Chalk paint has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, with both professional decorators and DIYers using it, particularly for furniture upcycling projects. Brands such as Frenchic and Annie Sloan have led the charge, but Rust-Oleum and Johnstone’s (retail range) also now offer chalk paints, among others.
So why has it become so popular, and what is the best way to get great results with chalk paint?
Why has Chalk Paint Become so Popular?
The simple answer to this question is “the media”! DIYers are inundated with videos on TV and YouTube of pieces of furniture being transformed in a couple of hours “with hardly any prep required” (we’ll come back to that point a little later!).
In a time when everyone’s budgets are under pressure, the idea of being able to get hold of a piece of furniture cheaply second-hand and transforming it with minimal effort is bound to be appealing.
Obviously, furniture can be upcycled with other paints, it’s not the exclusive domain of chalk paint – I’ve done quite a few pieces myself using Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell for example, and it’s worked really well.
But unsurprisingly, people love the “minimal prep, minimal effort” story which the chalk paint manufacturers use in all their marketing.
How to Apply Chalk Paint
In this section, I’ll briefly list the supplies you need and the steps you should take. Further down the blog, I’ll go into more details on some of the talking points and the products I recommend you use when applying chalk paint.
Supplies
Degreaser – Click here to see online prices.
Sandpaper – Click here to see online prices.
Paint – Click here to see online prices.
Filler – Click here to see online prices.
Tool
Paint brush – Click here to see online prices.
Paint roller – Click here to see online prices.
Dust brush or cloth – Click here to see online prices.
Steps
Remove handles
Remove any hardware (handles, knobs, locks, hinges etc) – this eliminates the risk of getting any paint on them, and allows you to clean them separately, or replace if you wish.
Clean
De-grease to remove any wax or furniture polish, which will stop the paint from adhering properly.
Repair imperfections
Fill any holes or dents in the surface with good quality wood filler (personally I like HB42) and sand smooth once it has cured.
Abrade
Sand the surface to provide a “key” for the paint to adhere to – you only need to dull the surface, not sand back to bare wood. Just ignore the instructions that come with a lot of chalk paints when they say, “no need to sand the surface”. They’re wrong, you do.
Remove dust
I would then give the surface a wipe down with a rag dampened with white spirit to help remove any dust from sanding, and any remaining wax or polish residues. I would then wipe down with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
Prime
Once the furniture is dry, I would paint with a suitable primer – “suitable” depends on what finish is already on the furniture, but BeDec All Prime is always a good option. You don’t necessarily need to prime when using chalk paint, but it does help adhesion and it will also block tannins.
Apply at least two coats of chalk paint in your chosen colour
You can apply two coats of one colour. Or you can apply one coat of one colour, two of another, and then sand in areas to give you a shabby chic effect.
Seal the surface
Chalk paint on its own is not very durable, so you need to seal it. You can do this by applying wax or Polyvine Decorators Varnish.
Degreasing Furniture Before Applying Chalk Paint
I thought I’d explore degreasing further, simply because it is a very important step when using chalk paint. A lot of furniture has been waxed, so no paint will stick to it. Almost all furniture has been cleaned using various household cleaning agents. You need to remove all wax and residue from cleaning agents before you can paint.
Some people use methylated spirit for this. I prefer Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner. It’s an easy-to-use, powerful cleaner that will tackle anything you put in front of it.
You will need to open a window when using Zinsser Universal Degreaser, because it is strong. As a Decorator, I use it often and it’s the product I recommend.
Filling Imperfections
There may not be any imperfections to fill. Besides which, if you’re going for a shabby chic effect, then the odd knock or scrape can make your furniture look more authentic. However, I want to explain why I use HB42 Ultimate Wood Filler.
It’s a 2-part filler, so you add an activator to the filler before you use it. It’s easy to use, doesn’t sag, and is very smooth when you sand it flat. It’s hard too, so a repair will last.
But the reason I like using it for any decorating job, including when using chalk paint, is that it doesn’t contain styrene. This is a sweet-smelling chemical added as a binder, but it isn’t very healthy! If using a filler that contains styrene, you should take precautions not to inhale when sanding. It’s far safer to use HB42.
The Primer
The instructions you get with a lot of chalk paint products is that you do not need to prime. This confuses me a little bit because chalk paint doesn’t have great adhesion at the best of times. It relies on the wax or varnish over the paint to bind it.
What I will say, is you should use your best judgment. If you’re painting over natural wood, then a good primer will block tannins and knot bleed and prevent it from ruining your paint finish. If you’re painting melamine, then a primer might be necessary to prevent adhesion issues.
I use Bedec All Prime for a few reasons; it’s reasonably priced, available in white or grey, it’s water-based, it blocks knot bleed and tannins, and it sticks hard and fast.
Applying Chalk Paint
However much prep you decide to do, your next step is the painting. Chalk paint can be sprayed or applied by brush and/or roller. I find you need to work quite quickly with it, as the drying times are short (typically recoat in just one hour). This means you can get the job done quickly, but you have to be on your toes to keep a wet edge and avoid brush marks.
Having said that, if you’re after the “shabby chic” look that chalk paints are often used for, brush marks are less of an issue. If, on the other hand, you want a nice smooth finish, my preference (as I don’t do much spraying) is to use a brush for the mouldings and awkward corners, and then roll the large flat surfaces with a 4” roller (my choice would be Two Fussy Blokes or Pioneer Velvet Poly Flock mini-rollers) to get the paint on quickly and evenly. Then I lay the chalk paint off with a brush straight away in the direction of the grain. Once your first coat is on, allow it to dry, and then apply a second coat.
A lot of people go for the “distressed look” when using chalk paint, and it’s relatively easy to achieve. You will need to buy two separate colours. Start by applying one colour, allow to dry, then apply two coats of the second colour over the top. Allow to dry again, then lightly rub the top colour down until the first colour shows through. Do this on corners, edges, and small patches on flats until you get your desired result. Anyone can do this, so don’t be afraid to have a go and be creative.
But that’s not the end of the story….
How to Seal and Protect Chalk Paint
If you stop at that point, your chalk paint will look great…for a few days! But it’s very prone to marking, scuffing, scratching and so on, and before long you’ll feel you’ve got to give it another coat.
Chalk paint is also very porous – it absorbs stains, natural oils form hand contact etc, so in no time it will start looking less than its best.
To solve this problem, allow it to dry for at least 2-3 hours, longer if possible – some people say as long as 24 hours – and then apply a sealing coat.
The traditional choice is a clear wax, but you can use a clear varnish such as Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish which is a lot easier and more durable than wax. This is especially true on surfaces such as tabletops which are more likely to suffer more wear and tear.
Polyvine is available in gloss, satin or matt and dries in a couple of hours. If you’re using a wax, you can apply it with a brush or a lint-free cloth, but have a separate (clean) cloth handy to remove any excess wax, and give your furniture a final “buff” (remember Karate Kid – “wax on, wax off”!).
If you prefer a more traditional wax, then there is one that stands out. We’ve been using Smith & Rodger Microcrystalline Wax Polish for a while now.
It dries clear, so it doesn’t alter the colour too much. It results in a soft, satin, water repellent finish and leaves a very pleasant aroma. You just apply a very thin layer with a cloth. Don’t apply too much pressure or you might damage the chalk paint before it is fully sealed.
The more you buff the surface, the higher the level of sheen you will achieve, so if you want a more matt finish, only buff it enough to remove excess wax.
Finally, refit (or replace) the hardware on your furniture. Leave it to fully cure – the wax can take up to a month, so check on both the paint and wax tins for brand-specific information; in any event, it’s best to minimise contact with the furniture during this time as it is still soft and prone to scratching etc.
The one exception to the “you must wax or varnish to protect chalk paint” rule is Frenchic “Lazy Range”.
Their regular “Original Artisan” chalk paint needs sealing to protect it, but the “Lazy Range” claims no prep, no primer, no wax sealer needed – all in one! It sounds too good to be true, and to be honest I haven’t tried it yet myself, but I’d be interested to hear comments from anyone who has.
So there you go – a quick introduction to how to paint with chalk paint. There’s a lot more I could have got into in terms of special effects and decorative finishes that you can achieve with these products, and also different primers I would feel might be necessary in certain situations (even if the chalk paint tin says, “no primer necessary”!), but hopefully that’s enough to get you started!
FAQs
Now you know how to apply chalk paint, I thought it would be useful if I took you through some of the most commonly asked questions.
Do I need to sand before using chalk paint?
Most manufacturers tell you that you don’t need to sand before applying chalk paint, but it’s nonsense. Sanding aids adhesion, and there is very little binder in chalk paint, so you need to give it the best chance possible to stick to a surface.
What are the disadvantages of chalk paint?
- Chalk paint is messy to use, particularly if you sand it.
- Stains and tannins can bleed through unless you apply a stain blocking primer first.
- The “distressed look” can look cheap and tacky in the wrong place.
- Even after sealing the chalk paint, it still isn’t as durable as polymer- or enamel-based paint.
- You can’t touch chalk paint up after you’ve sealed.
- It can leave a texture on a surface.
Do I need to seal chalk paint?
You always need to seal chalk paint. Otherwise, it won’t be very durable, and it’ll remain porous. But rather than wax, you can use varnish.
What is so special about chalk paint?
Chalk paint comes in lovely colours and has a certain depth. You can do a lot with it too, meaning it’s great if you have a creative mind..
Can you use chalk paint over existing paint?
Providing the existing paint is sound, you won’t have a problem painting over it with chalk paint. Glossy surfaces may need to be primed first.
Will chalk paint stick to glossy finish?
Chalk paint, like a lot of other products, will struggle to adhere to a glossy surface. Sand the surface first, and then prime it with Zinsser BIN Aqua or Bedec Prime All. That way you know your chalk paint will stick.
What happens if you don’t wax chalk paint?
You can’t wipe chalk paint off with a damp cloth unless you seal it. It remains very porous, will absorb smells, and will scuff easily. If you’ve gone to the trouble of making something look pretty with chalk paint, you may as well seal it, so it lasts.
Can you use a paint roller with chalk paint?
Sometimes, using a roller is a lot easier than using a brush. Just use a good-quality medium pile roller like the Axus Décor Silk Touch. That said, brush marks are what adds to the character of chalk paint.
How long does it take for chalk paint to cure?
Chalk paint takes roughly 24-hours to cure, which is remarkable considering some satinwoods take up to 30 days. The chalk paint will be slightly more durable once dry, but you will still need to seal it with a wax or varnish.
Is Chalk Paint difficult to apply?
The second coat of chalk paint can be very difficult to apply, particularly on a hot day. It’s a heavy material, and the previous coat remains porous, so the second and third coats don’t flow easily from your brush.
Why is my chalk paint coming off when I seal it?
Chalk paint contains very little polymer binder. It also doesn’t always adhere well to the surface underneath (which is why I strongly disagree with the advice a lot of manufacturers give you when they say you don’t need to sand a surface before applying it).
If your chalk paint is coming off as you try to seal it, then there are a couple of things you can do:
- Leave your chalk paint 24 hours to cure before sealing.
- Use a varnish like Polyvine Decorators Varnish instead of wax.
- Try not to aggravate the chalk paint as you’re sealing it. Don’t press on very hard, and if applying varnish, use a roller rather than a brush.
- Don’t try and cover everything in one coat of sealer. You might end up over-working the chalk paint, causing it to come off. The odd miss, or thin patch is fine. Just apply a second coat after it’s dried.
How many coats of chalk paint should I apply?
Two to three coats of chalk paint are usually enough to achieve a strong colour change.
What do you put over chalk paint to seal it?
Most people use wax to seal chalk paint. Some people use a clear varnish.
Do I need to prime before chalk paint?
Most manufacturers tell you that you don’t need to prime before using chalk paint. However, the truth isn’t as straightforward. You may need to seal stains and tannins into a surface, so a stain blocking primer is needed. Glossy surfaces also need to be primed to aid adhesion.
Does chalk paint scratch off easily?
Chalk paint scratches off easily before it has been sealed. It isn’t exactly durable, even after you’ve sealed. However, it’s durable enough for use on furniture.
Can you put chalk paint straight onto varnished wood?
I would advise using an adhesion primer over varnished wood. Otherwise, your chalk paint will just wipe off.
What is better than chalk paint for furniture?
Satinwood and eggshell paints are much more durable than chalk paint. But it just depends on what you’re trying to achieve in regard to appearance.
Why is my chalk paint cracking?
There’s no flexibility in chalk paint, so if you apply too much sealer, or apply coats of sealer too quickly, as it dries and tightens it can crack your chalk paint.
It’s either that, or an adhesion issue. Your chalk paint may not have stuck properly to the surface you applied it to.
Why is my chalk paint not sticking?
Chalk paint doesn’t stick as well as most manufacturers would have you believe. Glossy or varnished surfaces should be primed with a product like Bedec All Prime first. Most other surfaces still need to be cleaned and sanded before you apply chalk paint.
Do you sand the final coat of chalk paint?
You only need to sand the final coat of chalk paint when going for the “destressed look”. If you’re not sanding a base colour through your topcoat, then you don’t need to sand before applying your sealer.
Frenchic Lazy Range chalk paint is very good. If going over wax then meths and wire wool, wash down and allow to dry.
Its become popular due to very clever marketing mainly, resukting in the target audience thinking its the inly option for their projects
I feel I’ve been taken in by the market, even though I did a lot of online research about it. Now that I have virtually finished chalk-painting previously varnished wooden kitchen chairs, not having sanded or primed, according to Annie Sloan’s advice, I am not convinced that the finish will be either attractive or durable once I have waxed it. I might then have to go to the great trouble of removing the wax before re-painting with a more user-friendly paint. I now think I’ll stop here and use the chalk paint as a primer and give the chairs a coat of either satin or eggshell and hope it adheres well.