What is chalk paint?
Chalk paint is a matte, highly adhesive paint that allows you to easily redesign furniture and many other surfaces. Annie Sloan developed Chalk Paint™ specifically for creative furniture makeovers – in most cases, you can get started right away without the tedious need for sanding or priming.
The special thing is: you decide on the look yourself. From modern and smooth to vividly textured, vintage, wash, or ombré, much is possible with the same paint.
Why chalk paint? Simply paint, customize individually
Mostly without loops
You can get started right away on many surfaces – without the hassle of sanding or priming.
High opacity
The strong pigmentation ensures intense colors and excellent opacity – one or two coats are often enough.
Countless Looks
Sleek and modern, vividly textured, vintage, wash, or ombré: the same color can create very different looks.
Suitable for children's furniture
Chalk Paint™ is water-based and low-VOC. The paint also meets the European standard for toy safety – making it ideal for furniture and creative projects in children's rooms as well.
Easy to use
Even without much experience, you can transform furniture yourself. And the best part: it doesn't have to be perfect – that is exactly what makes your furniture unique.
Painting furniture with chalk paint: It's that easy
Prepare
Delete
Seal
Step by step
Creative painting techniques
Which look suits your furniture?
Chalk paint can do so much more than just provide opaque coverage. Depending on how you apply, combine, or remove the paint, entirely different surfaces can be created. Discover five simple techniques and turn your furniture into a true one-of-a-kind piece.
Shabby Chic
VINTAGE & PRE-OWNED
Edges, signs of wear, and translucent layers of paint give your furniture that characteristic distressed look.
Washing technique
SOFT & NATURAL
Diluted chalk paint lets the wood grain show through and creates a soft, natural look.
Ombré technique
SOFT COLOR GRADIENTS
Let two or more shades blend softly into one another – from subtle tone-on-tone to expressive and colorful.
Dry-brush technique
COUNTRY HOUSE & RUSTIC
Using very little paint and an almost dry brush, you can emphasize texture and details – perfect for a natural country house look.
Venetian Plaster
STRUCTURE & DEPTH
Paint, filler and various layers create a vibrant surface with depth and a handcrafted character.
Suitable products for your furniture makeover
Frequently Asked Questions about Chalk Paint
In most cases, no. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ adheres to many surfaces without the need for prior sanding or priming. It is important that your furniture is clean, dry, and free of grease. For very smooth, problematic, or damaged surfaces, additional preparation may be useful.
Normally, you can start painting directly. However, a primer may be necessary if substances from the surface bleed through the paint—for example, with certain types of wood or stubborn stains.
This depends on the size, surface, and desired look. As a guideline, 1 liter of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ covers about 13 m² per coat. For smaller furniture and projects, the 120 ml tins are ideal for trying it out or for accents.
Thanks to the high pigmentation, one to two coats are often sufficient. For drastic color changes, very dark surfaces, or a particularly uniform finish, an additional coat may be advisable.
Yes. Chalk Paint™ dries to a matte, porous finish and should subsequently be protected with wax or lacquer. This makes the surface more durable and easier to clean.
That depends on the usage. Wax provides the typical velvety matte chalk paint look and is excellent for furniture subject to normal wear and tear. Varnish offers more protection and is ideal for surfaces subject to heavier use, such as tabletops, kitchen furniture, or bathroom furniture.
Yes, many coated or laminated IKEA pieces of furniture can also be decorated with Chalk Paint™. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased beforehand. For very smooth surfaces, it is advisable to first carry out a test on an inconspicuous area.
Chalk Paint™ can also be used for suitable outdoor projects. The deciding factors are the surface, location, and proper protection against the elements. For surfaces subject to heavy wear or constant exposure to the elements, you should check the suitability and sealing requirements for your specific project.
Yes. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ is water-based and low in VOCs. The paint meets the requirements of the European toy safety standard EN 71-3, making it suitable for decorating furniture in children's rooms. When applying the subsequent sealant, ensure you use a product suitable for the intended use.
Further helpful guides
Autumnal welcome sign with leaf print
Decorate glass candle holders with chalk markers
Chalk paint & spray technique for DIY wrapping paper
Decorating Easter eggs with metallic foil & chalk paint
Refining a mini chest of drawers with transfer foil & metal leaf
