- 1) Take it easy on the preparation work, your surface does not need to be perfect!
Paint information sheets usually stress the need for a lot of preparation before applying paint. However, you will be delighted to learn that chalk paint is great at sticking to uneven. surfaces. Sanding and priming can be avoided on all but the absolute worst surface. I always highlight to my clients, the importance of cleaning each piece of furniture very well prior to painting.
- 2) Distress lightly with fine sandpaper to avoid the scratched effect.
Distressing is a technique that creates that aged look but avoid distressing all areas of the furniture. Think of the areas on a piece of vintage furniture that would receive the most wear and tear over its life, corners, near handles and pulls and areas that stick out more than others. Using a find sandpaper, apply light pressure when sanding these areas. I always feel that I can go back and distress further if necessary.
- 3) Always apply thin coats of chalk paint on smooth surfaces.
Uneven wooden surfaces are ideal for absorbing paint and helping it firmly adhere. For smooth surfaces apply several light coats and make sure it dries fully before you apply the following coat.
- 4) Apply wax for a more natural finish.
Chalk paint alone results in a texture that is chalky and dry. An application of chalk paint wax protects the finish and gives it a very natural finish. Apply the wax with a lint free cloth or a wax brush. Wax brushes can be expensive so a lint free cloth can produce a good inexpensive finish too. I always wipe off the excess wax with a clean lint-free paint.
- 5) Easily thin or thicken chalk paint
Chalk paint is water-based, making it easy to thin and thicken. Thin the chalk paint with small amounts of cool water. Slowly stir the paint while adding the water. To thicken chalk paint, I usually leave the lid open for a while before use and then stir.
6.) Try all brands of chalk paint.
Try all brands of chalk paint and you will eventually find one that suits your purposes best. I use both Annie Sloan and Rustoleum but there are many others available.
7) Create a Two-Colour Distress for greater effect.
Chalk-painted furniture with greater effect is often achieved with the two-colour distress technique. Sanding sections of single-layer paint reveals only wood underneath. Yet by laying down two different colours and delicately sanding down sections of the top paint layer, you will expose that lower colour layer, not wood. I always use a darker colour for the bottom layer as this produces a great depth when contrasted with a lighter top layer.
8) Persevere with trying different brush strokes for different effects and be brave – go for it!
For quite different looks, try different brush strokes and it is especially important to complete one area before moving to the next area. Also, work quickly!