Frequently Asked Questions…
Does Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan actually contain chalk?
First and foremost, the Chalk Paint™ brand name does not reference the ingredients of the paint, but rather, its finish. Like many paints, Chalk Paint™ decorative paint contains calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate can be obtained from many sources including, limestone, chalk, and marble. In addition to those natural sources, calcium carbonate can be synthetically produced. While the Chalk Paint™ decorative paint formula is a highly-protected trade secret, we can say that the calcium carbonate used in Chalk Paint™ decorative paint is derived from a number of sources, including U.S. limestone quarries.
What about other paints that contain chalk? Can’t they be called ‘Chalk Paint’ too?
To begin, the Chalk Paint™ brand name does not reference the ingredients of the paint, but rather, its finish. Chalk Paint™ is Annie Sloan Interiors’ brand of decorative paint. It is not a generic good.
There has never been a collective name for paints that contain chalk, probably because their properties vary so much. Historically, there have been traditional paints that contain whiting (‘whiting’ is the equivalent of chalk in the paint-making world), such as gesso and calcimine or distemper. There are also paints made with lime, such as whitewash. In modern times, calcium carbonate is used in all manner of emulsions, eggshell, acrylic and latex paints. While they may have some ingredients in common, all of these paints will behave in different ways and achieve different finishes.
So I can’t make my own ‘Chalk Paint’ at home?
No, Chalk Paint™ is Annie Sloan Interiors’ brand of decorative paint, which draws on a lifetime of research and experience in working with paint and colour. Chalk Paint™ is not simply a paint with chalk added to it. It is not made by adding plaster of Paris or grout or even baking soda to an existing paint. Making your own paints at home can be a lot of fun, so for inspiration and ideas on paints that you can make at home, please refer to one of Annie Sloan’s many books about making paint and traditional paint recipes.
Where is Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan made?
Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan is made in the United Kingdom and in the USA.
Is Chalk Paint™ safe for cribs and other items that a child might come into contact with?
Absolutely! Representative samples of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan have been independently certified as ‘toy safe’ according to strict European standards. The paint was evaluated by one of Europe’s leading testing houses who have confirmed full compliance with BS EN 71-3:2013.
Chalk Paint™ is non-toxic and has very low VOCs. It is lead-free, odour-free and EG-free. For more information, please reference our Material Safety Data Sheets:
USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – MSDS for Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan