What exactly is Chalk Paint and when should you use it?
There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to chalk paint and I know of a more than few people that use this paint incorrectly than for what it is originally intended.
26/04/2019
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Chalk paint is a buzz word for painting these past few years but there are lots of people out there that don't understand what chalk paint is and when it can be used.
This article is intended to offer more information on various brands of chalk paint and the best ways to use this in your home. Firstly, chalk paint was originally created by the company Annie Sloan. Since then, there are far more brands on the market - all at different prices and offered a different level of quality. You can even find recipes for making your own chalk paint.
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Introduction of chalk paint
While I have used Annie Sloan chalk paint for quite a few painting projects, I have also used quite a few other brands as well, and many of which offer similar results. For me, I buy based on price, availability and finished project and I have had no complaints using the Rust-Oleum Chalked ultra matte paint product that you can buy at Builders stores around the country.
Chalk paint is an ultra matte paint that creates a chalky finish, one that is easy to apply without much effort (minimal sanding) and is great if you love rustic or shabby chic finishes for your furniture. Quite a few of the chalk paint brands on the market also offer a variety of finishes and waxes (top coats) that you can use in combination with chalk paint to achieve vintage or antique finishes.
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What makes chalk paint different
Chalk paint offers an ultra matte finish that looks wonderful on furniture projects, and give a look that is completely different from other paints, especially if you are specifically looking for a country, cottage or shabby chic result. Chalk paint has become extremely popular in the last few years because very little preparation is required before application. Furniture only needs to be given a light sanding before applying chalk paint.
Because of it's fairly thick texture, DIY enthusiasts and decorators like to use chalk paint to give scratched or old pieces a brand new look. Chalk paint is also water-based, which means it is friendly to use and easy to clean up with soapy water.
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How to apply chalk paint
First and foremost, keep in mind that it is recommended that a finish be applied to chalk paint. You have the option to choose from a wax finish or a liquid top coat. These finishes protect the painted surface and extend the life of the project. Plus, applying a liquid top coat means you can easily keep chalk painted furniture clean.
Chalk paint has a thick consistency and it usually takes no more than two coats to completely cover even previously painted furniture. However, that doesn't mean you can simply apply an extra-thick layer of paint to finish quickly. Applying too much of anything isn't a good idea. Rather apply the first coat, let it dry and then apply a second coat. Also remember to wait 3 to 4 days before applying the finish.
GOOD TO KNOW: While minimum prep work is required when using chalk paint, keep in mind that the finished project is only as good as the work you put into it. If you want a rustic finish then you're okay. But if you are looking for a bit more elegance and only using chalk paint for the ease of use and matt finish, do a bit more prep work beforehand.
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Where to use chalk paint
While chalk paint was primarily designed for painting furniture, you will find that many people have used chalk paint on walls and fittings, and even on upholstered fabric. Because of its ultra matt finish, chalk paint is not recommended for walls in high-traffic areas, or for furniture that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. However, there are still so many ways that you can use chalk paint to transform old or dated furniture, or even to give furniture that hasn't been well looked after a makeover.
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Finishing off
Chalk paint is so easy to use that many people tend to forget that a finish must be applied. As mentioned above, there are several options to choose from to finish and protect your chalk painted piece. If you apply a wax finish over the top of chalk paint, remember to re-apply now and again to ensure maximum protection.
If you are applying a liquid sealer to wax paint this will generally protect the piece for a long time. However, don't scrub the finish too much or you will definitely need to apply more.
GOOD TO KNOW: Many homeowners have used chalk paint for kitchen cabinets but this isn't generally recommended. Even if you apply a top coat as a protective finish, kitchen cabinets require regular intensive cleaning and it is far better to apply a durable paint finish for furniture in kitchens.