Wondering if there is a chalk paint that is comparable to Annie Sloan

Question

Hi there! I just purchased two beautiful vintage accent chairs with an almost velvety/velour textured fabric. I got them from Craigslist for a smokin deal, and I am in love. The chairs could use a little bit of TLC in a few places, the fabric is beginning to show its age. As I was scouring the interwebs, in hope of inspiration, I came across some! Multiple times I was brought to painting upholstered fabric with Annie Sloan Chalk paint. I've read a few tutorials and watched few videos, some people use acrylic paint with a fabric medium, but their final product seems to come out with a harder finish than those that have been done with chalk paint. My question to you fine folks is, being the novice that I am, do any of you know of any other brand of chalk paint that would give me the same result for a lesser cost? I have never used chalk paint, and I have noticed that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a little pricy (although worth every penny according to my research.) I was hoping some of you might know of a more inexpensive brand that would give me the same quality results! Look forward to your feedback! Thank you!

Sherrie · Answer

I love AS, but started out on CeCe paint.  It is cheaper, it is a very good paint also.  They have had great results from using it in fabric.  One other suggestion use flat paint and a fabric medium.  It doesn't have everything else in it but I would try it first.  And then seal it with wax like they do,

Beth · Answer

I have used both AS and Cece paint in the past.  However, the AS is expensive and the Cece paint just went through a formula change and is not performing very well.   Heirloom Traditions Paint is a very good option for many reasons. HTP is natural, made in Louisville, KY, over 50 color selections and the price point is very affordable.

Susan Baker · Answer

Where can you buy Heirloom Traditions Paint?

Nicole · Answer

Right!! :)

Tania · Answer

I just redid some cane chairs with a fabric seat and tufted back and over been making my own chalk paint. I did not like the grout or plaster of paris version but did find a blog that used calcium bicarbonate, I got mine at GNC, mixed up my paint and it was beautiful to use!!! Not stiff and I did not wax the fabric part, just the wood part and I use minwax

Nicole · Answer

Thanks for the tip Tania! :)

Lise Morrison · Answer

I have seen comment on other sites that you can make your own chalk paint. Have'nt had the opportunity to look into it myself.

Tania · Answer

@Nicole, I found two vintage caneback chairs with bright goldenrod velour seats... grabbed them as they were free. I also bought some FolkArt chalk paint from Joanne with my 40% off coupon it was like 4-5$, and it was great to work with! And very reasonable priced covered great and was very easy to use, I like it just as much as my homemade chalk paint and it seemed to adhere ands work on the fabric better then my home made paint. For fabric I will use the folk art, for wood I will continue to make my own. I bought some from Michaels, their brand is Craft Smart, and it was HORRIBLE!!! so hope that gives you more info and another option for the future projects you find

Kate Slimon · Answer

I have never made my own chalk paint; and I agree that Annie Sloans chalk paint is pricey 
But I must say that it goes a lonnnnng  wayang  It goes on beautifully. I bought the smallest size tin
and I did a four poster canopy bed and all the railings with that one small tin. I was amazed.

Nancy DeMarkis · Answer

When you consider the difference in cost to make your own,  and how far the AS goes,  I can't justify not using it.   I'm 1/4 into a can and have just finished a large desk and a tabletop.   Will be doing three file cabinets too.   I figure to use maybe 3/4 of a quart.  So about $30 to redo my entire office.   Vs buying the paint and additives.   What would you save?   Maybe $10?

Laura Klorman · Answer

I ONLY make my own Cpaint. $40.00 for a quart of any paint is crazy. There are 3 different recipes on the Internet but the one that is recommended as being the best one is the one I use. It's economical and you can get MANY projects out of it.

Always mix your chalk paint with (2 to 1) ratios. Go on Amazon and search for Calcium Carbonate Powder. I buy the 5lb bag and w/shipping it runs me about $11.00 (not bad)

Mix 2parts (that could be 2cups or 1cup depending on how much paint you need to make) of ANY COLOR Flat or Eggshell Latex Paint

1part Calcium Carbonate Powder
(that would be 1cup of powder to 2cups of paint or 1/2 cup of powder to 1cup of paint) ALWAYS 2 to 1

You can add as much as 1/2 teaspoon of water if needed but no more than that.

Also, the leftover paint you've mixed can be used for other projects weeks later.

Kate Slimon · Answer

I live in Manitoba Canada and we have access to Amy Howard chalk paint. I have tried to make my 
own but it's just not the same result. It's not worth it to me; to take the time to paint a piece of furniture; and then have it not turn out the way I had planned; from trying to make my own chalk paint. It's true that chalk paint is pricey but it goes a lonnnnnnnng way; and it's worth when you see the end result.

Wondering if there is a chalk paint that is comparable to Annie Sloan

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