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?
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Thanks for the review! I always hear the chalk paint is the thing of the gods, but I haven’t used it yet! It definitely sounds like just as much work, but still worth a try!
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
Very cute.
Couple of questions (I’m operating on the principle that there’s no such thing as a stupid question ;-) )
– what is the difference between chalk paint and regular paint? Can you write on it like a chalk board? Or is it just the way it looks when it dries?
Sorry – just never heard of chalk paint and I had to ask :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Your second guess is right! It’s just a type of paint, like milk paint or clay paint. So it’s not meant for chalk doodles but has a chalky consistency :)
xo,
s
Sarah says
First of all, beautiful pieces! Love the red and white! Love your blog! Also, personally, I love my chalk paint. If you want a tutorial on how and why to use chalk paint, especially to get a shabby-chic look for a piece, and if you have a Saturday free in Richmond, visit the Thrill of the Hunt (315 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005). It’s “chalk-full” of beautiful refurbished pieces, AND the owner (I think she’s an owner, anyway) will happily show you some amazing techniques along with the versatility of chalk paint … when to use the wax, when not to, etc. It’s a whole world and I’ve only barely dove into, but Thrill of the Hunt is certainly where to go to learn more!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! I knew the chalk paint pros would enlighten me :)
xo,
s
Madeline says
I just painted my thift store find & turned it from a picture of sunflowers and strawberries to a modern monogram! Definitely had to tape this one!
http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2013/02/create-modern-monogram.html
Chalk paint always confuses me- I think that its like chalkboard paint & the surface should be paintable… but I guess the chalk is IN the paint lol
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome!
xo,
s
Michelle H says
I have been waiting for you guys to join the chalk paint world!! It’s amazing, isn’t it?! Have you ever considered making your own. I actually like it better than Annie Sloan, and of course it is more economical. The BEST recipe for it is 3 parts paint to 1 part SANDLESS grout, and a bit of water. PERFECTION!
Love the chairs! Love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the DIY approach!
xo,
s
Amber says
Thanks for the review!! I have been going back and forth on spending the extra money for chalk paint to refinish a desk. I think you just swayed my decision, I’m just going to stick with the old fashion way!
Amy says
I am looking for a moroccan leather pouf for our nursery. It looks like you have a white one in Clara’s room. Can I ask where you found it?
Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from Joss & Main. My advice is to stalk them since the prices go up and down and then pounce when it’s nice and low.
xo,
s
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
I love the pop of red on the back of the chairs! I’ve always wanted to try chalk paint – it’s got such a great finished look!
Krysti says
Chairs are looking great, but now… I’ve got Sir Mix a Lot running through my head. Thanks for that. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha mission accomplished.
xo,
s
Taylor de Sa says
What a great room. Thanks for sharing this mini diy. I love the red backs but I may have opted for some white stencils (maybe flowers or zig-zags or one of each) but I also love the restraint you’ve shown. :)
Wendy @ New Moms Talk says
I’ve done more of the reverse- stripping paint off of wood and refinishing it.
In fact when we lived in Northern Virginia, I used to dream about claiming furniture from the free ads on Craigs List, refinishing (or painting) the pieces, and having a storage place for them.
I wanted them to have it as a Free and Fantastic Furniture Spot so people who were in need could pick up what they needed.
This idea wasn’t practical at the time, but maybe one day. You never know where life will lead!
Here’s to hoping that you enjoy each moment of Atlanta!
YoungHouseLove says
Really fun idea!
xo,
s
ErinEvelyn says
Meeting Weston Bower while in ATL? I’ll look for Katie’s post soon! :)
YoungHouseLove says
But of course! Wouldn’t miss it!
xo,
s
Sarah says
I can’t wait to see and meet y’all tonight at Flor! So glad you saved the best city for last! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! ATL is going to be so much fun!
xo,
s
Madeline says
We painted our thrift store find!
http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2013/02/create-modern-monogram.html
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!
xo,
s
Brad @ MrWriteAway says
Those chairs look great! The curtains are stealing the show though… I love them puppies. I know, I know. A guy excited over curtains? My wife would say “your v*gina is hanging out” but seriously those curtains are awesome.
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
It is so nice to hear about a chalk paint adventure like this. I only read things from fanatics it seems, so I feel like I am missing something. Yet the price and the steps really make me not want to try it. So thanks for this real post. Yet I do still hold out hope that it can change lives based on all of those chalk paint fans out there.
Beth says
Love watching this room come together…it just seems so FUN! The chairs seem to have an ombre look…is that because of the chalk paint?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s just the lighting and the pics. In real life they’re a flat bright red color :)
xo,
s
Marge says
Brilliant idea for the two-tone chairs. I was liking the variety the wood added to the room and was interested to see what you’d decide to do for paint. Great job!
Jen @ Domesticated Nomad says
First, thanks for the tips on chalk paint. I had long suspected what you said, so I’m glad you were able to try it with a sample and give us the head’s up.
Second, I love the red-backed chairs! Love. Now, pretty please, consider painting the table navy so the shebang pops. :)
(And of course, feel free to ignore me, it’s your house after all, but still … pretty please? Navy?)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha it’s always a possibility down the road!
xo,
s
LeCheech says
Oh, I actually have a project slotted for this weekend [if I have time] to spray paint bright glossy white on my dresser! I’m leaving the drawers in the finish they’re in. I know that’s been trending lately but I just adore it~!
Samma says
2 things:
1) love the red back and natural wood. Is it crazy to think navy on the sides for just a little accent would be fun?
2) last year when you were looking at the ‘let it go wild’ yard, I suggested BigLots for lilac bushes. Well, they’re back in stock at my local, and I bought 4 for $5. They’re supposed to be frost hardy and be OK in sun or shade, so hoping they work for me. But they also had forsythia (neon yellow firework blooms late winter) and wysteria (big cascading purple white flower cluster on a climbing vine). Any way, it’s a steal of a price so thought I’d pass it along.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow that’s amazing! Has anyone gotten shrubs there a year or more ago? Are they still doing well?
xo,
s
Brandy says
Clara’s new room is really coming together…..it’s so fun and happy! The chairs are awesome…so Christian Louboutin-esque, except on chairs rather than fancy 4 inch stilletos. :)
Can’t wait to meet you guys tonight! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so excited to meet you tonight too!
xo,
s
Donna Jean says
i love the chairs! have you thought about navy chalkboard paint on the to of the table? benjamin morre can tint it almost any color the have. i love that clara has a little cafe table and hubby playing with daughter = #1 dad and total keeper!
YoungHouseLove says
Navy on the table is definitely a future possibility!
xo,
s
Angie says
Love the chairs and the way the room is coming together, but my favorite part is the picture of John and Clara sitting at the table. Precious!
Laurie says
I have an old Queen Anne style formal china hutch that really doesnt fit with my current decor yet it is a lovely piece. I am planning to use the chalk paint on it to give it a more current look. I know it is still a two step process but I would rather paint and wax than sand, prime and paint. I was happy to read that the waxing process wasn’t horrible for you because my friend had trouble with it, although in my opinion (shh….don’t tell her) she made it more work than it should have been. We will see how it goes. I am cautiously optimistic.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw good luck! A friend of mine said she thinks she out the wax on too thick since months later its still sticky/tacky. So I hope the thin advice helps!
xo,
s
Celia Rodriguez says
what an awesome project! Can’t wait to see you guys tonight! If you guys are looking for a place to dine, go to Antico pizza, they have the BEST pizza ever and it is close by.
So excited, see you soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Thanks!
xo,
s
RD Shugart says
I have used ASCP on a couple of pieces of furniture. My MIL gave me a ’70s veneer dresser & mirror set – I painted the dresser with the chalk paint – it has some intricate detail on the drawers – then applied a thin layer of wax, then glazed it with Ralph Lauren Glaze & black latex paint, then applied another 2 coats of wax. It turned out awesome, but it was a lot of work. I did the same thing to the mirror, only in orange and hung it in our powder room. I chose this route because I am not a fan of distressed furniture – I don’t get the whole shabby chic thing, but I do like glazing furniture. I don’t want a house full of furniture that’s all the same style. Oh, and I spray painted the dresser handles gold – they were in bad shape and my husband calls it the “treasure chest”.
Diana T. says
Totally unrelated to this post’s content, but the last two days, your posts haven’t been showing up in my feed reader when you post them. Which means I’m finding them several minutes (or even up to an HOUR) later than you’ve posted them. The situation is dire. Any ideas? :)
Diana T. says
Just to clarify — I’m finding them by coming to YHL directly; they’re not showing up in Reader until way later in the day (like 6pm).
YoungHouseLove says
We hope that was just a delay yesterday but hopefully today there’s not such a delay. Anyone see this morning’s post in reader yet?
xo,
s
YoungHouseLove says
Argh, we have no idea why that’s happening. We have some savvier than us tech friends looking into it. Hope we find the issue. Is this morning’s post up on reader now?
xo,
s
Claudie says
They’ve always shown up a little late in Google Reader for me (I always thought it must just be part of how GR works), but yesterday they showed up in the evening. Today, this post still hasn’t shown up. I even tried unsubscribing and resubscribing and that didn’t work.
Oh, and I love the way the chairs turned out!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, I don’t know why it’s so pokey. We wish we had changed something that we could unchange but nothing on our end has been altered. Seems very odd and glitchy, but we’re definitely looking into it and hope to fix it asap!
xo
s
Paula says
Not on my reader yet =(
Cate says
Chalk paint is nice, but expensive ($40 a quart!!). I tried it on my dining room chairs, added water to thin it out a bit because it is really thick (I think Centsational Girl used floetrol?) and poly’d the seat, because it gets more wear and tear, but waxed the spindles and legs. The chairs look great! I missed you all when you were in Charlotte. Hope you enjoyed the city!
RD Shugart says
I have a couple of questions for you – did you wax first, then poly the seat? Also, did you use a wipe-on poly or a brush & what type of finish? I’ve read so many different instructions, it’s confusing!
YoungHouseLove says
We just waxed the back and did nothing to the seat :)
xo,
s
Lil says
You probably already covered this…I didn’t read all the comments…
It was nice of them to give you a free sample of something that got half the job done. How mad would you have been if you didn’t happen to have a friend that could give you a dab of wax? I would have been super annoyed!
Love the way the chairs & table turned out. I like that the red isn’t too much red. Nicely done (as always).
carla says
You most likely could just use plain butchers or bowling alley wax, unless you wanted a tinted wax. It’s only a few $$ and available at Home Depot/Lowes, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo,
s
Sarah says
You can use any kind of wax over chalk paint, and if you don’t have wax on hand you can also use poly. You can also add a bit of water to the paint itself if thinner is easier to apply. It’s actually very easy and forgiving stuff, and is amazing because it sticks to ANYTHING without primer!
Aimee says
I bet for the back of both chairs you couldn’t even tell you used any of the paint out of the sample… I bought a quart and have done and old round end table and an entire hutch and haven’t even used 1/3 of it! Another perk for chalk paint is the drying time. For me, 30 minutes between coats and you’re ready to do the second!
Also, you can use chalk paint as chalkboard paint. Just skip the waxing step!
YoungHouseLove says
Never knew that about using it like chalk board paint!
xo,
s
Kristin says
Love the chairs! I use chalk paint almost exclusively to paint furniture for my clients (I have a small furniture-painting business here in Nashville) because almost all of them are going for an aged, worn look. That’s really what it’s meant for, so I understand not really loving it for a project like this.
FYI–It actually can be used as a chalkboard paint. All you do is leave the wax off and voila! Colored chalkboard everything, including furniture! (The business I blog for here that sells it writes on it all the time.) Good luck with your next painting adventure!
YoungHouseLove says
Who knew?! Love that tip!
xo,
s
heather says
I like that color a lot, but I’m with you as far as the application. Seems toe-may-toe / toe-mah-toe as far as the process since they both require three steps. Regardless, Clara is a totally lucky little girl to have parents who both love bright fun colors!
As far as painting, we aren’t there yet but when I left for work this morning my neighbor was already at my housing ready to do taping and mudding the drywall WHILE we were both at work. This guy is not only awesome at it, he loves it (and we totally trust him in our house with us gone). It’s kind of hilarious how much he loves it. He’s been over every night except last night since we were celebrating Andy’s 30th and our 9th dateiversary. It might have ended with a trip to Lowes to get more joint compound and picking up paint samples though. So close!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! That’s so exciting!
xo,
s
Alison U. says
Love the 2-tone look. I’ve got my blazer on (for $herdog, of course) and I’m ready to hang out at FLOR tonight. Can’t wait!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhhhh! I can’t believe tonight is the last night on my little “uniform.” Can’t decide if I’m excited or sad about retiring the blazer, haha!
xo,
s
Reenie says
OMG… too cute! Love the chairs and Clara and her Daddy having lunch (?) together. HA!!
“I liked chalk paint, but it didn’t change my life.” Thank you for that! I have yet to break down and buy any because of the cost. I know there a lot of die-hard fans out there ~ who absolutely love it. I use Kilz, no-sand primer and have had no problems with it at all. =)
Claudia says
Cost wise would it come to about the same? primer + paint vs. chalk paint + wax? I keep seeing all these chalk paint projects but so far have not tried it yet, although my hubby’s laminate desk would seem a good candidate.
YoungHouseLove says
Annie Sloane chalk paint is $40 for a quart (not including wax) while regular paint is usually $10-15 so it’s much cheaper even when you add primer :)
xo,
s
Sarah says
Chalk paint apologist here, sorry – but chalk paint goes a LOT further than regular paint (and you can water it down to make it go even further, without losing much opacity) and you can use any wax or poly you have on hand to go over it. I also have several pieces with just chalk paint (no wax or poly) and they are holding up great. So it is still more expensive, but not tons more expensive when you consider how it applies as compared to regular paint. I personally think the finish is a much nicer look for a finished piece as well than regular paint.
YoungHouseLove says
Never knew that Sarah! Thanks!
xo
s
Pamela says
Recently bought some chalk paint because I HATE sanding, but have not yet used it. One of the big disadvantages I see is the price ($$$), especially since the wax does not come in small packages. You also have to wax again and again over time.
Check the YHL shoutout in today’s “House Calls” in the Washington Post. I think the decorator captured your style, but I’m not convinced you would use “Persian Violet” on the walls (well, maybe in a guest room).
YoungHouseLove says
What a surprise! Can’t wait to check it out!
xo,
s
Emily says
See you two tonight!
YoungHouseLove says
Can’t wait!!
xo,
s
Christine says
Love it! You mentioned in a previous post that the table was a wee bit shorter than you intended. Since it moves around a bit why not actually use some cute little castors for it? Just a thought. Everything you have done is brilliant!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun idea! The table actually is a fine height with the chairs (a half inch difference didnt matter) thankfully!
xo,
s
Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage says
Chalk paint can be pretty cool, but I’m no disciple. I did read a blog last year that chastised everyone who painted furniture with other paints. Sadly, it was not a joke.
Anyway, I’m painting some furniture this week with regular ol’ latex. If anyone asks, the devil made me do it.
hjc says
500 word-choice points for using viscous and skeeves in the same post! Thanks for the honest review of the paint – I had thought the same thing (about the number of steps/products involved in using chalk paint vs. regular) when reading other blogs. Seems six of one, half dozen of the other! Nice result though!
Laura says
the chairs/room look great! Also, I’ve started to say “hootie hoo” when I’m excited about something. :)
jeannette says
just the backs, great idea, and doesn’t compete with the brightness of the rug. loving miss clara’s choice of curtains, too, fresh and crisp.
Tammy says
Hi Guys!
Where did you get the white moroccan pouf in Clara’s room? I’ve been pricing them for my son’s room and am trying to find the best deal :-)
Thanks in advance!
xo
Tammy
YoungHouseLove says
Joss & Main (their prices go up and down so hold out for a real deal).
xo,
s
Suzy B says
Such a great decision to paint the back of the chairs…you guys are so creative. Love the contrast. Also, have been reading so much about chalk paint. Thanks for honest comments. Still might try it but good to know about the wax. Clara’s room is looking good.
Katy says
Strange, I use ASCP A LOT (have an antique stand), and I have never noticed an odor. Also, the stuff dries fully in about 30 minutes. I will actually do 2 coats one after another. You can seal it with poly or regular old furniture wax from the hardware store. I have noticed in the past that sample pots need watered down a bit before use.
The stuff is magic…as I am sure you heard. We paint geeks can’t get enough of it.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the tips! As for the odor, both the paint and especially the wax were extra strong smelling so maybe other things to seal cut down on the smell?
xo,
s
Sarah says
I have never noticed an odor either – I wonder if Sherry got a weird batch?
Ginny @ Goofy Monkeys says
I love the painted table & chairs! Clara’s big-girl-room is shaping up quite nicely ;)
Stephanie says
I had the same problem yesterday with Google Reader (didn’t actually see them post until the evening, but I wasn’t checking very often). And this morning’s post is still not in Reader either.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, we’re on the case! We haven’t changed anything on our end so it’s so puzzling!
xo,
s
Rachel says
I had this problem today and yesterday too with Google Reader!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry guys! We wish we could change something on our end to fix it but nothing has changed so we don’t know how to unchange it! We have asked some techie friends to see if they have ideas. Hope to get to the bottom of it ASAP!
xo,
s
Robin @ our semi organic life says
It took me months of hearing about this paint to finally realize it’s NOT chalkboard paint. Why is it named that?!?! I get it… but so confusing. Anyone else have this thought?
carla says
First, I love the two-tone treatment with the chairs. It would be a pain to keep even, but I might take the red around the edges so there is a little stripe of red around to the front.
I haven’t used chalk paint but I think for your application (solid, more modern) it probably doesn’t make sense – it is more for distressed pieces/techniques and then you can get into the darker waxes to add to the distressed shabby look.
I have painted furniture with flat or eggshell latex paint and then used wax (just regular butchers or bowling alley wax) to protect it and I like the look – warmer and less shiny than a glossier paint (and easier to hide brush strokes) but still with the protection from getting marked up. I still prime and all that if bare wood, the waxing/buffing is completely different so it doesn’t bother me or feel like I have to do “another coat” like it would with more painting.