Chalk paint is a water-based, ultra-matte decorative paint
Chalk paint is a water-based decorative paint with a velvety, ultra-matte finish. It is made for furniture and other decorative pieces, and it usually bonds to clean surfaces without a primer.
Chalk paint is thick and contains mineral fillers, such as calcium carbonate. Despite the name, it isn’t made from blackboard chalk. It uses mineral fillers, not sticks of chalk. Each brand’s exact formula is proprietary, so products differ.
Where the name comes from
Annie Sloan launched chalk paint in 1990. “Chalk Paint” is a registered trademark of Annie Sloan’s company. Other brands sell “chalk-style” or “chalked” paints, and many people use “chalk paint” as a general term for the whole category.
Chalk paint is not chalkboard paint
Chalkboard paint turns a surface into something you can write on with chalk. Chalk paint is a furniture paint with a matte finish. The two products are not interchangeable.
Key properties
- Matte finish. It dries velvety and ultra-matte, which suits a worn, vintage look.
- Thick and fast drying. It is usually dry to the touch in 30 to 60 minutes and can be recoated after one to three hours.
- Little prep. It bonds to most clean surfaces, including wood, laminate, metal, and some plastics, usually without a primer.
- Coverage. It usually gives opaque coverage in two coats. Coverage varies by brand, so check the label.
- Low odor and water cleanup. It has a low odor and low VOC content, and you clean up with water.
- Easy to thin and distress. You can thin it with water for a wash or a smoother finish, and sandpaper distresses it easily.
Is chalk paint really no-prep?
Not quite. Clean, grease-free surfaces make the difference. Degrease kitchen cabinets, scuff glossy finishes, and spot prime tannin stains. Can I paint chalk paint over varnished wood covers the prep for glossy finishes. Dirty, greasy, or tannin-rich wood can still peel or bleed through the paint. For the full steps, see how to redo kitchen cabinets with chalk paint.
Porous when dry: why it needs a topcoat
Chalk paint is porous when it dries. That is what makes it easy to distress and easy to wax, but it also means it marks and stains easily unless it is protected. Use a wax or a water-based topcoat over it. The durability guide explains which topcoat suits a kitchen.
Distressing chalk paint
For an aged look, sand the edges and corners with 120 to 220 grit sandpaper after painting. How to refinish bedroom furniture with chalk paint shows the method on a full piece. Wear a dust mask when you sand or distress, since the dust carries the paint’s ingredients.
Common uses and brands
Chalk paint is used on furniture, cabinets, and decorative pieces, and it’s a common choice for shabby-chic and farmhouse looks. Brands include Annie Sloan, Rust-Oleum Chalked, Behr Chalk Decorative, Dixie Belle, Country Chic, and Waverly. Formulas, sheens, and prices vary, so check the label and test a sample first.
Homemade chalk paint
You can make chalk paint at home by mixing latex paint with plaster of Paris, calcium carbonate, or unsanded grout. Homemade versions are not identical to commercial products. Texture, adhesion, and finish differ. See how to make your own chalk paint for kitchen cabinets for the details.