The 10 Best Chalk Paints of 2023 for Any DIY Project

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Amy Howard At Home One Step Paint is our pick for the best chalk paint because of its durability, quick dry time, and compatibility with most surfaces. It also cuts out the prep work of sanding and staining, which will save you valuable time and energy. If you’re looking for a budget friendly option for small projects or crafts, try the Waverly Inspirations Mineral Chalk Paint. This acrylic paint has a chalk finish that gives you the best qualities of chalk paint for a fraction of the price.

What To Know About Chalk Paint Before Shopping

Size

“Chalk paint is mainly available in quart sizes,” Shaunfield says. “You’ll want to ensure you purchase enough to cover the furniture you intend to paint. Typically, a quart of chalk paint can cover between 60 and 140 square feet—roughly the surface area of a small dresser,” he says. Paying attention to price per ounce will help you determine whether a certain chalk paint is within your budget more than looking at the overall price.

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Dry Time

Shaunfield notes that chalk paint typically takes about an hour to dry, though this may vary by the brand of paint and the material you’re painting. He notes that since chalk paint dries fast, you’ll need to move quicker than usual when painting. This ensures a proper blend and application.

Primer Required

For the DIYer wanting to save time, chalk paint is a great option. “Chalk paint adheres to most surfaces, so you can generally skip sanding and priming before applying,” Shaunfield says. However, if you have the time and are looking for a rich color finish, a layer of primer wouldn’t hurt.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best chalk paint?

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The best chalk paint depends on your project and goals, however, there are a few qualities to look for when shopping. Chalk paint should ideally have a quick dry time, be easy to clean, durable, and cut back on your prep time. Our pick for the best chalk paint overall (the One Step Paint by Amy Howard At Home) checks all of these boxes, plus it’s eco-friendly and comes in 54 colors.

How do you paint furniture with chalk paint?

“Painting furniture is the most popular use for chalk-finish paint,” Shaunfield says. Chalk paint typically does not need primer, requires fewer coats of paint, and takes less time to dry than other paints.

So what’s the correct way to do it? For the application, Shaunfield recommends using a brush over a roller or spray gun. Brushes can be small and flexible to give you more control in tight corners and edges. The way you actually paint the furniture will depend on your desired finish.

“Depending on your style, you can choose to create a smooth, matte finish or an antiquated distressed look,” Shaunfield says. If you’re looking for a solid, traditional finish, apply two coats with a brush for a strong color. For a distressed look, Shaunfield says you’ll need two different paint colors, a base coat, and a contrasting second coat. “You’ll dry-brush the secondary color to add depth,” he says “Apply wax on top of the chalky paint to top of this look.”

Do you need a sealant when using chalk paint?

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While not required, a sealant is recommended for chalk paint projects to prevent chipping or staining on high-contact pieces.

Shaunfield says, “A wax sealant is the best choice for any chalk-painted furniture that you want to finish with an ‘antiqued’ look. For furniture pieces that are frequently exposed to water, food, or fingers, polycrylic sealant is the most durable choice for sealing your chalk-painted projects.”

There are hundreds of sealant options on the market, but we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the top-rated products. For a vintage finish, try this wax sealant by Miniwax. Consider this polycrylic sealant if your priority is protecting your high-contact pieces.

Who We Are

Addie Morton is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in home decor and lifestyle content. For this story, she spoke with Brian Shaunfield, a Charlotte-area Lowe’s Store Manager with years of experience in the home improvement industry and expertise across all product categories. Using Shaunfield’s expertise and recommendations, Morton researched hundreds of options to compile a list of the best chalk paints on the market.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens