My name is Heidi and I’m addicted to chalk paint. 🙂
I discovered chalk paint a little over two years ago and since then I’ve done close to fifty different projects using chalk paint. Chalk paint is not chalkboard paint, although its finish might allow it to function somewhat like chalkboard paint. While the name Chalk Paint is a registered trademark name for Annie Sloan’s line of decorative paint, I’m seeing the term “chalk paint” used to generically describe a paint that lends the same type of matte (almost chalky) finish to a surface. You can find lots of DIY recipes online for chalk paint, usually involving mixing chalk powder, powdered grout or so forth into an existing can of paint; but frankly, I stick with the name brands. And I’ve never been disappointed.
Never tried chalk paint before? Today I’m going to give you some reasons to give it a try for your next painting project.
1. Adhesion to practically any surface with little to no prep work. Confession: this was what drew me to give chalk paint a try. I love to paint furniture and paint many pieces for a booth space. Having to perfectly prepare each surface for painting by de-glossing, sanding, and priming was daunting and tedious. Chalk paint typically needs next to no preparation, other than cleaning the surface and sometimes a light sanding. It adheres to just about any surface including wood, metal, terra cotta, plastic, etc. This opens up furniture, walls, cabinets, decorative items… the list is endless.
2. It’s enviromentally friendly. Chalk paint in its purest form is low VOC and has no odor. You can paint indoors or outdoors with it. Clean up is simply soap and warm water. If you choose to DIY your chalk paint, check that your ingredients are also eco-friendly.
3. Wide variety of colors and color variations you can mix yourself. The available palette of chalk paint is easily expanded by lightening and darkening various colors, mixing in whites and creams or browns and blacks. You can also thin chalk paint by simply adding water for more of a washed look.
4. Hundreds of possibilities for different finishes. It’s easy to get creative with chalk paint! Chalk paint colors can be layered over each other and are easily distressed for a time-worn look. Thicken or thin your paint to get your desired result. Clear and dark waxes to seal the surface can be used together or separately to achieve a variety of different looks and provide durability for the finish.
5. It’s forgiving. Don’t like your result? Paint it again! Because there is no gloss in the paint, no heavy sanding or priming is needed if you want a “do over.” This has perhaps been one of my favorite things about painting with chalk paint besides the gorgeous matte finish it lends.
While the brand name chalk paints can be on the pricey side, they are well worth the expense due to their flexibility and ease of use. One small can of paint can tackle multiple projects! Not convinced? Pick up a sample jar of your favorite color (available online or from a specialty retailer) and give a try on a garage sale find. If you’re like me, you’ll be looking around your house to see what else you can paint with your chalk paint!
See all of my furniture makeovers and other home DIY projects and inspiration on my blog, Decor & More.
