7 Reasons I Don’t Chalk Paint Furniture (And What I Use Now)
Why I Stopped Painting with Chalk Paint on Furniture Projects
Wondering if chalk paint is worth the cost? Here, I explain what chalk paint is, why I no longer chalk paint furniture, and show you a cheaper, easier, and more durable alternative!
Chalk paint has been all the rage for the last several years, but is it worth all the hype?
Every day, I get emails from readers wondering how to fix issues with their latest furniture makeovers. Most of the time, they ask how to cover or remove chalk paint on wood furniture.
If this occurs and your furniture project is a roadside rescue, you’ve wasted time and some elbow grease.
But when the furniture piece is an expensive antique or, even worse, a sentimental family heirloom, that’s another issue entirely!
Don’t risk ruining a valuable furniture piece when an easier and more reliable alternative is readily available at a fraction of the cost.
Many argue chalk paint has fantastic coverage without the hassle of sanding and priming. With these claims of little prep work, who wouldn’t want to try chalk paint? I certainly did.
When I was Painting Furniture With Chalk Paint…
About six years ago, my daughter had a rare autoimmune disease, and we were overloaded with medical bills. (She’s in complete remission now!)
My emotional outlet was redoing the decor in our home. I started refinishing old furniture but was discouraged by chalk paint because of the dent it was making in our already-stretched budget.
At the time, I shied away from latex paint because I wasn’t sure about the process.
However, it didn’t take much experimenting to find the process that yields the best results with less effort and a much lower cost for painting furniture.
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What is Chalk Paint For Furniture? (Pros and Cons of Chalk Paint)
Before we compare chalk paint and other options, it’s essential to understand what chalk paint really is.
There are many different brands of chalk paint on the market with different formulations, but what they all have in common is a matte finish and thick, chalky consistency that adheres well to furniture and crafts for a shabby chic look.
What Is Chalk Paint Made Of?
Chalk paint varies from brand to brand. But most chalk-based paint is water-based. Chalky paint is made from a binder that helps it adhere to the surface and then an aggregate that gives it the gritty, sometimes powdery texture or chalky finish.
When painting with homemade chalk paint, plaster of paris, baking soda, or unsanded grout is often used as the aggregate. It of course has coloring that gives it the specific shade and usually pretty low on VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
What is Chalk Paint Used For?
Chalk painting furniture has been one of the most popular ways to paint furniture, small projects, and crafts.
It helps you to achieve a farmhouse style with painted furniture and shabby chic home decor and can be applied with several techniques like dry brushing, blending, or antiquing furniture.
However, although something is popular, it doesn’t mean that other alternatives can’t work as well or better at a much smaller price point.
What Is The Difference Between Chalk Paint and Regular Paint?
Chalk paint adheres well to surfaces if there is no possibility of a stain bleeding through, if the paint’s surface does not have a lot of sheen, and if you plan on using a protectant coat on top of the chalk-style paint.
The grit or chalkiness helps it adhere to surfaces like raw wooden furniture.
Unfortunately, although it adheres well, it does not protect well or provide a flawless, smooth finish on your family heirloom.
A Case Study: Using Chalk Paint on Furniture
In March, a reader named Whitney shared her experience with me on Instagram. Here is her comment:
“Thanks to your tutorials and tips I finally completed a dresser that I had been trying to paint, but it [the stain] kept bleeding through. On the third try with the oil-based blocker primer and latex you recommended, I finally had success!
The first attempt was chalk paint and sealer = FAIL
The second attempt was primer, chalk paint, and sealer = FAIL
The third attempt was an oil-based primer, latex paint and that worked BEAUTIFULLY!”
Why I Don’t Chalk Paint Furniture (Chalk Paint Problems)
I certainly feel Whitney’s pain, as I’ve been there! My alternative process to chalk paint does include a primer. (Now that I have said the “p word” please stick with me for just a second so I can explain why this process saves you time!)
But when you use this simple step and a couple of other time-saving tips, you will see how this process will bypass the extra time and effort that Whitney had to invest.
(Also, my process does not require a sealant step like chalk paint requires a coat of clear wax!)
The only way to know for sure if you need a primer is to see how the piece turns out.
But if you go through the process of using chalk paint on furniture and realize you needed a primer after it’s painted, it’s too late at that point!
You now have to strip the entire piece to the original wood or sand and repeat the process. It’s so much easier to use a sure-proof process the first time, every time. Ask me how I know!
RELATED: How to Paint Over Furniture That Has Been Chalk Painted and Waxed
Why I Stopped Using Chalk Paint on Furniture: 7 Chalk Paint Problems
“Chalk Paint Does Not Require Sanding”
Many have asked me about the best paint for furniture without sanding. However, the reason you should sand a piece of furniture is so you can create enough grit or tooth on the clean surface for the paint to stick.
When you chalk paint furniture, sanding can sometimes be avoided, because chalk paint is more porous allowing it to have some glue-like properties.
However, I have yet to find an old piece of furniture that did not require at least some prep work like sanding, priming wood knobs or filling in nicks, deep scratches, or small areas of general wear and tear with wood filler. (SEE MY OTHER FURNITURE FLIPS HERE)
Unless your whole piece is in pristine condition, there are bound to be areas you want to sand down so it can look its best in your home! Also, any glossy or slick surface will need to be sanded because the paint won’t adhere to a shiny surface
Can You Paint Furniture Without Sanding?
When most people visualize sanding, they see themselves slaving over a large piece of furniture for hours with a small piece of sandpaper.
That doesn’t seem the least bit appealing to me either, which is why I use an electric mouse sander (click here for my favorite sander).
When sanding furniture, the goal is not to sand off the entire surface of the paint. You are simply going over the surface lightly to give it some roughness so the paint adheres.
With an electric sander, sanding consists of flipping a switch and running the sander over the surface of the piece. Then you wipe it down with a clean cloth and warm water. (Click here for how to sand furniture in less than 5 minutes).
Do You Have To Sand Before Using Chalk Paint?
If you are using chalk paint on wood furniture that is stained, I would sand to make the surface more porous so the paint adheres.
You can get away with using chalk paint without sanding on raw wood, but even then, there will probably be splintered edges you’ll want to sand out beforehand.
When it comes to using chalk paint for wood furniture, most furniture pieces have to be sanded, regardless. If you want to get an electric sander a try, here are some budget-friendly options: Best Electric Sanders for Furniture.
“Chalk Paint Does Not Require Priming”
As I mentioned in my post, The Best Type of Paint for Furniture, there is a learning curve to waxing and it can be very time-consuming. Also, you might have a layer of dark or white wax for decorative purposes after your layer of clear wax dries.
When using chalk paint, the time you aren’t spending on sanding and priming will be spent on waxing your piece. Also, a thin coat of wax takes a full month to cure before a piece is protected enough to use or sell.
My favorite clear coat will be dry in a couple of hours or a little longer if you are working in high humidity.
Even when chalk painting furniture, there are times when you have to use a primer because many dark stains will bleed through chalk paint.
Also, a primer is helpful to provide coverage. For example, if you were to paint Old White chalk paint on black furniture, it will take several coats of chalk paint to cover, but a primer will minimize the number of coats including your time, energy, and the extra cost of chalk paint.
Should Chalk Paint Be Sealed?
When you chalk paint furniture, you always have to use a soft wax or protective finish to protect the surface.
Every painted furniture piece needs to be covered in a substance that will stick to the surface and also protect the piece long-term. No one product does both things really well – at least none that are cost-effective.
Chalk paint sometimes has the adhesion properties but not the protection you want. Latex paint by itself has the protection, but not the adhesion.
What Happens If You Don’t Wax Chalk Paint?
Do you know what happens to an unwaxed piece of furniture that has a cold drink left on it? The chalk paint actually re-liquifies. That’s right.
You can imagine having family over and your sister puts her cold glass of sweet tea right on the entry table you refinished last year. When you clean up that night, there is now a round soggy stain on your beautiful furniture piece.
You have to also be careful to apply wax very evenly. What happens if you don’t wax chalk paint evenly is that built-up of too much wax can attract dirt. But a thin layer of wax could allow water to penetrate so be sure to use coasters on pieces that get a lot of use.
In terms of maintenance, chalk painted furniture has to be re-waxed every 3 years, and more often if it is a heavy-use furniture piece.
This is because the wax finish will break down over time. Once a piece is painted with latex paint, it will never need ongoing maintenance – just an occasional wipe with a clean soft cloth.
Also, sometimes when you chalk paint furniture, dark stains will pull through the chalk paint and show in the final finish, like in Whitney’s case. But using an oil-based primer will prevent this from happening while also helping the paint to adhere.
My favorite water-based primer is Zinnser Bullseye 123 (click here for the current price) and my favorite oil-based primer is Zinnser Cover Stain (click here for the current price). Here are some tips that might help: 7 Tips For Paint Furniture In Dark Colors
The Cost of Chalk Paint: “Chalk Paint is Expensive But You Only Use A Little Bit”
A lot of people use two coats of paint on a piece, especially if it is a darker color. My process below entails a first coat of tinted primer and one coat of paint as the tinting helps to provide better coverage.
Although you have to sand with this process, you are not having to go through the time-consuming process of waxing your piece.
And remember, you are not sanding off the old finish. You are simply spending a couple of minutes roughing up the old paint or stain. Good latex paint will not need a wax or top coat because it will have its own protective finish for years to come.
Recently a reader asked me where to buy chalk paint and I could only think of specialty stores, which makes using latex more convenient. There is always a big box store close-by that sells good latex paint.
Some hardware stores sell Rustoleum chalk paint but as with homemade chalk paint, the more calcium carbonate or other additives in paint, the more it degrades the product.
Higher-end latex paints are known to be the ones with fewer of these additives, which makes them less durable in the long-term.
After I blind-tested and reviewed 24 furniture paints, I recommend Benjamin Moore Advance. You can see the full results for each paint brand here: The Absolute Best Paint for Furniture See my post here to see my better alternative process to chalk painting furniture using latex paint.
Also, I recently came to realize that chalk paint brushes can provide really good coverage. And I wonder if that contributes to people feeling it’s the paint that covers so well.
I can get really good coverage and no brush marks with these brushes: Zibra Brushes
“Chalk Paint Dries Faster”
Another reason why I don’t use chalk paint is that while it driers faster it takes longer to cure. You actually want the opposite – a longer dry time and a short cure time.
Your drying time is the time it takes a piece of furniture before you can touch it with light use, but the cure time is when your furniture paint has reached its maximum durability and hardness.
It’s worth it for your paint to take an hour or two longer to dry so that the brush strokes settle out. For chalk paint, the cure time is a month or longer in dry conditions, but for Behr latex, it is only 2 weeks.
Renovated Faith: What’s in a Name?
God never leaves a project half-done…He continually works on each one of us, as a lavish expression of His amazing love and grace. So many of my DIY projects remind me of how God renovates our hearts. If you are a work-in-progress, just like I am, check out these DIY tutorials that have a Renovate Your Faith Devotional at the bottom of each. Click here to get a weekly reminder of new posts by email.
“Chalk Paint is Easier to Clean Up”
Chalk paint can be removed from clothing and hands with soapy water as it is water-based. But do you really want to use paint on furniture that can be removed with just soap and water?
I have found that if I wash latex out of my clothing within about 30 minutes of application, I can still get it out. If it has been longer, I have good luck with THIS on my hands and clothes. Otherwise, that’s what my painting apron is for!
“Chalk Paint Has a Better Finish”
If you want the flat sheen of chalk paint, simply ask for a matte sheen of latex at your paint counter. If you want a protective finish for maximum durability, you can achieve the same matte texture by brushing on Varathane Water-based Top Coat in Satin or Matte with a foam brush.
Just brush it over your piece and throw away the brush when you are done as they are super cheap! Most of the time I just use latex paint with a satin finish as it is not very glossy at all.
To get a beautiful finish, with very little time, effort or hassle, sign up for my weekly newsletter and get my best tips for painting furniture by filling out the form at the bottom of this post.
To read about other wax alternatives, check out the cold glass experiment I did here: Best Clear Coats for Furniture
Should Chalk Paint Be Streaky?
Chalk paint can be streaky if it is not mixed well but so can latex paint. Be sure to stir your paint enough before applying it to a surface.
Also, chalk paint is known for showing brush strokes. This can be a good thing if you like more of a rustic look or a bad thing if you want a more professional finish.
Long-Term Durability of Painting Furniture with Chalk Paint: “Is Chalk Paint Durable?”
In my opinion, this is the worst chalk paint problem and the number one reason why I don’t use chalk paint.
I have a friend who researched the best chalk paints for kitchen cabinets and painted them in chalk paint all over the course of a week.
After six months, she found herself repainting all of the cabinets in latex because the surface of the wax attracted dirt making her entire kitchen look dingy – and not in a farmhouse shabby chic sort of way.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro (Free Checklist!)
How Durable is Chalk Paint on Kitchen Cabinets?
Chalk paint is not meant for kitchen cabinets because it is not durable enough. It would need to be waxed which is very time-consuming or a topcoat should be applied.
Also, it would take a lot of chalk paint to cover so many cabinet doors so it would be cost-prohibitive.
How Long Does Chalk Paint Last?
Chalk paint will last a long time if the right primer is used and a protective top-coat is applied. If the topcoat is wax, it will need to be rewaxed every 3 years or more depending on how much the piece is used.
How Durable is Chalk Paint on Kitchen Tables or other High-use Furniture?
I wouldn’t recommend chalk paint and wax on dining room furniture. It’s only a matter of time before they get scratched or have problems with water stains.
If you do want to use chalk paint on your dining room table, be sure to use a couple coats of wax or brush on a great poly finish (a clear liquid oil) like this one: Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane
Cost Comparison: Furniture Painted with Chalk Paint Vs. My Process
Regular latex paint is very durable on its own but for pieces of furniture that will have LOTS exposure to water from wiping or constant drink condensation, I recommend using THIS which also gives the furniture piece an amazing matte finish. One quart is enough for dozens of furniture pieces.
How Much Does Chalk Paint Cost?
Here is a break-down of the cost and process for chalk painting furniture and also my process…
Typical Process for Using Chalk Paint for Furniture
COAT 1 – chalk paint
COAT 2 – chalk paint
Waxing Process (at least 30 minutes) – 1 or 2 Coats
Cure Time – 4 weeks at least
Cost Breakdown: Chalk Paint Brush($10.00) + Quart of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ($34.95) + Annie Sloan Wax ($24.95) = $69.95
My Process for Painting Furniture with my Favorite Furniture Paint*
Lightly sand and wipe (5-10 minutes)
COAT 1 – Prime with Tinted Primer
COAT 2 – Latex Paint – Benjamin Moore Advance
Cure Time – 2 weeks at most
*My favorite furniture paint has changed since writing this post. See The Best Paint for Furniture HERE for my new favorite paint.
Cost Breakdown: Brush($5) + Quart of Primer ($7.54) + Quart of BM Advance x ($15.98) = $28.52
Even with buying a sander, my process using regular latex paint above still comes out way ahead of your typical process with chalk paint!
To paint a chest of drawers, it will cost you approximately $73.77 if you use chalk paint but will cost you about $30.00 with my latex process.
Here’s my full method with extra tips on refinishing furniture so it lasts for years to come: A Beginner’s Guide to Furniture Painting | Get The Look of Dark Wax With Latex Paint and Glaze
In most cases, you will not need to buy a new can of primer for each process as one quart will last you for several pieces of furniture.
For lighter color paint projects, I keep white on hand. For black or gray projects, I keep tinted gray primer on hand.
Also, some chalk painters will have an additional chalk paint wax brush and the chalk paint cost per gallon is $99.80.
Coat 1 and 2 can take even less time with my process because you can use a roller, whereas you can’t with chalk paint.
Unlimited Color Options with Regular Latex Furniture Paint:
Did I mention latex paint comes in UNLIMITED color options and you can get $2.50 sample sizes for smaller projects? This is great when you are indecisive like I am and choose a different color at the last minute.
RELATED: The Most Popular Colors for Cabinets & Furniture | The Absolute Best Paint for Furniture | My Favorite Furniture Flips
Chalk Paint Colors
What colors does chalk paint come in? Chalk paint comes in multiple different colors and paints can be mixed to try to match specific shades.
You can see some of those colors here: Chalk Paint Color Options Here are the options for another line: Dixie Belle Paint Colors
The Best Chalk Paint Furniture Sealer
If you want to stick with chalk paint but want to save time on protecting your finish, you can add a protective topcoat with a brush instead of going to the trouble of waxing.
Just brush on your flat topcoat in the direction of the wood grain and your project is protected with a beautiful matte finish. You can see my favorite clear coat for chalk paint here: Varathane Water-based Topcoat
Antiquing Furniture: How to Get the Look of Dark Wax With Latex Paint
But what about the fun look of dark wax over a chalk-painted piece of furniture for an aged look? You can find my detailed process of how to paint furniture here AND I include details on how to get the same look of dark wax. You can also get the white-washed look of soft wax with the same process for antiquing furniture.
A Beginner’s Guide to Painting Furniture | How To Get The Look of Dark Wax With Glaze
My BEST Tips for Painting Furniture – Free Checklist!
Get the password for the library with the free furniture painting checklist – everything you need to know to get a smooth, durable finish every time! Fill out the form below!
Want To See More Furniture Reveals?
All of my furniture projects are painted with latex. To see my best furniture reveals click here: 15 Stunning Painted Furniture (Before and After Reveals)
Check out how to do a faux stain with regular latex paint by clicking here. There are six shades to choose from!
☑️ My All-Time Best Furniture Painting Tips & Tricks (FREE PRINTABLE)
Don’t forget to download the FREE step-by-step printable checklist that shows you the entire process I’ve used on dozens of furniture pieces while saving you time and money!
FAQ’s – What Are The Pros and Cons of Chalk Paint vs Latex for Furniture
Do You Have to Sand Before Using Chalk Paint?
It’s always best to sand before painting any furniture piece unless you are painting raw wood that you are sure hasn’t been dusted with an oil-based product.
When you sand furniture to prep it for painting, you don’t have to sand off the old finish. You are just lightly sanding to take the shine off the furniture so the paint or primer adheres. So, you don’t HAVE to sand before using chalk paint, but if you don’t you might have to completely redo your furniture piece if the paint doesn’t adhere and it peels.
Sanding is always a good insurance policy and you can read how to do it quickly here: How to Sand Furniture in Less Than 5 Minutes
What is the best paint for unfinished furniture?
If you are wondering about the best paint for unfinished furniture, latex paint is your best option hands down! The nice thing about unfinished furniture is that in most cases you can skip the sanding AND priming. With unfinished wood, the pores of the wood will provide a great finish for the latex paint to grip onto.
What Is The Best Furniture Paint Overall?
In this post, I did side-by-side comparisons of chalk paint, milk paint, and latex paint: Milk Paint Vs. Chalk Paint Vs. Latex on Furniture to find the best furniture paint. I prefer latex paint for furniture but not all latex paints are equal as shown in the comparison post above. I also did a post here reviewing General Finishes Milk Paint
IS IT BETTER TO PAINT FURNITURE WITH CHALK PAINT OR REGULAR PAINT?
UPDATE: Since writing this post, I have blind-tested over 24 different paints to see which will give you a better result for the best paint finish possible as well as my favorite chalk paint option. See the full results here: The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested & Reviewed)
Is There Such A Thing As Chalk Paint That Doesn’t Need Wax? (Is Chalk Paint Durable on It’s Own?)
Chalk paint is not durable on it’s own and need some kind of protective finish. Chalk paint has a much easier alternative to wax if you are looking for a good protective clear coat for furniture. With wax, there is a learning curve, the process takes a while, and the Annie Sloan wax brush is pretty expensive.
But over any chalk paint, there are other great alternatives to wax. In my post, the Best Clear Coat for Furniture, I discuss the best clear coats in terms of durability and ease of you. I also share which give you the look of wax without the cost and hassle. There you will find the perfect clear coat for your furniture project.
Is Chalk Paint Durable Enough For Kitchen Tables?
I personally wouldn’t recommend chalk paint for a kitchen table, coffee table or end tables that are more likely to have cold glasses set on them. For one thing, there are cheaper paints that are much more durable.
Kitchen tables are subject to more wear and tear than any other furniture in your home and for the reasons described above, chalk paint doesn’t adhere well enough to withstand scratches and it dries to a soft finish so it won’t hole up well to bumps and dents. Instead, I’d recommend this process for a kitchen table: A Better Alternative to Chalk Paint
What Is the Best Latex Paint for Furniture?
This is not a sponsored post, but when it comes to the best brand of latex for furniture, I like to use Sherwin Williams Pro Classic as my first choice and Behr Marquee as a close second.
Both are great at providing good adhesion and great coverage. My favorite aspect of each is how well they self-level for a super smooth surface! You can read more about how I picked my favorite latex paints here: Milk Paint vs. Chalk Paint vs. Latex | The Best Paints for Furniture
Can You Use Wax Over Poly?
You can certainly use wax over poly (polyurethane) to get the aged look you want or any other clear coat but it’s much more cost-effective and just easier to use a glaze as I describe in this process here. One usually uses a clear coat over their chalk paint if they want the wax to have a subtle look. Not using a clear coat between the wax and chalk paint will give a much darker, antiqued look.
However, latex does not absorb wax or glaze as much as chalk paint does, so by using the above process, you do not have to use a clear coat between your paint and antiquing finish. To read about the easiest way to get a protective finish on furniture and the best chalk paint topcoat, click here: Reviews of the Best Clear Coats for Furniture.
What is the Best Alternative to Antique Wax for Painted Furniture?
The process I use here provides a fabulous alternative to the look of antique wax for Painted Furniture. The process allows you to give an antique look with any shade, whether you want more of a charcoal color or espresso shade to give your furniture piece an antique look. For a better alternative to clear wax for furniture, click here: Best Chalk Paint Top Coat.
What is the Best Paint for Farmhouse Furniture?
Chalk paint is great for achieving a distressed look on furniture. Everyone has their preferences but I still believe the best paint for farmhouse furniture is latex. Latex allows you to distress and you can even achieve a very matte finish without waxing with this flat clear coat (check the current price here).
What is the Best Latex Paint Spray for Furniture?
I like to use a roller but a paint sprayer will give you an even smoother finish and even uses less paint! Time and time again this paint sprayer (check the current price here) has proven to be the best latex paint sprayer for furniture by many furniture refinishers! It’s hard to believe you can get such a great spray gun at that price point.
Since paint sprayers apply really thin coats, you will need to apply a second coat after your first coat of paint dries. Fortunately, you don’t use as much paint with a sprayer because a little goes a long way. Also, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of water so you don’t have a hard time getting a smooth finish with the sprayer.
What is the Best Paint for Outdoor Furniture?
A couple of readers have asked me about the best latex paint for outdoor furniture to which I still agree that latex paints are the best. Be sure to select the exterior version of your latex paint when you go to check out at your home improvement store.
These paints are formulated specifically for outdoor use making them a little bit more durable and have chemicals to protect against mold.
Sherwin Williams Chalk Paint?
Sherwin Williams is a great line of paint. While they don’t have chalk paint, I used to always use their ProClassic Acrylic Alkyd. It is a hybrid product which means it settles and protects like an oil-based paint but won’t get brittle over time and has the easy clean-up of water-based.
However, after I blind-tested and reviewed 24 furniture paints, I recommend Benjamin Moore Advance. You can see the full results for each paint brand here: The Absolute Best Paint for Furniture
Can Chalk Paint Be Used Outside?
You can use chalk paint outside as long as you use an exterior oil-based poly topcoat instead of wax. A great option for exterior use and one of my favorite clear coats is this one: Spar Urethane
Should Chalk Paint Be Used on Kitchen Cabinets?
Here is a very interesting video on why chalk paint is not a good option for kitchen cabinetry and it also explains the potential downsides. It answers the question “do chalk painted cabinets hold up?” Be sure to check out my post on How To Paint Oak Cabinets So They Last.
Can Chalk Paint Be Used On Glass?
I’ve never used chalk paint on glass personally because spray paint is such an easy option and the best way to spray glass permanently. Here are some options for getting the look of chalk paint on glass without brush strokes: Best Spray Paints for Glass
Can Chalk Paint Be Used on Walls?
Chalk paint is not meant for walls. There are many more inexpensive options for painting walls than chalk paint. Also, they will adhere better, not run and brush strokes won’t show.
Can Chalk Paint Be Used on Fabric?
I found a more permanent alternative to chalk paint on fabric. You simply mix fabric medium and any acrylic paint. You can see the full tutorial here: How to Turn Acrylic Paint Into Fabric Paint
What is Chalkboard Paint?
Chalkboard paint is often confused with chalk paint but is not the same. Chalkboard paint can be used on a substance to turn it into a chalkboard so it can be written on with chalk. You can get your own here: My Favorite Chalkboard Paint
Can Chalk Paint Be Used on Metal?
Chalk Paint can be used on galvanized metal but it’s easier to use spray paint for full coverage in less time. Here is my favorite spray paint for metal: Rustoleum Universal Metallics
Can Chalk Paint Be Used on Plastic?
Chalk Paint isn’t the best way to paint plastic because it doesn’t adhere well. However, there is a spray paint line that does well on plastic. This spray paint is one of the first things I reach for when painting because it is so versatile: Rustoleum Ultra Cover Spray Paint
What About Cheap Chalk Paint Sold In Stores?
More less-expensive chalk paint brands are coming on the market for “cheap chalk paint”. They have the same look and feel of chalk paint but not the higher price. It’s hard to make a general statement about these but if you like the look of chalk paint they are definitely worth the try.
I love the Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint. It’s the closest thing to chalk paint furniture spray and you can see how I used it to paint mason jars here.
Why Use Chalk Paint Vs Regular Paint (Latex):
I can’t in good conscience recommend chalk-style paints because latex paint is so much cheaper and more durable. But one upside to chalk paint is the amount of brush strokes and inconsistent finish if you are wanting that for a farmhouse or shabby-chic look. You will always have more brushstrokes in chalk paint because of it’s thickness.
One great thing regarding chalk paint vs regular paint is its ability to be distressed. Chalk paint sands off in tiny particles that create a nice worn effect.
What Are The Best Supplies for Furniture Painting?
Be sure to check out my post on how to paint furniture where I share my favorite supplies including the best things for a smooth finish like my favorite brush, the best roller, painter’s tape, drop cloths, etc. A Beginner’s Guide to Furniture Painting
Where to Find Chalk Paint Near Me
If you are looking to find a cheaper alternative to boutique-style chalk paint from a local stockist, many big box stores are now coming out with their own versions of decorative paint:
Chalk paint at Home Depot: Rustoleum Chalked Paint
Chalk paint at Walmart: Kilz Chalk Style Paint
Best Recipe for Homemade Chalk Paint
Making your own chalk paint is a much cheaper alternative to store-bought chalk-based paint. My friend Kim over at Salvaged Living has a great recipe to make your own chalk style paint: How to Make Chalk Paint
If you are going to use chalk paint, this is the route I would go!
Free Scripture Printables
You might have noticed the framed printable on top of the dresser with one of my favorite verses. As always feel free to download my complimentary Scripture printables HERE. You have dozens of verses to choose from.
Related Posts: Why I Stopped Painting Furniture with Chalk Paint
The Ultimate Guide to The Best Furniture Paint, 2022
The Best Alternative to Wax for Furniture
My Best Spray Painting Tips for a Flawless Finish Every Time
My Best DIY Furniture Flips – No Chalk Paint Required
China Cabinet Makeover (Using White Paint and Blue Latex Paint!)
Must-Have Painting Tips to Save You Time & Money!
General Finishes Milk Paint Review
The Best Podcasts for Christian Women
The Easy Way To Apply Paint That Looks Like Stain (Barnwood Stain with Latex!)
The Easiest Paint For Laminate Furniture
Related Posts on Painting Furniture with Chalk Paint:
A Great Way To Use Chalk Paint on Crafts
Best Chalk Paint for Furniture
Why I Stopped Using Chalk Paint For Furniture: Final Thoughts & A Disclaimer:
My intent is certainly not to bash those who use and love chalk-style paints. I’m sure that there are several furniture painters out there much more talented than I, who use chalk paint to its greatest potential in order to show the beauty of chalk paint. Whether we like the look of rustic, farmhouse decor or a more modern look, we all have different styles that often require different mediums for various paint jobs.
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In this post, I share the pros and cons of chalk paint for any DIYer that wants to redo a piece of furniture while also staying on budget. Hopefully, in sharing the pros and cons of chalk paint, your furniture piece will not only stand the test of time, but you will also have fun refinishing it! Happy Painting!
I love to hear your thoughts and questions! Scroll down to leave a comment and I WILL reply! ❤️
Blessings,
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Why I Don’t Use Chalk Paint on Furniture: Why Use Chalk Paint Vs. Regular Paint (Latex)
Karin Peters is a DIY expert and the creator of Renovated Faith. She is a furniture painter, a home design consultant, and a tenacious problem solver determined to help you transform your house into a home. With 17 years of experience with DIY home improvement, she researches and analyses professional processes to adapt them to be easy and cost-effective for DIYers. She then tests every project and product before it appears on the site in a detailed, step-by-step format. After attending Texas A&M University, she received her Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary. Her passions unite in Renovated Faith, which shows readers how to create a home that serves them so they can pursue their God-given purposes. About Renovated Faith | Editorial Policy | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
I painted my kitchen cabinets with chalk
Paint and then used dark wax over. I love the look and they turned out awesome !
However , can I add a coat of anything to protect them and seal them really good ?
I want a matte look but since they are obviously used daily I want the little bit of extra protection.
Thanks
Lisa
Hey Lisa,
Since they have the wax on top, I don’t know if you can put a clear coat on top. You might test a very small inconspicuous area to see how it works but I want to say that a clear coat won’t adhere to the wax. So sorry as I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. Thanks Lisa!
What would you recommend for someone who wants to decorate with painted furniture, but has a lung disease and cannot use any paint or sealer with an odor? I also will not use the masks that are recommended. They are too large and heavy. That’s why I have chosen chalk paint…I do seal it.
Sandra, that’s a great question. Sherwin Williams has a zero VOC paint called Harmony. You can read more here: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/harmony-interior-acrylic-latex
The only good thing about trackpad is that you can sand way any drips or brush strokes.
When using Behr Marquee for your furniture projects, have you scuffed edges to antique like you can with chalk paint or does it chip?
I don’t have a lot of experience with distressing that one but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Just use a really high grit sandpaper to avoid peeling. Thanks Lori!
Hi! Was wondering if you have ever have distressed using a latex paint before. I prefer to use a latex paint but would like to distress a bit, would like your input? Thank you.
Help! I’ve sanded, primed, and painted the first coat and the zinsser primer didn’t do its job. Any suggestions?
When you say it didn’t do it’s job, what do you mean. It will be really streaky when you put it on and that’s ok! 🙂
Karin! OK, so I started a project with chalk paint and as I was prepping to seal, I came to the realization that it wasn’t what I wanted…I thought chalk paint was the only way…I lightly (but it took a while!) sanded the credenza, used the Zinsser BIN primer/shellac and did 3 coats of chalky paint, hopeful that the polycrylic would give me the durability and modern/sleep sheen I was looking for. After doing research, I see I should have led with latex, but oh well. I have since gone to the store to buy Behr urethan alkyd semi-gloss. Should I sand my previous work down a bit before using this? Would you still recommend Varathane poly water based when complete?
Hey Kimberly,
I’ve never used Behr’s urethane alkyd but you might sand the former surface just to scuff it up some. I wouldn’t worry about a clear cloat after a semi-gloss surface. Hope this helps. Karin
I have a large ornate fireplace mantel that is coated with 4 layers of Bri-wax dark mahogany. Is there any way to prime or coat it so that I can paint it? The “look” was good for many years but. now want to go in another direction. Any suggestions will be deeply appreciated.
Yes, you can redo it! Do you want a different stain or do you want to paint it?
I only use regular household latex paint to paint my inside furniture. I use thin coats of paint and it looks great. Did my kitchen cabinets 6 years ago and they are as white as they were the day I painted them.
Great post, and your pieces are beautiful. I just chalk painted a cherry wood standing jewelry armoire. I didn’t want to pay the prices for ASCP or wax, so I got a sample size of the Behr premium plus and they tinted it to match a pillow that is in the room it will be in (cost under $4). I bought a 1-lb bag of calcium carbonate from Amazon that had good reviews for about $10. I got a clear wax from Chalk-Tique on Amazon for about $13. I painted my piece yesterday – 2 coats – and I think it looks pretty good. But the waxing… I don’t know if it’s my paint or my application, but I imagined it would glide on and be easy to smooth on and buff, but even after 2 coats of the wax, the piece still has a very chalk-time sort of rough texture, where I would like it to be at least a little bit smooth/buttery. Any tips? Just keep waxing? It seems to just soak it right up.
Your tips as well as Kerry’s in the comments, are hugely helpful for the future. I had painted my bathroom medicine cabinet with regular white paint (I think it was Behr, but not certain), over primer, and now, several years later, the pain is chipping badly.
I had refinished a dresser & used it for my coffee bar, but I went the chalk paint route as I saw all the hype about “no sanding, no primer!” It took me 4 coats and lots of sanding in between before I finally got it looking acceptable. I’m so glad I found your post on Pinterest because I’m now attempting another piece, this time a chest, and I want it to much less stressful!
My question is, I want to paint it a grayish color & give it that antique look, should I use a wax or glaze? And is this going to cause me to have to let it cure for several weeks? I’m planning on selling this piece so I really would like it not to sit around for that long while it cures. I read through your blog several times, but there were so many different tips & advice, I’m a little overwhelmed trying to figure out the steps and what is the right way to go about it, I want to make sure I do it right.
Thanks for your help!!
So sorry about your chalk paint experience. That must have been so frustrating. Go to this post and use the instructions on how I use the glaze to simulate the look of dark wax. That will give you an aged look and it’s a lot easier than wax. Let me know if you have any questions at all! https://renovatedfaith.com/alternative-to-chalk-paint/
You can remove wax with Mineral spirits or ammonia. Think Windex!
I’ve done it several times and chosen to repaint with latex.
Boy have I been not reading email for a long time.
Yes, I was saying that. Pick up the paint base for the darkest of paints. It goes on cloudy to actually white, but dries beautifully clear.
Since I initially posted here, I’ve “clear coated” white oak cabinet doors I’ve made with this paint base. It’s dried so beautifully invisible, all the fine grain of the white oak is visible, but no darkening like a poly would. No sheen, just beautiful wood.
I highly recommend this as an option!
I personally find the difference between chalk paint, always ASCP, and latex to be like night and day. The workability of ASCP is magnificent and I have been able to create pieces with layers that were not possible with latex, per my experience. I have done my entire kitchen with ASCP and waxed it with three coats. I don’t use a brush for the wax, rather a lint free cloth, and it goes quickly. Most people make the mistake of using too much wax at a time. This is an interesting take on the contrasts with the paints. I guess it comes down to preference, overall style desired, and technique used. Also, I find that ASCP goes a really long way. For my kitchen, I used graphite on the lowers and even doing three coats for added durability, I still have one-third of the quart left. The uppers were done in old white and I used the entire quart. For the wax, I used clear and I still have about a quarter of the container remaining. I have painted with latex before, but I find it is better left for either straight line work or single color items. Thanks for the info though. Great food for thought.
I make my chalk paint with unsanded grout. I do not like the wax finish so I always use poly over my pieces . I have never had any problems with my projects, and I have done many. I personally would not use it on kitchen cupboards but I have used it in my bathrooms with much luck , and I did it about 2 years ago.
Wow, I’ve never heard that tip before. Thank you for sharing Barb!
Why use a satin finish instead of flat if you’re going for a matte look? Wouldn’t flat be more effective or is it a durability issue?
Thanks!!
Great question Nikki. You could absolutely use matte if you wanted. It might not be quite as durable but it would be more of a chalk paint look.
Has anyone signed up for the painting “tips” you have to read before you start paint, and received them?
Did you have trouble downloading Tamara?
Great tips in this article and the comments. I have come across a great product from Benjamin Moore called Cabinet Coat. It works great on high traffic items such as kitchen cabinets and can be tinted. My favorite color currently is Maritime White. I liked it so well on my cabinets that I have used it on kitchen table and chairs projects as well. I am on the latex bandwagon as well. I like the color options and the durability.
Great tip Janet! I am going to have to paint my kitchen cabinets soon so I will definitely look into that! Thanks again!
Heirloom tradition chalk paint said all you do is degloss, scrub, wipe down and paint. No sanding, priming. Just clean and paint. Look up this and give me your ideas , I’m wanting to paint my bedroom furniture. I have an area how, but then I run across post like this and it makes me second guess myself. I have NO CLUE what kind of paint to use, whether I need to sand, prime etc, do I or don’t I. Totally confused.
I have an idea how I want to do it, now who’s right who’s wrong
This is a great question Shelby. This process is a good insurance policy because if you chalk paint over a piece of furniture that had been oiled or someone used Pledge on it, there’s a good chance the paint will peel over time. And then, redoing the project will be over twice the work. With this process, you can be sure you won’t have to redo anything later. Please let me know if you have any other questions Shelby!
Feel your pain. There is no such thing as no prep. Clean, sand, clean again, prime, paint and seal. Sounds like you may have had some bleed through. Won’t pay that cost of chalk paint. I wouldn’t recommend it on a piece that gets a lot of use like a dining table and chairs
Ok. Well after spending 5 days, yes 5 days following the chalk painting directions of no sanding, no primer , I tried chalk painting on my oak table chairs & server. After the 1st coat all you could see was brush marks. So I tried lightly sanding the 1st coat. Then on to coat no. 2. Brushes, dried & again more brush marks. So again I lightly sanded & after I was finished it was as smooth as a baby’s behind. I let it set overnight with the hopes of polyurethane get it the next day. However, to my surprise the oak grazing now showed through he 2 coats. So again lightly sanded & painted. Next day there was the oak grains showing through. At this point it is 4 days into this easy no primer, no sanding approach. So day no. 5 comes & we had to get our table back in the kitchen because we needed it to stage our house. We did decide to put primer on our server after our first chalk coat & it worked out considerably easier. Well lesson learned. I’m not using it again. Will use latex the next time. It has a much smoother coat & is far less time consuming.
Ugh. I’m so sorry. I’ve been there! Unfortunately, sanding is always necessary. Thank you for stopping by and let me know if I can help any way on this project or others.