Chalk paint

Overview

Chalk paint is a ready-mixed, water-based furniture paint with a very flat finish. Fine Woodworking's 2012 review of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint describes it as water-based with calcium carbonate, low in VOCs and fast-drying. Real Milk Paint Co. (a competitor, so treat as a manufacturer's view) says chalk paint is a premixed liquid and gives a smooth matte finish, where milk paint is a powder.

Pros

• Needs little prep, according to Annie Sloan.
• Fast drying. Fine Woodworking found one coat covered, and the paint went on over an oil stain without primer.
• Layers can be sanded back for distressing (Distressing and antiquing).
• Manufacturer-sealed with wax or lacquer (water-based polyacrylic with UV protection).

Cons

• Soft until sealed: needs wax or lacquer.
• General Finishes notes that more porous chalk-style paints yellow more under topcoat.
• Fine Woodworking in 2012 priced it at about $35 per quart and said 28 colours were offered; check today's price and range.
• Little data on abrasion and water resistance.

Suitability

Furniture and cabinets where a flat, painted, hand-worn look is wanted. Prep claims are manufacturer statements; test adhesion on a sample, especially over slick finishes.

Coats and application

1. Clean and lightly scuff.
2. Brush 1 to 2 coats. One was enough in the Fine Woodworking review.
3. Seal: Fine Woodworking used wax; Annie Sloan also lists lacquer.
4. Distress by sanding edges.

Compatibility

Over stain without primer (Fine Woodworking). With wax topcoats; compare Milk paint and Latex and acrylic enamel paint for tougher films. Tannin bleed from some woods can show through light colours (General Finishes) so use a stain blocker.

Care and repair

Rewax periodically; touch up by repainting and rewaxing.

Safety and environment

Manufacturers claim low VOC; no data checked on dust hazard of sanding. Wear a mask when sanding paint.

Related

• Milk paint
• Distressing and antiquing
• Liming wax and cerusing