Chalk Paint™ – Painting a Variety of Surfaces

Painting a Variety of Surfaces – FAQs

Can I use Chalk Paint™ in the garden?

You can use Chalk Paint™  on exterior walls, garden furniture (except teak), metal, concrete, matte plastic, and terracotta.  Just leave it to harden overnight – preferably in a protected area – and then wipe it down with a damp cloth before exposing it to rain. There’s no need to add a protective coating.

Can I paint my walls with Chalk Paint™ ?

Chalk Paint™ can be used to give both old and new walls depth and interest and even a bit of texture.  Apply one or more coats of paint with a brush or roller for coverage and let dry.  You can leave the paint as is, but some like to apply Annie Sloan Soft Wax over the paint for a really smart polished look.

Can I use Chalk Paint™ on floors?

Chalk Paint™ can transform old concrete and wooden floors, even if they’re varnished.  Just apply two or three coats of Chalk Paint®, and then apply Annie Sloan Lacquer for added durability.

If you are working on open-grain wood floors, such as oak, apply clear shellac first.  This will block tannins that can bleed up through the paint and Lacquer.  Simply wipe on the shellac with a cloth pad or floor mop.  It dries in minutes, and then you can get on with your painting!

What about painting metal with Chalk Paint™?

You can use Chalk Paint™ directly onto all kinds of hardware, including metal work.  Chalk Paint™ can re-invigorate old brass and other metal fixtures and fittings, and even covers and slows down rust.

Are Chalk Paint™ and Soft Wax safe for use on baby cribs, etc.?

Absolutely!  Both Chalk Paint™ and Annie Sloan Soft Wax are safe to use on furniture destined for baby and child use.  However, before putting the item to use, please allow the Soft Wax to cure for a minimum of 14 days.

Samples of Chalk Paint™ and Soft Wax have been independently tested and certified as Toy Safe according to strict European regulations (BS EN 71-3:2013).

Annie Sloan cares about your health.  While there are no inherently harmful ingredients in Soft Wax, we do advise that expectant mothers get someone else to apply it.

Are Chalk Paint™ and Soft Wax good choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets?

Yes!  You can use Chalk Paint™ on most wood cabinetry.  Typically there is no need to sand or prime, although in areas that receive a lot of use, like the cutlery drawer, it might be wise.  Apply at least two coats of paint and then two or three coats of Annie Sloan Soft Wax for protection, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.  Soft Wax makes a good bond to the paint for durability.  You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax.

Can I paint my kitchen countertops and backsplash with Chalk Paint™?

It is not advisable.  Chalk Paint™, even when sealed with a quality sealer such as Annie Sloan Soft Wax or Annie Sloan Lacquer, will not be 100% non-porous and this can present problems with cross contamination.  The surface may look clean but it may not be deep down into the finish.

Can I paint melamine or laminate furniture with Chalk Paint™?

There are many success stories from people who have painted melamine or laminate furniture with Chalk Paint™, including pieces from IKEA.  A little bit of preparation and some patience are needed.  New pieces may be coated with a light oily film for packing and shipping purposes and this should be wiped away with a cloth moistened with mineral spirits.  Lightly sand the melamine or laminate with fine grit sandpaper and dust off.  Next, apply a thin first coat of paint, and let dry about 48 hours to encourage the paint to bond to the surface.  After that, you can continue painting for your desired look.

FAQs

What is Chalk Paint™?

Before You Start Painting

Painting a Variety of Surfaces

Finishing Your Project

Caring for Your Finish

Troubleshooting