How to chalk paint furniture: a complete guide
Transforming old furniture into stylish but practical statement pieces has never been easier, thanks to chalk paint. Renowned for its versatility and ease of use, chalk paint allows you to achieve a beautiful, vintage and child-friendly look without extensive preparation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need about chalk painting your furniture. From selecting the most suitable furniture and preparing it properly to applying the paint and making the essential finishing touches, we’ll provide you with a failsafe step-by-step process.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or a beginner looking to refresh your decor on a budget, Leader Online is on hand to provide all of the top tips and techniques needed to create stunning, custom-painted furniture that is sure to add a new lease of life and character to any space.
Table of contents:
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Choosing the right furniture for chalk paint
Choosing the correct furniture to apply your chalk paint to is an integral first step of this type of DIY, and there are a couple of points you should consider before getting started. Firstly, assess the material of the furniture you’re looking to upcycle. Chalk paint can be used on a variety of different surfaces. However, some may require more preparation than others. Hard surfaces, including wood, glass, metal and concrete, are ideal for applying chalk paint. Next, take the time to thoroughly check the condition of the pieces you want to paint, ensuring they are structurally sound - chalk paint can cover some surface imperfections but will not fix structural issues.
How to prepare furniture for chalk paint
At Leader Online, we know how exciting it can be to start a new project and how easily that excitement can make us jump the gun, ultimately skipping those all-important preparation steps we need to do before we launch into the actual painting itself. Before you begin painting your furniture, it is important first to prep the items you want to paint. Although the preparation will make the overall process longer to complete, it will ensure the paint glides on much easier and will increase how long the paint will stick to the furniture's surface. Here are 3 simple steps you should take to prep your furniture:
Cleaning - Take the time to thoroughly clean your furniture, removing any dust, grease or grime lingering on the surfaces. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals so you don’t strip the piece.
Repairs - Fill in any holes and cracks in any furniture you’re looking to paint with the most appropriate filler for the material you’re working with, which will help the paint sit more uniformly on the surface.
Sanding - Chalk paint removes the necessity of excessive sanding, but lightly sanding any uneven surfaces and areas where repairs have been made will help the paint adhere more successfully.
The best technique for applying chalk paint
When you first open the tin of your chosen chalk paint colour, make sure you give it a good mix with a stir stick or similar utensil to ensure the colour and consistency of the paint are flawless and any separation is removed. Once the paint is smooth and ready to go, it’s time to apply the paint to your pieces. For perfect paint application, you should use quality brushes specifically designed for chalk paint, opting for natural bristle brushes for a textured look or synthetic brushes for a smoother finish.
Chalk paint typically requires two coats to achieve a good level of coverage. For the first coat, you don’t have to worry too much about it being really neat. The aim is to get the paint on the piece, so don’t be afraid to swipe the brush in every direction; just watch out for any drip marks, as these can be tricky to remove later. Once the first coat is on, leave it until it feels dry to the touch. It could take anywhere between one to three hours for the paint to dry, depending on the climate - if it’s in a cold environment, it will take longer to dry.
When the first coat is completely dry, apply a second coat. Again, you don’t have to be too concerned about how neat the application is. Feel free to move your brush in any direction and touch any patchier areas where needed. Avoid laying the paint on too thick; it’s better to go in with thinner layers and build up that way, applying a third coat if necessary.
How to finish chalk paint furniture
Once the final coat is completely dry and you’re happy with the appearance, it’s time to apply the finishing touches. Chalk paint should be sealed with a protective finish to ensure longevity and durability. The most common finishings are:
- Wax (clear or dark)- provides a vintage look alongside additional protection but can require additional maintenance.
- Polyurethane or polycrylic sealants - offer durable protection and are much easier to clean.
If you use a wax-based sealant, buff it with a clean, dry cloth to give it a nice sheen once it dries. To achieve a more distressed look, you can sand the edges and areas of natural wear before applying the final sealant.
How to maintain chalk paint furniture
Unlike standard paint, chalk paint requires a little extra TLC and maintenance to keep it looking fresh and to prolong its lifespan. Here are two easy ways to maintain your chalk paint furniture and increase the longevity of your handiwork:
- Cleaning - Like any other surface, periodically wipe down the surface using a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on chalk paint, as it can strip the paint away.
- Re-Waxing - If you use wax as your sealant, you should take the time to reapply it every 6-12 months to ensure the paint and the furniture remain protected.
Using chalk paint on Leader Online
At Leader Online, we understand how important it is to customise every facet of your home to make it suit your tastes and needs, including fixtures and fittings such as doors. This is why our selection of unfinished internal doors and unfinished internal fire doors are all chalk paint compatible - meaning you can easily follow our comprehensive “how to chalk paint furniture” guide to customise your internal doors.
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