Is Chalk Paint Worth the Hype?

Question

I'd love to hear from experienced painters who have used everything from oil to acrylic to chalk paint and tell me if they think that chalk paint lives up to the hype and if so, why? Do you think it's a trend that will fade out over time?

Sixteenfourteen · Answer

I asked myself this exact question! http://sixteenfourteen.weebly.com/adventures-in-chalk-paint.html {Spolier: YES!}

Patricia W · Answer

Im not sure. I make my own, I love the stuff!

117135 · Answer

I have made my own in the past and they work great. A few months back I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Annie Sloan chalk paint an was thrilled with this product. Her wax is amazing and is hands down worth the price. I will be purchasing some as I found the product is worth the price!

Yvetta · Answer

I LOVE ASCP! It is amazing to work with,well worth the price!

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

I just recently used ASCP for the first time. I wanted to use the real thing before making my own. The feel of the real stuff is softer than velvet. It sold me. The only thing I don't like is the fact that it uses wax to protect and not poly. I wish it had a longer lasting finish.  For this reason, I think it will fade. Just my thought...  I'll still use it, especially the dark wax on intricate pieces.

Linda @ Mixed Kreations · Answer

I love Anne Sloan's chalk paint, but it is expensive. I love it because no pre-sanding your piece, it goes on over vanish. There is so many pretty colors to pick from to, and a little does go a long way.

Ann · Answer

I love the Annie Sloan paint and wax. I hope it's here for a long time.

Rose knight · Answer

I paint a lot of furniture with all kinds of paint. AS chalk paint is my favourite. No priming, no sanding (unless you are smoothing out a defect), quick dry time, and almost no smell. It is expensive , but you can paint quite a bit with the one can. I have used minwax, AS wax, polyurethane, and polyacrylic on this paint and have had great results.

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

I'm 62. I stripped painted furniture (latex and oil paints) in the 1970's and for some 20 years stained and varnished reigned. Now, its chalk paint. I predict that chalk paint will come and go. Mfg. need to sell so trends will come and go.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

Rose, I'm so interested in the fact that you used poly on AS. I'm interested in knowing how you applied it. Yesterday, I used a satin rub-on poly. It took the wax right off of a piece that had been dark waxed. I tried another piece with just Duck Egg Blue and it took that paint off!  Maybe you're just brushing it on. Can you help me on this one?!?!?

Porta Verde Studio · Answer

IllJustPaint it, I don't think you should put poly over the wax. It's either wax or poly. As for taking the paint off, it could be that your rubbing it or your using a water based poly to go over the ASCP. I believe you should be using oil poly which won't react with the acrylic base of ASCP.

Porta Verde Studio · Answer

Here is the answer to durability from the Annie Sloan Unfolded site:
A. Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once cured, provides a durable finish; however, some people are hesitant to use wax on a kitchen table because they think they need something “stronger.” Soft Wax is our product of choice, but you could use Annie Sloan Lacquer or another brand of either oil- or water-based varnish. To get the extra durability you need, apply at least three if applying an oil-based product and up to ten coats if it’s a water-based product, allowing 24 hours drying time after each coat and sanding between coats with fine grit sandpaper

.Annie Sloan Soft Wax offers water resistance but it is not waterproof. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. If spills remain on the surface, the moisture can penetrate through the wax coating and leave a mark. These marks should disappear as the moisture evaporates, but if not you can use a bit of wax to rub it out.

Rose knight · Answer

Annie Sloan does offer a lacquer that I've heard works well. I have used polyurethane on my daughters bathroom cabinet with great results. Let the paint cure for a few days and brush it on or use wipe on poly. If any paint comes off, you can repaint the one little section and poly over just that spot. It takes practice. You can't poly over wax but you can apply wax over the poly. I painted a friends dresser, polyed it and then waxed for a lovely shine. I use satin poly.
The wax on it's own is a durable finish. I did my dining room cabintes two years ago and they have held up wonderfully.
I don't have any pics of the poly-ed piece but I will get one.

Sherrie · Answer

I have been on the fence about this because I am on a budget and most DIYer's do it theirselves because its necessity. So I went to her blog and read and looked and feel in love with her as a artist. And so I am using her product's only for my next project. To see and compare. She has a amazing eye for color and she speaks of it as poetry. I am purchasing everything needed. For me this is a investment. A expensive one. But I am also investing in her books. Because of her eye for detail, color. Mbut she also goes further as I have also googled her and she uses all sorts of paints and details and tells you exactly how to use them. I have used the samples on small projects but I am willing to be open because of her blog.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

Thanks Porta Verde Studio and Rose. I had read many things online that people had difficulty with the longevity of the wax. Your insights are very reassuring and I'm grateful!  I really do love ASCP and think it is worth the price. I, like most on this post, do hope it stays around for a long time.

Lin R · Answer

I really like using ASCAP. It is wonderful not to have to sand or prime. The pieces I have painted turned out very nice. One can goes a long long way and the wax, even longer. I have only had the furniture painted for 6 months, so can not attest to how the wax and paint holds up longterm.

Lillian Garcia · Answer

I absolutely love Annie Sloan paints. I just finished my kitchen sideboard and hutch in Versailles.  I also used Annie's Gilder's paste (patina) on my copper mailbox to make it verdigris. I'm definitely a fan.

Traci · Answer

I like ASCP but I am not sure it is worth the price. At almost $40 a quart it should paint for you, But I am planning to use it on my next project with the lacquer instead of the wax.

Wendy · Answer

I have used Annie Sloan's chalk paint and I've also made my own using one of the many recipes found on the web. I think Annie's is overpriced but hat's my opinion. That said it is a VERY durable paint & you can use it without prepping the paint surface or priming. If you want great information on the different types of paint & when to use each visit Miss Mustard Seed's blog & find a recent post she did on paint, it's the best info on paint I've read to date & I consider her an expert on this subject.

Lin R · Answer

I love Miss Mustard Seed! I have not tried her paint yet, but plan on it sometime.

Gretta Frick · Answer

I couldn't get my hands on the chalk paint, but found and have been using Plaster Paint, and I LOVE it.

Jan sessions · Answer

Can I use regular paint to paint over chalk paint

Heidy · Answer

LOVE chalk paint, but refuse to pay the crazy price for pre made. I make my own and it's fabulous. Also, on all my chalk painted furniture I do not use wax as a sealer as it is not a permanent finish. Has to be re applied occasionally. Instead I love Varathane Water Base Matte Finish Sealer. It does not yellow and will maintain the matte finish that chalk paint is loved for.

Heidy · Answer

Hi Sharon. I mix 1 part plaster of Paris with three parts paint. Mix your plaster of Paris in a separate cup with enough water to make it like a soupy mayonnaise. The better you mix your plaster the smoother your paint will be. Add a spoon at a time to your paint and stir will. You can even experiment with different finishes by adding more or less plaster. Don't be afraid to try different mixes on old pieces of wood. I have used all the expensive stuff, believe me, and never again! Also the Varathane matte finish water based sealer is awesome to maintain the matte finish of chalk paint with a permanent sealer. Having to maintain a wax finish is just not up my alley!

Charles Stout · Answer

to expensive. you can make your own get the same results. wax wears off not worth the trouble. poly is the only way to go. that is just me. some wood you just DON,T paint. barn wood cypress is a good example.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here are some ideas that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/re-purpose-up-cycle/furniture/

Is Chalk Paint Worth the Hype?

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Is Chalk Paint Worth the Hype?

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