Chalk Paint FAQ’s

Here are a few commonly asked questions!

Do you use a special brush to paint with chalk paint?

Nope. Regular old brush I like Purdy medium grade from Home Depot

Tips!  
1. Before using- flip it upside down and shake good! The pigment is at the bottom of the can.

2. Store the paint at room temperature.

3. Use the paint and wax at room temperature and make sure the furniture piece you are painting are at room temp ideally {although I have tested this myself when desperate}.

4. Make sure the lid is on tightly after using and do not leave the can open for extended periods the paint will thicken.   You can add a little bit of water  if needed.

How many colors are available?

TONS! There are give or take 25+ colors, but when you account for mixing and playing with variations of hues- you can think of it as 1,000′s.  I love mixing old white and old ochre with coco.

What kind of finish does the paint have?

Without a protective coat, the paint has a very matte finish but still smooth.   If you don;y apply wax/poly it will age with time and be more “shabby chic”.

What kind of protective finish do you use?

I use Annie Sloan clear wax. It doesn’t change the paint color just deepens it.   You can also use dark wax as well if you are looking for a more antique or aged look.  Be careful with the application it can be tricky.

To create more luster or shine, use a soft cloth to buff the wax after it’s dried for about an hour.

Do you use a special brush for applying the wax?

Well, that depends. You can use a lint free cloth, cheese cloth or an old paint brush however; If you plan on doing more than one Annie Sloan Chalk Paint project- or a big piece – you may want to consider a wax brush. They are not inexpensive- but make the wax application so much easier. They retail at $36 for the big ones and $31 for the smaller ones {good for smaller items}!  If you plan on doing a lot of furniture- you should have one for clear wax and one for dark.  If you have a tight budget – a work paint brush can also be used.

Do you do anything special to apply the wax?

Apply it lightly.  Annie says work in small areas and lightly wipe off extra wax with a clean soft rag or towel. Let the wax dry till it is touchable and not tacky- usually about an hour. Then you can buff it with a clean – lint free rag. The more you buff- the smoother the finish will feel to the touch and shinier the effect. If you are applying multiple coats of wax…lightly rub out each coat- but only buff the last coat if you are going for a shinier finish.

Basic Suggestions for a 2 tone effect:

1. Choose a base coat. Often Old White or Pure White.  Apply lightly. Coat the whole piece, and don’t worry about total coverage. Let dry for an hour or so.

2. Apply your second coat the level of thickness is up to you and the look you are going for.  Remember much of this is personal preference.  Have fun with it!

3. Brush on a coat of Annie Sloan Clear Wax using a wax brush/tint free rag or cheese cloth. Your piece will get darker and smoother, taking on a new look. Let dry at least 30 minutes to an hour so that the wax is no longer tacky to the touch. Then using sandpaper  (Annie prefers NO steel wool), rub and distress it until it has an aged, worn look. Concentrate on corners, edges and legs, etc.  basically anything that would naturally get worn.

4. Brush on Annie Sloan Dark Wax if you so choose {not required}.  It is recommended to have a second wax brush/or cloth to apply the dark wax.   This wax gives a smooth, satin finish and highlights details. Be careful not to use too much Dark Wax a little goes a long way.  You can use a cloth and even a little mineral spirits on a rag to help even out the dark wax finish.