How to Paint Furniture With Chalk Paint
June 06, 2012
Share this
I was lucky enough to get the chance to attend an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop a few weeks ago at a fun shop here in central Indiana. I’ve never used this paint and was thrilled to get a chance to try it out!
This paint is super easy to use, but there are some different techniques and ways of doing things, so the hands on experience was really helpful.
I came home all amped up with plans of painting all kinds of stuff in the house running through my head! And then I couldn’t decide on just the right item to start out with, until I noticed the Goodwill stool that’s been sitting in the garage for a year now:
I decided it would be the perfect item for me to experiment on. Buwhaahahaha.
Taps fingers together, cackles.
OK, it wasn’t really like that, it was more like a squeal, some clapping and a little hop because I was so excited to have finally decided on something. ;)
I kept hearing that you don’t have to do any prep with this paint – no sanding, no priming. It was so hard for me to believe, but I didn’t do anything to this stool other than clean it off.
I wanted to do a little layering of colors, and used the free samples I got from the workshop. I started with the Paris Grey color:
I used a regular paint brush and went to town – and that’s when I realized one of the bonuses of this paint – it goes on so easily and it shows brush marks:
Yes, I said brush marks are a good thing.
So let me tell you, that part was a little hard for me. For years all I’ve done is try to avoid brush marks. So it’s a little hard to get used to and it’s definitely a “look” – if you don’t like this look it may not be for you. I gotta say I loved it in the end, so hang in there if the brush marks are giving you hives. :)
Anyway, I kind of liked that look on a piece like this, because I went into it knowing it didn’t need to be perfect. I just brushed the paint on and didn’t worry about making it super smooth.
Another thing you need to get used to – this paint dries FAST. Really fast. You do need to watch that you get each spot well enough the first time so you don’t have to go back over it – it will “pull” a bit. This is the case for any paint though – you just need to work a bit quicker than with a latex.
I was inspired by another smaller stool I already have, so I cut out a “1” on my Silhouette machine and stuck ‘er on:
I realized later that I was so focused on making sure the number was centered on the top that I didn’t center it on the rungs of the stool. Drats. It’s only slightly off but that’s enough to drive me slightly nutty. :)
I left the stencil on, then painted the whole chair with my second color, Duck Egg Blue – then I peeled off the stencil.
I was left with the grey color showing through, and it was time to sand:
I started with a fine grit sandpaper and ended using a medium grit to really get it distressed. As always, I went for the spots that would normally get some wear and tear:
I went a little lighter on some spots with it so it just brought some of the grey through, instead of down to the wood.
If a piece is going to get any kind of wear, you really need to use the soft wax on it as a final step. A frame would be fine just to paint and hang, but a table, chair, anything like that, should be finished off with a wax:
You can see above that the wax deepens the color, which I liked a lot. It made it the perfect blue color! And of course it deepens the wood grain color coming through the distressing.
You really need to mush that wax into the piece – I just swirled it around all over. The nice thing is you can easily see where it’s covering. It also rocks that you barely have to use any wax:
You want to make sure to not leave a film on the piece – it needs to be wiped down thoroughly. Sasha at ReStyled showed us how if you can run your finger across it and see a mark where you did so, there’s still too much on the item.
If you leave too much on there it will take forever to dry, or may not dry completely. Because of this you don’t have to use much at all -- I barely even touched my wax for this project. I have no doubt the one container of wax will last me years and years.
The wax protects the paint and the surface, much like a poly. I liked the finish when I was done – it’s very smooth to the touch and you can just tell it’s a protective finish by feeling it:
I ADORE this little stool and how it turned out! I love the color, the distressing, the No. 1 on the top:
So darn cute!! You can see what I’m talking about with the brush marks in the pic above. It doesn’t bother me at all on this stool, but I’ll have to see how I feel about it on a bigger piece, like a dresser.
In the end, I loved this paint! I was a little surprised – I’m not sure why. It’s very easy to use. And there’s so many cool looks and techniques possible because of the layering of colors, the way it distresses, the dark wax option…and I LOVE that you can use it on anything without prep work. From what I understand, it can go right on top of oil or latex paint.
The next item I want to use it on is oil-based, so I’ll let you know how that goes. :)
There is the cost issue of this paint though – I used samples for the stool and it is true what I’ve heard, you need to use very little. I did one coat of each color and both covered beautifully. I’ve heard over and over that one quart will paint numerous pieces – so that is a good thing. So…I until I try it out on a bigger item I can’t speak to that. And you can skip primer so that is a cost saver…
Overall? I will be using it again. I’m excited to try it out on a dresser in our bedroom, so I’ll be sure to share more about that project.
I really loved how it transformed a regular stool:
Here’s the before and after:
Here are some common chalk paint questions:
Q. Will it cover over peeling paint or should it be sanded first?
Peeling paint should be removed -- but no need to break out the power sander. Just use a sanding block to get rid of the flakey paint.
Q. What else should I do to prep for chalk paint?
You should have a clean surface for the paint to adhere to. Kitchen cabinets, furniture, etc. must be degreased and cleaned well before you start.
Q. How to prevent the pink tones or bleed through on mahogany?
Use a clear shellac spray first, let dry and then paint your item. The shellac seals in the tannins in the wood.
Q. How long, if at all, should you wait between coats?
Wait until the paint is dry before adding another coat -- dry times will depend on the season or if you're painting inside or out. Overall about an hour is a safe bet.
Q. What type of brush should be used?
A natural bristle brush is the best choice.
Q. Is there a bad smell? Like if I did it inside, would my house smell like paint?
No smell because of the low V.O.C.'s.
Q. Can chalk paint be used on walls?
Yes! It will just get expense!
Q. How often do you have to put on a coat of wax? Just once, or every year, etc? If so, do you strip the old wax down and re-do or just brush wax on over the paint?
Two coats of wax are recommend for regular use items. High use items like kitchen tables require three coats of wax with 24 hours of dry time between coats.
Q. How often should I add a new coat of wax?
Add a new coat of wax around every three years.
Have you tried the Annie Sloan paint? What have you used it on?
Great color and a great look! I still haven't tried it, but am quite tempted when I see projects like this. Trying to stay focused on the bajillion (unfinished) projects around here first. ;-). So. Very. Difficult.
ReplyDeleteI just did my very first table with ASCP last week: http://pinterest-project.blogspot.com/2012/05/getting-to-know-annie-sloan.html
ReplyDeleteI LOVED it - planning a trip back to the store for more already! Your stool looks great, I am loving that blue color.
The stool looks GREAT!!! I have some questions:
ReplyDelete1) How long, if at all, should you wait between coats?
2) What type of brush should be used?
3) What is the overall drying time?
4) Is there a bad smell? Like if I did it inside, would my house smell like paint?
5) Can it be used on walls?
6) How often do you have to put on a coat of wax? Just once, or every year, etc? If so, do you strip the old wax down and re-do or just brush wax on over the paint?
Thanks!!!!
I absolutely love the way this stool turned out!! It looks aged and vintage...like it has a soul. Like it's been owned by generations of family members, and you're the lucky owner now. I've never used chalk paint. I keep hearing about it, and now I think I have to try it. Also, look at your cute puppy! Oh my gosh...what a shot! :) Last thing...love the bluish wood box on your sofa table (with the rope handles). Did you make that (if so, how did I miss it?). So cool. Hope you're having a great week!!
ReplyDeleteI am completely in L.O.V.E. with ASCP and have completed many projects -- with SO Much ease compared to before I met Annie.
ReplyDeleteTickled to see another chalk paint project -- so thank you for sharing. I linked up my Moody Blues Wall Art Makeover, but have other ASCP on my site as well. http://vhumblenest.blogspot.com
Ok, I will admit it right here and right now.... I am so sad, nay almost despondent!! I have been looking and asking and pleading trying to find someone in our neck of the woods who carries ASCP and would be doing a workshop but to no avail... :( and to find out just down the road there was a workshop.... oh the horror.
ReplyDeleteOkay now that the drama is over... especially since I am practically dancing with glee to discover more workshops!! (now I have to save every penny I earn... to attend!)
1. Can the brushes be used with a natural wax? i.e one made with natural oils such as olive/walnut & beeswax
2. must it be covered with a wax for protection?
Thank you so very much for sharing!!! g'night!!
LOVE this!! Im kinda addicted to ASCP. I've used it many times since I love the look of brush strokes (plus I hate to sand & prime!). Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteI just started using ASCP a couple of months ago, and I really love it. It's SO easy to work with and SO durable, one the wax is on. I can just tell that it will age gracefully instead of peeling or chipping with wear.
ReplyDeleteJust a note, for those who can't attend a workshop or don't live near a stockist: some stockists will ship it to you. That's probably expensive, too, but it's very worth it.
Just a suggestion to get a perfectly smooth finish with chalk paint. If I want a dresser or a china cupboard to be smooth after I finish painting but before I wax, I use a fine grit sanding block to smooth out the brush strokes when I use Annie Sloan paint. The result finishes as smooth as glass and little prep work.
ReplyDeleteVery cute!!! What kind of wax are you using? New to this while DIY painting wood thing. Can't wait to try it. I'll have a whole new house to decorate in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteThe stool looks great! I have used ASCP on LOADS of projects and love it! One tip-if you find that the paint drags you can just wet the tip of your brush and smooth it out-a benefit of ASCP vs. regular. I have found that the cost is probably CHEAPER than a traditional method because you don't have to use primer + paint and the man hours are wayyyy less! I have used it on heavily lacquered furniture, metal, tile and wood. All wear beautifully. Some pieces I have not distressed and they are gorgeous, too, a rich matte color. You also don't have to use sandpaper to distress-you can just use a damp cloth and wipe off where you wish-eliminating a dusty mess. Went to see Annie Sloan during her US tour earlier this spring! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love ASCP! I have just painted my second piece and will be sharing soon...and let me tell you, it is a testament to the power of the paint, a laminate desk with a burn mark on top...covered in one coat and looks FABULOUS! Took me less than an hour, well worth the cost of the paint!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and follow you on Pinterest, too!
♥
Can you use it on stuff other than wood? I have some Billy bookcases I want to paint.
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial!
WELL written, and fantastic pictures! I hope you do not mind me linking it up to my blog, as it is a wonderful testament of the Chalk Paint (TM) and I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
My neighbor used this on her kitchen cabinets. Now you have me interested. I will have to think of a project to use it on...hmmm
ReplyDeleteI love your stool! I wish someone would do an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop here in West Chester, PA! I have wanted to try it but have been a little tentative to move away from my comfort zone. Do you have to buy it online?
ReplyDeleteI have never tried the paint and I am not a fan of brush stokes so I am glad that you told me about that! I love your stool though ... so cute!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Bj
I love your blog. I haven't tried ASCP but I do make my own and have so great success. I love the coverage and with a light sanding before waxing you get a baby smooth finish. I get the look and feel I'm going for with half the work of using latex. Quick question for you at the workshop did they cover using ASCP paint for making chalkboards? I think it can be done. On my blog I have a cornet that I painted turquoise with chalk paint that I think you'll like. I also have some projects posted to facebook http://www.facebook.com/TreChicDesigns
ReplyDeleteAgain great blog
Tracy
I love ASCP! My first attempt was done last year and I've done several smaller pieces since. The paint does last a long time and it's pricey so I decided to make my own. I will pay for the real thing in the future! My own was much harder to use and the project was a huge fail on several aspects so I never even blogged about it as I had intended.
ReplyDeleteYour stool looks great!
1) How long, if at all, should you wait between coats?
ReplyDeleteYOU NEED TO WAIT UNTIL A COAT IS DRY BEFORE YOU APPLY THE NEXT COAT. DRY TIME DEPENDS UPON WEATHER CONDITIONS. ON A HUMID DAY...DRY TIME WILL BE LONGER.
2) What type of brush should be used? A NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSH IS THE BEST CHOICE. Annie Sloan HAS CREATED A WONDERFUL PAINT BRUSH THAT WE CARRY.
3) What is the overall drying time? AGAIN IT VARIES, BUT CAN BE RIGHT AROUND AN HOUR.
4) Is there a bad smell? Like if I did it inside, would my house smell like paint? NOPE. NO SMELL. LOW V.O.C.'S I PAINT INSIDE ALL THE TIME.
5) Can it be used on walls?
ABSOLUTELY!!!
6) How often do you have to put on a coat of wax? Just once, or every year, etc? If so, do you strip the old wax down and re-do or just brush wax on over the paint?
WE RECOMMEND 2 COATS OF WAX FOR END TABLES, COFFEE TABLES, ETC. HIGH USE ITEMS LIKE KITCHEN/DINING TABLES AND CABINETS REQUIRE 3 COATS OF WAX WITH 24 HOURS OF DRY TIME BETWEEN COATS. A NEW COAT OF WAX CAN BE APPLIED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE LAST COAT. ADD A NEW COAT ROUGHLY EVERY 3 YEARS.
Newbie question: Is the wax something specific to chalk paint? Is it what you use instead of a poly coat? Or is it a preference thing?
ReplyDeleteMorning Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI just noticed you will be at HAVEN...I will be there also. I will be one of the Stockists representing Annie Sloan Unfolded, so be sure to find us and come say 'Hello'!! Looking forward to meeting you.
Loved this post ...your stool is beautiful...well done and I love the stenciled number.
janet xox
The Empty Nest
PS...you were so lucky to have attended Sasha's class...she is one of the best!!
The stool looks great! I love the blue! Are you using more blue in your family room lately or am I just noticeing? Love the blue accessories in your photo. I just used Annie Sloan for the first time this week on an old dresser. Love it! We have an antique store in town that began carrying the paint this month! I have a question I wonder if you could answer...can the wax be used on other pieces that are not painted with Annie Sloan? Like over regular latex? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love ASCP! I got my hands on a similar dresser you have, the Drexel that is now your media console. Mine was in rough shape but after the Annie's...beautiful. I just finished a few others including a Union Jack dresser, check it out http://pinterest.com/hafdunn/my-annie-sloan-chalk-paint-projects/
ReplyDeletewhat a great project! I love how the stool turned out, and the number 1 looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and all the projects that you have written about! My parents live in an older home and my mom has been wanting to paint the kitchen cabinets for as long as I can remember. My dad always thought that once she painted them she would regret it but she ordered the chalk paint, painted the cabinets and everyone loves them! I think she's already planning her next chalk paint project - ill have to direct her to this blog post!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any good ideas for making a sign out of a drop leaf from a table? I thought about making a sign for a friend. The table belonged to her grandmother, and she can't keep the table, but I thought having part of it would be cool to have! She likes sort of a woodsy/outdoorsy cabin theme, and I suppose I could add a few hooks for hanging stuff.... I love the stool too!
ReplyDeleteYou got to use chalk paint! I'm so excited for you! I think it's the best thing since twist cones! Now all the items everyone else passes up because they'd be too difficult to prep are ready to be painted.
ReplyDeleteI just did a little vanity bench with the paint names after me (Old White!) and I lightly sanded. People are not kidding - as smooth as a baby's bottom!
I got to see a demonstration at a local barn sale. It wasn't the full on workshop (which costs $89 in our neck of the woods) but I learned a lot. I want to go ahead and take the full workshop and see what else there is to learn.
Does anyone know if there are videos online? My memory is terrible and I'm afraid after going home from the workshop I'll remember too little.
I'm a huge fan of ASCP, but still fairly new at using it too. I'm a little anal still about the brush strokes and like to cover the whole piece thoroughly with several coats and control the distressing. (Control freak!) I have to learn to let go and not be so perfect. The colours are spectacular though and I love the waxy finish.
ReplyDeleteI've painted several things so far and will be posting shortly (which, in my timeline, is not so shortly...lol!)
All that said, your stool turned out fantastic and really, really cute, absolutely number 1!!!
This was extremely helpful. There is a boutique that just started selling Annie Sloan paint by my house and I have been wondering how it works! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love how this came out! Makes me want to redo our barstool too! I have used ASCP on an antique chest I have. I bought a sample size of the paris gray and after hours and hours of sanding (which didnt remove the old finish completely) I slapped the paint on and it covered perfectly. You would never know it was any other color. And one sample size was more than enough to cover this piece (and its a good size).
ReplyDeleteQuestion:
ReplyDeleteCan I use ASCP on a dresser and then use latex paint over it on some accent parts?
Love your Blog! Maybe we could follow each other?
ReplyDeleteDon't stop to post such amazing creations! :D
xoxo, ♥Karli♥
http://sailerkarli.blogspot.de/
Looks GREAT!
ReplyDeleteI just used a mix of barcelona orange and emperors silk annie sloan paint on a dresser and absolutely loved it! I put it's claim that you can paint it on anything to the test by putting it on a formica top, so far so good!
ReplyDeleteSarah Dorsey
http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com
This paint is taking blog land by storm! I just ordered some and received it today. I'm going to paint a garage sale dresser I picked up for $20. Can't wait!! Love the stool and color. Isn't it great when we can give an old, tired piece a new lease on life?!
ReplyDeletelovely, however I do not want the brush strokes so sanding is the best way before wax? also all say no preparation, will it cover over peeling paint or should it be sanded first?
ReplyDeleteOooh, I've been wanting to try milk paint for sooo long now! I love how your stool turned out- so adorable!- so I DEFINITELY need to try it!
ReplyDeleteI'll post my experience with the paint-- I'm sure it will help others! I have used the ivory color (forget the name of it!)-- I attempted it first on a kitchen cabinet and just recently on a dresser. Here is my experience-- I have found that unless your wooden object has NO stains or any chance of oil/grease that have seeped into the wood, then you should be good. But if there is ANY chance of stains/oil-- then you really need to prime. Otherwise, the stains/oil seeps right through VERY easily. On the dresser, I didn't think there would be any issue-- I lightly sanded before hand and then applied the paint. LOTS of bleed through of stains and stuff. I ended up sanding lots of it off, priming, and then reapplying the chalk paint, finally waxing. MUCH better. So beware that it is not necessarily a non-priming paint!
ReplyDeletelovely, however I do not want the brush strokes so sanding is the best way before wax? also all say no preparation, will it cover over peeling paint or should it be sanded first?
ReplyDeleteTO DECREASE BRUSH STROKES USE THE SMOOTH TECHNIQUE. YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE BY READING Annie's book "Quick and Easy Paint Transformations". OR ATTEND A WORKSHOP AT YOUR LOCAL Chalk Paint(TM) STOCKIST.
FIND YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST AT www.anniesloanunfolded.com
I'll post my experience with the paint-- I'm sure it will help others! I have used the ivory color (forget the name of it!)-- I attempted it first on a kitchen cabinet and just recently on a dresser. Here is my experience-- I have found that unless your wooden object has NO stains or any chance of oil/grease that have seeped into the wood, then you should be good. But if there is ANY chance of stains/oil-- then you really need to prime. Otherwise, the stains/oil seeps right through VERY easily. On the dresser, I didn't think there would be any issue-- I lightly sanded before hand and then applied the paint. LOTS of bleed through of stains and stuff. I ended up sanding lots of it off, priming, and then reapplying the chalk paint, finally waxing. MUCH better. So beware that it is not necessarily a non-priming paint!
ReplyDeleteSOME OF THE LIGHTER COLOR LIKE "Old White" CAN HAVE A BLEED-THROUGH AFFECT. ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE IT ON MAHOGANY. TO SOLVE THIS USE A CLEAR SHELLAC SPRAY(AVAILABLE AT ANY HARDWARE STORE) FIRST. THEN PAINT ON....MY FRIEND!!!! THE SHELLAC SEALS IN THE TANNINS IN THE WOOD AND REACT WITH THE PAINT TO CREATE THE BLEED THROUGH.
SECONDLY, YOU MUST HAVE A CLEAN SURFACE FOR THE PAINT TO ADHERE TO. KITCHEN CABINETS MUST BE DE-GREASED AND CLEANED WELL BEFORE YOU START. I GIVE ALL MY FURNITURE A BATH(GOOD SCRUB) BEFORE I START. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND OF LIFE THESE FURNITURE PIECES HAVE LEAD BEFORE YOU GOT YOUR CREATIVE HANDS ON THEM!
will it cover over peeling paint or should it be sanded first?
ReplyDeletePEELING PAINT SHOULD BE REMOVED. NO NEED TO BREAK OUT THE POWER SANDER; JUST USE SOMETHING TO GET RID OF THE FLAKING STUFF.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mara Greenwald and I am reaching out to you on behalf of Procter & Gamble. I really enjoyed reading this post. We would love to have you join our blogger outreach program.
If you are interested, please reach out to me at mgreenwald@bluechipww.com. I look forward to working with you!
Best,
Mara Greenwald on behalf of P&G
i've never used annie sloan paint but have heard so many great things about it. i think i found my weekend project!
ReplyDeletexoxo
ali
My daughter is moving into a college apartment in August, so we have been garage sale shopping for furniture. We bought a wood-look laminate bookshelf, a 1980s oak nightstand and a 1960s whiteish bed and dresser. We decided to try the ASCP to unify the look and hopefully save us time. After purchasing a quart of Paris gray and a sample size of Emile (for inside of headboard shelves) from ReStyled we got started. We did lightly sand all the pieces since it seemed most were possibly laminated and power tools are fun to use!. I admit the paint and wax were expensive (much more than the furniture!) but all I can say is WOW. The nasty laminate bookshelf looks brand new. The bed is amazing and so modern...this is not just for distressed furniture. We saved hours of labor, and still have paint left. Beware though, don't let your children do the waxing- my daughter used almost the entire can of wax. It looks great, but she was a bit heavy handed. I'm already planning to paint my kitchen table.
ReplyDeleteWow! This post makes me want to scour secondhand shops for stools! It turned out beautifully. Great work.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried ASCP but I have made my own as per some online recipes and it turned out great! One question though, I used a dark blue color and when I sand over it to smooth out, I'm left with white dusty streaks all over. How do I eliminate that and still have a smooth finish before putting on the wax? Would love some info, thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I've been upcycling furniture for a while now and I've fought the ASCP craze until a few days ago while I tried a sample can of Florence. I loved the color so much I had to have it and now I'm hooked. I'm afraid of the brush strokes too, but the great thing about ASCP is that there are so many ways to use it. if you use a foam roller it gives it a modern, smooth, slick finish. I wrote my own review of my first ASCP experience, http://bmorenestled.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/my-first-annie-sloan-experience/
ReplyDeleteWould love for your feed back!
I love your project! I have 3 stools just like that.. and they NEED some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! My girlfriends store just started carrying it. I want to do something cute on the top of the stools like you did but I haven't figured out what yet.? Thanks for sharing your project
ReplyDeleteJust wondering about the coverage in one quart of ASCP. I have a desk/hutch that could really use some paint (it is that ugly 80s oak), but I don't want to have to buy two quarts for it if at all possible.
ReplyDelete*I love, love, love your stool! My favorite shade of blue.