What is chalk paint

Im about to paint some cabinets and i keep seeing pictures people post of cabinets painted with "chalk paint." What is it, where do i get it or do i just throw some chalk in a gallon of paint and make my own chalk paint?
  9 answers
  • Kimberly C Kimberly C on Jun 29, 2012
    I saw in an earlier post that apparantly the most popular is Annie Sloan Chalkpaint, if you google it (www.google.com) you will find lots or references for it. I've been wondering the same thing.
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Jun 30, 2012
    I think chalk paint is a paint that doesn't require any prep work. Annie Sloan is quite popular and I've also heard of CeCe Caldwell. It can be used on anything, but seems to be especially popular with furniture. I'm not sure why it's called chalk paint, or how it's made, but there are a few stockists on Hometalk that can better answer your question. Janet M is one of them; http://www.hometalk.com/member/1orbyovpjd
  • Janet metzger Janet metzger on Jun 30, 2012
    Hello Miriam, Annie Sloan is one of the worlds most well known and respected decorative painters with over 40 years in the business and dozens of books published on the subject. She developed her trademarked Chalk Paint™ recipe over 20 years ago and for the last 2 years it has been available here in the USA. It is proudly manufactured here in America at a plant in Kansas. so YES folks, it is MADE IN AMERICA! Because it contains no latex or plastics it has incredible adhesion and you can paint just about any type of surface..wood, metal, resin, plastic, lacquered or heavily varnished. It is wonderful for plaster or stucco walls because it lets them breathe. It may be used on exteriors (no wax application please) or interiors. I also see many adding chalk to latex paint, but all that is doing is making ...latex paint with chalk...NOT Chalk Paint™. The most wonderful aspect of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint is the no prep..no sand quality of it. It can be layered, used as a wash, left to thicken and used as an impasto, gilded, stencilled, decoupaged, given a rustic look, create a sleek modern look...it is unlimited. Because only the Graphite hue contains black..that means you may mix Annie's paints and never get a muddy color..they will always be clear and true. If you would like to find out more about Chalk Paint™ and Annie Sloan you can check out the Annie Sloan Unfolded website.... www.anniesloanunfolded.com Happy painting and please feel free to send any Chalk Paint™ questions my way. I will do my best to answer them. Janet xox The Empty Nest http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
    • Babette Babette on Jul 28, 2018

      Janet, I just read your above letter about chalk paint. Never heard of such a thing, and am fascinated! You mentioned exterior, which is what we do most with our vast yard and garden projects. Does it hold up well outdoors in winter temperatures? Adhere in winter to wood, metal, plastics? What about using it on glass in the outdoor gardens' decor? Sorry about all the ?'s (but, ha, you did say okay to ask ;) because I am so excited to learn of this new aspect - and your reply has gotten my mind to racing around in all new and interesting directions with so many possibilities! Wow! I am not all that tech-savvy so just wandered around here - and am so happy to find this posted! Oh, my - Thank you so much!

  • Thanks miriam, i was about to go get some paint and sidewalk chalk and go to town on the cabinets.lol
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Jul 01, 2012
    Thank you for the detailed explanation, Janet! @Burco, I know, I recalled you telling me about how you stated making concrete countertops. Making chalk paint sounds like something you would actually do! Lol.
  • haha, look out for Burco chalk paint at your local home goods store. Another secret formula is just what i need. LOL
  • Mary Jane Dooley Mary Jane Dooley on Oct 03, 2014
    I see all the comments but I still can't figure out "what is chalk paint"? Does it actually contain chalk? Are all these new paints coming on the market chalk paint because of their ability to adhere without sanding stripping or priming? I have not been able to find a definition for chalk paint and I even called Sherwin Williams.
  • @Mary Jane Dooley Hi Mary - wierdly I just read this article today, it might help to explain a little more about chalk paint hope it helps! http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/my-honest-opinions-on-chalk-paint-and.html
  • Debi53 Debi53 on Jun 01, 2015
    I made my own chalk paint with calcium carbonate (You can find this in the plant area of Lowe's. It is the main ingredient in lime used for soil amendment), plaster of paris, & latex paint. I found the recipe on pinterest. I have also used the Annie Sloan. I couldn't tell the difference except mine was a lot cheaper & I could get any color I wanted. It is easy to use and a little goes a long way. If you mix your own, make only a cup or two depending on your project. I love the Annie Sloan soft clear wax because it doesn't turn yellow. I think it's worth the price. I just work a little on, let it wait 1 hour or several hours and lightly buff it with a soft cloth. I guess I'm not a perfectionist, but I have always been happy with the results. If you use the dark wax, be very careful. A tiny bit mixed in with the clear really ages (darkens) things quickly. Also, do a coat of clear wax first & buff it before applying the dark/clear mix. Do try chalk paint. It's fun, easy, & pretty.