It's important to know the difference between regular chalk paint and chalkboard paint, as the latter can be written on and erased like an old-fashioned chalkboard but isn't suitable for use on furniture. The best chalk paint for furniture is one that adheres well to wood surfaces. Chalk paint is different. Chalk paint was developed more than 25 years ago by Annie Sloan and is mainly used for painting furniture. The paint can be used without all the extra prep work usually done before painting furniture, such as sanding and priming. Things to Consider Before Painting a Chalkboard Wall For those who are looking for a rustic look, applying chalk paint with a natural flexible long bristle brush is highly recommended, as the brushstrokes can be seen and add some character to the matte finish. Some people favor using a foam roller, even though this technique may call for additional paint.

Be sure not to confuse chalkboard paint with chalk paint. Chalkboard paint is just what it sounds like—paint that allows you to turn the item or wall you’re painting into one you can write on with chalk. It creates a hard, scratch-resistant surface and can be applied to wood, metal, drywall, glass, concrete and more. According to Rust-Oleum, a maker of chalkboard paint, the paint works best when used indoors and can be cleaned with soap and water. Allow the paint to dry for three days and once cured, prepare the surface for chalk by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface, and then erase it. If you get tired of a chalkboard wall, you can just paint over it. Wash the area to remove all residue, then sand, prime and paint over it with your favorite new color. The best chalk paint is Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint. With outstanding adherence and durability, this paint is great for a wide variety of surfaces. For small craft projects where you don't want a lot of leftover paint, we recommend FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint, which comes in bottles as small as 2 ounces and costs just about a dollar an ounce. What to Look for in a Chalk Paint Surface Compatibility Protective waxing or a sealer coat of polyurethane can extend the life of chalk paint. Experts recommend sealing chalk paint finishes with a protective wax to prevent wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas or high-touch surfaces. For peace of mind, brands like Rust-Oleum and others provide their own protective top coats designed for use with their chalk paint. You’ll Need Two Coats: When you’re ready to paint, you’ll likely need at least two coats, if not more. This will all depend on the surface and condition of the wall you’re painting and the brand of paint you use.

Keep in mind, if you’re painting over a dark colour, you may require further coverage to achieve desired opacity. After painting, seal indoor furniture with Chalk Paint™ Wax. On floors, seal with Chalk Paint™ Lacquer. Take a look at our Techniques & Tips section for more ideas and inspiration to help you get started. Contrary to popular belief, chalk paint is incredibly versatile and can be used to paint fabrics as well as furniture and vases. Almost any chalk paint will work well on fabric, but we prefer Country Chic, because it is inexpensive and comes in more than 50 different colors.

Struggling to choose a colour? The Chalk Paint Colour Card uses real paint swatches to give you an accurate colour sample. Chalkboard paint allows you to transform a wall into a family message center, create a small accent wall or decorate a child’s bedroom or playroom to encourage creativity. However, there are a few things to consider before you paint a chalkboard wall. What Is Chalkboard Paint? A chalk paint's coverage claims should be taken with a grain of salt because of how widely varying each project is. Darker woods, for example, will require more product or coats to cover, especially if you’re using a lighter paint color. If you're going for a weathered look, full coverage might not be that important. You might even like the way the wood looks when it shows through. All things considered, 1 ounce of chalk paint will typically cover 1 to 3 square feet.

Since VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are released into the air as paint cures and have been linked to a wide range of health problems, it is reassuring to know that Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint is free of them. The paint is a water-based with impressive adhesive qualities that will save you time when painting. When using chalk paint, there is no need to sand or prime the surface first. To use the chalk paint on upholstery, evenly spray the fabric with water, and brush on the chalk paint (you may want to dilute it slightly). If necessary, apply a second or third coat of paint to get the desired effect. You can successfully transform a side chair or even an entire sofa with this chalk paint in minutes. Dust can prevent paint from adhering to upholstery, so be sure to clean and vacuum the surface before beginning. The paint is free of chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, or heavy metals and comes in 4-, 16-, and 32-ounce containers, so you can choose the right size for your needs.

Struggling to choose a colour? The Chalk Paint™ Colour Card uses real paint swatches to give you an accurate colour sample. Dust: If you don’t like dust, a chalkboard wall may not be right for you. Chalk is messy and the dust from the chalk will find its way to your floor and to any furniture and crevices nearby. Colored chalk dust can also discolor any flooring or painted walls nearby.

This chalk paint, like most others, is versatile and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces like wood and glass. The Condition of the Wall: The wall you choose to paint should have a smooth texture or the chalkboard aspect won’t work well. In addition, chalkboard paint will catch every little bump and crevice. Make sure you have a smooth surface before you get started. After painting, seal indoor furniture with Chalk Paint® Wax. On floors, seal with Chalk Paint® Lacquer. Take a look at our Techniques & Tips section for more ideas and inspiration to help you get started. Chalk paint is great for many different types of DIY projects, including painting furniture and repurposing picture frames. In addition to giving any project a matte, farmhouse-chic finish with minimal effort, chalk paint is great because itdoesn't need much surface prep, is easy to apply, and can be distressed or waxed. This paint dries to the touch in 30 minutes. However, if you’re looking for a more opaque finish, you’ll have to wait at least two hours between coats. While primer isn't necessary with this chalk paint, it is highly suggested for unfinished wood. You also don't need to sand your surface for the paint to adhere. If paint gets on the floor by accident, the latex formula makes it easy to clean up with just soap and water.

Please note, Pure may require additional coats to achieve opacity, due to its colourant-free nature. Chalk paint is an amazing product for beginner DIYers because it is very forgiving and has great coverage," says Autumn Heseman, a furniture flipper and DIY blogger. However, not all chalk paints are created equal. The best chalk paints are highly adhesive, provide full coverage, and last for years. Don’t Make It a Focal Point: Chalkboard paint is best used in moderation. Use it to paint a small wall or just a portion of a wall. Place the chalkboard wall in a less obvious part of your house and you won’t have to worry about the trend becoming an eyesore. A big chalkboard wall in a main part of your home—such as the living room—may end up making the room look like graffiti central. Chalk Paint: 1 litre is enough to cover approximately 140 square ft. 500ml is enough to cover approximately 70 square ft. Chalk Paint: 1 litre is enough to cover approximately 13 square metres. 500ml is enough to cover approximately 6.5 square metres.