You Can Chalk Paint That!

If you think chalk paint is only reserved for farmhouse vibes, think again. Chalk paint creator Annie Sloan shares 12 tips for working with chalk paint that’ll inspire your next weekend DIY. Then, flex your chalk paint skills with 15 easy chalk paint projects, from antique chandeliers and curtains to vinyl flooring.

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August 04, 2021

By: Rachael Jones

Show: HGTV Handmade

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Annie Sloan Shares Chalk Paint Secrets

Annie Sloan — artist, author and creator of chalk paint — spent an afternoon crafting with HGTV's Marianne Canada and shared the secrets and successes of crafting with chalk paint. Click through to see tips, tricks and unexpected techniques that look oh-so-lovely with a fresh coat of chalk paint.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

What Is Chalk Paint?

“One thing it isn’t is chalkboard paint,” Annie says. “It has nothing to do with writing on boards. When you paint with chalk paint, you feel it, touch it, and it feels chalky. It’s also very absorbent like chalk would be."

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Not a One-Trick Pony

Chalk paint’s hidden secret: You don’t need to strip, sand or prime the piece you want to paint. Chalk paint sticks to everything — and it can be used in lots of different ways — from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Quick-Dry DIY

Chalk paint is also great for in-a-hurry DIYs because it dries fast and a little goes a long way. Because chalk paint is very pigmented, mixing the paint is quick and simple. Once mixed, less is more, so be sure to keep the first coat thin and light.

Learn More: How Long to Let Chalk Paint Dry Before Second Coat

Brush It Off

Whether you’re looking for a smooth or textured chalk paint finish, there are different brushes for different DIYs. Annie’s ergonomically designed chalk paint brushes use bristles with split ends, which translates to holding more paint and perfect for waxing products, too.

Learn More: Get to Know Your Paintbrushes

Trendy Vintage Appeal

Dress up dated kitchen cabinets with a farmhouse chalk paint vibe. Using Annie Sloan's Old White chalk paint, brush the wood generously with one coat of paint. Wait 5 to 10 minutes until dry, then add a second coat. Next, use a sanding pad to create some wear and grain around the edges.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Wax On, Wax Off

Because you don't have to prime or sand when using chalk paint, you must set the paint with a coat of clear wax. Annie Sloan offers a range of waxes, lacquers and glazes that can seal and protect your project as well as give it a decorative effect. For the cabinets, first brush on a coat of Annie Sloan clear wax. Next, brush the cabinets with a little Annie Sloan brown wax to add a vintage, rustic look. Wipe away the excess brown wax with a paper towel and finish with another layer of clear wax.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Grit and Grain

Annie uses the pads to remove layers of texture to give it that rustic look. Her pack of fine, medium and coarse sanding pads are washable, reusable and flexible, but you can also get the DIY done with a regular sanding block or sandpaper from the craft store.

Modern Flair

Vintage not your thing? Make chalk paint modern with this trick for cabinets, furniture or frames. Simply dip the brush directly into the paint can and start painting. Be sure to paint evenly to avoid ridges and textures.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Velvet or Silk?

Once the paint is completely dry, use a sanding pad or fine-grit sanding block to create a velvety texture. Lightly rub the sanding pad over the paint in the same direction. Finish with a coat of lacquer for a shiny, sleek look, or brush on clear wax for a silky smooth feeling.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Two-Tone Is Better Than One

Can’t decide on one color of chalk paint? Try this two-tone trick by Annie Sloan. Start by adding one coat of chalk paint in a bright color like English Yellow. Once it’s completely dry, in about 10 minutes, add a second coat of darker chalk paint, like Chicago Grey.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Big Reveal

Once the second coat of chalk paint is dry, apply a coat of clear wax with a brush. Next, use a fine sanding pad to gently distress the edges revealing the bright yellow color beneath.

Watch The Video: Chalk Paint Basics With Annie Sloan

Easy Chalk Paint Fabric Dye

Chalk paint can do much more than cover antique furniture. Transform drop cloths, curtains, pillowcases or napkins with this simple trick.

Watch The Video: You Can Chalk Paint That?

Just a Drop of Paint

Start by adding a teaspoon of chalk paint to a bowl of water (about a quart, but the amount of water and paint will vary depending on the vessel you're using to dip the cloth and the desired intensity of the final hue) and mix with a paint stir stick. Then, fold your cloth into a concertina fold, like a zig-zag accordion. Dip the edges of the cloth into the paint mixture. Unfold and dry to set the color.

Watch The Video: You Can Chalk Paint That?

Upcycled Chandelier

Annie Sloan's 20-minute trick will literally transform a dated brass chandelier into a textured, vintage masterpiece. All you need is dark chalk paint, a paint brush and a paper towel.

Watch The Video: You Can Chalk Paint That?

Paint, Dry, Hang

Start by painting the chandelier with a dark color of chalk paint. For this project, Annie prefers black or graphite. Paint the chandelier thoroughly with one coat. Then, before it dries, take a paper towel and remove a little paint from various areas to reveal brass details beneath. Hang it up and enjoy.

Watch The Video: You Can Chalk Paint That?

Stenciled Flooring

You can use chalk paint to transform basic vinyl flooring in minutes. Yes, really. Start by placing an adhesive stencil onto the vinyl flooring. Apply two colors of chalk paint to the stencil with a small paint roller. Once dry, peel off the stencil. Add a coat of lacquer or varnish to set the flooring before use.

Watch The Video: You Can Chalk Paint That?

Recreate Annie's Chair Designs

Try adding chalk paint patterns to your furniture. Annie Sloan shares step-by-step instructions to recreate the Rodmell, Tilton and Firle designs with blue, green, yellow and red chalk paint.

Get the How-To: DIY With Annie Sloan’s New Charleston-Farmhouse-Inspired Chalk Paints

Little Vintage Fridge

Marianne's no stranger to chalk paint. She even spruces up an online fridge find with Annie Sloan's Antoinette pink chalk paint. Prep the fridge by sanding any rough spots and wiping it down with a grease-cutting cleanser. Then, tape any areas that should not have paint with painter’s tape. Next, use a soft-bristled brush to add a thin, even coat. Once dry, add one more coat. To keep the paint sealed and clean, apply two coats of water-based lacquer for a glossy finish.

Watch The Video: How to Paint a Refrigerator With Chalk Paint

Chalk Paint Dresser

Marianne shopped her garage for this thrifted office furniture, then transformed it into a chic chalk-painted dresser with gold details. Paint the dresser with two coats of dark navy chalk paint. Once dry, apply clear wax to finish, seal and protect the piece. Then add brass paste wax to the handles and legs for extra charm.

Modern Chalk Paint Drawers

HGTV Handmade's The Crafty Lumberjacks give unfinished desktop drawers a makeover with this easy chalk painting technique. Simply create a triangle pattern using painter's tape and paint thin coats of chalk paint onto alternating sections. Bonus: Learn to make faux leather handles to finish the look.

Get the How-To: Give Basic Wooden Storage Drawers a Modern Makeover

Chalk Paint Velvet Chair

Surprise! You can paint velvet using chalk paint — it just takes a touch of patience. HGTV Handmade's Danielle Boaz shares her formula: Simply pour one part chalk paint to two parts water in a container and mix the paint until it's clump-free. Apply light coats to the velvet using a paint brush. Let dry completely, then remove excess dust with sandpaper. Repeat steps for a bolder look.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Velvet Chair

Vintage Luggage Dresser

Transform a plain dresser into a stack of charming vintage luggage with chalk paint. Follow Amazing Furniture Makeovers author Jen Crider's step-by-step instructions for tips and tricks.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Dresser to Look Like a Stack of Suitcases

Chalk Paint Headboard

DIY a rustic headboard from a fresh vintage find. Snag an antique door from the local salvage shop and paint it with creamy, white chalk paint for a cozy, classic makeover.

See More: 74 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

Just Beachy Buffet

Combine complementary coastal colors for a big beachy impact. Use darker and lighter chalk paint coats in various sections to create a faded and dated look. Then, set the chalk paint with clear wax when the desired color palette is complete.

Cocktail Ready Chalk Paint

Give new life to an old hutch using gray chalk paint. This transformed piece is now a modern cocktail station displaying retro barware and serving a purpose.

See More: 40 Stylish Home Bars Squeezed Into Small Spaces

Find Annie Sloan Paint

Now that you've seen the projects and have all the tips and tricks, grab a few gallons of Annie Sloan chalk paint for your next DIY weekend. Just enter a zip code into the store locator on Annie’s website.

Or Make Your Own Chalk Paint

HGTV's Marianne Canada tries three chalk paint recipes using latex house paint as the base. Try the most popular techniques using baking powder, plaster of paris and calcium carbonate.

Get the How-To: How to Whitewash Pumpkins

Quick Baking Powder Recipe

HGTV Handmade contributor Karen Kavett shares a quick hack to make chalk paint. Use acrylic paint and baking powder in a 1:1 ratio. Simply mix the paint and baking powder together, then apply with a paint brush. Tip: Baking powder will make the paint dry super fast.

You Can Chalk Paint That!

Related To:

Shop This Look

Annie Sloan Shares Chalk Paint Secrets

What Is Chalk Paint?

Not a One-Trick Pony

Quick-Dry DIY

Brush It Off

Trendy Vintage Appeal

Wax On, Wax Off

Grit and Grain

Modern Flair

Velvet or Silk?

Two-Tone Is Better Than One

Big Reveal

Easy Chalk Paint Fabric Dye

Just a Drop of Paint

Upcycled Chandelier

Paint, Dry, Hang

Stenciled Flooring

Recreate Annie's Chair Designs

Little Vintage Fridge

Chalk Paint Dresser

Modern Chalk Paint Drawers

Chalk Paint Velvet Chair

Vintage Luggage Dresser

Chalk Paint Headboard

Just Beachy Buffet

Cocktail Ready Chalk Paint

Find Annie Sloan Paint

Or Make Your Own Chalk Paint

Quick Baking Powder Recipe

More from:

HGTV Handmade

Paint Farmhouse Pumpkins With Homemade Chalk-Style Paint

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