All the keys to chalk paint

Since the interior designer Annie Sloan patented the formula that later served as inspiration for this brand, the prominence of chalk paint or chalk paint has been increasing. Why? Because it provides us with a simple, fast and inexpensive way to renew any piece of furniture.

With chalk paint, achieving a good finish on our furniture without having the experience of a professional is easy. The same does not happen, however, with other types of paintings. And this is the biggest advantage of this painting but not the only one that we share with you today.

Characteristics of chalk paint

Chalk paint is a painting with a high component in calcium carbonate. It is characterized by its matte finish, without gloss. It also has high coverage and very fast drying. It is used mainly to paint furniture, and can be applied directly on these without any previous treatment. But it can also be applied on other surfaces.

Main advantages

• No primer required. The main advantage of chalk paints is that they can be applied directly to clean, dry surfaces. Even on painted furniture, without the need to remove the previous coat of paint.
• Its base is watery. It is one of the reasons why it is very easy to work with.
• It does not drip. Because of its consistency, chalk paint rarely drips while applied.
• It is not toxic or leaves an odor. It has a low level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

How does it apply?

Working with chalk paint results simple and comfortable. As we have mentioned before, you do not need to be a restoration professional to give a second life to a wooden furniture with this paint. Just follow the following four steps:

1. Clean the surface to be painted. The surface on which the paint is to be applied must be clean and dry. If you sand the surface before painting to achieve a smoother finish, remember to remove the dust afterwards.
2. Apply the paint. You can apply the paint with a brush or roller, with or without texture, respecting the texture of the paint or watering it to achieve different effects.
3. Apply wax or varnish. The main objective of applying wax or varnish is to seal the piece, although you can also use them to add color to it.
4. Brighten. Once the wax is dry, you can polish the piece with a soft cloth.

It is very common to use this paint to achieve a finish similar to that of antique furniture, but without showing actual wear and tear on these. However, chalk paint can also be used to achieve cleaner, more contemporary finishes. To achieve one or the other finish, it will be enough to make some changes in the way of applying the paint.

For a rustic look

To achieve that rustic aesthetic that so characterizes the works made with this painting, the ideal is apply the paint to the chalk with a brush. It is thus achieved that after applying the wax the brushes come out and contribute to achieving that vintage patina. To achieve a vintage or aged effect, it is also common, after the first coat of paint and once it dries, it is passed with sandpaper or fine steel wool. If you don’t like the original color of the furniture, you can apply two coats of different colors to achieve a contrasting finish, sanding the second coat to bring out the background color.

For a contemporary finish

If, on the other hand, you are looking to imitate the finish of a contemporary furniture, the ideal is use a flocked roller. If even so the texture obtained is slightly grainy, you will only have to pass a fine sandpaper over the paint once it is dry so that the finish is smooth like that of a lacquer.

Are you now more clear about how to work with chalk paint? Will you dare to give a second life using this to a piece of furniture that you have at home? Try a small piece first and jump to chairs, chests of drawers and cabinets later.

Images – Annie Sloan