Everything you need to know about the fun and versatile decorative Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan’s signature trademark product, Chalk Paint, is a versatile and simple to use paint that adheres to most anything - wood, glass, walls, kitchen cabinets, flooring, fabrics, hardware like metal, brass, even rust, you name it. It’s good for indoor and outdoor use, so add garden furniture, terracotta, plastic, and concrete to the list.

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What is Chalk Paint?

I’d heard of chalk paint before but once I had the opportunity to partake in a workshop on the Annie Sloan method a few years back, I was sold.

Chalk Paint is a decorative furniture paint that’s easy and quick to use. Annie Sloan developed her unique paint product out of frustration at the lack of decorative paint options at the time, back in 1990. She made it easy for DIY enthusiasts and professional painters alike to achieve amazing results. Annie Sloan is all about projects being perfectly imperfect and encourages a lavish, fun style. The Annie Sloan website is chalk full (see what I did there?) of ideas and inspiration.

It’s kind of foolproof. You can use it to create a lot of different looks, from vintage to distressed, to chippy and rustic, to smooth and modern. Read about three style finishes you can try now.

It’s thick, so you can create texture with your brush. If you want a smooth finish, add a bit of water to your paint. Leave the lid off the tin to thicken the paint up more, or create a wash by mixing even more water with the paint. Once the paint is fully dry, you can remove a bit of paint using fine or medium-grit sandpaper to achieve the finish you want, or to buff a finished surface.

Chalk paint by Annie sloan is easy and quick to use. create a lot of different looks, from vintage to distressed, to chippy and rustic, to smooth and modern. #Anniesloan #chalkpaint #decorativepaint #diy #homedecor

Chalk Paint ideas

The possibilities are honestly endless when it comes to what you can achieve with Chalk Paint. You can have fun updating an old piece of furniture with geometric patterns, totally change up your kitchen cabinets, paint your radiators, paint your floorboards, or even your sofa! You can create a pearlescent gaze, a gilded look, a gold leaf, use texture, create ombre, or use it with stencils. Read my feature story on using Chalk Paint around your home here.

use chalk paint around your home ob almost anything - wood, glass, walls, kitchen cabinets, flooring, fabrics, hardware like metal, brass, even rust. IT’s also good for indoor and outdoor use. #Anniesloan #chalkpaint #decorativepaint #diy #Freshhome… — use chalk paint around your home ob almost anything - wood, glass, walls, kitchen cabinets, flooring, fabrics, hardware like metal, brass, even rust. IT’s also good for indoor and outdoor use. #Anniesloan #chalkpaint #decorativepaint #diy #Freshhomedecor

Chalk Paint Colours

Annie Sloan has created a curated colour palette of 42 shades, inspired by 18th and 19th century decor and design. You can also mix Chalk Paint colours to achieve your own bespoke shade. She’s even published some books and magazines to guide you on colour mixing. They’ve got whimsical and charming names, like Paris Grey, Athenian Black, Provence, Antoniette, Chateau Grey, and Arles to name a few. Check out the Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan paint colours here.

You don’t have to sand or prime anything before getting started with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

The very best part, in my opinion, is there’s so need for priming or sanding! Because Chalk Paint adheres to most surfaces, there is no prep required, apart from wiping down and cleaning your surface.

Pop open the lid (after a good shake), give it a mix, and you’re ready to go.

Read about my DIY staircase makeover with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan.

chalk paint by Annie sloan is simple and easy to use with no sanding or priming required! #Anniesloan #chalkpaint #decorativepaint #diy #Freshhomedecor

Sealing Chalk Paint

Once you’re finished painting, Annie Sloan soft wax (in clear or dark) should be applied to protect the finish and add durability. The wax is applied with a lint-free cloth (less is more, remove excess wax with a clean cloth) rubbed in, and then buffed.

For flooring, kitchen cabinets, and outdoor projects, Chalk Paint Lacquer (in matt or gloss) is recommended for a hardwearing protective finish. It’s best applied with a foam roller, but you can also use a brush or spray gun. Lacquer can also be diluted with about 10% water for an even finish.

It’s really important to test small patches of your surface if you’re going to be using the lacquer finish. The lacquer application can pull stains of a previous finish through the Chalk Paint, causing yellowing. If this happens, you’ll need to seal the surface with shellac or stain blocker first. You’ll also have to do this with new, untreated wood. Apply shellac to wood knots and open grains to block tannins from bleeding through. It will dry quickly (within minutes) and you’re ready to paint and then seal with lacquer.

The wax and lacquer will dry to the touch really quickly. The full curing process will take 5-14 days, so be gentle with your piece. For a really great shine, allow 24 hours before buffing.

The Annie Sloan sponge roller applies paint like a dream. #Anniesloan #chalkpaint #decorativepaint #diy #Freshhomedecor

Where to buy Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

A network of independent shops are Annie Sloan stockists, carrying a selection of Annie Sloan products and Chalk Paint. Here’s where you can find a stockist near you: https://www.anniesloan.com/stockists/

Quick tips for using Chalk Paint

Clean the surface, no other prep is required.
Shake the paint can and mix your paint really well.
Water down the paint for a lighter tone or smoother finish
The first coat will dry to the touch in 1-3 hours, depending on the climate. Then you can apply a second or even third coat of Chalk Paint.
Achieve different textures from distressed, to rustic, to modern finishes.
Use sandpaper to remove a bit of paint using fine or medium grit sandpaper to achieve the finish you want, or to buff a finished surface.
Once paint is fully dry, you’re ready to apply a soft wax or lacquer.
Wax and lacquer will dry to the touch 1-3 hours, and give your piece 14 days to fully cure for a long lasting, hard wearing, durable finish.