So some of you may still be pondering what the buzz is about Chalk Paint®. If you are asking about the name "Chalk Paint®" you are referring specifically to the famous Annie Sloan Paint. Which was developed by Annie Sloan herself and was branded to be the famous and very popular Chalk Paint® line. She was wanting to fulfill her need of a versatile paint that would have coverage for just about anything with the artistic character of old distressed matte finish.
Below is what is quoted directly from their site of their description of the paint is.
"What is Chalk Paint®?
Chalk Paint® is very easy to work with. It very rarely requires any preparation, such as sanding or priming, and can be used indoors or outside, on just about any surface - from wood to metal, and matt plastic to terracotta. It can revitalise old furniture, walls, ceilings and floors with ease. It's easy, fun and makes amazing results accessible to everyone.
With a colour palette inspired by 18th and 20th Century decor and design, you can easily mix the colours together to extend the range. Chalk Paint® is eco-friendly too. It contains extremely low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has no odor.
Add a little water to it to make it smooth, thicken it up by leaving the lid off, make it into a wash by adding even more water. Use flat brushes for a smooth look or bristle brushes for a more textured aged look. Gorgeous results have never been so simple and straightforward.
You'll discover some of Annie Sloan's core techniques below as well as on the Annie Sloan YouTube channel. To learn more about these and other techniques, contact your local stockist about booking a workshop. Alternatively, you'll find detailed step-by-step instructions in Annie Sloan's books 'Creating the French Look', 'Quick and Easy Paint Transformations' and 'Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture and More' (all published by Cico Books)."
You can go to Annie Sloan's website here.
Now if you've done any further research you'll discover there are now LOTS of different kinds of chalky texture paints that essentially do the same as what is described above. Another competitive brand that is very similar to Annie Sloan that is made right here in the US is CeCe Caldweld Paint. I've only tried Annie Sloan paint but I know some claim one is better than the other...I believe it all has to do with preference. If you want my honest opinion I prefer my DIY chalk paint recipe above all others. I've recently tried the lesser expensive brand found at Home Depot and really like the smoothness of this paint. Was a very silky application but still very different from the much more pricier Annie Sloan Paint. I will at a later date go over in detail a list of brands I've either used or found information and testimonials on with a later post then link it here.
Another question that arises with this specialty paint is the question of is chalk paint and chalkboard paint same thing?
You'll come to find out that they are actually not the same or used for the same purposes. Chalkboard paint is made to be specifically for what it's named for...being chalkboard paint and although it has a similar look and feel to the family chalk paint it's purposes are still different...and yet the same. Have I confused you yet. What I mean by that in theory is that Chalkboard paint is made to be painted on surfaces to be utilized as a chalkboard where as chalk paint is a decorative paint that can has almost unlimited uses...yes even as chalkboard paint...which is where the confusion often derives from. If you'd like a great recipe to make your own chalkboard paint...good ole Martha has it here.
Now that is cleared up...or I hope it to be...onward to what this amazing paint can really do. Here below are link and examples of what others have done with this magical paint and where I'll also be sharing my own endevers.
Here are some AMAZING refurnished furniture that will make you want to instantly get out of your chair to grab some paint and a bush and start getting to work. At least it does for me.
Amazing Buffet all done with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint topped with Martha Steward Metallic Paint. This image was found here.
Eeeeek This Table and Chairs! Cushion Tutorial found here. Lovely Blog too.
Lovely Little Antique Dresser. Details of all it's Loveliness found here. The color name "Duck Blue".
Yes that's right folks you can do your Kitchen Cabinets! Here's the tut on it...and very well done I might add.
For more Chalk Painted Kitchen Cabinet inspiration go here!
Ummm did I mention lighting? Here you go!
Yeah...that just happened...washer and dryer. Yep Yep Yeppers. Credit.
Cute linen Baskets. Easy peasy. Look here.
Mason Jars of Course! Have to have these! Tutorial found here.
Have I mentioned Leather? Cause it can do that too! Discover more about this chair here.
Oh and can't forget to mention FABRIC! Click here to see more images.
Are you absolutely floored yet? Cause the list is really endless. Need I go on? There's inspiration everywhere...more and more as people continue to share what they are discovering what this mystical paint can do for them. It's awesome! As my girls are now finally getting up...after sleeping in most of the morning from their late night slumber part fest...I'll have to stop here. I'll be back to add on...there are some that I'd like to share myself. I'll also like to add a DIY Recipe page and which one is my fave...so much so that I enjoy it more than dare I say it....Annie Sloan. I feel like I just made an angel fall from the heavens by saying that aloud. For now I must give attention to the mass of girls that just came into the kitchen. Until then I hope this page get's you inspired to discover your love of chalk paint to share with the rest of us!
A quick share as I've come across this great link about tips on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint found here:
There are several others I will share as time permits...you can of course go to Pintrest and get lots of inspiration there and find out more what Chalky Paints can do. Click here for a Pintrest list of ideas.
