Chalk Paint® 101

It really is simple to achieve stunning results with Chalk Paint decorative paint. Especially if you know how. Be liberal – be lavish!

Enjoy your painting, and don’t be shy with the brush. It will help you find your style.

Getting Started

While you do not have to truly prime/prep your furniture, there are a few steps we recommend following before you get going! 

  • Remove any hardware, pull out and set any drawers aside
  • Clean your piece with diluted vinegar and water or unscented baby wipes 
  • Repair scratches or dings / sand if necessary. 
  • Test a small area, especially if using a lighter color Chalk Paint® to determine if there is a bleed through from tannin's (mostly with darker wood such as cherry or mahogany). If this happens, stop and seal your piece with a primer sealer or shellac. 

 Creating a Smooth Finish 

1. Sand the surface with medium-grit paper to smooth out any prominent textures.

2. Apply the first coat of paint smoothly and evenly, working the brush in the same direction as the grain. The paint should be smooth and flowing, so add a little water to dilute, if necessary. You can also dip the brush into water and then into the paint. Allow to dry. (we do not recommend adding water directly to your paint can)

3. Apply a second coat in the same manner as the first. Allow to dry.

4. Apply Clear Wax with a wax brush, spreading and pushing the wax into the underlying paint; wipe off any excess with a rag.

5. Apply dark wax, if desired. Wipe back what you don't want. Work in small sections.

6. Only allow the waxes to sit for a short period of time before buffing to a beautiful satin sheen. 
7. For greater durability, add another layer of clear wax.

Creating A Vintage Look

1. Apply a coat of Chalk Paint, moving the brush in all directions. Allow to dry.
2. Apply a second coat of paint if desired. Allow to dry.
3. Apply Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax with a wax brush, working the wax into the paint like hand cream and removing any excess as you go.
4. Remove a little of the paint using a fine or medium-grit sandpaper, until you achieve the finish you always imagined. Pay attention to corners, these look beautiful when distressed. 
5. For a great antique look, use Dark Soft Wax. Work it into your (still wet) Clear Soft Wax and spread. Wax small areas at a time, and remove excess wax with Clear Soft Wax as you go.

 
Not sure why you have to wax? Most importantly, it helps cure your paint and protect your piece. Without the wax, you will maintain a chalk like feel and your paint will easily chip off. Chalk Paint® Wax is what cures your paint and keeps it protected for years to come! 


How To Wax: 
When you apply the wax, ‘push’ it into your Chalk Paint® with your wax brush for the best results. Think hand cream – and apply it in the same way! Remove excess wax with a clean cloth. Less is more, so there’s no need to apply wax too thickly. The wax will feel touch-dry immediately after you’ve applied it. Work small areas at a time, so the wax doesn’t dry before you get to work it in. Push Dark Soft Wax into crevices, and wipe it back with the Clear Soft Wax to achieve your perfect result. The Wax will be dry to the touch very quickly but take longer to harden or ‘cure’. The ‘curing’ process can take 5 - 21 days depending on ambient temperature. If you want to achieve a really good shine, allow around 24 hours before buffing. Annie Sloan Soft Wax is food-safe when completely cured.

Video tutorial on applying clear waxhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQhMmbM5LGg

Video tutorial on using Dark Chalk Paint® Wax:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWrEfpCEVZE