Chalk paint or "chalk paint": what it is and what are its uses at home

Chalk paint has become an alternative to renovate and redecorate the home. Next, we will know how it is used and how to get the most out of it.

Last update: March 13, 2023

Chalk paint, also known as chalk paint, has become a real fashion in recent years. This is due, among other things, to the fact that It is very versatile and can be used on different surfaces.giving a special finish to walls, doors, chairs and cabinets, among other objects.

Besides, it is economical, ecological and easy to apply. Anyone can work with it, without having to be an expert in decoration or restoration.

And it usually does not require additional treatment. In this article we tell you everything, to get the most out of your chalk painting. Keep reading.

What is chalk paint?

The concept of chalk paint to refer to prepared colors that are based on gypsum (calcium sulfate, mainly). The name is due to the fact that, once dry, you can write on it, as if it were a blackboard; however, it should not be confused with the one used for this type of surface.

Of course, in addition to the plaster, in chalk paint water (as a solvent) is added, as well as pigments to achieve the different colors. It is also possible that some manufacturers incorporate acrylics and other additives to give more durability or resistance.

Plaster-based dyes were already known and applied since ancient times, in murals and other pictorial works.. However, according to some research, the chalk paint itself was introduced by British artist Annie Sloan in the 1990s. This was intended to provide an alternative for the repair of traditional furniture.

And this is one of its most outstanding characteristics, as well as the reason why it has become so fashionable today: gives surfaces a special finish, somewhat rustic and soft at the same timeas if it were an old object.

Likewise, the presentations found on the market usually come in pastel or matte colors, ranging from old pink to pale turquoise, passing through very soft ochres and a wide range. This makes them special for decorations style vintage.

Furniture restoration is an ideal technique for applying chalk paint.

How to use “chalk paint”?

He chalk paint can be applied in several ways: by brush, roller or brush. Even if it is possible to use a compressor or paint in sprayIt is another good option.

There are also those who paint with a sponge or scourer to obtain a textured-looking finish. It all depends on the size and shape of the surface to be covered or the type of object, as well as the effect you want to achieve.

In general, it is recommended to follow these steps:

The surface must be clean, without dust or grease. For this, you can use a cloth with water and then dry very well or wait for all traces of moisture to disappear.
You don’t always have to scrape or remove the old paint. If required, steel wool, putty knife or fine sandpaper can be used.
The first hand is given. A single app may not cover everything. It depends on how much the material absorbs and what color it was before.
You have to wait for it to dry, between 15 minutes and half an hourbefore deciding if another coat of paint is needed.
If lumps have formed, it can be sanded again and cleaned. It is a work of patience.
In case a smoother finish is desired or a fabric is to be painted, for example, the paint can be thinned by adding a little water.
Most prefer the matte look, but protective wax can be placed with a fine brush and then polish using a soft cloth.
Finally, you have to clean the implements, wash the brushes and remove any drops of paint that may have fallen in unwanted places.

Where to apply paint to chalk?

He chalk paint It is an interesting option for different decoration and remodeling projects, whether at home or a business location, such as a clothing store or a cafe. Chalk paint finishes are particularly attractive to the eye on walls, furniture, doors or other objects made of almost any material (wood, stone, metal, plastics, ceramics, glass).

Paredes

Con chalk paint a special touch is given to one or several walls of the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, even the stairs. Two shades can be used and even make only one fringe.

Yes indeed, It is not recommended much outdoors, since the rain can cause it to runeven though it’s already dry. In the same way, you have to make sure to remove moisture stains so that the tone does not remain uneven.

Cabinets and drawers

To renovate an old piece of furniture and make it look like another antique chic just a couple of coats applying sandpaper to reduce imperfections. You can paint wooden furniture such as cabinets, dressers, tables, among others.

Chairs

It also works for chairs, made of almost any material. But if they are to be used in the garden, we recommend you put an extra protective layer on it.either varnish or wax.

Doors

Passage doors, bedroom doors, bathroom doors… they will all look better with chalk paint. Of course, choose a tone that matches your walls and furniture.

Now, if it is about painting an exterior metal door, you must first carry out a few steps:

Remove handles, handles and locks.
Clean well.
Apply a coat of matt anti-rust paint.
Let dry for at least 24 hours.
Remove excess with fine sandpaper.

In the kitchen

In the kitchen there are several possibilities for chalk painting: the walls or the old dressers, for example. To apply on the tiles, you have to make sure to put a previous layer (primer).

To paint tiles with this substance it is necessary to make a primer first.

Floors

It is possible to renew cement or wooden floors with chalk paint, without spending too much money. You can use a single color or a template to add patterns with another tone. And then a coat of varnish for durability.

screens

With the chalk paint quite diluted in water (10 tablespoons per liter) you can dye fabrics, be it cushion covers for living room furniture or T-shirts. It is recommended to dry in the shade and without squeezing.

reusing and recycling

An old bicycle to place plants in the garden, some pots for the kitchen or baskets to place fruits and vegetables, pots on the patio… many things can be renewed with a little chalk paint, imagination and layout.

Windows

Does a lot of light enter a room or do you want to protect yourself from prying eyes from outside? apply chalk paint in the crystals. It works even for glassesas you can check.

At school

There is the possibility of taking advantage of this resource to develop the creativity and imagination of children, playing and making art. In this sense, it is claimed to be safe, especially if done naturally.

Advantages and disadvantages of chalk paint

The advantages provided by chalk paint to decorate are varied. In this sense, allows to achieve certain artistic or decorative effectssuch as stripping, patinas, aged, veined wood.

On the other hand, it is very easy to apply, dries quickly, covers well and does not leave bad odors. Normally, it does not require previous steps to be used, such as sanding or priming.

However, its adherence depends on how porous the surface to be covered is. In some plastics (rigid PVC) it does not usually give good results. It is also not highly recommended for outdoors or for bathrooms, since it is not resistant to humidity or continuous friction.

Another of its benefits is that It is considered friendly to the environment. It usually does not contain strong solvents, unless the manufacturer has added some additional component to give it better adhesion.

Thanks to this, when you finish using it, just soap and water is enough to clean the utensils, as well as the skin, if any paint has fallen on it. In the same way, in case of making a mistake, it is possible to wash and remove it. And if there are remains, it is sanded.

For these reasons, it is used to mark animals when studies are carried out, since it does not generate any reaction in them. It is also a painting that is allowed in certain traditional or old buildings, because it is the one that produces the least impact.

Also, as mentioned in the previous point, he chalk paint not considered toxic. This is how it is read in an investigation carried out in Indonesia, related to traditional toys, where it is pointed out that for this reason this is the pigment used.

Precautions when using chalk paint

Despite everything, we must take some precautions to avoid problems or damage. To this end, take into account the following recommendations:

Clean the objects well before applying the paint.
take a test with a little paint, to see if it has adhesion on the surface.
Let dry before applying a second coat. or apply a protective varnish.
Cover surfaces you don’t want to get stained, whether it’s with paper, cloth, or something else.
People with skin or respiratory reactions to chalk or plaster should wear gloves and face mask.
Avoid contact with mucous membranes.
Check the ingredients in the packageto make sure it does not contain added acrylics.
Keep watch with children. Although it is a product that they can use, you have to be careful so that they do not put their hands in their mouths or eyes.

Decorating like an expert

If you have ever entered a clothing store or a cafe and wondered how they manage to have such a beautiful decoration, with that old touch, you already know it. It’s because of the chalk paint.

And now that you know the secret, it’s your chance to show off and decorate like an expert. Remember to choose tones that harmonize with each other and with the rest of the decoration. For the rest, let your imagination run wild.

Chalk paint or “chalk paint”: what it is and what are its uses at home