26 Types of Chalk Style Paint for Furniture (ALL the details here!)
Chalk style paint for furniture is a popular choice these days. And an abundant one! There are many brands to choose from and I’m going to help you navigate the chalky paint waters below!
Updated 11-23
Hello friends! Continuing the “back to basics” series today and I’m talking about all things chalk-style paint.
Last week for the series, I shared a post and video on “How to Dry Brush“, in case you missed it.
If you are a busy furniture painter or love making over your own pieces, you are in the right place. If you love to repurpose old finds or just about anything crafty, you are in the right place. Chalk-style paint for furniture….and pretty much anything else you want to paint. Lamps, trays, lampshades, metal, baskets, and more.
I actually wrote a post on exactly that, if you want to take a look. You can see that post >>> here
I have used quite a few of the chalk-style paints I’m sharing below. I used them on dressers, nightstands, tables, picture frames, crafts, and more.
The sky is the limit, really. I’ve painted it all. ;)
I hope this will be a nice comprehensive list for you in case you are confused about the different brands, what they do, where to buy, and what they offer. Or maybe you don’t even know some of these brands yet. Love painting furniture? Then this list is a great starting place for you.
Most of these paints are “chalk” or “mineral”, natural type paints. Some are acrylic but with them having some of the same properties as chalk-style paint, I included them. Some require a top/seal coat, some do not.
I’m not really going to talk about the prep required for each because I believe all paints require some amount of prep work. Whether it’s just cleaning off grime, dirt, and dust or sanding a super shiny surface, both are considered “prep” in my book.
Each individual piece you paint will require some level of prep, no matter which chalk-style paint for the furniture you choose.
26 Chalk Style Paint For Furniture
Let’s start with the main chalk-style paint for furniture (and more!)…
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
She created this amazing paint and is the main reason (I believe) many of these other paints followed not long behind. She IS Chalk Paint, the original creator of this popular product.
Those who have been around my blog for any amount of time know that I am a huge fan.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint does require a top coat to seal and it can be a bit on the thick side. No worries there since you can thin it with water.
I’ve used it to paint just about anything and everything, even upholstery.
You can see projects of mine using Chalk Paint, here, here, here…and kitchen cabinets, here.
You can order, here, and can find more info, here.
CeCe Caldwell Paint
I actually played around with this paint years ago! They have some great colors and I love that it’s non-toxic and a natural chalk-style paint for furniture.
If I remember, I had good results with it but I just no longer really see it anywhere and don’t have a retailer near me.
CeCe Caldwell paint is a “natural chalk-clay paint for furniture” and requires a top coat to seal.
You can find more info, here.
Rustoleum Chalked Paint
Rustoleum’s Chalked Paint is one I’ve been using a lot of lately. Well, in the color “Linen” which is a nice shade of clean white.
I recently ordered the color shown above and “Coastal Blue” and am excited to try them out! If you follow along with me on Instagram, you probably already saw this in my stories.
I find this paint to be very similar to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and have found it to be a very good chalk-style paint for furniture. It has a low odor and does require a topcoat.
You can see projects of mine using these paints, here, here, and here.
You can order and find more info, here.
Magnolia Home Chalk Style Paint
Joanna Gaines has a new chalk-style paint for furniture out now, too. I haven’t tried it yet but apparently, you can get it in your local Target.
So that’s a plus! I do plan to give this one a go sometime soon.
It also needs to be sealed. Other than that, I don’t know too much about this one yet.
You can order and find more info, here.
Amy Howard At Home – One Step Paint
I have used Amy Howard’s One Step Paint (and a couple of other products of hers too) and loved it.
And it’s called one-step paint because no sealing is required. She has a nice range of colors and other complementary products, as well.
You can see projects of mine with these products, here and here.
You can order and find more info, here.
General Finishes Chalk Style Paint
This chalk-style paint by General Finishes is still pretty new. I was excited to see them create it as I’m a big fan of General Finishes products.
Many of them! Stains, topcoats, etc.
They recommend 3 coats to seal this paint.
You can see a project of mine with this product, here.
You can learn more about this product, here, and order, here.
General Finishes Milk Paint
I know, this says milk paint, but I told you I was going to give you a comprehensive list. One full of any and all products similar to chalk-style paint. This is one of my favorites and I use it a lot and it bears some similarities to chalk paint.
Don’t let the “milk” in the name fool you, it’s not at all like milk paint.
No topcoat is needed but can be added for extra durability.
You can see projects of mine using this product, here, and here …and painted cabinets, here.
You can find out more info here, and order, here.
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint
I really love this product too! They have great colors and the paint applies really nicely.
I have used it a few times and have several more samples yet still to try. (great reminder to pull them out now! )
This is another one that does not have to be sealed.
You can see some of my projects with this product, here and here.
You can learn more, here, and order, here.
Kilz® Chalk Style Paint
This is a new one for me. I found it while I was researching for this post.
So…I don’t know a thing about it but wanted to include it in the list for you.
You can find out more, here.
Maison Blanche Paint
This is another one I don’t know a lot about but wanted to include it because I know it’s popular with quite a few bloggers.
They have some amazing colors and look like a nice range of products, too.
You can find out more info, here.
Valspar Chalky Finish
Another one I don’t know much about but I think you find this one in store, so that’s a plus.
You can find more info, here.
Mud Paint
I don’t know too much about this one but have heard of it from time to time. I had a sample at one time and gave this one away too!
You can find more info, here.
Country Chic Chalk & Mineral Paint
Another one I see other bloggers use quite a bit. I personally haven’t so don’t know a thing about it.
However, they seem to have a very wide range of complementary products available.
You can find more info, here.
Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Furniture Paint
I’ve never used this one but there seems to be a wide range of colors available.
You can find more info and order, here.
Americana Chalky Finish Paint
This one can be found at Michael’s and I think The Home Depot, also.
You can find out more info and order, here.
Fusion Mineral Paint
This has become my paint of choice for many reasons. I simply love the application and look.
Plus, this one requires no topcoat but leaves an incredible sheen. This is not a typical “chalk-style” paint as it does not require a topcoat but it is similar in some ways. I think it is superior but I know that we all have our favorites!
I love it so much, I decided to carry it in my shop. You can find it and many other products here.
Here’s the remainder of chalk-style paint for furniture that I found for you.
I don’t know anything about these so thought I would just list the rest.
- FAT Paint – Chalk Style Paint for Furniture – find more info, here.
- Renaissance – Chalk Finish Paint – find more info, here, and order online, here.
- Belle Craie – Furniture Paint Made with Chalk – find more info, here.
- Shabby Chic – Chalk & Clay Paint – find more info, here.
- Heirloom Traditions – find more info, here.
- Miss Lillian’s No Wax Chock Paint – find more info, here.
- Waverly Chalk Acrylic Paint – find more info, here.
- PIY Furniture Paint – find more info, here.
- Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis Paint – find more info, here.
- ArtMinds Chalk Distressing Paint – find more info, here.
Who knew there were so many? I sure didn’t. And there surely didn’t use to be.
But now you have plenty of choices.
Okay, now that we’ve talked about chalk-style paint you can buy, let’s talk about making your own DIY chalk paint.
I tried my hand at making DIY chalk paint back in the day and had a few successes. However, it just really wasn’t my thing.
I really loved the premixed paints I came across and now, with so many available, why would you mix your own?
Oh yes, cost.
That is a big consideration because some of these paints can be pricey.
Another consideration….color choices.
Yes, there are many in all of these product lines but what if you want to use a specific one by say, Sherwin Williams?
Guess what?
You can make your own in that exact color.
So if cost is a consideration or specific paint colors are a consideration, I’m going to include a few products you can use to make your very own custom blend of chalk-style paint below:
- Calcium Carbonate – Chalk Paint Additive
- Calcium Carbonate – Very Fine Powder
- Chalk Paint Powder Additive
- DIY Chalk Paint Powder
- Relica Chalk Paint Additive
I hope this list will be helpful to you. I am sure it will grow as new products come about. I’ll try to update you when I come across them.
Be sure to bookmark or PIN this post so you can come back to it often, as needed!
More posts in the “back to basics” series:
- How To Create Faux Verdigris (and video)
- How To Create Faux Patina (and video)
- How To Dry Brush
- 26 Different Types of Chalk Style Paint (you are here!)
- Pros and Cons of Chalk Paint For Furniture
- 5 Top Ways To Seal Chalk Paint
- How To Chalk Paint Furniture & More!
- How To Transfer Images
- How To Import Images Into Silhouette
- How To Restain Wood Without Stripping
- How To Use Gel Stain
- How To Bleach Wood
Happy painting!!
xoxo
I want to paint my kitchen cabinets white but I have no idea which paint to use. Do you have a favorite?
Hmmmm, favorite is a hard word! ;) I love so many things about many of them. I originally painted my kitchen cabinets in Annie Sloan and actually have a 4 year update, here. But if I were to do it again, I think I’d go with one of the ones that don’t need a top coat because my top coat was amazing but did yellow just the slightest. Still enough to bug me.
I haven’t used Fushion yet, but I might consider that one. And I love General Finishes Milk Paint and would not hesitate to use that in the kitchen. I actually used it on my laundry cabinets and am very happy with it. You can see them, here.
Hope that helps some! xo
You forgot Debi’s Design Diary – DIY Paints. I bought them from my local retailer in Alaska and I love them. I use them on furniture and even paint on canvas.
https://diypaint.co
Hi Katie, I didn’t come across that one in my research! Thanks for sharing! :)
WOW!!! What a LIST! Thanks for sharing this, Nancy. I had no idea about some of those!
FYI, I used the Americana Decor Chalk paint on my very first furniture project, my bedroom dresser. It really is a nice product, and I used there cream wax to seal it. Both have held up very nicely for almost two years now. But, alas, that cost aspect get me, so now I make my own chalk paint using Christy’s recipe, and I love it just as much!
Thanks again… pinned!
Hey Julie!! Me either until I started writing this post and researching. Good to know about the American Decor Chalk Paint!! :) xo
I am a novice at this. I am wanting to distress a lamp base I have. I want to use brown underneath a cream color. Will chalk paint work for this? Also, I read about wet rag distressing. I think this may work best. I would appreciate any suggestions you could give me.
Hi Kim,
If you want to distress to reveal some of the brown underneath, I would use spray paint to paint the base and then paint over that with a cream colored chalk style paint. If you use chalk paint for both, you run more of a risk of distressing down to the base material of the lamp. (the original finish) Wet rag distressing…well, it all depends on how much you want to distress it and the look you are going for. I would possibly use a slightly damp, not wet, rag or very very fine sandpaper. Hope that helps!! :)
I have wing back chair
I would like to paint the fabric
Not sure how to do this and what paint to use
Could you direct me in the right direction
Thanks lynn
Hi Lynn! Here’s a link to fabric painting. And inside that post is another link you can take a look at too. Good luck! :)
Hi Nancy – I was the winner of that giveaway with the Fusion paint samples. I have only used one and it was a silvery white – can’t remember the name but I saved the jar so I can get the same color again. I looked briefly on Amazon but didn’t find it so will look again when I have more time. I used it when re-doing a lamp and I also used in on the shade and they are beautiful. I did the i painted both pieces with Behr Sweet Pea, which is the color of my bedroom and bath. It is a pinky, lavender – almost like a mauve but it is a little brighter than mauve. After that, I used other similar colors to dry brush. My final color was the Fusion and I lightly dry brushed the shade and heavily brushed the lamp itself so it has a more silvery white finish with the base color more in the details. You can also see tiny bits of turquoise and green in the details too. The other dry brushed colors on the shade were various shades that are close to the base an the finished with a very light brushing with the. I love this paint!! I have redone a number of lamps (I am a lamp person.) and I think this was the best finished product I have done and the one I am the most proud of. You must try this paint – looking forward to seeing how you like it.
I love your projects!
Carol
Hi Carol!! I read this several times just so I can really envision exactly what you did and it sounds truly lovely! I am sure you are proud of it! I love that so much and I am so happy you are loving the paints too. Yes, I really need to get some to try. :) I will share it here when I do! Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Carol. Hope you have a blessed weekend! :) xoxo
Yours is my favorite furniture painting blog but I found this extensive but utterly uninformative list of chalk paints no more helpful than a google search. How about a comparison of blues? or price comparison? What’s the point of just listing manufacturers?
Hi Leslie! I am so sorry you didn’t find this list helpful. I guess you absolutely could find all of this info on a few Google searches but I wanted to compile the main chalk style paint all in one place. I also wanted to give a brief bit of info/description on each (as there are some differences) as well as places to purchase them, etc. I was hoping to save someone some time in the process!
Maybe I will do the other you mentioned sometime in the future! :)
Can you tell me if there is any shine or sheen at all with chalk paint? I want to paint a piece of furniture, and when I look at some pictures, some painted pieces look very flat and dull. I want the piece to have a little sheen…not glossy or shiny, but not dull. I guess I’m thinking of something like the average kitchen cabinet….smooth with a little shine. Does chalk paint leave a dull finish? Thanks for any help!
Hi Lisa, no, there isn’t any sheen with chalk paint. It is very matte once painted. However, if you buff it, you can get a slight sheen from it. Check out >>> this later post I wrote about the finishes I use, and that can be used, on chalk style paints.
The reason you are seeing the different finishes is that there are many finishes you can use on chalk style paint. There are matte, satin, semi gloss, etc, and even flat finishes now, with no shine at all. (that link I gave you above lists quite a few of the options with links to them) So to answer your question, yes it does, but it needs to be sealed so you can then give it any type of finish you desire. :)
I have tried many of the paints on your list. My go-to is Heirloom Traditions Paint. It has a built-in primer and top coat and results in a beautiful velvety finish. If you join the Facebook group you can get a free 8-ounce jar.
I haven’t tried that one yet, Rhonda! Will have to look into it. Thanks for the info! :)
All of these projects are beautiful. Just wanted to remind folks that Annie Sloan is not actual chalk paint. It has NO chalk in it. I don’t know about the others but I doubt it. However I have had great success with Paint du Coco, which in fact is true chalk paint.
Thank you! I have not heard of that one. Will have to check it out!
What type of paint would you suggest for painting a type of naugah hide or plethera fabric chair?
Hi Glenda…well, I would say chalk style paint, for sure. But you still might not get a great result on that type of material. It really depends on how porous it is. I’d test a small patch somewhere if you can first. :)
And sorry, meant to say, any of the chalk style paints would work mostly about the same.
I used the Kilz brand of chalk paint. I was super impressed. It went on smoothly and coverage was great. I did use two coats. I used it to paint a bedside table in gray (was a dark wood color). My daughter was super impressed. I used a poly seal coat on it. It has held up well so far.
That’s great, Helen! Thanks for letting us know. :) xo