Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® is one of the easiest ways to transform an older, dated piece of furniture. The best part is that you don't need primer, and once your surface is ready, you can jump right in! Instant gratification!
I've used various forms of chalk-style paint for years, and I've tried all kinds of brands, but Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® is one of my favorites.
I keep coming back to it for my quick transformation ideas. I've painted furniture with regular paint too, and I much prefer the imperfect look of chalk paint® to the painstaking process of priming and painting the traditional way.
First, a few thoughts on painting with Chalk Paint® …
- First off, if this is your first time using Chalk Paint® you'll want these tools to make your project go quickly and easily!
- If you're nervous about trying Chalk Paint® for the first time, start with a small, low-stakes item. My first project was a large dresser, but it was a cheap one from Craigslist. Once you get that first project under your belt, you'll have the confidence to take on bigger ones!
- I'd only use this type of paint if you're going for a distressed, chippy look. I've never actually tried it on something without distressing, but I've painted several pieces with this chalk-type paint, and it definitely chips with continued wear. If you want a more full-coverage paint, look into Fusion Mineral Paint.
- The brush I use depends on the look I want. For a more brushed finish, I'll use a natural bristle brush made for chalk paint (like this one). But if I'm going for a more solid finish with distressing afterward, I'll use my normal Purdy brushes that I love.
- Don't use this type of paint if imperfections bother you.
- This paint is thick. If you paint straight from the can with the lid off, it thickens even more. So I either pour it into another container (I like this kind) or add a little, teeeeeny bit of water every so often and stir to thin it out.
- It dries quickly, in about 20 minutes. But be sure to let it dry completely before moving on to distressing or applying the wax.
Supplies You Will Need to Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
- Drop Cloth. You'll need a drop cloth or other material to protect your surfaces.
- Painter's Tape. I only use this kind of painter's tape, but you may have areas you need to tape off if you don't want them painted.
- Brush. I explained above which brush I use in which situation, but I mostly just use these.
- Paint. Obviously. You can get Annie Sloan Paint® here or by searching for a local supplier here. (If you can't find it online, try Rustoleum's Chalked Paint.)
- Damp rag and cleaning solution (optional). You definitely want your surface clean and free of all dust and debris.
- Lint Free Cloth. I use old cut-up t-shirts, but if you don't have any lying around, I recommend these.
- Fine Grit Sandpaper. Used for distressing.
- Wood Putty. (Optional) Side note: I used wood putty on the corner of my first Chalk Paint® project, and the color looked a little different over the putty than it did everywhere else. It's not super noticeable on that piece, but you may want to test it in an inconspicuous spot first.
Steps to Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
1. Choose Your Project Piece.
As I recommended above, pick something small and low-stakes as your first piece to build your confidence. Then from there, the sky's the limit! Go big or go home, you choose!
For this project I painted the base of my kitchen table. It's part of my eat-in kitchen makeover, and you can see the design plan here.
2. Gather your Supplies.
See the supply list above.
3. Remove Hardware & Fill Holes (if needed).
If your piece has any hardware that can be removed, take it off. If it can't be removed, cover it with painter's tape. If you plan to change out the hardware, you may need to putty the holes and sand them down.
If any part of the piece needs sanding, now is the time to do it. Although, I like all of the imperfections and how Chalk Paint® brings them out.
4. Prep your surface.
You may not need to prime your surface, but it should be clean. I painted our kitchen table legs, and they were so caked with food (ewww … gross!) that I had to use Krud Kutter.
I usually just use a damp rag, but it depends on how dirty your furniture is. A warm, soapy dish cloth will usually do the trick! Just be sure to finish with a damp cloth only, so no cleaner or soap residue is left behind.
Also, use this time to tape off any other areas of your project that you don't want painted!
5. Apply the first coat of Chalk Paint®.
Yay! The fun part begins! At least it's the fun part for me, because I love a good transformation. Everyone says to brush in the direction of the grain, which is perfectly fine, but it depends on what look you want the finished product to have.
If you're going for a smooth finish with distressing, use a regular paint brush and go with the grain. I do find that some brush strokes show at the end, so know that you'll be able to see them a bit when you're finished.
If you're going for a more imperfect, messy look, use a natural bristle brush, and I'd suggest doing one heavy coat. I'll show you what it looks like on a desk I painted…
Chalk Paint® dries in about 20-30 minutes, so you can come back for the second coat pretty quickly. Depending on how large your project is, you may be able to start the second coat as soon as you finish the first!
6. Apply the second coat of Chalk Paint®.
You'll most likely need a second coat for full coverage. Just paint it on like you did the first, and you'll see most of the big brush strokes disappear. If not, go over those brush strokes once more after the second coat has had a little time to dry.
If your paint is getting too thick at this point, add a smidge of water to thin it out. It's not a bad idea to pour some into another container and add the water there. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if you need to!
And if the paint goes on a little too thick at this point, you can always sand it down and repaint, or just sand it a little. This paint is very forgiving!
7. Clean up your paint brushes.
Just wash your brushes in warm, soapy water. I make sure not to let water run down into the bristle base while washing them, and I always lay them flat or hang them by their handles to dry.
My Purdy brushes last me decades when I take care of them properly. Yes, literal decades!
8. Distress your project.
I only recommend using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® if you plan to distress your project. I find that it tends to chip anyway, so I'd hate for you to use it, have the project chip, and then hate it.
The only exception would be if you plan to seal it with clear polycrylic. I've heard that works well to seal everything in and prevent future wear.
I use fine grit sandpaper (usually 180) to lightly sand the corners and edges that would naturally wear over time. Just a couple of light passes with the sandpaper will do the trick.
I also rub a damp cloth over the spots where I want some very light distressing.
Annie Sloan recommends distressing after you apply the sealing wax, but I've tried it both ways and much prefer to do it before the wax. It's easier to distress first, and then the chalk paint wax seals it all in, so I don't have unsealed spots where I distressed. I will say that distressing chalk paint without sealing wax creates a bit of a dusty mess, but it's easy to clean up!
9. Seal your project with Wax.
I like to use clear sealing wax on all of my projects. I did use dark wax to highlight a baby crib I painted. I like the look, but I think it's a more difficult creative process to master. Either way, I seal the whole project with clear wax first.
You can use a wax brush made specifically for applying wax, or an old t-shirt or lint-free cloth.
Apply a thin layer of wax to the whole project, then lightly wipe off any excess.
If you're using a brush to apply the wax, wash it out with mineral spirits.
10. Buff your Project.
Once the wax has hardened (about 24 hours later), buff it to a shiny finish with a t-shirt or lint-free cloth. I like this step because it gives the final product a smooth finish.
Yay!!!
You're finally finished with your project, and you can step back and admire your gorgeous "new" piece of furniture!
As a reward for reading this monster of a post about painting, you get a sneak peek at our in-progress eat-in kitchen. I'm LOVING how it's coming along. It'll be done soon!!
Scroll and click/tap images below to shop my Eat-in Kitchen:
- X-back chairs
- Candle Style Empire Chandelier
- Faux 3.5′ Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
- Riviera Striped Blackout Curtain
- Faux Wood Curtain Rod Brown
- Faux Wandering Variegated Tradescantia Houseplant
Thank you for taking the time to read this whole post! I know it's super long, but I didn't want to leave out any steps!
Let us know about your experience with Chalk Paint® or any tips or tricks you've found in the comments! Or if you have questions, please leave them in the comments below!
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