What is the difference between chalk paint & flat paint?

by BARB B

Answer this question

+7

Answered

what is the difference between chalk paint & flat paint?

5 answers

Allison King-Jordan (Zentivity Designs) on Jun 01, 2014
Hi Barb, You're going to get a LOT of responses for this. As far as I know and have read (and experienced first-hand), chalk paint is any kind of paint that has an additive mixed into it to give it a gritty, matte finish and easy drying time. Many people use it because many times it negates the need for sanding a apiece and the finish allows for an easy time if you want to distress the wood. The finish is the opposite of glassy. Many people (me included) actually **make** their own chalk paint - which consists of latex paint of any color (you can use acrylic paint too), some water, and either plaster of paris, calcium carbonate or unsounded grout mixed into it. Now, flat paint is (usually) a latex paint that dries without a reflective finish - that's it - the finish is smoother (imho) than chalk paint. Chalk paint really dries quickly and it has a rough texture to it after it dries. Many people use wax or poly-acrylic sealant on top of their furniture piece to keep the paint from peeling. So there ya go, my best explanation. I am sure you'll get more in depth explanations, but I hope this helps a little. Be well!

3 marked as helpful Reply
- See 4 previous
- Chris aka monkey on Jun 01, 2014
  @Allison King-Jordan (Zentivity Designs) that is a fantastic explanation xx
  
  Helpful
- Judi Parmer Todd on Jun 01, 2014
  @Allison King-Jordan (Zentivity Designs) I have a question about chalk paint. I just bought some Plaster of Paris to make my own. Can you store it like other paint, in an air tight container? I thought I'd use cleaned Mayo jars, etc, and store them upside down so no air can get in. Thanks ahead of time :)
  
  Helpful
- Allison King-Jordan (Zentivity Designs) on Jun 02, 2014
  @Judi Parmer Todd Hi there. Well, it has been MY personal experience that chalk paint (unless you buy something like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint -- also abbreviated as ASCP -- which many, many, many DIYers **rave** about) does not exactly store well. I have researched it and even talked (via email) to a very popular and knowledgable blogger about it and she said that CP has a tendency to set up. Yes, you can store it in an airtight container but I have, for the last few months, been having serious problems with my chalk paint "seizing up." And no matter what I did (using different chalk paint recipes, i.e., using plaster of paris or calcium carbonate) the paint went from a thick soup to frosting to mud, sometimes right in front of my eyes! (I used it anyway... but it was like spreading frosting on a layer cake!) What I think is happening is that over the past few years, paint manufacturers are trying to get on the chalk paint bandwagon and making their latex paint lines somewhat unsuitable for DIY chalk paint creation --- they'll likely come out with their own lines of specialty chalk paint like CeCe Caldwell or Annie Sloan or Martha Stewart -- Even Joann's has a line out now. Call me crazy, but Sherwin Williams paint always seizes up on me when I use it as a homemade chalk paint base. I had an old can of it (well preserved) that I made CP with and it was fine - the newer recipe (so to speak) is different. Glidden and Behr work great for chalk paint right now, but I am wary of making big batches. I made some olive colored chalk paint with a Glidden sample a few weeks ago and it kept for a few weeks before it got too thick. Adding water after the fact doesn't exactly help but then again, everyone has their opinions and experiences to draw from. I make chalk paint in small batches... Does this answer your question? I am sorry to have droned on...
  
  Helpful
- BARB B on Jun 03, 2014
  @Allison King-Jordan (Zentivity Designs) Thank You! Thank You!! :-)
  
  Helpful
- Sarah Schneider on Jun 06, 2017
  
  Thank you so much for this analysis. I've been curious about this for awhile and am dying to try this technique.
  
  Helpful
Wendy Johnson on Jun 01, 2014
I am learning also, so i hope you dont mind if i try to learn from your answers...

Helpful Reply
Judi Parmer Todd on Jun 02, 2014
THANK YOU! I just wanted to know if I was better off just making enough for one item, and having to make a little "more" if necessary, than making more than I need, and then having to throw it away. You have answered everything I wanted to know, and I thank you VERY much for taking the time. Much appreciated.

Helpful Reply
Judi Parmer Todd on Jun 02, 2014
I meant making more than I needed, then storing it. It's Monday, what can I say <smile>

Helpful Reply

Sheila Bolan on Mar 13, 2018

Eee smashing, thanks very much for taking time to reply,and useful information,as it works just aswell,with emulsion/flat paint and much cheaper,too,happy days peeep,s 😄🙄cheerio for now x

1 marked as helpful Reply

Related Discussions

Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?

Lauren of Mom Home Guide Answered on Oct 05, 2023

I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ... See more

q should i paint or stain my kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, painting, painting cabinets, My oak galley style kitchen

338

See Answers

How to match ceiling paint?

Tim Gavagan Answered on Sep 05, 2023

Can someone tell me how to match paint for a ceiling touch up job?I cut a small patch of dry wall paper out of the ceiling and had paint made at Home Depot TWICE! Sti... See more

28

See Answers

How to stain wood deck?

Betty Shafer Answered on Sep 22, 2023

Tips to stain my wood deck?

23

See Answers

How to stain wood cabinets?

MONA Answered on Oct 31, 2023

How do I stain my wood cabinets? Do I have to remove them and put them back, or can I stain them while they are attached?

18

See Answers

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Failure - What do I do now?

Gail Willson Answered on Feb 15, 2023

My intention for this beautiful mahogany dresser was paint or stain the top in a dark colour and to paint the body and drawers white.The top has turned out the way I ... See more

annie sloan chalk paint failure what do i do now

25

See Answers

What's the difference between wall paint and furniture paint?

Ann Cassler Answered on Jun 24, 2018

I tend to use leftover latex wall paint for chairs and other furniture. How is this different from paint made for furniture?

3

See Answers

What grade sandpaper do I use to distress chalk painted furniture?

Catherine Kolpak Answered on Feb 09, 2018

Paining a bedroom set and want light distressing.

3

See Answers