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July 24, 2019 · 20 Comments

HOW TO PAINT WITH CHALK PAINT ON FURNITURE

HOW TO· PAINT

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Painting furniture with chalk paint gives it new life and a whole different look.  Today we are going to talk about how to paint with chalk paint.  Follow along for step by step instructions and some tips and tricks to see how this furniture is painted with chalk paint.

Showing how to paint with chalk paint by brushing on the back of a furniture hutch in a white color.

Probably the hardest part about learning how to paint with chalk paint is deciding on what you will paint and the color.

Thankfully I had the help of Kirsten from The Wooden Butterfly in Tallahassee, FL.  She is a great teacher and knows a great deal about chalk paint.  And her facebook is a fabulous resource too.

But honestly, I couldn't wait to get my hands on chalk paint and see how it fairs from milk paint.   And without giving a spoiler alert let's jump right into how to paint with chalk paint on furniture.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you purchase at no cost to you using the links below.  All opinions are all my own.

How to Paint with Chalk Paint

Like most painting projects it is best to get started with collecting your supplies.

How to paint with chalk paint Dixie Belle supplies. Dixie Belle cotton white chalk paint jar, clear cup with water and a brush sitting inside the water.  White Lightening cleaner by Dixie Belle.  Wooden spoon sample painted in cotton white and painters tape.

Getting Started

What do you use to paint with chalk paint?

  • Chalk paint (We used Dixie Belle color Cotton)
  • Short handle synthetic brush
  • Cup of water
  • Painters tape
  • Roll of paper
  • Cleaner to remove residue or grime (We used Dixie Belle White Lightning)
  • Rags or paper towels
  • Wax (We used Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax)
  • Brush for Wax

Now that you know what you need to paint with chalk paint you might be asking what can you paint with chalk paint? Well, I have experience painting furniture and fabric. I have used chalk paint on A canvas drop cloth material. Check out my DIY drop cloth rug tutorial to see more.

Clean Furniture

Start with cleaning the areas you want to paint.  If you only want to paint a particular area, as I did, then spray the cleaner on your rag and wipe it on.

Once you have rubbed the degreaser onto the surface, then use another clean wet rag to wipe off the degreaser. Make sure all the residue is gone.

Jar of Dixie Belle 8 oz. white lightning cleaner.

We used white lightening by Dixie Belle.  You will need to mix it in a bottle, but it lasts a very long time.

Tape and Paper

Now it is time to paper anything you don't want the paint to get on and then tape it down.  Also, use the tape along any edges, so you get that nice clean line when you are finished chalk painting.

How to paint with chalk paint use painters tape to tape any areas.

Keep Brush Wet

If you are starting with a new brush or if your brush is dry make sure to dip it into the water about 1/2 half way down then get the excess water off the brush on a paper towel.

Dipping a paint brush inside a cup of water to keep the brush moist because chalk paint works better if it is moist.

Doesn't this seem crazy?  But it works.

Whenever you feel like the paint is dragging on the furniture go back and lightly dip the brush into the water and blot it on a paper towel.

It is like magic!

Your paint will go on much more smoothly.

Products from Amazon.com

Apply Chalk Paint First Coat

Now it is time to start the transformation.

Dip your damp brush into the paint about 1/2″ and start applying chalk paint along the grain.

How to paint with chalk paint. Apply the first coat of paint on a hutch furniture piece.

You may have to push the paint into corners or grooves like these, but other than that painting should be a smooth motion with the grain.

First coast of chalk paint. How to paint with chalk paint

Also, apply the first coat lightly.  You should be able to see through it a little.

Let this first coat dry for about 10 minutes.

It helps to have a fan running to dry your paint, or you can use a blow dryer on cool setting.

Apply Second Coat of Chalk Paint

Just like the first step apply the second coat.

Painting the second coat of chalk paint on the back of the hutch.

You can see how it is starting to cover.

If you are using a darker color, this may be your last coat of chalk paint.  But if you are using white, you will probably need one more layer of paint.

Make sure that your first coat is good and dry.  If it is not completely dry the paint will come off like pictured below.

Showing where the second coat is damaged because the first coat was not dry enough.

If this happens, do not fret because the next coat will smooth it out.  Or at least it worked for us.

Now let this coat dry about an hour.

Apply Third Coat

Okay, we are almost to the homestretch.

Just like the other two coats of paint start applying your third coat.

This coat will make it a pure white cotton color.

Painting with chalk paint.  Applying the third coat of chalk paint on hutch furniture.

Let this last coat dry overnight.

See how easy it is with this chalk paint how to guide.

Add Wax

This step is optional especially if your painting something that won't be touched or anything sat on it.

But to be on the safe side, I decided to add the wax.

So you will need some wax and a natural bristle brush.

Paint with chalk paint. Can of Dixie Belle best dang wax 10 oz. clear and waxing brush.

All you have to do is dip the brush into the wax and start brushing it on like butter.

Dipping the waxing brush into the wax and moving in a circular motion.

You can brush right to the left, up and down or even in circles.

It does not matter.

But personally I like to go up and down in a continuous motion.

Applying the wax with a brush on top of the dry chalk paint to the back of the hutch in up and down motion.

Once you have applied the wax take a clean low lent cloth and rub the wax off.

Using a dry clean rag buff off the wax on the chalk painted surface.

Then take another clean cloth and buff the wax that is still on the chalk painted surface.

See how easy it is the paint with chalk paint.

Products from Amazon.com

Remove the Tape and Paper

Now that you are finished remove the tape and paper carefully.

If it looks like any paint is coming up use an x-acto knife to score the color.  I had to do this to keep the paint from pulling away from the cabinet.

So here is the final product without accessories.

Showing the back of the hutch where I removed the tape after chalk painting.
showing the back of the hutch painted.

And then with accessories.

Even adding the dishes transform the look.

Hutch with painted back and Currier and Ives dishes displayed inside on the shelves.

Products from Amazon.com

Conclusion

If I had to compare chalk paint vs. milk paint, I would say chalk paint is probably easier and you do not have to mix it.  It is thicker and covers better and gives that same old fashion look.

The finished hutch with chalk painted back and Currier and Ives dishes displayed inside.

But I still LOVE milk paint!!!

What is the best chalk paint?

I only have experience with a few brands but after asking some friends I have learned that Dixie Belle is high on the list as well as Annie Sloan. Behr carries a chalk paint brand and what's really cool is they have it in a spray can.

Fusion mineral paint, which has a chalk painted look but is not actually chalk paint, is a favorite of mine too. My DIY exterior Dutch door post shows off the beautiful finish of Fusion.

Where to buy chalk paint for furniture?

You can find chalk paint at like the Behr brand at hardware stores, Amazon carries many brands like Dixie Belle and Annie Sloan is sold in local small retailers. To find a retailer near you simply go to her website and put in your location.

Well, now you know painting furniture with chalk paint is easy and you know some of the best chalk paint brands and tools you will need.  In a matter of hours, you can have a whole new look.

Chalk painted hutch back with Currier and Ives plate, two cutting boards, vintage mason jar candle and apples with tops cut off and tea lights place down inside for a homemade tealight apple candle.

And if you are looking for some inspiration check out our Chalk Paint Ideas post or if you would like tips on styling your hutch check out my storing and displaying vintage dishes post.  Trust me it will inspire you and bring a smile to your face!

Happy Decorating!

Ready Set Paint: A step by step guide to all things paint.

Discover a strategy to pick a paint color you will love.  Read my privacy policy here.

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Comments

  1. Kathy says

    November 3, 2018 at 2:38 PM

    That looks really great Linda. I love the background white with your dishes.

    Reply
  2. Susie Anderson says

    November 18, 2018 at 9:29 AM

    Beautiful job. I’m going to try this. Thanks for the walk through.

    Reply
    • Linda McDonald says

      November 19, 2018 at 4:51 PM

      You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by and reading the post. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Linda Rich says

    November 18, 2018 at 6:26 PM

    I want to do this – just have to find the time

    Reply
    • Linda McDonald says

      November 19, 2018 at 4:50 PM

      Linda I was so surprised at how quickly we did this. The actual painting and taping doesn’t take much time. It is the waiting that takes the most time.

      Reply
  4. Daisy Dianne Bromlow says

    November 19, 2018 at 4:33 AM

    ABSOLUTELY lovely ! Where did you get those beautiful dishes ?

    Reply
    • Linda McDonald says

      November 19, 2018 at 4:49 PM

      Thank you! The dishes belonged to my grandmother. They are Currier and Ives. She would be so happy you think her dishes are beautiful.

      Reply
  5. DJ says

    April 8, 2019 at 8:33 AM

    Hi. I chalk painted a curio cabinet over the weekend. I waxed only the shelves where I would have things sitting. I used white paint and white wax. But, they don’t match. I want to repaint so it will match. Can I paint over the wax, or do I have to remove the wax first? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Linda McDonald says

      April 10, 2019 at 2:26 PM

      Hi DJ! Sorry for the delay but I wanted to ask Kirsten who is way more experienced with Dixie Belle paint. If you used Dixie Belle wax then you can paint right over the top of it as long as the wax has had 48 hours to dry. Thank you for asking this question. It was a great question that many others would like to know.

      Reply
  6. Jean Steady says

    August 15, 2019 at 8:47 AM

    Hi Linda,
    I love your picture and am very impressed with your blog. How long have you been doing this? I have signed up for the newsletter and will watch for the next installment with anticipation.
    Jean

    Reply
    • Linda McDonald says

      August 15, 2019 at 9:55 PM

      Hi Jean! Thank you! I have been blogging since December of 2015. What started out as a hobby has now turned into my business. haha! It is good to hear from you! 🙂

      Reply

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HELLO!

My name is Linda and I am the person behind Life on Summerhill. I am so glad you came to join us and hope you get loads and loads of home decor ideas to make your house a better home!

Linda - Life on Summerhill

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