Chalk Paint Q&A
What is all the hype about Chalk Paint? Is it really that different and if so, why?
Glad you asked! Yes, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint really is like NO OTHER PAINT! Chalk Paint allows you freedom and flexibility in painting and without any prep work it is so easy, anyone can use it! You save time and money without doing all the extra work of stripping, sanding, and priming before painting. The colors are beautiful, inspired from European furniture of the 1700′s. Chalk Paint is water based and with extremely low VOC’s, there is virtually no odor to chalk paint. Safe for you and the environment. Chalk Paint was designed to be used on furniture, so you can achieve a natural soft patina and sheen, not a harsh latex paint shine.

Is Chalk Paint just a new fad?
While new to the United States, chalk paint is NOT a new fad. Annie developed Chalk Paint 20 years ago. However, it has only been available for purchase in the United States since July 2010. Annie developed chalk paint specifically to use for painting furniture. She was frustrated that with the paints (or lack thereof) that were available and created something that would have diverse uses and applications with colors that were true, rich, and vibrant.

My piece is really shiny with a lacquer finish, can I really use Chalk Paint without striping the finish off?
Yes, you really can! Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was designed to be very easy to use and sticks to almost ANY surface including wood, laminate, concrete, walls, leather coaches, vinyl, washer & dryers, porcelain bathtubs …so just about anything! It can be used both outside in in. The caveat to outside use is never use wax.

What about the price, is it worth it?!
Chalk Paint costs $36.95 per quart size pot. You are able to paint without any extra expense or time spent on stripping agents, primer, or sanding. Chalk Paint covers more and uses less than traditional paints. Chalk Paint dries very quickly, allowing you to finish your project and move on with your life! We have a couple of customers that have painted 4 complete pieces start to finish and back in place in one afternoon. And they used about half a pot of paint! When you add up the time, money, and paint saved, it really is worth the price! With Chalk Paint, the average cost is about $8-$12 in product per piece of furniture.

Why do I need to wax my paint?
Waxing the paint offers protection to your piece. Chalk Paint alone is very matte and chalky and will over time actually absorb things (oils from your skin, stains from coffee cups, etc) and permanently stain the paint. The wax finish is what seals and protects your piece.

Why should I use Annie Sloan waxes?
First off, Annie Sloan developed her waxes specifically for her Chalk Paint line. The wax is very smooth, like soft margarine or if you are in the south- Crisco! It is easy to use and contains very little odor. It does not contain harsh chemical solvents like quick drying agents so you are not breathing harsh chemicals into your lungs. Also, we have actually heard of other brands of waxes that have removed the paint right off the piece and can stain the paint. Annie Sloan waxes are guaranteed to work with her Chalk Paint. And guess what- if later in life- you want to change the color of your piece- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint goes directly over Annie Sloan Wax without sanding or priming!

I have never used wax before, how do I use it?
If you are new to waxes, it does take a little bit of getting used to, but it really is easy. The most common mistake people make is to use too much. Ideally- I do recommend a wax brush and that is because when you apply wax with a rag- often you will get uneven application. Why is that? To help you understand- take your two hands and press them together like you are praying. (go ahead and do it- no one is watching!) Pay attention to where the pressure is when you push your hands together. It is in the cushy part of your palm and at your fingertips…but not under your knuckles. Now you understand why people get peaks and valleys when using a rag. If you can afford a wax brush- I strongly recommend using one. You will get a much better even level of wax. So, with all that said, brush or wipe your clear wax on. I typically apply the wax in the same direction I applied the paint. I do this strategically – starting at one end and working my way across the piece. Then go back and wipe off the excess (most people skip this important step). I typically use a lint free old white t-shirt or rags that you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot. And sometimes- I use cheesecloth to wipe off the excess wax. Once the clear wax has cured…..you can then accent areas with dark wax if you would like to, wiping off as you go. Wait until it is no longer tacky (usually 24 hours or less) and buff to desired sheen. Wait 24 hours in between adding more layers of clear wax if you are building up a for a stronger finish.

Why do I need to wax it before I sand, that seems backwards?
There are a couple of reasons we recommend to wax first. First – let’s clarify…you apply Annie Sloan Wax and let cure….once dry- the distress. Ok- so first….applying wax and then distressing actually gives you a lot more control when you are sanding, it allows you to expose layers of paint or wood underneath gradually. This is how you recreate that natural look of furniture that has been painted layer by layer over the years. Another reason is that the paint is, well, chalky. It can be very messy when distressing and dusty! By waxing it first, you really cut down on the dust. Another reason to use clear wax first is that it will protect your paint from the dark wax. The dark wax will actually stain the paint color. Now- you may want that actual effect- and if that is the case do a test spot on the back of your piece. Otherwise- apply a coat of clear wax and let cure…..then add your dark wax.

Why do I need to use clear wax first if I want a distressed look ….shouldn’t I just use the dark wax?
Excellent question, we get this one a lot! First off, please know that the dark wax goes a LONG way, you need very little of it. Let me stress that- you need very little. The reason you clear wax first is that it will protect your paint color. The dark wax will permanently stain your paint color if the barrier of clear wax is not there. When you apply clear wax first & let cure, then dark wax, you can control how much dark wax is applied and where it goes. If you just use dark wax first, where you apply it is exactly where it goes. That is it, and that is where it stays, darkened paint and all!

Help, I’ve used too much dark wax!
If you have applied your clear wax first andlet it cure before applying the dark wax, you can actually use more clear wax as an “eraser.” Simply dip a clean rag into clear wax and use it to pull off the dark wax. If you did not use clear wax first, or the dark wax has dried completely and cured, don’t worry! You have a little more work, but all is not lost. With chalk paint, you simply paint right over the wax and start again. No extra prep work needed.

My wax is still tacky and will not dry, what did I do wrong?
Again, the most common mistake is applying too much wax and not wiping off the excess. Apply wax with a brush ideally (as explained above) and wipe off the excess! You cannot take too much wax off! If you start buffing and find that your wax is still tacky, wait until it is no longer tacky to start buffing.

How do I get a smooth finish? I see brush strokes when I paint.
Seeing the brush strokes is part of the European charm to the paint, making it more authentic. If, however, you desire a super smooth finish, use a sponge roller to apply the paint. If that is not smooth enough, sand the surface prior to waxing with a fine sanding block sponge. You can also use Chalk Paint with a paint sprayer, just dilute the paint with a little bit of water to get the righ vescosity.

I just finished my piece with clear wax and dark wax and I can scratch my fingernail right through the wax to expose the paint, what is wrong?
As with any product, it needs time to cure! While Annie Sloan products are very quick and easy to use, they do need time to actually cure and set up. Think about it, you can dig your fingernail into any finish before it has had time to properly cure. Once cured, the wax provides a tough, strong, and durable finish. Many different factors effect curing time (temperature, humidity, how much wax was used, etc). Also, remember that Annie’s waxes do not contain harsh chemicals such as quick drying solvents. This makes them more workable as you are using them and are a lot safer to use. As far as digging your fingernail into it, why would you do this? Would you dig fingernail into a newly finished wood floor?

I am having trouble with bleed through. Can you help?
Most surfaces can be covered with one coat of Chalk Paint, occasionally two is necessary. That said, some pieces of furniture can be stubborn with any paint! Bleed through can occur on pieces that have been polished with oil-based polishes that include a stain like “Old English” or deep red pieces that have a mahogany stain. If bleed through is really a problem, we recommend you go back and wax the problem areas using Annie’s Soft Clear Wax. This will act as a barrier and seal from bleeding through the paint. After the wax is dry, you start by simply painting right over top of the wax, be sure to follow the paint with another coat of clear wax to seal the paint and finish the piece. Some other ideas…..painting your piece in Pure White but having bleed through- first paint base coat in Old White, then paint over in Pure White. Still not helping- for any painting project- if you have serious staining- just do this first…..spray the piece with Zinsser Shellac! **GO TO MY “HOW TO” PAGE AND READ MY POST ON SPRAY SHELLAC. I THINK OF IT AS A MIRACLE IN A CAN) When using spray shellac- apply it to the whole piece or side- not just a spot fix! You will actually see that when you paint. TRUST ME ON THAT! Using shellac will also help if the piece stinks! Yes- I said it…the piece smells. Perhaps it was in a basement or in the home of a heavy smoker….shellac seals in whatever you do not want to smell anymore!

WANT TO PAINT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS?

Painting Kitchens

You can use our paint on kitchen cabinets using at least 2 coats of paint and then give it two or three coats of wax to seal it. Our wax is water repellent and strong and makes a good connection to the paint. Our paint is meant to give character and interest rather than a perfectly smooth ‘plastic’ finish of some paints. Refresh every now and again with some more wax when its needed. Wipe over with a damp cloth to clean. Using a strong cleaner like Mr Muscle may be necessary for stubborn marks but it will remove some wax and the area will need rewaxing.
No need to sand or prime although in the areas where there is a lot of use like the cutlery drawer it might be wise. I am assuming the kitchen is wooden. If you are painting onto an extremely shiny surface it will not adhere so well but nevertheless we do use it on these surfaces. For somewhere that gets a lot of use like a kitchen a wooden surface provides the best surface, BUT the paint will stick to even glass, and if you have a kitchen you want paint rather than have an ugly laminate then I would go ahead! Some laminates are extremely shiny like glass but some are less so. The less the shine the better the adherence of the paint.

Have another question you don’t see here? Please contact me and I will be happy to answer your question! Just email takuntz@rochester.rr.com and note “Dear Purple Painted Lady” in your subject.