Chalk paint vs regular paint

Question

I have been hearing a lot about using 'chalk' paint on furniture redo. What is the difference? What is chalk paint anyway?

Lucy · Answer

Chalk paint is a paint that adheres to most if all surfaces is covers really well and you only need one coat also it leaves a lovely chalky finish , hope this is helpful

Ruthie · Answer

Hi Lucy. Yes it was helpful. Another question. Does this mean that one can actually write on its surface using a chalk? Does this paint work well on compressed cardboard furniture?

Shari · Answer

Chalk paint and chalkboard paint are different. Chalk paint is intended to change the color of the item you are painting, much like latex, oil or craft paint would. In my opinion, chalk paint is for those people who are looking to get a more rustic, imperfect, old 'used and abused' finish on their project (i.e., furniture). In a large number of projects I see, the paint is somewhat haphazardly slapped on, then 'distressed' with sandpaper and sometimes glazed or antiqued to make it look old. Chalk paint does not appeal to everyone. I, personally, have too many perfectionist tendencies in my personality and I like a finer finish on my painted furniture. That's not to say a finer finish can't be achieved with chalk paint but it takes a lot of time and effort to achieve that look. I'm just not a chalk paint fan. Believe me, I've tried to like it but I've come to the conclusion regular interior latex paint achieves the paint finish I prefer in less time, with less effort, and it doesn't cost nearly as much. Chalk paint has been discussed a lot here on HomeTalk. Here's one thread you may find helpful. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/q-what-is-chalk-paint-2995111

Ruthie · Answer

Thanks. I have some pieces of furniture I'd like to paint in my guest room. A mix-match of pieces, that is. However, the main pieces are cardboard compressed pieces and not the color of my choice. My theme is Ocean/nautical - therefore, pastels would be my colors. But I have one piece of furniture that's wood and old. So your answer was very helpful. I am looking for a more distress look, but well done too! (for the OCD in me). ;)

Debi McCoy · Answer

here is the link for THE best chalk paint recipe I have found -- www.iheartnaptime.net/chalk-paint.

Shari · Answer

And here's another interesting, informative link where a blogger tried and rated different homemade chalk paint recipes. http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/

Ruthie · Answer

Thanks, again.

Denise Hardy · Answer

Hi - I have a business hand painting furniture, amongst lots of other stuff I create - please view my website if you wish? http//www.decorativeideas.co.uk - a few things I would point out though with Annie Sloan's paint - is that it does seem to have a rough texture to it and it is a must to use her clear wax on the furniture once painted, which does give a little sheen, but you will need 2 to 3 coats on.  I have always used two coats of paint for a better finish.  And... if you was using the piece of furniture that you were using this paint on, then I would recommend putting glass on it to protect the finish even more.

Another little tip - is the fact that the chalk paint is very thick and has to be put on very quickly, so I would recommend either dipping your brush in water before you put it in the paint or, water the paint down first in the can, but obviously add the water a little at a time because you don't want it too thin.  You also have no need to put primer on - no matter what type of wood or on anything that you paint, for that matter!
But..... to be perfectly honest with you I have been painting furniture for years now and creating several decorative techniques, i.e. marbling, stoneing etc and I also have my own finish called French Antique Style - which is my own 'take' on this particular style - but I would still rather rub down where necessary, prime the furniture, with at least two coats and then use an acrylic eggshell for your top coat - and then put the final finish if necessary, depending on what finish the client wants i.e. marbling, French Antique etc etc - by doing it this way, it definitely gives your furniture a more professional finish - no doubt about that.  The primer I always use, which I do think is vital - is called Zinsser BIN or Zinsser 123 - this stops stains, wood knots or anything from coming through and the eggshell is a far superior paint and the finish is second to none. 
I'm not saying anything about Annie Sloans paint and I do recommend it sometimes, but..... depending on what finish you would like for your furniture - I would certainly recommend the finish above if you want a more professional finish :)

Julie Crozier · Answer

Great comments here! I have another alternative for you, Chalk-tique kit. Turns any water based paint into chalk paint. Much cheaper than Annie Sloan, and because you add your own paint, you choose your own color. www.chalktique.com. How-to video is on the website, and gallery of projects.

Diane Daughdrill · Answer

@Denise Hardy I tried pulling up your website with link posted. Is it correct? It did not come up. thank you

Deborah Trujillo · Answer

Think nail polish..gel nails compared to regular nail polish..one coat last longer..

Chalk paint vs regular paint

What is chalk paint?

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Chalk paint vs regular paint

What is chalk paint?

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