Do you need to sand prior to using chalk paint?

Sandi L
by Sandi L
I am thinking about painting my oak cupboards white and all I hear about lately is "chalk paint". Is this a good option and do I need to sand and prime?

  7 answers
  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Jul 01, 2018

    If these are kitchen cabinets, I have heard that chalk paint is not a great option for kitchen cabinets. If they are not, I always just give a light sanding before using chalk paint just to slightly rough up the surface. But now thorough sanding is required at all.

  • Alice Alice on Jul 01, 2018

    No. Chalk paint adheres to furniture beautifully without the use of primer and (usually) no sanding. A quick cleaning is typically all you need.

  • Nicki Petruzzella Kerns Nicki Petruzzella Kerns on Jul 01, 2018

    I don't believe so. What I don't remember is how durable chalk paint is and whether it can withstand scrubbing. If these cabinets are in the kitchen, you might want to rethink your paint choice if chalk paint isn't that durable.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jul 01, 2018

    If you want any kind of permanency for the paint, you may need to give it a good couple of top coats so that you can clean it without damaging the paint.

  • Mamabear318 Mamabear318 on Jul 01, 2018

    I wouldn't use chalk paint on kitchen cabinets. Probably not what you want to hear but I think you would be much happier with the finished product if you sanded primed and painted. Gripper is my favorite primer

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 01, 2018

    I believe a light sanding and making sure they are good and clean is good, as long as there is something for the paint to grab, make sure though that you clear coat the chalk paint when it is dry

  • Duane Fauntleroy Duane Fauntleroy on Jul 02, 2018

    Yes, I did it: read about the best chalk paint at Ben Moore: best thing is it dries totally flat. https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/interior-exterior-paints-stains/product-catalog/bmtcp/ben-chalkboard-paint

    • Sandi L Sandi L on Jul 02, 2018

      Thanks for the information. Now all I have to do is get started.