be sure to follow the warnings when using the plaster of paris. It can burn your skin and is cancerous if a lot is inhaled. Don't use those waxes indoors or around children. Paint Safe ;)

CarolAnn McDanel · Answer

Shabby Paints - always careful, do as much as possible outdoors (sometimes I wish I could take my walls outside when I decide to change the color!), and have learned to wear gloves when painting to make cleanup easier. I use the disposable latex-free. My little tip for when you need to take a break (paint to dry, kids to deal with, etc.) is to hold the paint brush in a loose fist (bristles), take the glove off inside out keeping the brush inside the glove, then wrap the other around the top and tie loosely. I've left it that way for a couple of hours and it works great!

Shabby Paints · Answer

What a smart idea carol, I use ziplock bags but way to work what you got! Just remember there are non toxic safe for kids and pets alternatives now. D

Kristi Madsen · Answer

Plaster of paris works well. I prefer DIY paint over already prepared.

Wgs3143452 · Answer

i found recipe for homemade chalk paint online using the plaster of paris....went on so easy .BUT.... it says no sanding before hand. we ended up having to scrape all off and sand it down.....cause it would just peel right off with finger nail. NOT GOOD! I just repainted with oil baste paint again as was on it before all that work. allot of trouble for nothing. My daughter used the real one you buy and she loved it with no sanding.

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What exactly is chalk paint? I guess I'm really not in the loop.

Chalk Paint® Tips From the Pros! Will You Try It?

Suggested Project Book