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How to Distress Furniture with Chalk Paint

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Want to know how to distress furniture with chalk paint? It’s one of the more popular looks these days and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about distressing furniture with chalk paint! A little bit of background if we haven’t met yet… I was a BB Frosch chalk paint rep years ago and have been sharing crafts and home projects on my blog for over 10 years! Have a look around.

What Is Distressing?

You’ve probably seen online articles and episodes of home design TV shows that talk about methods for “distressing” furniture, or about the popularity of the “distressed” look in the home. But what exactly is “distressing”?

 Simply put, distressing is a way to take an ordinary piece of furniture and give it the appearance of being a well-used cherished antique. Why would you want to do that? Well, I think there’s something sweet and nostalgic about the appearance of furniture that looks like it’s been around a while. It looks like a piece that is well-loved and has a lot of fond memories associated with it. It’s humble, but somehow also a bit elegant.

 There are several ways to achieve this look, but the most common is to give any piece of wood furniture a distressed look by painting and then lightly sanding away some of the paint. This is usually done with chalk paint. The matte finish of chalk paint is perfect to give your furniture an antique appearance, and it sands easily to create a distressed finish.

 You can also create an aged distressed look by applying tinted wax finishes over painted wood furniture, or by painting your furniture with a light color stain so the paint looks old and faded. 

Is There A Chalk Distressing Paint?

There isn’t really chalk-distressing paint. Chalk paint will give you a distressed look. I see a lot of people online mentioning distressing paint but it’s really just referring to the finished look. You can make the paint look distressed but there’s no specific brand or type of paint called distressed paint.

What Is The Chalk Paint Distressed Look?

The chalk paint distressed look is utilized to give furniture the appearance of having some wear and tear, or of being aged to look like an antique. This is most commonly achieved by painting the wood furniture with chalk paint for a velvety matte finish, then lightly sanding away some of the paint to reveal the wood or even a contrasting painted layer underneath.

 This look is also described as being part of the “shabby chic”, “farmhouse”, or “cottage core” home decorating styles. It can bring a cozy, nostalgic vibe to your home, and is a relatively easy and affordable DIY project.

 The distressed look is great for furniture, but it’s also a fun way to change the look of other home accent pieces such as wooden picture frames, trays, signs, and even accent pieces like wood baskets and candle holders.

Chalk Paint Furniture

Why Use Chalk Paint for Distresses?

Technically, you can distress wood furniture after painting with almost any kind of paint. Some paints will be more challenging to control the distressing, and some will be quite difficult to remove the paint once it’s dried. Chalk paint is the best choice for a distressed look for a few reasons, not the least is that is it very easy to distress.

 Chalk paint is a water-based, non-toxic paint that contains mineral additives for an absolutely matte finish. It is easy to use and provides nice smooth coverage, but also chips and scuffs easily, which makes it perfect for distressed and “antique” DIY projects.

 Once the chalk paint dries, all you really have to do for a basic distressed look is lightly sand it with light to medium grit sandpaper. The chalk paint will remove very easily without having to use a lot of effort. It’s easy to control where you want the distressing to appear.

 The other reason that chalk paint is a great choice for distressing has to do with the unique appearance of chalk paint. It has a smooth, velvety matte finish with absolutely no shine at all. This helps to give the appearance of your painted furniture being an older piece. While many chalk paints are available in modern paint colors, the matte finish still evokes the illusion of your painted furniture piece being a cherished heirloom with color that has mellowed with time. 

How To Distress Wood With Chalk Paint

There are several methods to distress wood furniture with chalk paint. The most common method is also one of the easiest. It’s done simply by sanding the areas you want to distress after your chalk paint has dried. Here are the basic steps:

  • First, clean your furniture with mild soap and water. You don’t want to paint over any dust or built-up grime. To protect any hardware on your furniture, either cover it with painter’s tape or remove it before painting. Put a dropcloth on the floor, and keep a bucket with soapy water handy to clean up any paint drips. Since chalk paint is water-soluble, you can use soap and water to clean your brushes when you’re done with your project.
  • If the furniture has any type of shiny finish, you’ll need to do some sanding. You don’t have to completely strip the finish down to all the bare wood. What you’re trying to accomplish is simply to scuff up the surface thoroughly so the paint will adhere better. If you don’t do this, your chalk paint (and primer if using) won’t cling to the furniture and it will look streaky; probably peeling right off once it dries.

 

  • After sanding, you’ll need to clean again. Using a damp cloth, just wipe off the furniture so there is no sanding dust anywhere.
  • If you have any deep scratches or holes, now is the time to take a little bit of wood putty and fill those in. Allow enough time for the wood putty to completely dry before painting.
  • It’s time to apply the first coat of paint, or primer if you’ve decided to prime. Even though many brands of chalk paint say they don’t require a primer, it’s never a bad idea to use one. Primer will help the chalk paint apply smoothly, and it’s going to help your paint job last longer.  If you’re using white, cream, pale yellow, or other neutral colors of chalk paint, priming first will definitely give you better results, especially if you’re painting over dark-colored wood.
  • Allow enough time to dry between coats of paint. For the best results, apply two to three coats of paint, using very thin layers. You can use a dense foam roller on broad flat surfaces, and brushes on smaller or more intricate areas.  You can find a full post about the best chalk paint brushes to use here.
  • Once your final coat of paint is dry, it’s time to distress! Use a medium grit sandpaper and lightly sand over the areas you want to look distressed. It’s up to you where you want your paint to look distressed, but sanding along corners or over carved areas looks great. A little bit of distressing around knobs or handles is also a nice look. Once you’re satisfied with the amount of distressing, brush or wipe away any sanding dust.
  • At this point, you need to decide if you want to seal your painted furniture or not. If it’s a piece that will be frequently touched or moved, a sealant is recommended so your carefully distressed chalk paint won’t chip or scratch any further. You don’t want to use a sealant with a glossy or even semi-glossy finish to preserve the beautiful matte finish of chalk paint. Instead, you can use a top coat sealant with a matte or satin finish. I wrote another blog post detailing how to seal chalk paint here.

     There are a few options of sealant that work great over chalk paint, but I recommend using a polycrylic sealant. Polycrylic will have less odor than polyurethane, won’t “yellow” over time, and dries a little bit faster than other sealants.

     Another method of sealing your chalk paint furniture is with a chalk paint wax. A wax finish will leave a very subtle sheen. Wax sealant should be applied in very thin layers, allowing plenty of time for the wax to dry between coats. There are even tinted wax sealants that will give your wood furniture a lovely aged appearance. It’s important to note that wax sealants will probably need a light touch-up application every few years.

How To Lightly Distress Chalk Paint

If you only want a bit of distressing on your furniture, or you want it to look very lightly distressed, it’s easy to do. Use a fine-grit sandpaper so you have better control over how much chalk paint you want to sand away. Don’t use much pressure at first, so you can get a feel for how much paint will be removed.

 For a lightly distressed look, you might want to sand only along the edges of your furniture, or maybe just along the legs of a table. You can always remove more if you like the way it’s going. If you do find yourself wishing you hadn’t removed quite so much paint, it’s easy to touch up chalk paint with a small brush. Just be sure to do any touch-ups before you apply a sealant coat.

How To Distress Chalk Paint And Make It Look Rustic

Rustic generally means something that looks a little bit rough or unrefined, that would be found in a country home or farmhouse. This look is easy to achieve with chalk paint and a little patience.

 If you want to achieve a rustic look with larger areas of paint removed, you can do this on your chalk-painted furniture with nothing more than a damp rag. This method is called “wet distressing”. It will remove larger areas of paint, making your chalk-painted furniture look like its been worn over many years.

 Here’s the basic way to achieve a rustic, time-worn look by wet distressing: Once you’ve finished painting your final coat of chalk paint, immediately dip a cloth rag in water, ring out the excess, and start wiping away the areas that you want to look distressed. It’s important to do this before your final chalk paint coat is dry. Since chalk paint dries so quickly, you probably want to do this as soon as you’ve finished painting. You might have to dip the rag in the water a couple of times, depending on how much of the wood you want to show through.

This method takes a little more practice than using sandpaper. It might be a good idea to try practicing this method by painting a piece of scrap wood or an old pallet before trying it on furniture. Chalk paint is pretty forgiving, though. Even if you unintentionally remove more of the paint than you meant to, you can easily touch it up before applying any top coat.

 If you want your furniture to appear even more rustic, don’t bother to fill in any holes or scratches with wood putty. Slight imperfections only add to the rustic charm you’re trying to achieve. If you want, you can even add some “imperfections” yourself! Before priming and painting, you can take pieces of chain, wood screws, or even small stones and lay them out on the surface of your wood furniture. Then, using a rubber mallet or small hammer, hit the items into the wood just enough for them to make indentations. You’re not trying to embed these items into the wood, just using them to make interesting dents and scratches.

 Depending on how hard the wood is, you might have to hit them several times. There are home interior designers that are doing this to wood pieces and charging a lot of money for it. It’s something you can do for little to no cost, and it can be a bit cathartic as well!

 Hammering in some intentional “imperfections” does take a little practice, though. Again, try this out on some scrap wood before bashing into the furniture you’re transforming.

 

How To Distress Chalk Paint With Stain

You can apply wood stain over top of your chalk paint to create the appearance of an aged patina on your painted furniture. This technique is called glazing. If you’re going to try this, be sure to wear gloves and clothes that you don’t mind getting messy; it’s called “stain” for good reason! Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, and put a drop cloth or tarp underneath the furniture you’re working on.

 Glazing with wood stain works best if your furniture is painted with a lighter color of chalk paint. Darker colors won’t provide enough contrast to achieve a nice patina look.

 Once your final coat of chalk paint is dry, brush a very light coat of wood stain over top of the area(s) you want to glaze. You don’t want to apply too much; this is definitely a time where “less is more” should be your thoughts. You can always brush on a little more if you don’t think it’s dark enough.

 You’ll have to work quickly here, working before the stain dries too much! As soon as you’ve got the stain brushed over the area you’re working on, take a soft, lint-free rag and begin wiping off as much of the stain as you can. For large areas, be sure to wipe in one direction, with the wood grain, to avoid a streaky finish. This will take some elbow grease to get the stain wiped enough for it to become somewhat translucent.

 For an interesting look, you can apply the wood stain/glaze on only part of your painted furniture. It might look nice to leave the tabletop showing the chalk paint, but with a darker glaze only on the table legs.

 Once the glaze is completely dry, you can apply a sealant coat just as you would over chalk paint. You’ll need mineral spirits or a solvent of some kind to clean your brushes.

Distressing White Chalk Paint

I love the look of white or cream-colored chalk paint.  I think it transforms an ordinary piece of furniture into something elegant. However, distressing a piece of furniture that is painted in any shade of white or a light neutral tone can be a little bit challenging.

 The biggest challenge with distressing something painted with white chalk paint is that sometimes the wood underneath the paint doesn’t show through very well. If the original wood is very dark, it will probably look great once you sand the white paint in a few areas. But your carefully distressed areas might not show up as well if the underlying wood is light or medium in tone.

 A fun way to bring some attention to white-painted furniture is to paint a layer of contrasting color underneath the white. You can paint it a dark brown, to simulate wood, or paint it in a dark or jewel-toned color to match the room where it will be displayed. 

For instance, paint one or two layers of navy blue chalk paint, then apply one or two coats of white chalk paint over the top of the blue. When you’re ready to distress, sand away the white chalk paint to reveal the striking navy blue underneath. It’s a fun and striking way to highlight distressed areas. 

What About Distressing Cabinets With Chalk Paint?

There is a lot of information online about painting cabinets with chalk paint, and whether you should distress them or not. Honestly, it’s a matter of personal preference. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before deciding to transform any cabinets with distressed chalk paint.

 If you’re thinking about painting and distressing all of your kitchen cabinets, keep in mind that even with a sealant coat over the paint, distressing might not be the best idea. Distressing means that you’re chipping paint away, and even with a sealant, chalk paint might eventually chip further on something that is touched or moved frequently (like cabinet doors). You don’t want tiny bits of paint chipping in your kitchen! If you really want to distress your kitchen cabinets, maybe only do so lightly and on areas that won’t be touched frequently.

 If you’re thinking of creating a distressed look on a freestanding cabinet, or on something like a china cabinet, you’ll probably have better luck preventing too much-unintended chipping of your paint. These pieces probably won’t be opened on a daily basis, several times a day. Try not to sand away too much of the paint near hinges or door hardware, so that the paint won’t be weakened too much. Some light distressing on the edges or along textured areas can look great on a wood cabinet. You should still seal your paint with a polyacrylic or wax sealant.

The Best Paint for Bathroom Cabinets: A DIY Guide

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The best paint for bathroom cabinets is a toss-up between latex and hybrid alkyd enamel paint. I decided to go with a hybrid alkyd enamel.

There are a number of reasons I painted my bathroom cabinets with this type of paint and part of it was personal preference. Read the rest of this blog to see which one is right for you.

What Types of Paint Can You Use for Bathroom Cabinets?

Choosing the right type of paint for your bathroom cabinets is crucial to having a professional-looking paint job that will last for a long time.

There are several options, and some are definitely better choices than others. 

When painting anything in the bathroom, it’s important to consider that your painted surface will be exposed to damp warm air, as well as chemicals such as fragrances, hair spray, deodorant, and cleaning supplies to name a few.

Choosing a Durable Paint for Bathroom Cabinets

Latex and hybrid alkyd paints are great for this environment. If you want to use something like chalk paint or milk paint, you’ll need to carefully apply a couple of coats of a good water-resistant sealer. Otherwise, your paint job will start to deteriorate fairly quickly.

 Another thing to consider when you’re planning your bathroom painting project is that this will likely take you a few days.

It’s not several days of constant hard work, but the primer (if using) and paint will need time to dry between coats. Some paints, such as oil-based paints, take considerably longer to dry than other types of paint.

 If you’re applying a sealant after the paint, you’ll need to allow another day or two for that to dry, also.

If you have a second bathroom, you might want to use it exclusively while you’re working on this project. Otherwise, just be super careful around the wet paint, and realize that it might take the paint a little longer to dry if the bathroom is getting steamy from hot showers. 

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are durable, and stain resistant, and the colors last a long time without fading or yellowing.

However, there are some drawbacks to oil-based paints.

They take a really long time to dry, and because of their high VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, they have an odor.

Unfortunately with oil-based paints, that “new paint smell” can last for several days, up to a week. You absolutely need to be outside or in a very well-ventilated area when painting with oil-based paints.

If you’re working in a small space (and most bathrooms are going to be fairly small), there are better paint choices that will give you excellent results.

Latex Paints

Latex is the most common type of paint you’ll find in home improvement stores for any interior painting project. The colors and finish are comparable to oil-based paints.

The biggest difference between latex and oil-based paints is that latex paint has a much faster drying time, and while it still has some odor it’s not nearly as strong as the smell of oil-based paints.

 Latex paints are a budget-friendly option as well.

Because most major paint manufacturers sell latex paints, you’ll find the most color choices at affordable prices.

Hybrid Alkyd Enamel Paint

Hybrid alkyd enamel paints combine the best features of oil-based and latex paints together. Hybrid alkyd paints are water-based like latex paint but contain alkyd resin pigments like oil-based paint. With this type of paint, you get beautiful colors and an appearance similar to oil paint, with a low VOC content and durability like latex paint.

Hybrid Alkyd paints are virtually odorless and clean up easily with soap and water. As this type of paint is becoming more prevalent, you’ll have no trouble finding it in a variety of finishes, and in nearly as many colors as latex paints.

They are another budget-friendly option, with pricing similar to most brands of latex paints.

Chalk Paint

We all love chalk paint, right? It’s so trendy right now, and there are so many beautiful colors available. It’s being used by professional interior designers and DIY enthusiasts to create lovely and unique looks for any home.

However, chalk paint probably isn’t the best choice to use on bathroom cabinets. The biggest reason for this is that chalk paint is prone to chipping.

Even with a good sealant or chalk paint wax, chalk paint’s durability might not stand up to the amount of moisture that it will be exposed to in a bathroom. Chalk paint, even with sealant, won’t stand up to the amount of cleaning that a bathroom needs, also.

Milk Paint

Milk paint is another type of paint that is becoming increasingly popular in home design.

With milk paint, you can achieve will a velvety matte finish similar to chalk paint, but milk paint is a more durable choice than chalk paint for cabinets.

It will still need a good sealant, preferably two or more coats. Milk paint actually becomes stronger over time, but for even more durability you can mix in a bonding agent for a super-tough finish.

 Even with a bonding agent and sealant, milk paint can be prone to scratching and scuffing on areas that are touched or moved often. It’s not the worst choice for your bathroom cabinets, but you’ll still have to be careful with it. For bathroom painting, milk paint is better than chalk paint.

Milk paint is sold in powder form, so you can mix it with water to get just the quantity you need.

The powdered form has a long shelf life, so you won’t have to worry about disposing of leftover paint. You can keep the powdered paint in an airtight container and it will be handy if you have to do any touch-ups after a while.

Best Finish For Bathroom Cabinets

The finish of your paint choice is an important consideration for any room project. You want to have at least a little bit of a glossy sheen to your paint finish.

A surface with some shine to it will be easier to clean, and it will stay looking new for a longer period of time.

 I prefer a semi-gloss finish for the bathroom, although a satin finish looks great if you want your cabinets to look a bit more matte in appearance.

Glossy or high gloss finishes are a good choice, but I just like the look of semi-gloss more. That’s strictly my personal preference, so if you love a glossy shine, go for it!

 I wouldn’t recommend creating a distressed or “chippy” look on your bathroom cabinets. Although this look is wonderful on some pieces of furniture when you do this on a surface that is touched or moved a lot you’re taking a risk of having more paint flake off. Y

ou can mitigate this with a good top coat, but after a while, even a top coat can start to wear. A durable paint that has a finish formulated for daily use is your best bet. 

Should You Use Primer for Bathroom Cabinets?

Whether you should use a primer on your bathroom cabinets depends on what type of paint you will be using. Personally, I almost always prime before applying paint.

I think the end result looks more professional, and the paint job stays looking great for a long time. Yes, I have even been known to use a primer if the paint is “paint and primer in one”. 


 If you’re going to paint your bathroom cabinets with chalk paint (not recommended) or milk paint, you will definitely need to apply a primer first.

Oil-based paints work best with a primer coat also. With latex and hybrid alkyd paints, you can get away with not priming for most brands, but I’m still a fan of applying a primer coat first for the best results.

Should You Use Sealant for Bathroom Cabinets?

Depending on what type of paint you use, a separate coat of sealant may not be necessary.  Latex and hybrid alkyd paints are durable and provide a good moisture and stain-resistant finish; you don’t need to use a sealant with these paints.

 Milk paint and chalk paint should absolutely be sealed. I wouldn’t recommend a wax finish for anything in the bathroom, especially if you enjoy very hot showers!

The heat from your shower or even from frequently using a hot hairdryer will eventually soften the wax and deteriorate the finish. Before you know it, the moist heat and humidity will break down your wax sealant and you’ll need to reapply it.

 A polycrylic sealant over chalk paint or milk paint is, in my opinion, the best choice. Use at least two coats, and make sure every surface of your painted cabinet is fully sealed. Read the label on the polycrylic paint you buy to make sure it is water-resistant.

Polyurethane sealants have a much stronger resistance to water, but there are some downsides to using them. They do have a strong odor, and over time they tend to “yellow”.

The yellow cast will show more if you apply polyurethane over neutrals or light colors.

How to Choose the Color

Choosing the paint color is one of the most fun parts of planning a painting project. There really aren’t any hard and fast rules to picking out colors. Choose colors that make you happy! 

However, I do have some tips to help you find the perfect color for your bathroom cabinets.

 White, off-white, and very light neutral shades are popular choices for bathrooms. They make smaller rooms seem more open and clean, and they can be accented with any color.

If you’re not a fan of whites or neutrals, pastel or muted colors also look great in bathrooms. These lighter shades aren’t overwhelming in a smaller room, and it’s fun to find darker colors to complement them,

 Many homes have very small bathrooms, and darker or jewel-toned colors can make a small room seem even smaller.

If you want to paint your bathroom cabinets in a darker color, it will probably look best if the rest of your bathroom is painted with neutrals or very light colors.

 With any paint project, I think it’s important not to make a color choice too quickly. Get paint sample cards from your local home improvement store.

Another tip is to buy a small container of one or two paint colors you like, and paint a couple of pieces of cardboard with them.

Tape the painted cardboard to the front of your bathroom cabinets and leave them there for a day or two. Colors can look slightly different in the light from your bathroom than they might have looked in the home improvement store. 

Supplies You Need for Painting Your Cabinets

It’s a good idea to gather all your supplies in one place before starting any major painting project. You won’t need any specialized equipment to paint your bathroom cabinets, but here’s a basic list of supplies you’ll probably use:

 

  • Painters tape (masking tape) and drop cloths. You’ll need these to protect your walls, sink, floors, and countertops. 
  • Brushes and rollers. You should probably have brushes in a couple of different sizes, with at least one smaller width brush to easily paint the edges of your cabinets.

 

  • Sandpaper and wood putty.  You won’t need a lot of sandpaper, and you don’t need very heavy grit. A light to medium sandpaper should be sufficient to scuff up your cabinets. The wood putty is to fill any holes and cracks. It’s also a good idea to smooth a very thin layer of wood putty over wood cabinets with a deep grain (such as oak) if you want a perfectly smooth look when completed.
  • Cleaning supplies. You should have a roll of paper towels, some rags, and a bucket of soapy water nearby to clean up any drips or spills. If you’re using paint that is not water-soluble, such as oil-based paints, you’ll need to have a solvent such as turpentine or mineral spirits on hand for cleaning.
  • Paint and Primer. Have all the primer and paint ready to go as soon as you begin the project. You don’t want to get partway through the project and have to stop to buy more paint, so be sure you have enough to finish painting all your cabinets.

Should You Use a Roller or a Brush for Bathroom Cabinets?

My personal opinion is that both brushes and rollers do a great job on your bathroom cabinets. In fact, I think it’s necessary to have both on hand to make the painting job as easy as possible.

 For broad, flat surfaces (such as cabinet doors), using a paint roller will make the job so much easier. Use a high-density foam roller, four to six inches wide, for the best results.

The foam rollers will apply the paint as smoothly as if you’d sprayed it on. The “flocked” paint rollers will work fine, but it might take you a little extra work to get the paint to look perfectly smooth.

 Get one or two brushes, in a medium and narrow width. Brushes are perfect for “cutting in” the paint where the cabinet is attached to the wall and floor, and for small areas such as edges and textured details. 

How to Paint Your Bathroom Cabinets – A Brief Overview

Painting your bathroom cabinets can seem like a big job, but it can be easily broken down into several easy steps. Here are the basics:

  • First, take some “before” pics of your project! I forget to do this so often and find myself wishing I had “before” pics for comparison. 
  • Clean the bathroom. Even if you think it’s clean, go ahead and clean it again. You don’t want any hair or dust getting painted into your project. Remove anything in and around the cabinet. Put down drop cloths. 
  • Remove the doors from your cabinets, and remove the hardware. If you don’t want to remove the hardware, cover them with painter’s tape to keep them clean.
  • Apply painter’s tape where the cabinets meet the walls, and on the edges of any countertops. 
  • Lightly sand your cabinets. You don’t have to remove all the finish, but rough it up enough to help the primer and paint stick better. 
  • Clean again! Wipe down the sanded cabinets with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust. 
  • Fill in any holes or scratches with wood putty. 
  • It’s time to prime! Apply one or two coats of primer (allowing drying time between coats) 
  • Finally, you’re ready to paint! Two to three coats is best, and be sure to allow enough time for the paint to fully dry between coats. 
  • Once your paint is fully dry, you can apply a sealant if you’re using one. 
  • Now all you have to do is clean up, and put your bathroom back together! 

Take those “after” pics now, and post them on your social media with your “before” pics! Be proud of the great job you’ve done and let your friends see your beautiful new bathroom.

Wrapping This Up

There’s a lot to consider when deciding which paint to use. Choosing the right one for you and your needs is important because it won’t change for years to come. If this was helpful you may also want to check out my post about the best paint for furniture. If you’re like me you go on a painting spree every few years! Thanks for reading and best of luck with your projects.

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs with Hidden Valley Ranch

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Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs //Deviled Eggs with Hidden Valley Ranch These might be the most delicious bacon ranch deviled eggs ever! I may be a bit biased but I know you’ll love them.

I’m a Hidden Valley Girl through and through.

I think my father made sure to add a little of the mix to my formula as an infant just to make sure it ran deep in my veins. Alright, maybe not. But, I can’t remember a childhood dinner with some form of Hidden Valley Ranch on the table. In the lean years when I was younger my Mom would mix it from the powdered mix and we always had some in the fridge.

I remember when she finally started buying the bottles of pre-made dressing, I thought we had finally made it. We were on easy street…

We had bottled Hidden Valley Ranch on the table. Isn’t it funny what little minds come up with. The reality, she was just ready to let Hidden Valley take over the mixing because she was a little busy.

Today, I have a daughter who would love to have Ranch as one of the major food groups so that she could have it with EVERYTHING. She would drink the stuff if allowed. When Hidden Valley asked if I would be interested in remixing a classic recipe with one of their Ranch products I thought in honor of my Dad and my sweet Em, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

I decided with Easter right around the corner, I should remix the classic Deviled Egg and add a bit of a ranch kick to the Easter staple. Here is my Bacon Ranch Deviled Egg remix.

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix is a simple way to add a flavorful kick to a classic recipe.

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs with Hidden Valley Ranch
 
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I decided I should remix the classic Deviled Egg and add a bit of a ranch kick to the Easter staple. Here is my Bacon Ranch Deviled Egg remix.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12 hard boiled eggs
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons of Hidden Valley Ranch mix
  • 3 tablespoons of dill relish
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • fine bacon bits as garnish
Instructions
  1. Cut eggs in half and carefully remove the yolks into a small bowl. Set white aside. In the yolk bowl add mayonnaise, mustard, Hidden Valley Ranch mix, relish, salt & pepper. Mix well until the yolk mixture is really smooth. Add the yolk mixture back into the egg whites and garnish with the fine bacon bits.
  2. Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs with Hidden Valley Ranch

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint – Pros and Cons

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Thinking about painting your cabinets with chalk paint? In this blog, I’m going to cover the pros and cons four years after I painted my cabinets with chalk paint. Let me tell you, you’re gonna want to read this if you’re considering chalk painting your cabinets!

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Pros of Using Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinet

Let’s get right into some of the reasons I like chalk paint for kitchen cabinets. While chalk paint might not be the preferred choice for everyone, it does have several advantages.

  • Appearance: Chalk paint is great for the smooth, matte finish that is so popular right now. It’s perfect for the “country chic” look that so many interior designers love. With many brands of chalk paint available, there are dozens (or more) color choices; something to fit any decorating scheme.

    Easy Prep: Chalk paint is very thick and provides good coverage. Most brands of chalk paint advertise that no priming or sanding is needed. For big projects like kitchen cabinets, I think minimal priming is beneficial, but it’s still a lot less work than prepping your cabinets for more “traditional” paints. You might find you need fewer coats of paint using chalk paint. Because it is quite thick, it covers wood grain and imperfections easily.

  • Characteristics of Chalk Paint: Chalk paint dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait as long to paint between coats. This also means you can have your kitchen back to a usable state much quicker than if you use more traditional paints. Also, chalk paint has a very low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, which means you won’t have to smell any harsh paint fumes.

Cons of Using Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Despite the immense popularity of chalk paint in home decor, there are a few downsides to consider before choosing this paint for your kitchen cabinets. 

  • Painting with Chalk Paint: Chalk paint is a bit different from other paints. It has a thicker consistency, which provides nice coverage. However, it also makes it a little challenging to apply it evenly. If you spread it too thick, it will take longer to cure. When you’re painting carved or textured details, you want to be careful about spreading the paint too thick also. You’ll lose the details if your paint is applied too thickly.

  Since chalk paint is water soluble, it can be thinned with water. However, you have to be very careful not to make it too thin, or you will end up with streaks and visible brush strokes. If this happens, you can “fix” it with additional layers of paint, but it means you might end up using more paint and taking more time.

  • Chipping and Scratching: Chalk paint gets chipped and scuffed easier than other types of paint. That’s why it works so beautifully to create a distressed look on home projects. While you can distress your kitchen cabinets and drawers, you don’t want the paint to continue to chip. The best way to address this is to complete your painted project with a sealer. Even with a good sealant, chalk paint will scratch easier than other paints. It’s not a bad choice for the kitchen, but be aware that you will find yourself having to touch up spots more frequently than if another type of paint was used.

  • Sealing Chalk Paint: If you use chalk paint for any area that will be frequently touched or moved, like cabinets or drawers, you’re going to need to apply a sealant coat. If you don’t, the paint will chip and scuff in a very short time. There are several options for how you want to seal your chalk painted surface. No matter which sealant product you choose, it means an additional step to the painting process and additional time for drying/curing.

How to Paint Wood Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a huge project to take on yourself. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. If you think this is something you can knock out over a long weekend, guess again!  I’m not trying to sound discouraging, though. Doing it yourself is immensely satisfying, and can be more cost-effective than hiring someone else to do it.

Let’s break this project down into several steps, so it won’t seem so overwhelming.

Gather Your Materials

This may seem obvious, but the job will go a lot smoother if you have all your tools and equipment gathered before you start. It will save you time when you don’t have to periodically stop to look for something.

Here is a quick checklist of the basic materials you’ll need for your kitchen cabinet painting project:

  • Plastic sheeting and drop cloths. You’ll need these to cover your floor, countertops, and appliances. Basically, you want to cover everything around the cabinets and drawers you’ll be painting to protect from sanding dust and paint splatters.

  • Painters Tape.  Painters tape, sometimes called simply masking tape, is absolutely essential to any large painting project. Don’t even think about trying to paint walls or cabinets without it! 

  • Cleaning Supplies. Fortunately, chalk paint is water-based and easy to clean up. Keep a roll of paper towels, sponges, and a bucket of soapy water handy in case of any drips or spills. If you’re using polycrylic or polyurethane sealant, you’ll also need turpentine to clean the brushes you use to apply the sealant. A small hand-held vacuum is a good idea to help clean up the dust from sanding or drilling.

  • Tools and Hardware. If you plan to change the hardware on your cabinets, or if you just want to remove the hardware before painting, you’ll need the proper size screwdriver. Keep small containers or zip-top bags to store all the hardware and nails so you’ll know where they are. If you’re installing new hardware, you’ll need a power drill and tape measure.

  • Sandpaper and Wood Putty. Even though most chalk paint brands say they don’t require any prep before painting, light sanding always makes paint adhere better. This is crucial if you’re painting over a shiny or varnished surface. You’ll need wood putty if you are filling in any holes, or are going to paint over any wood with deep grain, such as oak.  Sandpaper is needed to give the cabinets a light sanding before applying primer or paint. You won’t need to strip wood cabinets completely, but sanding them makes the paint adhere better.

  • Painting Supplies. Last but by no means least, you’ll need to have all your painting supplies ready. This means not only your paint, but primer (if using), brushes in several sizes, rollers (if using), and stirring sticks.

Prepping Your Kitchen

After you’ve gathered all your supplies, the next step is to make your kitchen safe for the painting process. You will probably not have much use of your kitchen for several days while working on your cabinets, so plan to have food in your refrigerator that you can prepare easily and quickly.

The first thing you’ll need to do is clear all the countertops of small appliances, canisters, food, etc. You don’t want anything to get contaminated by sanding dust or small paint splatters.

Cover the floor, appliances, and countertops with plastic sheeting. You can secure the plastic sheeting with tape.

If your kitchen is part of an open floor plan, you might want to hang plastic sheeting between the kitchen area and the living area of your home.

Prepping the Cabinets

To get your cabinets ready to paint, the first thing you should do is carefully remove the doors. Be sure to keep the hinges, handles, and nails in a container so that you’ll know where and what they are. The doors will be much easier to paint laying flat, rather than leaving them hanging on the cabinets.

You’ll also need to remove everything from inside the cabinets. Make sure the inside area is clean, and don’t forget to remove any shelf liner you might have in there.

Cleaning and Masking

Now it’s time to clean! You’ll need to clean the doors you removed, as well as the sides and even the inside of your cabinets. You should be able to get them perfectly clean with some dish detergent and warm water. Kitchen cabinets are inevitably going to have some residue that will need to be cleaned off, so take the time to make sure they’re spotless.

You really don’t need to paint the inside of the cabinets (unless you want to for some reason), so take more of the plastic sheeting and hang it across the front of the open cabinets. This will prevent any paint from getting on the inside.

Apply the masking tape around everywhere that the cabinets meet the wall. Take your time and make sure the tape is right up against the edge of the cabinet. This is going to be a little bit tedious, but it will help you achieve a professional result that won’t need much touching up at the end.

Sanding and Priming

If your cabinets have a glossy, varnished surface, you will need to lightly sand them to help the chalk paint stick. You don’t need to completely strip the surface of the wood, just scuff it up so that it’s not so perfectly smooth.

After sanding, you’ll need to clean the cabinets again. You want to make sure there is no sanding dust left on them!

If you’re going to replace the hardware and will be drilling new holes, this is the time to fill the old holes with some wood putty. You can also use the wood putty to smooth out any deep scratches or nicks in your cabinets.

If you’re painting over oak, or any hardwood with deep, noticeable grain, the paint will apply better if you put a very thin coating of wood putty over the grain. It won’t take much! Just smooth some over the surface and scrape it with a putty knife so it’s just filling in the wood grain. 

Even though many brands of chalk paint will say that primer isn’t necessary, I think it makes a noticeable difference. One coat of primer will help the paint apply more smoothly and evenly, and will also help hide any deep wood grain or imperfections. Since kitchen cabinets are so frequently touched, the primer coat adds another layer of protection that will keep your paint job looking great for years to come.

Time to Paint the Cabinets!

Finally, after all that prep work, it’s time to paint! Look over your cabinets and doors to make sure they’re completely clean, and that you didn’t miss any places that need primed or filled in.

Chalk paint goes on smoothly with a brush or roller. Paint rollers are best for broader surfaces, like the front of your cabinet doors. Smaller brushes are great for the sides and edges of your cabinets. I wrote a full article on the best chalk paint brushes you can check out to learn more.

Don’t be tempted to apply too much paint at once. Even if your first coat of paint looks a little bit “streaky”, let it dry and then apply a second coat. The second coat should cover any streaks and give you the smooth, pretty appearance that chalk paint is known for. Thin layers of paint will work best for a great finish. Be sure to allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next coat of chalk paint. Chalk paint dries quickly, but don’t be tempted to paint the next coat too soon. 

Is Chalk Paint Suitable For Creating A Worn Look For My Kitchen Cabinets?

Chalk paint is perfect if you want to achieve an “antiqued” or “distressed” look. The worn, well-loved appearance you can get with chalk paint can be absolutely charming. If you want this appearance for your kitchen cabinets, it’s fairly easy to do. Once your final coat of chalk paint is dry, lightly sand the areas you want to look “distressed”. Be careful that you don’t take off too much paint at once. Sanding slowly and with a light touch will get you better results.

The distressed look is very popular right now, and when it’s done properly it looks great! However, keep in mind that any area you distress is going to need to be sealed, and it shouldn’t be done to a part of the cabinet you’ll be touching frequently. Sealing is really important; you don’t want the paint to chip or flake off in the kitchen where you prepare food!

How to Protect the Color After Painting Cabinets with Chalk Paint

Before you reattach your hardware and start putting your kitchen back together, you’ll need to apply some kind of sealant to your chalk paint cabinets. A good sealant will not only keep the paint color looking vibrant, but will also protect your paint job from chips and scratches.

A big part of the appeal of chalk paint is its velvety matte finish. If this look is why you chose chalk paint for your cabinets, you need to choose a sealant that won’t add much glossiness to your finished project. Any finish that is described as “matte”, “satin”, or even “semi-gloss” is going to be the best choice to keep your painted cabinets looking smooth.

For the kitchen, there are basically three different types of sealants that are appropriate. Be sure to read the product labels and online user reviews of any sealants you’re considering. You’ll also want to make sure you know how to seal chalk paint before you start.

Polyurethane sealant is an oil-based product that produces a highly durable finish that you probably won’t ever have to touch up. It’s easy to apply with a brush, but you do have to use turpentine or another solvent to clean it up. Polyurethane also has a very strong odor and takes a long time to fully dry. This finish might not be a good choice if you’re sealing white or other very light colors, because it has a tendency to yellow over time.

Polycrylic sealant is water-based, so it cleans up easily with just soap and water. It provides a very durable finish that doesn’t yellow over time and has very little odor. If you want white or very light-colored cabinets to stay true to their original color, this sealant is your best choice. It applies easily with a brush, although the consistency is very thin so you have to be careful of drips. Polycrylic products are an excellent choice for protecting kitchen cabinets.

Wax sealants, sometimes sold specifically as chalk paint waxes, are clear or slightly tinted waxes that are buffed over the painted objects. The wax finish provides just a slight sheen, preserving the matte appearance of your chalk paint projects. Clear waxes will slightly deepen the paint color. Tinted waxes can be applied over paint to achieve a translucent “wash” of color over the base coat of paint. While wax finishes look gorgeous, it is very labor-intensive to apply. Also, a wax finish will need to be “freshened up” after a year or two. 

Can I Use Chalk Paint On My Kitchen Cabinets Without Sealing Them?

You can use chalk paint on your cabinets without applying sealant, but it’s not a good idea. I know sealing them seems like maybe it’s an optional step to this major kitchen project, and by the time you’ve applied that last coat of paint, you’re probably just ready to put your kitchen back together. Just trust me on this, it’s worth a little extra time to apply a sealant.

Chalk paint is a “soft” paint. That’s why it’s perfect for distressed finishes. It can be sanded off strategically, but it also can chip and scratch very easily if not protected. Kitchen cabinets are probably going to be touched and moved several times a day, every day, and all of that will slowly cause wear and tear on your painted surfaces. The final step of sealing the paint will make your kitchen makeover last much longer.

Do I Have To Seal Chalk Paint With Wax?

Many brands of chalk paint also sell their own wax finishes, but you don’t necessarily have to use wax to seal your cabinets.  I love the look of a satiny wax finish on chalk-painted furniture, but I didn’t choose it for my kitchen cabinets.

Applying a wax sealant is a lot of work, especially compared to how easily polyacrylic sealants can be brushed on. Over time, the wax will break down a little bit and need to be reapplied. That’s a major home project every few years to keep your painted cabinets looking nice. My other concern about using a wax finish is that they do have a tendency to yellow after a while, and I wanted my white cabinets to stay looking as white as possible.

Is Chalk Paint or Milk Paint better for Cabinets?

Both chalk paint and milk paint have similar qualities. There’s always a big debate about chalk paint vs milk paint for different projects. They’re both water-based and have low VOC content, which means no to low odor. Both paints dry quickly, and they are both great choices for creating a distressed appearance on whatever you’ve painted. There are two areas where milk paint has a slight advantage over chalk paint. 

The first advantage milk paint has over chalk paint has to do with durability. Although both of these paints can be sanded for an antiqued/chipped look, milk paint will actually get stronger over time. The casein proteins in milk paint create a stronger bond to the surface the longer time goes by. Also, most brands of milk paint also sell a bonding agent that can be mixed into the paint for extra durability. With proper care, this means you’re less likely to have problems with scratches and scuffs if your cabinets are painted with milk paint.

The other area where milk paint has an advantage is that it’s easy to touch up any chipping that may occur. Milk paint is sold in a powdered form that you mix with water. The powder has an almost indefinite shelf life if stored in an airtight container. So if you find the need to touch up an area that has become noticeably chipped or scuffed, you can simply mix up a little of the milk paint powder to touch it up. Save a little of the powder from your original paint job, and you won’t have to buy additional paint for touch-ups! Not all mixes are high-quality so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best milk paint from a reputable brand.

Choosing a Color Palette

In my opinion, there is no such thing as the “perfect” color palette for any kitchen. The color(s) you choose should make you happy and should reflect your personality.

That being said, the current trend for kitchen cabinet colors tends to be whites, pale neutrals, and shades of soft grays and blues. Whatever color you choose, keep in mind that whites and lighter shades will open up a space, and make your kitchen seem larger and brighter, Conversely, jewel tones and darker colors will make your kitchen feel a bit more closed in.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three color choices, purchase small cans of each paint shade that you’re considering. Then, paint a piece (or two) of posterboard with each color, and tape the boards to the front of your kitchen cabinets. Leave these color swatches up for a couple of days so you can see if one color appeals to you more than the other. Be sure to look at your posterboard swatches from different angles and distances before making your final decision.  

After I Painted the Wood Cabinets White

My kitchen cabinets were originally a lovely, dark wood with noticeable wood grain. They didn’t look bad, but I felt like they were starting to look a little “dated”. I eventually chose a “true white” shade with cool undertones to paint them.

The white paint transformed my narrow kitchen into a space that seemed brighter and somehow larger. I didn’t realize how the dark wood cabinets were dominating the look of the kitchen. Once the cabinets were painted white, it seemed like other areas of the kitchen were more noticeable.

I should mention that my lovely white cabinets do seem to show every speck of dust or dirt more noticeably. I know we all keep perfectly clean kitchens all the time, right? Of course we do! But, I’ve got to admit I feel like I’m wiping “stuff” off the cabinets a lot more frequently since they’ve been painted white!

How My Chalk-Painted Cabinets Have Held Up After Four Years

My chalk-painted kitchen cabinets still look good, but not quite as good as I’d like them to be.  In spite of my careful application of a polyacrylic sealant, there are some tiny chips and scuff marks on the cabinets. They’re not noticeable unless you are looking for them up close, but I’m a bit disappointed they’re even there. The tiny chips are near the side of the cabinet doors; near the hinges. It’s an area that experiences a lot of movement, so it’s not that surprising. On the cabinets under the kitchen sink, there are one or two very faint scuff marks. These are barely visible, but I worry about them becoming more noticeable over time.

I’m not sure if I didn’t apply enough sealant, if the sealant I used wasn’t durable enough, or if this is just the nature of chalk-painted cabinets. Regardless, it’s disappointing that my paint job looks less-than-perfect after a few years. 

If I were to re-paint the cabinets, I don’t think chalk paint would be my first choice again. I’m crazy about the matte look, but its apparent chalk paint might not be up to the daily wear and tear of my kitchen. I would probably use a satin finish latex paint or perhaps milk paint (with sealant) if I were to repaint the cabinets today.

In spite of the mild disappointment in how they’ve held up, I really do love the look of the painted cabinets. I’m still a fan of using chalk paint to transform furniture from something nondescript into something more exciting. I hope my experiences have helped you decide if painting your kitchen cabinets with chalk paint is a project you want to tackle. If not, here are some of the most common questions I hear about using chalk paint in the home:

Should you roll or brush the paint?

The answer to this question is simple: you should do both! Using a roller or a brush is really determined by what it is that you’re painting. Rollers are perfect for wide flat areas while using a brush works better for small areas, or for areas that aren’t perfectly flat.  Which of these tools to use, or to use both, is really determined by the project you’re working on.

What is the best chalk paint to use?

There are so many brands of chalk paint available right now; it can be a little overwhelming to pick which is “best”. As always, I recommend reviewing the color selections, prices, and online user reviews to help decide which paint will work best for your project.

One of the more popular choices for interior painting is Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint. It’s available in a great variety of colors and isn’t too expensive. Rust-Oleum is a trusted brand with a great reputation among people who like to do DIY home painting projects. 

Retique It Chalky Finish Paint is another great choice, especially if you’re looking for a wider color selection. This paint is a bit more expensive, but it’s known to apply smoothly and dries to the touch in less than an hour.

If you’re looking for fun color choices with the absolute best coverage, you should check out the best chalk paints to see which is right for you. This paint is affordable and is one of the few paints I would truly say might not need a primer coat. 

What color is best for kitchen cabinets?

It’s hard to say what color is “best”! Choosing a color for anywhere in the home is such a personal choice. I would say pick a color that makes you happy, especially when you consider how much time you spend in your kitchen.

That being said, whites and neutrals are trendy for kitchens right now and I love that aesthetic! Soft, light colors make the kitchen appear more “open” and inviting, even if your kitchen isn’t very large to begin with. You can add a pop of color by painting the trim around doors and windows in a more vibrant color. 

Did you seal your cabinets with wax or poly?

I love the look of wax sealant on chalk-painted wood furniture and home accent pieces. But for my kitchen cabinets, I chose to use a clear matte polycrylic sealant. The reasons for this choice were simple. First, it’s easier to apply than wax sealant. Wax also has a tendency to “break down” over time, and I didn’t want to have to re-wax all of my cabinets after a couple of years. The second reason for choosing a polycrylic sealant is that it’s easier to clean. For the most part, it wipes clean with just soap and water. 

Have you had to re-wax?

Since I didn’t use wax on my kitchen cabinets, I haven’t had to re-wax them. However, I’ve painted wood furniture with chalk paint that needed to be re-wax after a couple of years. It’s a little labor-intensive, but the furniture looks great! When re-waxing, you only need to apply one coat, so it won’t take quite as long as when you originally applied the wax sealant.

Did you paint the hinges?

Painting cabinet hardware is a great way to update your existing handles and hinges to create a fresh look! I didn’t paint the hinges on my cabinets, because they’re the “hidden” style that no one can see. I did, however, paint the cabinet handles and am very happy with the results. Painting them a dark color to stand out against my white cabinets looks great!

Should you paint the sides of your drawers or the insides of doors?

This is really a matter of choice for you. Personally, I painted the inside of the cabinet doors so they would appear the same as the outside when opening them. I could have stopped at painting the edges of the doors and it would have looked just fine, though.

As for painting the sides of your kitchen drawers, I don’t think it’s really necessary. Also, with drawers being frequently moved, I think the paint (especially chalk paint) would be very prone to getting scratched and chipped. 

Finishing Touches

Once your cabinets are painted, sealed, and ready to be put back together, paying attention to a few remaining small details can add a bit more style to your project.

How to Refinish the Hinges And Handles

If you’re using the same hardware, you can give it a fresh new appearance by painting the hinges and handles. This is super easy to do, and requires almost no prep work!

Assuming the hardware is made of some kind of metal, you’ll want to use spray paint that is formulated to adhere to metal. Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Spray Paint is an excellent choice for painting cabinet hardware. 

You’ll want to make sure your cabinet hardware is clean and free from any trace of grease.  When using spray paint, make sure to work either outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. Be sure to shake the can of paint vigorously to get the paint mixed thoroughly. Then, it’s simply a matter of lightly spraying one or two coats of paint. Be sure to allow the paint to dry between coats, and don’t forget to paint any screws that will be visible.

Cleaning the Brushes 

Fortunately, since chalk paint is water-based, cleaning brushes is easy! Before the paint starts to dry, you can clean your brushes with dish detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse your brushes thoroughly after you wash the paint from them. You don’t want to leave any paint residue or soap in the bristles.

Either let your paint brushes dry flat, or hang them to dry. This will help keep the bristles straight and minimize any shedding or breakage.

Cleaning Any Drips/Spills

Just like with cleaning brushes, it’s easy to clean up if you have any paint spills or drips while working. Keep a roll of paper towels, some sponges, and a bucket of soapy water on hand while you’re working, “just in case”. 

Cleaning up chalk paint drips while the paint is still wet is easy. All you have to do is wipe it up with some soapy water! If the paint has dried before you noticed the drips, use one of those kitchen “scrubby” sponges with some dish detergent on it to gently scrub away the drips. If the dried paint is more stubborn, try using a small amount of a gentle abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub or Bon Ami brands. Easy cleanup is one of the big advantages of using chalk paints.

The 5 Best Chalk Paints For Furniture & Projects (2024)

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Key Takeaways

Short on time? Aren’t we all? Here are the key takeaways. I prefer CountryChic Chalk Paint. I think ti’s the best for a number of reasons. It’s reasonably priced and they just get IT! It’s versatile and durable.

Get it Here

 

What is Chalk Paint?

For the newbies to chalk paint, you may want some background. What exactly is chalk paint? Chalk paint, not to be confused with chalkboard paint, is a water-based paint that dries to an attractive matte, “chalky” finish. Chalk paint was first created by the designer paint brand Annie Sloan, and the term “chalk paint” is a registered trademark for that company.

However, there are many paint companies now selling their own versions of this type of paint, often marketed as “chalked paint” or “chalky paint”.

Chalk paint is a popular choice for anyone who is decorating with the “modern farmhouse” or “cottage core” aesthetics.

It can transform an ordinary piece of furniture into a noticeable one-of-a-kind piece with very little effort. The unique finish can make a modern, inexpensive piece look like a treasured heirloom. 

A little light sanding with fine or medium grit sandpaper over chalk paint can give your furniture a distinctive distressed look.

I have done so many projects on this website with chalk paint. Here are a few below:

The Best Overall Chalk Paint

The best overall chalk paint for me is Country Chic Chalk Paint . I use to prefer BB Frosch Chalk Paint Powder but I’ve recently changed my mind over the years. There are so many reasons for this.

Here’s why I like CountryChic Chalk paint the best. I’ll keep it SUPER simple. It’s just better overall.

  • It’s durable
  • It’s not overly expensive
  • They have lots of colors to choose from
  • It’s eco-friendly
  • and they just get IT!

If you’re short on time just pick up your favorite color. No need to shop around.

If you’d like to read more about the BB Frosch powder I mention you can read the full BB Frosch Review here.

View it Here

Easiest Chalk Paint to Apply – Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalk Paint

Most chalk paint is easy to apply. However, you can make the mistake of getting the wrong chalk paint and having to do a lot of prep and sealing. One brand known for ease of use and excellent coverage is Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint. 

This paint comes in 11 colors and is sold in a 30-ounce can. One can of paint covers up to 150 square feet. This versatile paint will work on wood, glass, and ceramic surfaces.

If you’re applying this paint to any glossy surface, it’s best to scuff it up a little bit with some light sandpaper.

The Rust-Oleum paint is a thicker texture than most paints, so it can potentially cover your furniture in just one coat. It’s better to apply two coats if you want a richer color, or if you don’t plan to distress whatever you’ve painted.

It only takes 30-45 minutes to dry, so you can apply multiple coats in an afternoon.  Because this paint is water-based, cleaning up is easy. You can wash out your brushes with hot soapy water; no solvents are necessary.

One small disadvantage of this paint is that it is rated for indoor use only. So it might not be a good choice if you’re considering chalk paint for your outdoor furniture.

 

Best No-Prep Chalk Paint – Kilz Chalk Style Paint

The Kilz paint brand is known for providing outstanding coverage with almost no preparation or priming needed. The Kilz Chalk Style Paint is certainly no exception to this. 

It will easily glide onto most clean, dust-free surfaces without priming or heavy sanding. This is a thick paint, but it becomes dry to the touch in about an hour, and you can apply a second coat after two hours. If needed, this paint can be thinned by stirring in up to two ounces of water per quart of paint, until it reaches the consistency you want.

Kilz Chalk Style Paint comes in a variety of colors that are quite complementary to each other. You can achieve an interesting result by painting your furniture in two coats of contrasting colors, then lightly sanding so one of the colors shows through. This distressing technique is especially effective to bring out details in carved wood accents.

In addition to the 13 colors of traditional chalk paint available, Kilz also makes spray versions of their chalk paint in 6 colors. This spray paint gives the same great coverage, with the added ease of being able to just spray it onto your project. This could be a great time-saver if you’re painting a large piece of furniture.

 

Best Value Chalk Paint – Retique – It Chalk Finish Paint

While there are plenty of inexpensive chalk paints on the market, a low price does not always mean that it’s a good value.

Retique-It Chalk Finish Paint is a high-quality chalk paint that is available in a wide variety of colors. It provides outstanding coverage with just one or two coats.

What makes this paint stand out as being a good value is that it can be purchased in quantities ranging from a half pint (8 ounces) to a quart (32 ounces).

This means that you won’t have to buy more paint than is needed for your project.

According to their website, an 8-ounce container of Retique-It paint is enough to cover a small nightstand or end table.

The 16-ounce container is enough paint for a small dresser or two end tables, and the 32-ounce jar can cover a large dresser, armoire, or a kitchen table with four chairs.

Not having to buy a large can of paint for smaller projects not only saves you money but also keeps leftover paint and packaging out of landfills. 

Retique-It also offers product kits that include the chalk finish paint in your color choice, polycrylic topcoat, and paintbrushes.

This is a nice bundle of products if you’re working on a project that would require sealant or a top coat of some kind.

While not all chalk paint projects need to be sealed, high-traffic surfaces such as a tabletop or door will last longer with a sealant. It is a slightly better value to buy these products as a kit instead of individually.

Best Eco-Friendly Chalk Paint – Country Chic

Country Chic Paint is a company dedicated to manufacturing quality products, inspiring creativity, and being ecologically responsible while doing so.

Their chalk finish paint is available in over 50 eye-catching colors. It’s a clay-based formula that also has a built-in primer and top coat, so the coverage is smooth and durable.

If you are trying to achieve a “distressed” look for your project, Country Chic paints can be distressed without using sandpaper. This cuts down on the risk of breathing in a lot of paint dust while working.

All of their products are formulated so they don’t contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, turpentine, and more. Further, Country Chic products are tested to have low-to-zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels and the pigments used are also VOC-free. Volatile organic compounds are the gasses that are released by many paints, lacquers, and cleaning products.

If you’ve ever experienced a headache or dizziness while using a particular paint, that was caused by VOC’s.  

Other nice environmental awareness facts about Country Chic Paint Co. are that their brochures are printed on 100% recycled paper from sustainable sources, and they participate in paint recycling programs throughout North America to help keep leftover paint and containers out of landfills.

Best Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets – Annie Sloan

The original creator of Chalk Paint is still one of the best choices, especially for larger projects like kitchen cabinets.

I wrote a full post about the best chalk paint for kitchen cabinets here. Annie Sloan paints are easy to apply, durable, and they come in a wide selection of classic colors.

The paint colors are inspired by 18th and 20th-century decor but are easy to mix together to create your own contemporary custom colors.

The paints can be thinned with a little bit of water if the texture is too thick, or you can simply leave the container sitting with the lid off for a while if you need it to thicken up.

For painting large projects, such as cabinet doors, walls, or large furniture, it is recommended to paint with two coats of chalk paint, then seal with either chalk paint wax or chalk paint lacquer.

Sealing your painted project protects the paint from scratches and chips, and ensures that it will look good for a long time.

The Annie Sloan Paints website has detailed instructions and helpful video tutorials on how to use all of their products. There is also an “Inspiration” section on the website that shares ideas for unique decorating and art projects.

Where to Buy Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

You can buy Annie Sloan chalk paint online from their website.

If you’re searching for “Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Near Me”, just know the best place to buy it is on their website so it’s always just a click away.

Tips for Chalk Paint Furniture Projects and Clean Up

Before painting any furniture with chalk paint, you should first make sure it is clean and dry. If it has a glossy or very smooth finish, a light sanding will help the chalk paint adhere smoothly and evenly.

You don’t have to sand away all of the finish, just a light sanding to “rough up” the surface should be enough. Most brands of chalk paint will feel dry to the touch in an hour or even less.

You can apply a second coat once the paint feels dry, but wait 24 hours after you are done painting to allow it to fully cure.

Sealants, such as polycrylic, wax, or lacquers, are only necessary for projects with “high touch” surfaces. Chalk-painted cabinets, doors, tabletops, and chairs will all last longer with a light sealant coat.

Chalk paints are water-based, so cleaning up is fairly easy! Cleaning brushes, rollers, and trays (and your hands) can be done with warm water and a mild detergent.

It can be washed out of fabric before the paint is fully dry, but it might not launder out fully once the paint has dried. Chalk paint is slightly thicker than other paints, so it doesn’t tend to drip as much.

It’s still a good idea to keep a protective drop cloth under your project, though.

Where to Buy Chalk Paint?

You can buy all chalk paint online. It’s the easiest way to purchase it.

There are many specialty shops online you can buy the paint directly from or, if you’re like me, I prefer to buy it from Amazon if they carry the brand I like. The reason is the fast shipping and all of the reviews you can look through before purchasing.