Chalk Paint: how to use this product to paint almost any surface
Chalk paint is a water-based paint with a rich, creamy consistency, made from combining calcium carbonate, an acrylic or latex binder and coloring pigments. Chalk paint has become increasingly popular because of its ease of application, its ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces - including wood, metal, glass and ceramics - and gives a matte, aged/weathered look.
In this article, we take a look at some of the projects you can undertake using chalk paint:
The chalk paint look
The idea of using "chalky" paint to paint furniture or walls is not actually a new concept and, in fact, this type of finish has been the favorite of many lovers of the rustic, vintage or shabby-chic styles for years.
It is even possible to create a DIY version of chalk paint by mixing a small amount of super-fine grouting powder/plaster with any type of paint suitable for a specific surface. This is how, for example, so-called blackboard effect paint was created.
In the wake of this trend, Chalk Paint was invented and patented by Annie Sloane, a colorist and expert in furniture restoration and interior design. Sloane developed a paint formula with a very dense and pasty consistency that adheres immediately not only to wood or plaster, but also to many other materials.
How to use Chalk Paint
Preparing a surface for a coat of Chalk Paint is very simple and quick, as can be seen from the manufacturer's instructions:
- Firstly, you need to clean the surface with a degreaser (or a mixture of hot water and baking soda in a spray bottle), then dried off using a clean cloth;
- Now, you can apply the paint with a roller, paint sprayer or brush (depending on the effect you want). Once applied, wait the indicated time before you apply a second coat (typically, this will be a few hours);
- Once you've finished with the painting, you can protect the surface with a transparent finish (a varnish or even a wax), again depending on the effect you want to achieve;
- Although you can touch the paint after a few hours (see the manufacturer's instructions), the paint will take a full week to cure properly.
Video via @houseofhetheringtons/Instagram
In addition to the famous Sloane chalk paint, there are several other brands available on the market: Pectro, BiancoShabby, Waverly, Rustoleum, Jolie, Dixie Belle and more - often with very similar characteristics to Sloane's original. Have you ever tried using chalk paint for your DIY projects?
