Chalk Painting 101

Whether you’re looking to spruce up some older furniture on a budget or have fallen head over heels with Joanna Gaines’s signature modern farmhouse style, chances are you’ve heard of chalk paint. So, what is chalk paint and why use it

We’re glad you asked! Today, we’ll walk you through basic questions like what do you use chalk paint for, how it’s different from regular paint, what kind of paint brushes you’ll need and how to use chalk paint to get the gorgeous results you can’t wait to show off.

What is Chalk Paint and Why Use It?

First and foremost, chalk paint is not the same as chalkboard paint. Chalk paint is a popular water-based paint option typically used to give furniture or home decor a rustic or vintage look. Chalk paint cabinets are also becoming popular for DIYers looking to revamp their kitchen cabinets on a budget.

While chalk paint is technically a registered trademark of Annie Sloan, plenty of brands now sell their own chalk paint products readily available at major home improvement stores, boutiques and online companies.

Why Use Chalk Paint vs Regular Latex Paint?

Chalk paint is the no-prep, no-prime, no-sanding, minimal drip paint solution ideal for painting furniture and cabinets. Unlike latex paint that tends to gunk up when distressing, chalk paint is designed for easy distressing, making it easy to add rustic charm to vintage pieces of furniture, cabinets, or new decor you want to look old. When chalk painting furniture and cabinets, you’ll notice incredible matte coverage from even the first application. Latex paints, on the other hand, typically create a more opaque finish rather than that nice and even full coverage finish you want. Because chalk paint is water-based, cleaning your chalk paint brushes is a cinch, too!

What Brushes to Use for Chalk Paint Furniture and Cabinets?

The brushes you need for chalk painting furniture and cabinets will really depend on the project at hand. For instance, painting furniture like desks or tables calls for large surface chalk paint brushes like a chiseled wedge or palm pro paintbrush, while furniture or cabinets with ornate details, raised panels corners and moldings will be easier with detail chalk paint brushes. Since chalk paint is porous, it’s a good idea to go the extra mile and seal it with a top coat using a top coat brush. The Zibra brush finder quiz makes it easy to find the best brushes for your next chalk paint furniture or cabinet project!

Great for detail work

Furniture Paintbrush Kit - 4 Piece

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