How to Chalk Paint Furniture

Step 1. Prep your furniture

One of the best things about chalk furniture paint is that it doesn’t require sanding or priming like other furniture paints do. However, you still need to make sure your furniture is ready for its new life. Start by removing any hardware from your piece of furniture, e.g. handles, knobs. Next, you want to give your furniture a quick clean with a wet cloth to make sure you’ve removed any dirt or grime.

Step 2. Get your paint and brushes ready

First, you should lay a dust sheet so you don’t have to worry about mess. If you do end up getting a bit of excess paint on the floor, not to worry; you can wash it off with soapy water and elbow grease. Next, it’s time to get your chalk paint and brushes ready. Open your paint(s) and, if you want to blend your colours, you can mix them together using a paint stirrer. Check you’re happy with the consistency of the chalk paint; if it feels too thick, you can always add a little water.

For chalk furniture painting, paint brushes are much better than paint rollers, as you can easily get into all the nooks and crannies. Generally, whatever paint brush you’re comfortable with will do, but if your furniture piece has lots of crevices or fine details, it’s a good idea to use a smaller brush.

Step 3. Start painting

Now you’ve got all your equipment set out, it’s time to get painting.

The aim is to have full paint coverage, so get your paint straight onto the furniture and brush in every direction. Remember, a little bit of chalk paint goes a long way, so start with small amounts and top up as you need. The joy of using chalk paint on furniture is that you don’t need to be fussy about the kind of strokes you do, especially if you’re going for a shabby chic, vintage finish.
Once you’ve completed one full coat of chalk paint, leave it until it is dry. This will take roughly 1-3 hours, depending on where you’re doing your chalk painting. Some furniture pieces may only need one coat of paint, but others will benefit from two. Add your second coat once the first has dried.

Step 4. Create a shabby chic look

This step is optional, so if you’re looking for a soft, chalky finish, feel free to skip this bit.

If you want a shabby chic look, wait until the paint is dry and then, using sandpaper, lightly sand the corners and edges. This will expose the material below and give the furniture a distressed look. Once you’re happy with your sanding, give it a quick wipe with a wet cloth to remove excess dust.

Step 5. Finish with wax

The final step of painting furniture with chalk paint is waxing. The job of the wax, or varnish, is to seal the chalk paint. Waxing is optional, but we recommend it to help seal the colour for longer.
Simply apply the wax in the same way you have the chalk furniture paint, making sure to use a separate, clean paintbrush. Ensure you cover every part of the furniture to get a consistent finish.
You can use the furniture as soon as the wax is dry to touch. Be careful, as your furniture can be vulnerable to scratches and scuffs until the wax has fully hardened, which can take up to 2 weeks.
If you enjoyed chalk painting your furniture, why not explore more ways to upcycle your furniture.