Young House Love

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Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint And Soft Wax

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:

Table 13 After Close Up

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.

Table 12 After In Front Of Window

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.

Table 2 Clara Sipping Syrup

And this:

Table 4 Tea Party With Daddy

And I realized that I even loved Clara’s pj’s layered into the room’s palette. #crazyfabriclady

Table 3 Claras Leg

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).

Table 8 Annie Sloane 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.

Table 9 Chair Backs Painted

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.

Table 10 Hand In Wax

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?

Table 11 Rubbing Wax On

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.

Table 12 After In Front Of Window

One more chair pic, just for kicks:

Table 14 After Side

Oh and as for the table, it was stained…

Table 5 Dirty Top

… and peeling down below.

Table 5 Scuffed Up Bottom

So we gave him a quick sanding…

Table 6 Sanding Top

… 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).

Table 7 Priming

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!

Table 15 After Far

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?

Comments

  2. Kit Darling says

    This room is absolutely ADORABLE! You make me want to have a baby right now just so I can decorate their room! :)

    Reply

  3. Mary says

    #1 Thank you for the clarification of the difference between chalk paint and chalkboard paint! #2 Those chairs are dig dog darling, love them, love the red.

    Reply

  4. Nicole says

    I never knew there was such a thing as chalk paint or milk paint! I just googled milk paint and I’m intrigued. Do you guys have any experience using milk paint on furniture? I trust your reviews!

    Reply

  5. Rachel says

    I was waiting for a photo of Clara drawing on the back of the chairs with chalk. Ohhhh, chalk paint does not equal chalkBOARD paint. Thanks for the education! ;) Although I do think a chalkboard surface on the backs of the chairs could be cute too, if they were the right height for a kiddo to draw on.

    Reply

  6. Sarah says

    I just used chalk/clay paint for the first time to spruce up the dresser/changing table for our first nursery. The dresser was my old baby dresser, so I wanted to update it but still have a bit of vintage charm. I used CeCe Caldwell’s chalk/clay paint. It’s made in the USA, no-VOC, totally natural, and has no fumes. Since I’m almost 7 months preggo, I was pumped to be able to find something that I could use and not worry about the fumes (especially since we live in a townhouse, don’t have a workspace, and painted everything in the actual nursery). I went with CeCe Caldwell because she has a couple sealing options, including waxes but also including a clear sealant. It was a great choice for me, but I know it wouldn’t work for every furniture makeover.

    This is my first comment, but I’ve been a fan since the beginning. Y’all are just the best!

    Reply

  7. Anna says

    I used chalk paint to paint my piano. I chose chalk paint for the project because I was worried that the dust from sanding would damage the strings/get between the keys/otherwise ruin the piano. So chalk paint was the perfect alternative, even though it required the extra step of waxing at the end.

    Reply

  8. Karen Z. says

    I think when you are just doing a bitty, baby project like two chair backs, you aren’t really using chalk paint where it shines.

    For me, I have three kids including two wild and energetic boys and everything in our house takes abuse! I can’t just use latex paint or I get chips and wear very quickly. For me, it is always lightly sand, prime, paint, sand, paint, sand, paint (I paint many things white so it takes a lot of coats), then several coats of wipe-on poly.

    So to have a product I can paint right on in two coats and then wax just once? Life saving. Cuts my time by 2/3.

    Maybe try it again, like on her dresser if you decide to paint it?

    In any case, it is coming together adorably! I love the red/pink combo.

    Reply

  9. Rachel says

    We just bought supplies last night… for our first paint project in the new house! Home Depot color-matched Olympic’s “Feldspar” and it is going to be gorgeous in an office with creamy white trim and dark wood furniture. Super excited.

    AND!! I’m tackling one of your book projects this weekend: #48, dressing up an old brass chandelier! I scored one on Craigslist for $25, and it looked exactly like the image I had in my head (so I probably would have paid twice that!)… got me some spray primer & paint, and by Sunday I will have a pretty new light fixture in my reading room!!

    Reply

  10. Sarah says

    Super great post!

    The Annie Sloan is so popular around the blog world I was going to try it for myself as well.

    I still might…

    But I learned so much more about the product from you!! And now I’m not as excited about the paint..

    Hahah.. oops sorry Annie!

    Reply

  11. Kayla says

    SO EXCITED to meet you guys tonight!!! My sister in law and I are coming bearing gifts! We hope you love them!!! BTW love the way Clara’s big girl room is shaping up! I have almost 2 year old twins and we just switched them to toddler beds and are re-making over their room for a big boy/girl feel. Its so fun to get their input and watch them grow into their own little people!

    Reply

  12. Jan says

    I have to say, it’s lovely to see a review for chalk paint that is a little more, um, matter of fact about the product. I have tried it, and I do like it for distressing or intricate pieces, but it’s not as life changing as I thought it might be after a few reviews. ;) FYI, though, if you leave chalk paint I waxed, it actually does make a great chalkboard surface. I’ve used it that way a couple of times–the sample pots of all the different colors are perfect for a small, colorful chalkboard surface.

    Reply

  13. Cher says

    So I used chalk paint to repaint my bathroom vanity. In that regard, chalk paint was completely worth it. The vanity was DARK brown and the color I was painting it was light grey (Paris Grey by Annie Sloan, FYI). Also, it was (unbeknownst to me) a hacked IKEA sideboard. So there was real wood, particle board, and even some plastic-y parts involved. What I liked about the chalk paint is that it covered everything evenly, regardless of what it was made of. The wax made the finish appropriate to hold up in a humid area like a bathroom, and it has a nice texture that I’ve never got with a regular paint. I would definitely use it again for a project with lots of different unknown materials (in fact, I’m going to use the leftover to paint my kitchen cabinets) and areas that are hard to sand like bathroom vanities shoved against a wall and odd rounded carvings. The quart of paint can be expensive, but it goes a long way. 2 coats took less than an inch of paint from the can. I’m not a WOO HOO CHALK PAINT OR NOTHING girl, but it is a great paint for certain types of projects. Picture of before/after here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100774440836454&set=o.141083509235952&type=1&theater

    Reply

  15. Alison says

    I love the chairs! Did you think of getting or painting so the table a Red square or star in the center of the table of place mats. Just thought that might look cool in the chalk board paint than you could write on it.

    A

    Reply

  16. Anuja says

    Hey the two tone chairs are gorgeous to look at!! How about adding a little color (like neon pink or even navy) to the lil area between the front and back of the chair that runs all around (I am sorry, dunno what its called). Kinda similar to the Johnathan Adler pillows with neon piping from your recent window shopping post!!

    Reply

  17. Becky S says

    I love how you just did the backs. I’m in the middle of trying chalk paint for the first time too. I DIYed it with Plaster of Paris though, I’m too cheap for he real stuff. I’m also thinking of polying instead of waxing, but we’ll see. Jury is still out on if I like it or not.

    Your posts haven’t been coming up in my Google reader the last couple days. Yesterday’s finally showed up last night. Any reason on your end this might be?

    Reply

  18. Kelly M says

    Finally someone who is not totally sold on chalk paint! Thank you for this. I don’t mind it, but I am totally of the same mindset – that waxing is a pain. I much prefer advance. But…I do have to admit that chalk paint is the way to go if distressing…it doesn’t peel like latex. Love the chairs.

    Reply

  19. Linda says

    Totally love the contrast on the chairs! And, what I so love about your blog is that you never take swag and that you pay full price (or only the discount anyone can get) for anything – for me, it means I can really rely on your opinions not being swayed by anything external to the product itself.

    But it was neat to learn about chalk paint – but I think I’m still on the Benjamin Moore train for any painting I do.

    Reply

  20. Whitney says

    I felt the same way about the steps with the Chalk paint- plus it is super pricey! I think there are people who do some special things with the wax for the “shabby chic” look, but as far as saving time for regular projects, not worth it for me.

    Reply

  22. Anne G. says

    I’m curious what made you decide to add navy to a red and pink color scheme? I usually go with my gut on what looks good together. But, lately I’ve been interested in using the color wheel to help me make color combination choices. On the color wheel, red/pink and blue wouldn’t seem like a typical choice. Did you have some inspiration photos that gave you the idea? I’d love to see some photos if that’s the case! I am trying to be more brave with bolder color choices, so I’m just curious about your process!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It was all weird and accidental. Well, red and pink are Clara’s favorite so those were what we chose for her and then I thought it was looking kinda pink/red so adding navy would break things up from being too hot/bright and tone it down without being too serious. Then when she found those curtains and wanted them (with navy in them) it sealed the deal!

      xo
      s

  24. Sarah says

    The chalk paint trend used to drive me nuts because it seemed silly to put a “Paris flea market finish” on absolutely everything. But after I used it, I understood why it’s so popular. I think they advertise it as not needing any prep, so if you weren’t worried about the stuff on your chairs, you might not have even had to degloss it. I’ve used it on a lot of stuff, including an old varnished coffee table, and haven’t had any trouble with bleeding like others mentioned. The only bleeding problems I had with it was when I used pure white on a non-protected stained wood surface. It’s a really good option if you don’t want to take something outside to sand it and are trying to minimize mess (I totally recommend it to my apartment-dwelling friends). Plus, you can get the whole project done in a day, which probably wouldn’t be the case if you were painting on primer, waiting for it to dry, painting on the regular paint (and red takes a few coats), and waiting for that to dry too. Lately I’ve taken to putting a protective coat over regular paint anyway, since it never quite seems durable enough. Both have to cure. The price is definitely high, but I’m a convert. I used BM advance on a few pieces and got so annoyed with the 16 hour dry time and the way that it drips on vertical surfaces if you’re not super careful. I find the chalk paint so much easier to work with.

    Reply

  25. Tina says

    I have not used the ASCP but I lurve the Cece Caldwell chalk paint! I I like it because that particular brand really is zero voc and natural but also has no stinky fumes . I can paint inside when it is cold out and there is zero smell. The Cece wax is also not smelly so that’s a win win for me. I have herd that the ASCP and wax are both pretty stinky so I am not sure i would like that one. I also love that my daughter can use the paint and it is totally safe and she can use the same paint as Mommy, which is key to me working on projects! That being said it is definitely in the “decorative paint category for me, it is way too pricey for large pieces but for distressing etc it is the bomdigity:)

    Reply

  26. Kimberly says

    Did you guys make that kitchen playset for Clara? (new here) If so, do you have a tutorial or post about how you made them, because they are friggin’ AMAZING and AWESOME. My three year old would love, love, love a set!

    Reply

  27. Donna @ Cooking + Praying says

    Love the use of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a non-“shabby chic” way. I’ve redone well over 100 pieces with ASCP and never, ever had a can of paint with any odor. Yes, the wax has a bit of a chemical smell, but not the paint. Wonder why yours wasn’t odor free? A hint about buffing the wax–if you have a lot to do use an electric car buffer. Thanks for the inspiration–I’m about to go to Texas to work on some paint projects for my 6-year-old twin grandaughters and you’ve given me some ideas.

    Reply

  28. Melissa says

    I love that you decided to just do the backs of the chairs red! So much more interesting that way. On top of the table maybe you could put one of those little Perrier bottles with a single (fake) flower in it so it looks like a little kiddie cafe table. It’s really coming along in there and looking like a kid’s room! So pretty!

    Reply

  29. Erin says

    John and Sherry,
    I waited forever for you to announce a stop in ATL, and once you did, I ran into the room my husband was in like my hair was on fire and let him know that he and I would be in attendance. Now the day has finally come and I find myself nine weeks pregnant and certain that the 2.5 hour drive and all the hoopla just won’t do well for me. So alas, regretfully (but probably wisely) I will be home tonight- but partying down with the two of you in spirit. Y’all have a good time tonight!

    Erin

    Reply

  30. Jane says

    Gotta ask this burning question…where is the “Crazy Chaotic Storage Explosion” now hanging out? Don’t tell me the wonderfully cleared out basement workroom. I ask, because I am a pack-rat and am always looking for creative hiding places. :)

    Love the room and looking forward to the closet reading nook you create for Clara.

    Have you considered under bed pull/slide outs for toy storage?

    Thank you for all your wonderful tips and ideas…you are an amazing family!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We actually had a huge yard sale and also had a book auction for charity (which also moved tons of pieces that were in the room) so now most of the clutter can be contained in the guest room closet (with a few things in the basement but nothing too crazy).

      xo
      s

  31. Lesley says

    Where’d you get the white leather pouf? I’d like a turquoise one for my little girl’s room, but I’m wary of the cheap ones on eBay etc.

    Reply

  32. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    Hi – The chairs are perfect. Just the right amount of pop without over doing it (not that painting the whole thing would of).

    P.s. Either you’ve got a fantastic memory or you’re really organized because I would have totally forgotten about a little test pot of paint from a year plus ago!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It was awesome! I had just organized my craft drawer and it was in there! I usually have the opposite luck and find something right after I need it instead of right before. Haha!

      xo
      s

  35. Lea says

    If there was a comforter that had Clara’s pj pattern, I think it would look even better on the bed.

    Clara’s one lucky girl, I’ll say that for sure!

    Reply

  36. Ekaterina says

    I always though, that chalk paint was called that, because afterwards you could write with a chalk on the surface! lol

    Reply

  37. Christine says

    I recently tried chalk paint for the first time, too. I have to admit that I find it very overrated. Our furniture turned out fine, but I found it almost impossible to paint without visible brush strokes. Seems very expensive for what it is!

    Reply

  38. jeb says

    I’ve used annies paint on Ikea piece with dark wax to give it an aged look in my 100 year old house. this is where annies shines – looking antique. In my experience even once it is waxed the finish is always fragile. I think for your modern look regular paint is the way to go.

    Reply

  39. Alicia M says

    Love the solution and they way it has a “Christian Louboutin shoe” feel! :)
    Just a thought…after reading a bunch of comments, maybe you guys should add a post edit that chalk paint and chalkBOARD paint are two different ballgames?!
    Excited to see the room come together!!

    Reply

  40. kaycee says

    I took out those old ceramic towel bars & toilette paper holder in my master bathroom. My master bath is just like yours, the sink is in the bedroom and the shower/toilette is a teeny room behind a closed door. I had the holes patched, my walls re-textured, and need to get a layer of primer up. I can’t decide if I want to keep it the original tan color, or to paint that very small area a dark navy or charcoal color. There is a window in the shower, which gives the room a ton of light. Doesn’t that mean that the dark paint will open the space up? MIght as well just give it a go!

    Reply

  41. Cathy says

    Oh! Thanks for this post. I was just toying around with the idea of using chalk paint for something, so I appreciate the extra info. :)

    Reply

  43. malibou says

    Love love this look.

    When you mentioned that a reader had the same thought as John and called it a “jinx!” moment, I giggled, as around here we use the German version of this which is ‘Two idiots one thought’.
    In second grade, my son had a “jinx!” moment with his teacher, and called out “Two idiots one thought!” His teacher fell off his chair laughing.

    I think it would be cute to have a sticker or something on the back of the chair towards the top, where there might be a cut out to grab the chair. A monogram, or silhouette.

    Reply

  44. Laura C says

    Love the results and completely agree with your assessment – the chalk paint thing doesn’t sound like a time-saver, at all. On the other hand, the color is great!

    Reply

  45. Amy says

    So cute!! I can’t wait to see it all together. Please oh please seriously consider the dark glossy navy for her dresser! You could have cute colorful knobs and its a classic color that can grow with her, Besides it will anchor the color combos. Just an idea and a nudge. Love your ideas!!!

    Reply

  48. Stephanie says

    Speaking of painting furniture, I have a quick question for you. I bought some re-finished, painted furniture last weekend (a table and chairs) and I’m not sure how to seal it. The woman that I bought if from didn’t re-finish it so she has no idea what they used to paint it but thinks ithas a wax finish. To me, it doesn’t feel durable enough for something that gets as much wear as a kitchen table will plus I want it a little shinier than it currently is, it has a very matte finish. Any suggestions?

    Reply

  49. Ofelia, México City says

    Im painting one large bookcase… I mean almost painting cause Im still sanding from monday and I can’t finish it. I live in an apartment and here I didn’t find a decent no smell no toxic deglosser, so sanding is my job. Hard job. Anyway, love those two colors little chairs. So fun!

    Reply

  50. Kristy H. says

    So, it seems I am not the only one that first read this as chalk board paint. I was thinking you were going to turn the top of the table into a chalkboard! My daughter’s school has one in the lobby and all of the kids love to doodle as they walk by. I can see why you might not want a table like that in Clara’s room though… I’m envisioning little chalk doodles all over the room!
    Love what you actually did with the chalk paint. Looks so classy, yet so fun at the same time.

    Reply

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