If you are looking for the best chalk paint for painting furniture and other DIY projects, look no further! This no sanding required, low voc product is a no-brainer when it comes to easy or advanced chalk paint projects. I’m sharing my experience using Annie Sloan chalk paint and how easy it is to apply! 

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The Best Chalk Paint

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a DIY workshop for Annie Sloan paint! It all came about because of my trip to The Country Living Fair back in May in Rhinebeck, NY. I met THE Annie Sloan at her booth at the fair! She couldn’t have been more down to earth and lovely! She is a fabulous artist and the inventor of chalk paint…the queen of chalk paint! I want to tell you more about the DIY workshop and the best chalk paint!

The DIY Workshop

I struck up a conversation with two of her stockists who happen to have a store called Solider 58 about 30 minutes from where I live in New Jersey! What are the chances!? Johanna and Paul, the owners of the store, sell vintage furniture and finds and also hold DIY workshops for Annie Sloan paint!

These workshops are what workshop dreams are made of! So many people are scared to paint furniture or anything for that matter, but these workshops give you all of the steps to achieve the perfect look! Michele, from Sweet Threads Design Co., and I were invited to attend a private workshop to learn all about Annie Sloan chalk paint.

From the plethora of amazing colors to the different waxes, new products, and techniques, there are so many options for every type of style out there! If you prefer a farmhouse chippy look or a sleek glossy modern look, both of them can be achieved using various methods of sanding and waxes. I was truly amazed at all of the different looks we were were able to achieve! Annie Sloan chalk paint is truly the best chalk paint!

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How To Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

If you are someone who is afraid to paint furniture, Annie Sloan paint is the best chalk paint for you! First, you can’t mess up. Second, there is no prep-work involved in using this paint! You heard me correctly! Of course you want to wipe down your piece to get off any dust or dirt, but you DO NOT need to sand!  (If your piece is chipping and has any loose paint, you will need to address that by sanding or scraping.)

There are over 40 paint colors that have been developed for Annie Sloan paint. There are several different waxes, lacquers, and other ways to finish the piece that you are painting. The paint is so easy to use and has virtually no smell, because it has such low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). It dries in a much faster time and you often only need one coat because it is so thick! More reasons as to why this is the best chalk paint!

In order to seal the paint onto the furniture, you will want to use some sort of finish over your paint. It is not necessary,  but it makes the piece more durable and can give the item a nice sheen, if that is your desired result.

The image above is shown with a black wax (top), brown wax (middle), and white wax (bottom). There is also clear wax and you can create any color of wax by tinting white or clear with her paint!

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Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint:

1. Make sure your surface is free of any dust or dirt. If there is any loose paint, you will need to scrape or sand it. Otherwise, you do not need to sand your surface.
2. Shake the can thoroughly and stir well before using. The paint is rather thick.
3. Pour the amount of paint you think you will use in another container, so that they other paint does not dry out.
4. Start painting your piece using long strokes the same direction for a smooth finish or short choppy strokes in all different directions for a more textured finish.
5. Let the first coat dry completely before beginning the second coat. You might want to sand the first coat using very fine sandpaper.
6. Repeat this process of painting and sanding lightly in order to get a very smooth finish.
7. If you want to distress your piece, you can sand it more heavily in different spots. I like a very smooth finish, so I haven’t done this.
8. Next, you will want to seal the paint by using a wax or lacquer. In order to use the wax, you will need a wax brush.
9. Dip the wax brush into the wax of your choosing and twist it around. Wipe off some of the excess wax and start brushing it onto your piece using circular motions. Don’t do a huge area all at once, because you will want to wipe off the wax periodically. Repeat waxing and wiping until you are finished with your whole piece.
10. At that point, the paint is sealed and you are finished!

Look at this technique that they used to achieve the look of stained wood! This was created using just two different colors of paint and tape! The possibilities are endless with Annie Sloan chalk paint!

I recommend looking for your local stockists to see who sells her paint. They will also provide different DIY workshops to help you learn how to use the paint. As you can see, there are so many reasons why I think that Annie Sloan paint is the best chalk paint. With a better quality comes a slightly higher price tag, but it is so worth it! The paint lasts a long time because it is so thick and you will definitely get your money’s worth!

I am planning to paint a cane seat chair that I bought at The Country Living Fair with Annie Sloan’s chalk paint. I’ll be sharing the process and the little office nook where I’m gong to keep it in the coming weeks, so make sure you come back to take a look!

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