A GUIDE TO CHALK PAINT

Chalk paint is an essential item to look into if you are decorating your home, creating a feature wall, painting floorboards, doors, or just upcycling a piece of furniture. There are loads of different paints available on the market, but it can pay to shop around and do your research. So if you are looking for a shabby chic finish, then look no further. Here's a few simple tips for painting with chalk paint!

1. Go for a trusted classic

Annie Sloan are the creators of the original chalk paint, as a brand they have an excellent selection of classic colours all in their iconic heavy matt consistency. The reason for the introduction of chalk paint was the want for a very matt, chalky finish in paint which wasn't available at the time (1990). Since then it's popularity has grown massively and can now provide a quality, trusted finish which can add value to furniture and walls. Annie Sloan paint is recommended to be used diluted as it's consistency is so thick. Annie Sloan paint doesn't actually contain chalk, rather it is known for being long established and it's matt finish than reference to it's ingredients. Another great thing about Annie Sloan is that it requires no prep, the paint can be applied to wood that hasn't been prepped with sanding for example. The paint can chip, so be wary if you are using it on a heavy usage object or wall. Annie Sloan also stock a range of brushes and finishes to use alongside their products. 
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is £18.95 a litre.

2. For the eco-decorator

Less well heard of, but nonetheless incredibly beautiful! Auntentico was recommended to me when I visited a local boutique called Vintage Belle. The great thing about Autentico is that it is completely safe to use on children's furniture and non-toxic. It is low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and is compliant with EN71-3, which means it's entirely safe for use for children. There are three types of Auntentico paint: Vintage for distressing furniture, Velvet for a more professional finish and Venice which is made from pure lime, for that classic french look. These paints work great on outdoor furniture and do not degrade or peel off, you can even paint on iron and it will not rust or chip! Auntentico have a range of 140 shades, which means there is more to choose from than Annie Sloan, however finding a UK stockist is fairly tricky as the company is currently building their supplier base. You can get it online here.
Auntentico is priced at £14.99 per litre.

3. High-end

Farrow and Ball are one of the leaders of high-end paints. They offer a good range of shades in a few different finishes. From eggshell, emulsion, high gloss and floor paint. Their eggshell gives the closest finish to a chalk paint, without being a chalk paint. Stain and scuff resistant, Farrow and Ball is more hardwearing than Annie Sloan, so will not get that 'lived in' look as easily as Annie Sloan without distressing by hand. Farrow and Ball are priced at a slightly higher price point, but one great tip is to use the colour chart to get a copy. I only recommend this with a good quality paint mixer, so be prepared to still pay a little bit, but not as much as full price. I go for Valspar at B&Q. 
Farrow and Ball Estate emulsion is £22 per 750ml.

4. Make your own

You can make your own chalk paint by mixing 1/3 cup of plaster of paris, 1/3 of cup water and 1 cup latex paint. Or perhaps slightly easier is to use 1 part calcium carbonate and 2 parts paint. Full recipe from Salvaged inspirations You have to use the powder form of calcium carbonate otherwise this won't work, and the mixture must be mixed thoroughly before use as it can separate and become grainy. It gives a stunning and professional chalk paint finish and is completely affordable. 

What are your thoughts on chalk paint? Have/will you consider using it for your DIY projects?

Sophie x