Chalk paint has gained wide popularity among DIYers for obvious reasons. Firstly it’s really easy to paint with these, and secondly, due to the resurfacing love for vintage and retro looks. Chalk paint is not to be confused with chalkboard paints that are used for preparing a blackboard surface. These are paints that leave a powdery, matte appearance resembling chalk. You’ll find different brands selling chalk paints and even some DIY videos that tell you how to make them.
Where do you use chalk paints?
Chalk paints are more popular for creating distressed and shabby looks for a rustic or vintage feel. However, these can be used to achieve a smooth and opaque look with solid colors. Chalk paints are popularly used for improvising old furniture, interiors and any household area. The rust oleum ultra-matte interior chalked paint is one of the perfect paints available in the market for indoor DIY projects. The best part about chalk paints is that you literally need no surface prepping. You may need to sand the surface in some cases. You can use this paint on almost everything:
- fabrics, walls, floors, metal surfaces, plastic surfaces, brick masonry, glass and even marble
- cabinets
- tables and chairs
- chest of drawers
- sofas
- curtains
- drapes, etc.
How are chalk paints different from other paints?
- Unlike other paints, this paint doesn’t require prepping or priming except for limited cases like metal or glossy laminated surfaces. You can paint a surface right away with this paint as long as it’s clean and dry. You need to clean the surface; for this, you may require a little sanding and a damp cloth. It even sticks on already painted surfaces. This makes it a much-loved option for hobbyists and DIY projects.
- It has a homogenous consistency which makes it less drippy than other paints.
- Chalk paints are water-based paints, so it’s easy to clean your brushes after use. Using warm water and soap is enough, rather than using chemical spirits.
How to use chalk paints?
As stated earlier, chalk paints are highly preferred for being an easy-to-use and flexible medium for painting.
- There are different kinds of chalk paints available. If you are using chalk paint like the rust oleum ultra-matte interior chalked paint make sure your application is indoor only.
- Firstly read the instructions given by the chalk paint manufacturer. Chances are high that you’ll get complete guidance on how to use the paint, and also your doubts will get cleared. Chalk paint tends to accumulate at the bottom. So before opening the paint can, shake it well and turn it upside down. After opening, if the paint is still too thick for your use, you can dilute it with water.
- Use a brush with synthetic bristles while using chalk paint. It is water-soluble paint, so cleaning the brushes will be easy. You can also buy brushes that are made specifically for chalk paints.
- The paint needs to be applied on a clean and dry surface. You don’t need to prime or prep the surface for painting unless there’s a specific demand for it. E.g., if you’re painting a piece of old painted furniture and the old paint is scraping off at places, you may need to sand out the surface a little before applying the chalk paint. Sanding is also needed if there is dust gathered on the surface. You need to make sure that the surface is clean for painting.
- A single coat of paint offers good coverage in most cases. However, you may need multiple coats to achieve your desired results for solid colors and an opaque look.
- The paint dries fast. You need to wait at least an hour between two coats of paint. After painting, you will need to buff the surface with a clean cloth.
- The final painted surface is sealed with soft wax or chalk paint lacquer. You can use more wax and lacquer if you want a glossy finish. For paint shades, you can explore different shades like pastel shade rustoleum coastal blue chalk paint or muted or dark shades.
- Chalk paints are used mostly for achieving a distressed look on furniture. Using feathered, stippled, cross-hatching, and dry brush techniques, you can experiment with different effects for a vintage look. A lot of ideas are available on the internet for you to explore and for trying out your first chalk paint project!
Chalk paints are excellent versatile paints. You can literally transform your worn-out dresser into a charming vintage piece or give an old-school look to your favorite chair or table. The possibilities are endless with chalk paints, and the ease of using them makes them even more appealing than other mediums that are popular in the market. Make sure to start out with a small-sized project when you try it out for the first time, and a good quality paint like the rust oleum ultra-matte interior chalked paint.