Chalk paint newbie!

Question

I've never used chalk paint before and I want to know all about it! What brand do you like? Can I just use a chalk paint additive to a latex paint or would you steer clear of that? What are your experiences? What are some tips and tricks? How much do you need? Spill your chalk painting guts to me because I really just don't know a whole lot about it! (PS I'm painting a crib and I think I'll plan to wax it after I'm done)

Lesley · Answer

I have recently painted a similar crib. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It is quite expensive but I think well worth it for the rich colours and easy to apply texture. I was using leftovers from previous projects so its difficult to say how much you will need. However, as the overall sq footage is not great, you may get away with a couple of tester pots. It dilutes with water very easily, I found I had to do this as it can be very thick in the tin. Definitely use the wax to finally seal. The great thing about ASCP is its very 'non toxic' so its great for a crip. Be prepared for a lot of work though, cribs are very fiddly!

Justfixit · Answer

Please make sure it's safe for a baby because they will eventually put their mouths on it and possibly even sink their teeth into it. I would worry about the wax in particular.

Kathie Jordan Design · Answer

Chalk Paint ™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan is the way to go. Annie developed this paint 25 years ago and her colours are derived from her extensive Art History knowledge. The paint is low VOC and the wax has been tested safe for children's toys etc. It goes on without priming or sanding. Just clean your piece thoroughly and paint, then wax. The paint and wax takes 28 days or so to cure at which point it is food safe. If her palette doesn't have the exact colour you are looking for just know you can mix her colours to create your own. You can even tint the clear wax with her paint to create a coloured wax. Have fun and congratulations!!! You can find your local stockist www.anniesloan.com

Lorna · Answer

You're painting a crib.... a piece of furniture your child will sleep in and probably chew on at some point. Please don't wax it. Wax is not permanent, wax has to be reapplied every so often depending on usage. Low VOC is not acceptable when you are talking about painting a crib.

Do your due diligence and research the products out there. I use Shabby Paints exclusively. They are a NO VOC product. Their topcoat is also a NO VOC permanent option.
 
Good luck and post a picture when its done! :)

Shari · Answer

Personally, I am biased against chalk paint. I've used a homemade version and the more expensive Annie Sloan brand and I'm not impressed with either. I would not waste my time or money going the chalk paint route. Furthermore, teething babies do 'gnaw' on crib bars and even though some of the waxes may be perfectly safe and non-toxic, I would not want my baby (or grandbaby) putting their mouth on a crib that had been waxed with furniture wax. If it were me painting this style crib, I would probably use latex semi-gloss paint and possibly a non-toxic top coat. For an easier, smoother, more professional finish, I would buy, borrow or rent a sprayer to apply it because painting several coats of primer and paint with a brush on all those spindles is going to be a tedious, time-consuming job. If you use chalk paint and then have to apply and buff wax, that will be even worse. I detest the waxing part of chalk paint! I would probably go with a protective top coat rather than wax. Unless you custom mix your own chalk paint, you will probably not find this color you want in the pre-mixed commercially made chalk paints but it will be no problem to find it or have it color-matched in latex paint. Just my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Coalhouse general store · Answer

a hint on chalk paint, first its very pricey, and many times it doesnt come out like u think its going to, all u have to do is buy a FLAT exterior latex mixed in any choice of color once painted distress with sandpaper, and finish out like u like, it takes glaze and stain great for a really antique look if u want to go into the primative rustic look also and then i finish with a sanding to really make it pop for that old vintage feel, the secret is, it has to be FLAT, not satin or gloss of any kind, i sell many pieces done this way, they always fly right out the door when they go up for sale and i sell regularly, ive never been disappointed, getting ready to do one right now.. so easy, and so much cheaper with the same great look and feel and wear as any chalk paint!.. i only use black, cream, and white for all mine i sell, but colors for that personal touch are great too.. . the EXTERIOR PAINT wears like a steel, much stronger and last so much longer than interior paints, i worked at a hardware store for many years, and mixed paint, learned all the secrets and what paint was all about... i NEVER buy interior paint.. i painted my house inside 22 yrs ago, and it looks like i just did it... good luck!.. have fun with it all and enjoy!

Dianne · Answer

Be sure whatever you use is baby safe..

Monica Catlett · Answer

Sorry to bear bad news, but...How old is this crib? ALL drop side cribs(looks like the style you have in the photo of yours and, definitely the inspiration crib) are banned in the US. They have been deemed unsafe, so I don't think which paint to use is the issue. The side rail can drop/separate and trap the child..research it. Sorry! Get a new crib ! These cribs were advertised as safe when my kids were little, but I never used the drop side anyway(by the time you had it pulled up and secure it would wake them up it was so loud). They new Jenny Lind style crib has screws to hold it together. If I had another child now I would get a new updated crib to keep them safe. If the old crib has sentimental value there are lots of projects you can make with the various parts of the crib. Hope this helps!

Ali Newton@Chinagrove Creating · Answer

I am a BIG chalk paint fan, I use it for all of my up cycling projects, you can use it on just about any surface with no need to sand or prep! I love using the paint so much (and didn't want to pay Annie Sloane prices) I sourced a NZ manufacturer and launched an eco friendly low VOC range called Newtons Chalk Finish Paints. We can do custom colours for you too, so if you have a brand and name of a colour you like, in most cases we can match it.

Lpi1400810 · Answer

Cliveden Pasture is a beautiful green that Lowes can mix up for you, not obnoxiously green. I used it to paint a toy box.

Pat Keadle Gougler · Answer

Chalk paint is expensive and you have to do multiple coats. Get very similar results with flat latex. Much easier and less expensive.

Kathie Jordan Design · Answer

Annie Sloans own grand daughter sleeps in a crib painted with Chalk Paint ™. It is easy to use and gives professional finishes. The wax is absorbed into the paint and becomes part of it. My best advice is to try it for yourself.

Elizabeth Adkins · Answer

Hello do you have any better photos of this crib

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

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

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