Dudes and dudettes, I finally tried chalk paint. And yes, I just broke out dudettes. Gutsy move for 2013, eh? Anyway, many of you guys have asked if I’ve given Annie Sloane chalk paint a go, and now that I have, here are the details. First of all, here’s how we used it:
John and I brainstormed a few possibilities for the table that we cut down and the two thrift store chairs that we found in West Virginia (they were $8 each) for a while. Here are a few alternatives that we tossed out there:
- red chairs with a white table
- red table with white chairs
- navy table with red chairs
- navy table with white chairs
- one red chair, one navy chair, and a red table
And then we finally landed on something that we thought was interesting enough to make us pull the trigger: wood chairs with red backs and a white table. Of course it was John’s idea (as he is the brains of this operation), although a reader later suggested exactly the same thing, which was a pretty funny “jinx!” moment.
We had a hunch that adding a table and chairs would be something that we’d get some good use out of in there. Sure enough, the day we dragged them into the room to test our theory, this happened.
And this:
And I realized that I even loved Clara’s pj’s layered into the room’s palette. #crazyfabriclady
So after establishing that the table and chairs were a good addition to the room, it was just about getting those chair-backs painted bright red. Our first instinct was to run to the hardware store and grab a $4 test pot of red paint, and get to work sanding and priming. But then I remembered that we had a little sample pot of Annie Sloane chalk paint (everyone at last year’s Haven conference got a bag with a few little pamphlets and samples, one of which was this guy in “Emperor’s Silk”). So I decided to give it a try. I mean I’ve heard it’s really convenient since you don’t have to prep the surface at all (no sanding, no priming, etc).
Update: Chalk paint, although it sounds similar, isn’t the same thing as chalkboard paint (chalk paint is just a flat chalky type of paint, sort of like milk paint or clay paint).
So I brought the chairs out into the sunroom, wiped them down with a liquid deglosser just to be sure they weren’t coated with something weird like oil (you never know with thrift store stuff) and cracked open the red paint. Then I got down to painting the backs of each chair, which took about ten minutes each for each coat.
I used a short handled angled brush (more control) and free-handed things, being careful around the edges to keep them nice and clean (for those who are worried about shaky hands, you can tape off the edges if you’d like). It went on pretty thick even though I did my best not to pile it on (it’s pretty viscous stuff) so there was great coverage and it only took two coats to be completely done. Then I let them dry in the sunroom for a while (it was kinda smelly, so I wouldn’t recommend doing it anywhere that’s not closed off and ventilated – I had the slider wide open in the sunroom while I painted).
But here’s the rub. While chalk paint doesn’t call for any prep before you paint, there’s a step after you paint. I didn’t even realize this going into it, but after a few days of letting them dry in the sunroom I went in to check on them and they felt really dry and chalky. I dragged my finger across the back of one and it actually made a white line (yes, that probably means I left skin cells on the chair, which skeeves me to no end, but the point is that the freshly painted chairs were crazy chalky and dry – not sealed and ready to use at all).
That’s when I learned that Annie Sloane paint gets sealed after the paint dries by applying a coat of Annie Sloane wax over the painted area to seal it and gloss it up for everyday use. Duh. $herdog was not even in on that little fact. The good news is that a friend of mine named Lori (who happens to be Clara’s school friend’s momma) had used Annie Sloane paint and wax on some bookcases in her daughter’s room, so she offered me a few dabs of her wax so I didn’t have to buy a whole tin for two tiny chair backs. Literally, I only needed two dabs, and I used a sock to apply a nice thin coat of wax. Tip: you don’t want to go super thick with the wax or it can have a hard time curing and may stay tacky over time.
It wasn’t really hard or anything, but the thing I still sort of think about is this: if the whole selling point to chalk paint is that there’s no sanding or primer needed, but you have to apply another product afterwards (and buy that as well, unless you have a crafty friend with leftovers) isn’t it sort of the same difference?
I definitely recommend giving it a try if it beckons you, and it didn’t crack and peel or make me hate it or anything, but I’m not convinced that it’s much harder to degloss, prime, and paint (which is what I would have done) instead of deglossing, chalk painting, and waxing. Does that make sense? So my very very honest review is this: I liked chalk paint, but it didn’t change my life. That being said I know there are super crazy chalk paint lovers out there and I totally respect that. Who knows, maybe I’ll use it again and that’s when it’ll change my life. Haha. Ya never know…
In the meantime, there’s one thing I can’t deny. We love our red-backed chairs and we cannot lie.
One more chair pic, just for kicks:
Oh and as for the table, it was stained…
… and peeling down below.
So we gave him a quick sanding…
… followed by a quick primer + paint job. As for the paint specifics, we used semi gloss Benjamin Moore Decorators White in their Advance paint, which is extra durable (we used it on the cabinets in our office when we painted them over a year and a half ago and they’re still taking a licking and ticking like crazy).
As for the placement of the table, we go back and forth between putting it against the wall under the window and pulling it out onto the rug. So we’re living with it both ways to see what ends up being the most functional. We’ll report back as we trial and error our way to a decision. Ha!
This little playroom/big girl room is starting to shape up, right? I mean, we’re only about 35% there, so there’s a ton left on the agenda, but it’s definitely an awesome change to see this room go from Crazy Chaotic Storage Explosion to a room that we can actually all hang out in. Hootie hoo.
What are you guys painting? Have you ever painted just the top or the back of something? Did you eye it or tape it off? Have you tried chalk paint? Did it sweep you off your feet? Does it take a few tries for it to really make you swoon? Or are you a stodgy old traditionalist like me who doesn’t mind primer before instead of waxing after?
If you have time before the signing today, you can walk over to Jonathan Adler- it is right near Flor (along with a bunch of other very awesome shops!)! I am totally going to get one of those zebra rug dishes myself! And if you need a place for dinner/lunch, the grain bowl with spicy shrimp at nearby West Egg is amazing (as are the Coca-Cola cupcakes!)!
That sounds awesome!
xo
s
Did I miss a post about the huge pink rug, I love it!
Here ya go! https://www.younghouselove.com/rolling-out-the-pink-carpet/
xo
s
Just the color on the back of the chairs is gorgeous! And yes, painting than waxing seems to be no different than priming and painting.
I love the red backed chairs. What a fun room that is. So cherry and makes you just want to play. Great job, can’t wait to see how it all looks when you guys are 100% done!
So here’s my chalk paint saga. I bought a 1930’s bed that’s super intricate and in rough shape. I was daunted by the thought of sanding, priming and painting all the crevices so I thought, hey, maybe I’ll use chalk paint and skip the sanding! But then I read that furniture from the 30’s and 40’s often bleeds through the paint so you have to seal it with shellac first. Then paint. Then wax. It was at that moment that you posted about using a magic eraser to remove old grime and I figured I’d do that first, just to see. So I did and then Old Englished the snot out of it and now it’s gleaming and beautiful. Okay, not really helpful but that’s my experience with almost using chalk paint.
That’s hilarious! I love it! So glad it all worked out.
xo
s
So happy to see this post, I recently bought ASCP in French Linen to paint a cabinet for my dining room. I heard so many good things about it so I took the plunge. I haven’t gotten to it yet but thanks for the tips! And the chairs look great!
Thanks so much for this review. I also get asked all the time if I have used chalk paint. Never have. But I do love furniture wax as a substitute for poly.
http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/01/27/home-improvement-our-bedroom-progress/
Oh yeah I heard that afterwards! So smart if you don’t want to buy another can of something and already have poly on hand!
xo
s
I don’t know anything about chalk paint; does the wax inhibit using chalk on it? Or does that matter?
Oh chalk paint is different than chalk board paint. It’s just a type of paint like milk paint) that has a chalky finish.
xo,
s
I was thinking of chalk board paint the whole time too! Might be good to clarify that at some point. The chairs look great!
Ditto to being confused that it was chalk BOARD paint – I specifically came to the comments because I KNEW somebody would’ve asked for clarification! :) I was excited to hear about how it worked too (as chalkboard paint), as I’m almost at the point of starting my art wall project – converting the lower half of our hall wall into a chalkboard for our little one. Small house + minimal storage for art supplies = multitask the walls. :) I’m still a little hesitant as to how it’ll look in the long run, though. Plus we have textured walls so I’m going to just use some wood or something for a smooth surface and reversibility.
My question exactly! I kept expecting the chalk to come out any minute. I feel both dumb and enlightened haha!
I also thought these were chalkboard painted, and kept waiting for the point where you drew on the backs of the chairs with chalk, glad to see this thread of comments to clear that up!
Oh, man! Me too! I was kinda wondering why Clara would want to use chalk on the back of her chairs, but I shrugged and figured she’d want to differentiate between Daddy’s chair and Gee’s chair. Now that’s sort of funny, right?
Oh this makes sense now! I was thinking what’s the big deal, just use a different make of chalk board paint that doesn’t require a waxing. I was also trying to work out how the chalk would work on a waxy layer and getting very confused. Got it now!
Omg I totally thought it was chalk board paint too. I had no idea there was a distinction. This whole post I was waiting to see some of Clara’s artwork on the backs! lol
I thought the same thing about it being chalk board paint!
Whew!I was thinking chalk board paint too! I started thinking I’ve been using it wrong for awhile :)
I love the Lois Vuitton shoe vibe you got going on with those chairs! I never would have thought to paint just the back in a million years, but it looks so much more chic that way than if you had painted the whole chair red. I also like that you left some of the natural wood to show on the front of the chair – it ties in nicely with that one natural wood frame on the opposing wall collage (the frame housing the paint chips). What a fun room!
***Louis
Haha love this! Lois Vuitton: the lesser-known yet equally talented cousin of Louis Vuitton, who specializaes in fine italian children’s furniture!
Haha!
xo,
s
I think you mean Christian Louboutin? I thought the same thing!
This is so clever! I like the idea of two toned furniture. I always loved those tables with painted legs and stained tops. You guys always get my wheels turning :)
chalk paint doesn’t give off toxic gases over time the way regular paint does… that’s one advantage, right? i prefer the finish on some pieces (my bookcases & china cabinet), but want a hard, glossy finish on others (bunk beds, tables). love the chairs! : )
I didn’t know that! Definitely a perk. It was pretty stinky when I put it on and I think the label had warnings about not using while pregnant or in front of children, so I assumed it wasn’t as eco.
xo,
s
This is an old post, I know, but I had to chime in. Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is low-voc and safe to use. However the WAX is pretty stinky and they recommend letting it air for 4-6 before using around babies and such.
That being said, it is a neat paint because you can thicken it or thin it, depending on your finish. and the chalky finish is neat! I didnt have any weird issues with the furniture I chose not to max after
I think chalk paint is best on a piece you want to distress. For normal painting, I agree it’s not much easier. (Although I’ve never used Annie Sloan, I just make my own with paint + Plaster of Paris).
Wow! Making your own! That’s hardcore and I’m learning so much on this post!
I love the way the room is shaping up. We are getting ready to paint my daughter’s desk hot pink. I hope it turns out as well as the chairs did.
at least you don’t have to clean your brushes or rollers twice when you use the chalk paint. i guess that’s something…plus it makes great use of those unpaired socks!
Haha true!
xo,
s
I totally get not being crazy about chalk paint. I am a new convert to it but my first project with it was a huge two-piece hutch that was in rough shape. Sanding could have actually damaged it. So I went with cleaning it and then just painting it. I did not wax my entire piece after though because I didn’t mind the texture it let. I just waxed the surface areas that would get the most touch or wear. I think if you tried it on a large piece you might see the benefits of not sanding, priming, etc.
Smart! I love all the info you guys are sharing!
xo,
s
Love the way the chairs look and that you got to do it with what you had around (except for borrowing the wax)! My only question is how does the little play kitchen and dresser all fit into that little room? Can we get an updated panoramic tour of the big girl room in progress?!
Oh yes we’ll share lots more photos as we inch along, we still have plans to refinish or paint the dresser and hang something over the play kitchen to tie it in :)
xo,
s
i’m in the same boat! don’t love chalk paint… i think it’s probably really just best for the distressed look, because if you are doing any sort of sanding or distressing, it takes that very well, and much easier than regular paint.
Totally agree about chalk paint. Old varnish can bleed through and you won’t know whether the varnish on your furniture will bleed through until it actually does, so in many cases you actually DO have to prep the furniture beforehand with a coat of shellac or primer. The paint itself is thick and dries fast so it can be tricky not to leave brush marks, and for something that gets more wear than the back of a chair (like a tabletop) you’d want to apply multiple coats of wax over a period of days. So I think the claim that chalk paint is somehow a timesaver is silly. I use it more to achieve a slightly old-fashioned look than to save time – it distresses well and is matte, and the wax gives a nice glow and protects the paint from water marks.
I have a friend who does chalk paint exclusively (http://blueeggbrownnest.com/) and it seems that it’s one of those paints used best when you’re going for an effect–specifically kind of aged or french country. That way the waxing brings out some of the details of the furniture, and sanding can let colors through, etc. I think I’m with you–for a project like this, I don’t think chalk paint is bad, but isn’t some kind of magic time saver. I have a few older pieces I’m going to try chalking, sanding, and waxing (my friend’s site has great video tutorials!) and see how that goes. But this was a great post to clue me in that for my normal coat-of-paint stuff, I should stick with a normal coat of paint. :)
I love the chairs! This question isn’t totally related to this particular post, but I found a few posts that mention you guys wanting to change out some of the doors to french doors. We just purchased our first home (EEK!) and our current french door has wood rot, so we’re going to replace it. I’m all for french doors (love the look and feel) but everyone keeps telling me to go with sliding because it saves space. Any major reason why you guys lean towards french doors? (Have fun in ATL!)
All the amazing houses that we have fallen in love with have French doors (and pocket doors! Gorgeous!) so we’re huge fans of the character and architecture they maintain. Sliders are definitely cheaper though :)
xo,
s
Also, sliders afford you easier use of a screen door, nice if you want to leave the door open for ventilation.
LOVE the red back chairs! Although I originally said I liked the idea of the red table – as always, you guys nailed it!! Perfect and adorable! One of your other readers said it was ‘so cherry and makes you want to play’ – Yes, that is it!!
Have fun on the last of your book signing tour! Visit with the Bowers en route?
Yes, can’t wait to meet baby Weston!
xo,
s
red-backed chairs FTW.
best possible solution — LOVE this little room!
Sorry, but what is chalk paint and how is it different from other out there ?
Looks good :)
If you google it lots will come up. It’s just a different type of paint (like milk paint, etc). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
We painted our (old almond colored) fridge in chalkboard spray paint. We LOVE it! It seriously provides endless entertainment when we have family and friends over! We are actually fixing to give it another coat of paint because so much use has worn some it.
Love the pop of color on the backs of the chairs! Do you think that if you painted the seats of the chairs, the chalkboard paint/wax treatment would hold up?
From what I hear if you build up a few coats of the wax it’s supposedly very protective like paint + poly. Anyone have info for Liz?
xo,
s
I used the chalk paint on our kitchen table and love it! I did two costs paint and two coats wax. It has held up great and very easy to clean, even with a messy toddler
I’m sure it’s obvious in real life that the chair-backs are painted, but it’s funny how in these photos (to me, at least) it kinda looks like they’re just reflecting the hot pink of the rug!
Haha! Oh yeah it’s clearer in real life :)
xo,
s
I noticed John is rocking the t-shirt you gave him! #stylin Great job on the room as well. :)
One of these days I’m going to have to man up (lady up?) and try some chalkboard paint. On something. Just have to figure out what!
I love the chairs! Have you tried writing on them yet??
Annie Sloane chalk paint is actually different than chalk board paint. So it just has a chalky consistency but isn’t meant to be drawn on with chalk :)
xo,
s
Ah! I see.
You learn something new everyday!
I have not used chalk or clay paint yet, but all the vintage lovers in KC rave about it. I suppose if you had a four-piece set of 1970s grandma bedroom furniture like I do, that would require a ton of sanding and priming, this stuff might be worth it. I’m not sure I could even sand these pieces. The people I know love how easy it is to distress (if you’re into that sort of thing) and how versatile it is. You can mix customized colors easily and use different colors of wax for different effects. Anyway, I’m glad you got to use it and give an honest review. I’ll have to let you know how the bedroom furniture painting goes…
haven’t actually painted w/the chalk paint yet (starting today though on girls’ dresser!), but from what i’ve researched you do save the sanding and priming steps. and even though you have to wax, it’s the same as having to add poly to it – so i guess you’re really still saving 2 steps?? also, from what i hear, a little goes a long way (both with the paint and wax), so even though it’s more expensive, it lasts longer than a gallon of regular paint. plus there are tons of easy layering/buffing/distressing techniques you can do that are harder or more time consuming to do on regular paint.
again, don’t know from experience, but have talked to several furniture painters and done lots of research, and that’s what i’ve gathered. we’ll see this afternoon! ha!
Clara’s table and chairs look great!
also, when in Atlanta you should stop by the Varsity to eat dinner. greasy hotdogs and onion rings that are sure to give you an instant heart attack, but it’s a landmark and fun and you get silly hats to wear there, which Clara would like if she’s with you! have fun :)
Oh yes it’s two steps if you always sand and oly. I usually only poly things that get super wet/beat like a kitchen tabletop, so for these chairs I’d just degloss, prime, and use semi-gloss paint (that finish is protective like poly). Even on our kitchen cabinets we used a paint made for cabs that doesn’t call for poly :)
xo,
s
It is water based so you can add water to thin it down. I think the paint is so easy to apply and the wax is quicker to apply then sanding and top coating for me. I hate all the dust with sanding too! I can see where you all have become very efficient with the painting process over time so not much difference for ya.
Those chairs look brilliant. I love the color.
These types of projects are pretty much why I keep old athletic socks around. :)
I love ASCP when I’m distressing a piece, however prefer spray or latex for non-distressed. Also, I’ve run into major problems with bleed-thru using ASCP on dark stained pieces and a desk from a smoker’s home, so ended up having to prime with shellac then start over…grrrrr$$$! Love how Clara’s new room evolving!!
I’m a little confused. Is chalk paint not what you used to make your chalk board? I kept waiting for you to post pictures of Clara drawing on the backs of the chairs.
Oh no, chalk board paint is different. Annie Sloane chalk paint just has a chalky finish, but you don’t doodle on it :)
xo,
s
I wondered the same thing! I’m definitely not in the know with chalk paint. The chairs look amazing! How fun would chairs that you could draw on be…for the kids…not for the parents who are stuck cleaning up chalk residue or stray chalk marks from all over the room. We have a strict “chalk lives outside” rule for that reason.
I liked this post a lot for a few reasons – I had never heard of chalk paint so I learned something new, and I liked that you had an opinion on the product. I can see how chalk paint might be a little easier to use when painting something with intricate trim. I’m refinishing a dresser with dental molding at the top and the idea of painting and then waxing that molding seems a lot less daunting than sanding, priming and then painting. Thanks for the info!
Love! Not going to lie, this is the first I’ve heard of chalk paint. From the title, I thought you were going to paint the top of the table with chalkboard paint to give Clara a place to doodle :)
Love love love the red chair backs. I wouldn’t have thought to just paint the backs, but I love the look!!
See y’all tonight at FLOR :)
I cannot believe this room is only 35% done…it looks gorgeous!
I’ve never used chalk paint, nor do I really know much about it, but I guess I always got the impression that people used it because they loved the finish, not because it’s easier or faster. How would you compare the finish after it’s waxed to good ol’ sanding and painting?
Exactly the same in my humble experience. Feels/looks identical to painted and poly’d furniture :)
xo,
s
I can imagine bits of furniture that I’d rather wax than sand – like if there’s lots of fussy bits of moulding-type bits on it? But I’ve never used chalk paint…
Yes that makes sense! Maybe it’s especially helpful for ornate things!
xo,
s
Ha! I painted a sideboard for our foyer with chalk paint and kept thinking I had missed some chalkpaint memo. I think it looks great, but I’m not sure it’s any different than regular ol’ latex. But I feel fancy saying I used chalk paint. (That gives you a barometer of my idea of ‘fancy’…) Have a great time in ATL!
http://ciburbanity.com/2012/09/13/chalk-one-up/
xo
Charlotte
Haha, I love it!
xo,
s
Ooops… wrong link! Ma bad.
http://ciburbanity.com/2012/07/31/sweatin-with-the-oldies-milk-paint/
Haha, love it! I searched for it once I was over there from the other one :)
xo,
s
Chairs are adorable!
See you tonight at FLOR! I’m bringing my friend Erin who you might know from a certain Winter Pinterest Challenge! We’re college pals. We’re so pumped to see you two!
Wahoo! So excited!
xo,
s
LOVE the chairs.
I’m one who asked about chalk paint, and I agree with the others. For a plain paint job, eh. But I specifically wanted to distress for some of the natural wood to show through and love the way it turned out. I’d also say for a job that needs sanding, I’d prefer chalk paint (I hate sanding and the mess it makes).
Forgive my absolute ignorance here, but chalk paint ?chalkboard paint? I had no idea chalk paint was even a thing…
They’re different actually. Chalk board paint is for doodling on and chalk paint is just a type of paint with a chalk-like consistency. Like how there’s milk paint, etc. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
WOOHOO I get to meet you tonight!!!!! Super stoked.
Woot!
xo,
s
LOVE how you only painted the backs!! I think that was the perfect way to go. Love how you still have the wood layer in their. Well done, again!
Thanks for the tips! I just did two dressers with chalk paint and distressed them, so I really liked the paint for that. However, I completely agree… if you aren’t going to distress your furniture, it is just the same amount of work sanding, priming, and painting. When I distressed my dressers, the paint literally just dusted off. It was awesome.
That totally makes sense! Love it!
xo,
s
Oooh, from the first picture, the way the light was shining on it- it looked like a gradient from a violety-blue to red. That would be awesome as well! I really like just the backs being red. Very nice job!
I love that! It actually looks like there’s some ombre going on in a few pics, but I assume that’s just the lighting.
Yup, that was just the pics :)
xo,
s
It seems a little silly of the chalk paint manufacturers to give away part of the product, but not what you needed to finish it off, no?
In other news, I had a dream that you guys house-crashed my grandmother’s old house in Louisville. You loved the “granny chic.” Thanks for being so nice in my dream!
Haha that sounds like fun!
xo,
s