If you’ve done any home renovations, chances are you’ve heard the big claims about chalk paint, or maybe you read about it in a blog post or came across chalk paint in a DIY YouTube video.
So, what is chalk paint? Where do you use it in the home decor plan? And what is the best chalk paint for furniture?
Chalk paint has become a favorite among many DIYers or painting enthusiasts. With its unique texture, sleek farmhouse looks, quick-drying, easy application, and ease to apply to many surfaces, such as metal, wood, glass, plastic, and even fabric.
This decorative paint has a matte, chalky appearance, as if it could be rubbed in the hand if you touch a painted surface.
Chalk paint is an excellent option for creating a vintage country look that’s visually appealing and timeless.
They can add an aged and distressed look to dressers, nightstands, bed frames, and other pieces of furniture they are painted on. The art of chalk painting and furniture flipping has grown tremendously over the past decade.
Choosing the right chalk paint for your home will be a little difficult process, with many products on offer. It is now easy to find chalk paints available at home stores, online, and in boutiques. The question becomes, what is the best chalk paint for furniture?
In this article, we have put together the best chalk paint for furniture and when you should choose one brand or another.
Plus, we’ll also give you tips on saving money, choosing eco-friendly chalk paint, and where to buy those favorite chalk-style paints.
However, not all are suitable for all projects. Some are better for furniture, others for walls, but all are of the best quality.
These brands below are the best options for achieving that unique look that only chalk paint should provide.
Best Chalk Paint for Furniture
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint — The Best Premium Option
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint has been everywhere these days! This has come to be the best premium option in the list of the best chalk paint for furniture to choose from.
If you haven’t heard of it, it’s water-based paint and comes in about 70 colors. It is primarily for furniture but can also be used on home decor, fabrics, and even outdoor items if properly sealed.
Since it’s odorless and non-toxic, you don’t have to worry about coloring indoors near your kids and pets. It’s completely safe! It is available in 8 ounces ($12.95), 16 ounces ($20.95), and 32 ounces ($33.95). You can also get in gallons if you have a big project to work on.
This paint is porous, so it soaks into the surface instead of sitting there. It dries in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on humidity, and full sets to a hard coating in 30 days.
In terms of coverage, darker colors often give full coverage in 1 coat. Light colors usually require 2 coats. You should be able to paint 2 small dressers, 5 bar stools, and a toy box with a 32 oz caviar dish (black). It really stretches!
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint’s consistency is very thick, making it more versatile. You can use it straight from the bottle in the thick state for great coverage or textured layers.
But you can also dilute it with water for smooth, polished results without a brush-strokes appearance.
Dixie Belle chalk paint has a unique characteristic: it thickens when exposed to air. This provides even more versatility in achieving the perfect look. For more distressed areas, keep the paint sealed and thin. For more color and coverage, let it thicken!
Ombre styles and multi-color blends are very popular right now and are easy to create with Dixie Belle. This is definitely the best paint for the perfect color combination!
You don’t usually need to seal it because the sealer is built in. Without a top coat, it’s easy to wear and has the perfect matte finish for an authentic aged or vintage look. But if you want to add a clear coat or wax, you can.
Pros
- Wide range of colors (about 70)
- Water-based (safe and odorless)
- Reasonable price
- Great coverage
- short drying time
- self-sealing
- Distress well
Cons
- 30 days until completely cured
- Jar lids get stuck or dry on
Retique-It Chalk Paint by Renaissance — Good Value with Zero VOCs
One of the biggest problems with interior furniture paint is the smell when the paint dries. As paints cure, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fill the air and create that paint smell that sometimes makes you sick.
Renaissance furniture paint, Retique-It, has an eco-friendly design, zero paint emissions, and zero VOCs. You will see that there is no Prop 65 warning on their product can, like with every other chalk paint brand.
Instead of going through the hassle of redecorating your entire kitchen, quickly update your kitchen cabinets with this Retique It chalk paint.
The formula glides on smoothly with the brush and dries in just 30 minutes, although you’ll probably want to use a second coat.
It’s available in over 40 colors, from neutral to glossy, and is made in the USA. You can find this high-quality, reliable paint at online retailers, including Amazon.
If you’re new to chalk paint, the Renaissance Retique-It Kit is a great option to complete your DIY woodworking project or refinish your home wood furniture. The Retique It Deluxe Kit gives your project that classic chalky look that’s both rustic and attractive.
The kit includes 1 liter of chalk paint, as well as 4 ounces of dark wax and 8 ounces of clear wax. Wax is an important part of any chalk painting project as it seals the paint and protects the surface.
You also get a 1.5-inch and 2-inch brush included in the kit, giving you everything you need to complete your paint job.
The kit is an excellent value for your money when considering the cost of purchasing all the components individually. Renaissance made this paint specifically for use on wood, making it the perfect finish for your DIY woodworking projects and for restoring the old luster to your antique furniture.
This paint is suitable for those allergic to VOCs, and its hypoallergenic nature means you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions to chemical compounds in the paint. The formula has a built-in primer, so there is no need to also sand or prime the surface before painting.
Keep in mind that when painting in a high-traffic area like your kitchen, you should take the time to finish your cabinets with wax to prevent scratches and scuffs.
Pros
- Almost zero VOCs.
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
- Self-leveling.
- Quick drying time.
- Complete kit option with paint and brush for beginners.
- Excellent value.
- 40 color choices are available.
- Custom coloring options.
Cons
- Not everyone needs a brush.
- Not suitable for external use.
Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalk Paint —Easy to Apply
Rust-Oleum is a legendary brand in the DIY circles for producing some of the best paints on the market. Chalk paint, the brand’s offering, also lives up to its reputation among other best chalk paint for furniture.
The ultra matte finish of this color makes it a premium product with a premium finish that is well worth the extra money you pay at checkout. Revamp old furniture or complete your woodworking projects with this chalk paint. Once cured, the paint has a rustic, vintage look with a distressed feeling that looks great.
This versatile chalk paint requires no mixing, is easy to apply, and works on many surfaces. You can use this paint on various surfaces as it adheres well to many surfaces, including glass, ceramic, metal, wood, and canvas.
Rust-Oleum Ultra Flat Interior Chalk Paint is available in a variety of trendy colors to match any color theme and room in the home. Choosing the right shade for your application is easy, with a choice of 51 different colors and paint finishes, including glazes and waxes.
One of the best features you will love about this chalk paint is how it is layered with a brush to create a one-of-a-kind unique look. As for application, Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint applies easily without the need for multiple coats.
The formula does not include a sealer, so we recommend using Rust-Oleum Chalk Clear Protective Topcoat if you need to seal your furniture surface or weatherproof it for an outdoor patio or a swimming pool.
Because Rust-Oleum is usually widely sold and cheaper than most of the other brands, it’s an excellent choice for most people, especially beginners new to chalk paint. It can also be a perfect brand for larger projects that require more paint.
The standard version is too thick to use in a sprayer. However, there is also a version compatible with sprinklers.
Pros
- Provides a smooth finish.
- Easy to apply.
- Excellent coverage.
- Available in a variety of colors.
Cons
- Suitable for internal use only.
- Primer is not included in the formula.
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk for furniture and Craft paint — The Best Matte Finish
For DIYers and painters looking for premium brand-name chalk paint and want to paint for smaller projects, you may not need to buy a quart of chalk paint anytime soon.
In this case, you can try using smaller containers (4-8 ounces) of FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint. I wouldn’t recommend this paint for furniture, but if you want to buy different colors in small quantities, this brand is a good option.
Ideal for coloring jars, home decorations, and other small things, which provides a vintage and durable finish. This paint cures up to an ultra-matte finish that leaves your restored DIY part projects looking like a one-of-a-kind custom pieces.
It’s simpler and covers less than other brands, which means it’s perfect for painting and detail work. It’s also another great one for beginners who are new to using chalk paint and aren’t sure if they’ll like the result or maybe aren’t sure what kind of result they’re looking for!
This no-prep acrylic chalk paint dries out in minutes and fully hardens in less than 4 hours. All you need to do is just to make sure the surface is clean enough before you start painting. We love how you can layer and sand this paint to create unique visual effects. There is no need to sand or prime before painting, and FolkArt Home Décor Chalk Paint also comes with a sealer.
While it may be more expensive than the other paint products on this list of the best chalk paint for furniture, we suggest this product to anyone looking for a 3-in-1 primer, paint, and sealer solution. Once dry, the paint gives the piece an attractive and professional antique look.
Pros
- Suitable for multi-surface use on metal, plaster, wood, canvas, and more.
- It is easy to spread and layer.
- No primer is required.
- Water-based formula.
- It’s not toxic.
Cons
- maybe expensive
- Allow less coverage
Mediterranean Heritage Collection All-in-One Chalk Paint— The Best All-in-One Option
It has to be another one of the favorite options in this review. This chalk paint comes with a primer and wax included in the formulation. 3-in-1 Chalk Paint dries quickly to a chalky, lustrous finish. Adding built-in wax to the paint saves you time when painting. There is also no need to spend extra money on sealer.
Once the paint dries, it leaves a beautiful, long-lasting finish that is pleasing to the eye. This chalk paint can be used on various surfaces, including Formica, stone, ceramic, wood, and glass. The Heritage Collection’s unique formula provides a long-lasting finish after curing, and you can choose from 25 European-themed colors.
With chalk paint from the Heritage collection, unleash your artistic creativity and turn a flea market offering into an artistic masterpiece.
The Heritage collection is available in three tank sizes. An 8-ounce sample covers 35 square feet, a 16-ounce container covers 70 square feet, or a quart covers 140 square feet.
Pros
- It is not necessary to wax after the painting.
- 3-in-1 paint with primer, wax, and top coat.
- Available in 25 colors.
- Available with a cupboard restoration kit.
- Adheres to various materials.
Con
- Expensive
Valspar Chalky Finish paint— The Best No-prep Option
Another of the best chalk paint for furniture that is ideal for DIYers looking for a chalky finish with no prep is Devine Color by Valspar® Chalky Finish paints. This formula also includes a built-in primer and sealer for a perfect finish on all your DIY woodworking projects.
The paint dries to an ultra matte finish, with a distressed vintage look that is suitable for any room in the home. We recommend experimenting with sanding after the paint has dried. Sanding will bring out their deeper colors and lines of color that look authentic and beautiful.
Pros
- Easy to apply with little surface preparation.
- It gives an authentic old look to your furniture.
- Made in the USA
Con
- No wax is included in the formula.
Chalky Chicks Finish Paint – Furniture and Cabinet Paint — Great for Cabinets
You’ll love this chalky paint for DIY woodworking projects for beach house themes. The sea glass color of this chalky color is intoxicating to the eyes and gives your furniture a worn look unlike any other color in this review.
However, the high price of this paint means that other products on this list of the best chalk paint for furniture offer better value.
However, this premium paint spreads well and also works with an HVLP paint sprayer. Use this color when you want to make a statement. You’ll love how it looks on our patio furniture as it combines a beach house theme with a sea glass color that reflects the ocean theme.
Pros
- Gorgeous sea glass color finish.
- Suitable for outdoor use.
- Low VOC.
- Good coverage.
Con
- Lack of color range.
RECOLOR Paint Recycled Chalk Paint — Best Recycled Paint
The only thing cooler than nice chalk paint that goes on smoothly is a brand of chalk paint made from recycled paint.
RECOLOR Recycled Chalk Paint is an amazing brand of chalk paint that, in addition to achieving wonderful results, is also not toxic to the planet. With a wide range of colors, RECOLOR gives you everything you need to achieve that perfect vintage, shabby, chic, or distressed look.
Applies easily and without preparation. However, it has a longer drying time than many other brands in this list of best chalk paint for furniture (it should dry completely in two to six hours). RECOLOR Chalk Paint makes up for its color quality and coverage.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint— Ideal for Upholstery
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the original chalk paint, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. If you like flipping furniture and painting with chalk, you should consider trying Annie’s Paint. It’s a different experience, unlike other brands.
Annie Sloan was the original chalk paint brand, which actually trademarked the name in 1990. While other brands have followed suit, Annie Sloan remains one of the best chalk paint for furniture you can find.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is also very low in VOC, and the company is committed to environmentally friendly practices. Whether you want to hide a stained fabric or modernize an old room, using chalk paint on the fabric of your chair, sofa or ottoman is an easy way to avoid the hassle of upholstery.
This technique works best on furniture you don’t often use, as the fabric will feel rougher to the touch. Annie Sloan created Chalk Paint with the aim of appealing to beginners and experts alike. It’s available in 42 colors and can be used for a variety of home improvement projects, from furniture to walls and more.
In addition to being used as a fabric dye, its formula can even be applied to metal, glass, brick, wood, parquet, and laminate. It dries quickly and can be waxed the same day. When using it on fabric, you will need to dilute the dye first. A little chalk paint will go a long way.
Note on prep: Although a lot of “no-prep” will depend on the color you choose, the part you paint will also affect the final results. For example, a part that tends to bleed through will probably need a good stain-blocking primer.
Likewise, a piece with a heavily scratched surface will require sanding to even out the paint surface and create a nice finish. So while Annie’s paint works great without prep, there will be times when sanding/priming is desirable or necessary.
Annie Sloan is not always available in the US, as the company is based in the UK. However, you can find the brand in stores or at some online retailers.
Pros
- It can be used on different surfaces.
- Variety in 42 colors
- Attractive for beginners and experts painting enthusiast
- It can be used for upholstery.
- A little chalk paint will go a long way.
Cons
- It’s pricey
- Hard to locate
The Best Spray Paint — Krylon Chalky Finish Aerosol Spray Paint
Spray paint enables you to cover a large furniture area quickly and with enough minimal effort. Krylon Chalky Finish spray paint provides the same smooth, ultra-matte finish as regular canned chalk paint and is available in 18 different colors.
You’ll like to use it outdoors, of course, and be sure to cover your deck or patio and put on a mask and goggles before painting. Shake the bottle well before spraying to avoid clumping or streaking.
The best wax — Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Clear wax
Once you are done painting, you will most likely have to seal and protect it with a coat of wax. Clear wax turns clear and gives a soft sheen, while dark wax gives your project an aged look for added character and adds depth to moldings and other intricate woodwork.
A little of this affordable wax from Magnolia Home by Joanne Gaines should do the trick, especially since you’ll only need to apply it once every few years. It goes on with a brush and can be polished to achieve the look you want.
The Best Brush— Modern Art Supplies, Chalk & Wax Furniture
Since any of the best chalk paint for furniture has a thicker texture than regular paint, you’ll want to use a brush specifically designed for these highly pigmented formulas.
Round brushes with strong yet flexible natural fibers pick up just the right amount of paint and allow you to apply it in any direction for a vintage look.
These brushes come in a kit, with large and small options for hard-to-reach or stencil areas. When it’s time to clean them, just soak them in paint thinner for a few minutes, then wash them with soap and water.
Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve read this far, you should know which is the best chalk paint for furniture, but before you confirm your order or walk into the store to buy a can of chalk paint, it’s best to consider the following four factors.
Quantity
Most chalk paints are sold in 32-ounce containers, although some brands offer paints in different sizes. For example, Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint is available in three sizes to meet your painting needs.
Color Offers
Chalk paint is meant to add a decorative, rustic look to surfaces, which is why most brands offer a variety of color options. For example, FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint offers over 50 color choices.
Coverage
Chalk paint coverage refers to the number of square feet it can cover. Most offers cover up to 100 square feet per liter, although some paints, like Rust-Oleum’s 30-ounce chalk paint, can cover up to 150 square feet.
Formula
Some chalk paints work without the common additives found in most water-based paints. For example, Country Chic Chalk Paint has a phthalate- and formaldehyde-free formula, making it safer for the environment and for you.
Conclusion
Some of the best chalk paint for furniture have maintained their popularity with home improvement projects for over 30 years, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Chalk paint is that that will breathes new life into old furniture and is a great finishing option for any DIY woodworking project.
Chalk paint gives you a fun, creative, authentic rustic finish that lasts for years on home projects that belong to you.
The visual impact of chalk paint on cabinets, chairs, shelves, and other home furnishings is exceptional, and you can bet they can be a hot topic of discussion with your friends.
