Howdie friends. Thank you for your love for my little desk. I am really happy about how she turned out, and I am sure that the final look happened thanks to paint I used: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
I have painted two pieces of furniture with the chalk paint now, and I love how both of them turned out.
I didn’t really plan on using the paint on these pieces but all the blog reviews had made me curious and I have a big hutch in my living room that I want to paint this year.
I thought AS chalk paint might be perfect for it. So I was very happy to find that there was a Dutch supplier and during our Christmas break I took My Love and me on a road trip half way across the country to get it at the source. I brought two drawers with me (of my desk and of the hutch) to get the experts advice, and she helped me and send me on my way with lots of useful tips and an offer for more online advice.
(voor de Dutchies: de officiele importeur van Annie Sloan verf voor Nederland is gevestigd in Nieuwerkerk aan de IJssel en het wordt verkocht vanuit een hele leuke woonwinkel, Heart and Home).
I had already started and primed my maid’s closet when the idea to give the chalk paint a try run popped in my head, so I went with that.
I am very happy about how both projects turned out, but as I said I am not all that happy about the process that it took me to get to that point.
So here is my honest, – based on my own experience – review of the chalk paint.
The chalk paint gives a wonderful matte finish, it doesn’t smell, allows you to paint fast and follow up with several layers within hours and the clean up is a dream.
I also found it very hard to paint with.
I had no troubles on the bare wood on the top of my desk. But on the smooth sides it went on irregular and stripy. This happened on the maids closet too. I had already primed that one when I decided to give the chalk paint a trial run, since I was contemplating doing a big hutch in my living room with it.
The primer was a bit spotty and I hadn’t given the closet an even finish with it. Normally that is no problem at all, the first coat of paint will take all that away. Not the chalk paint. It was more transparent so I kept seeing the differences between the whiter and the less white bits underneath. Took me three layers to have an acceptable cover.
Officially you don’t have to prime when you use AS chalk paint so with my desk I decided to follow the instructions I got from the supplier faithfully.
It was no better.
It seemed as if the first layer had big troubles adhering to the lackered and veneered piece, so I was left with visible brush strokes and an uneven finish. But most of all I couldn’t get rid of the marks the brush left when I put it on the piece or when I changed directions with the brush.
This is a really big close-up (and therefore a bit exaggerated) of what happened when I moved the brush in the opposite direction. The only way I could get rid of it was running the brush from one end with no hesitations to the other end. On the desk that was doable on a full length hutch that would be nearly impossible.
My biggest problem with painting my desk, however was that the old white dissolved the old varnish and as a result I had a big yellow mess on my hands.
This close up of the leg shows it (it was hard to photograph it was much worse on some other bits). At this point I had put on one layer of grey and following the directions I had received, I painted it immediately with the white next (the pamphlet said one could/should do it after 30 minutes if you where going for the distressed look).
The grey went on fine albeit a bit stripy, the white went on like a dream (it adhered much better to the grey), but within 15 min this happened. The white dissolved the old varnish and sort of disappeared leaving this yellow behind. I recognized what happened because I had seen it before on a closet I painted with a cheap paint. Back then I had to do 6 layers to more or less get rid of the yellow.
In the end I let it dry like this over night and then gave it another white coat. This one too, somewhat disappeared and left me with a yellow stained desk.
I knew then that I would need to be putting on many more layers to get rid of it completely. So instead I made peace with it. Covered some of it up with a dry brush of grey, distressed the yellow bits the heaviest and for the rest pretended that it was part of my faux aging of the piece.
While distressing, it again became clear that the paint had not adhered very well to the legs or the sides. Because even the slightest distressing brought out the raw wood. I could never only remove the white to expose the grey underneath, it would scrape right off. Only on the top was I able to remove the top white layer and keep the grey.
You can see in the image above how all of the paint was gone on the leg, I did not forcefully remove it. I distressed it very carefully. For the final result I painted over it with a dry brush of grey to make it a bit softer.
So to recap:
What I loved about the chalk paint:
- It takes a bit getting used to, but I love the matte finish. It suits old pieces like this very well, because a shiny new finish would never look authentic.
- I love that it is practically odorless. I painted my desk in the middle of my craft room and it did not stink up my whole room.
- I love that it dries fast and you can start and finish a piece in a couple of hours.
- I love the ease of clean-up. Just run your brushes under the tap and they are clean and ready to go again in no time (you can even forget your brushes and clean them later all dried in, perfect for a messy DIY-er like me).
- It distresses wonderfully and looks very natural as if time itself has done it.
What I didn’t like about the chalk paint:
- I couldn’t get it to adhere evenly to my previously lacquered pieces. It went on rather spotty and stripy
- It was particularly hard to not have visible brush strokes, especially where the brush either changed directions or was put on the piece.
- Because of the less than perfect bonding with the piece the distressing was hard to control and it was impossible to only distress to the previous layer.
- The white paint dissolved the old varnish and therefor not only did not go on well, it also caused a lot of yellow staining.
- So all in all. Would I recommend AS chalk paint? Yeah, I guess so, but with hesitation. I found it rather difficult to work with and unpredictable. But the end result is still gorgeous and I don’t believe I could have got that with regular paint.
- I will definitely use it again, but probably not on my next piece of furniture and I definitely have lost the courage to use it on my big living room hutch that started all of this in the first place.
Now granted a lot of my problems may be caused by some faultiness in my paint technique, so if someone out there wants to buy me another pot of AS chalk paint and teach me how to work with it properly I am game!
Okay now it is your turn, and I am ducking here, because I have heard there are some very ardent AS supporters out there.
Thanks so much for this honest review of AS paint. I can’t easily access it where I live, so I’ve never tried it. (I’d still love to give it a whirl someday…) However, I love to have the “heads up!” before I try something new. Thanks for giving that.
I’m glad to hear of your experience. It gives a balanced report of how the paint works. thanks
I too have had mixed results with the Annie Sloan paint and it has not been worth the effort for what it costs to get the effect I am after. It has held up halfway decent on an outdoor piece that I am going to show a comparison of later this week.
Right now I am enjoying the Benjamin Moore Natura no VOC paint. No odors so working with it in my studio is a dream and it has great coverage. Thanks for your review.
I would love to help you with your application of ASCP, but I dont think I am close enough!!
I have never used the paint but I will keep your pro’s and con’s in mind should I ever. I love the pieces your did…I think you did the best distressing on the desk that I have ever seen! Seriously, it’s all in the right places and not overdone as I see a lot of times. Great job!
XO,
Jane
I bought a pot of Paris Grey and found it showed so many brush strokes also. However I then made my own from 2/3 paint to 1/3 Plaster of Paris adding water to thin it and it went on wonderfully well, minor brush strokes but none with the second coat,, distressed beautifully and adhered to laminate. I was very happy with the results and saved a ton of money. Sorry Annie.
Well, not me, Marianne. First, I don’t paint much. Second, I hear it’s really expensive. So that rules it out for me. Third, I have heard of this paint till I want to throw up. Sorry, I’m just being honest to all you girls who swoon over it. So your thoughts on it don’t bother me at all!
Brenda
Hi Marianne,
I’ve used the ASCP with great results on some things and like you, had terrible results when stains kept coming through. I think it really depends on what you are painting. I just used a mixture of un-sanded grout and black paint with primer that I painted right onto a very shiny china cabinet and aside from some lumps because I didn’t mix it with water first, I had fantastic results with the home made. I just bought some more ASCP but honestly, I feel like I can make my own for a lot less and my results are the same.
Susan
Homeroad
I use the AS chalk paint occasionally, but it’s not perfect. And the price is hard to justify. I make my own and love the results. I’ve written several detailed tutorials. You might want to give it a try!
I think your desk looks wonderful! I went on a French Furniture painting course and got some great tips. This type of painting the painting itself is the super easy bit, it’s the major prep before. You have to sand and when you think you have finished sanding sand some more. The sanding takes a day, the painting takes 30 mins.
I never prime either – it needs to go straight onto the bare wood to get the best effect (water based paints only properly stick to keyed wood, oils based paints can key in themselves). I have never used Annie Sloane paint, but the Farrow and Ball estate emulsion is just as good according to our instructor and gives a lovely chalk finish too.
I made my own version of chalk paint and it was a success, but I’ve never used the real thing so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. You can find the recipe on my blog in the post, A Little Redo with Homemade Chalk Paint.
Your desk turned out lovely.
i have never used the ascp either, so i have no thoughts on it except for the cost. before i spend that much on it, i will try the home recipe that is 1/3 plaster of paris mixed in a little water (smooth out the lumps) to 2/3 paint. i understand that this is a very good recipe. i thank you for your honesty in using ascp. we cannot get it here, locally, so i would have to request it from a dealer and pay the shipping on it. not crazy about doing that either.
i am going to try the plaster of paris with paint and will let you know how that works for me….
thanks again, marianne….an honest review is most helpful….the desk is so lovely…..i love the lines of it and you did a great job!
Ok this was nice to hear for a change…I have read so many blogs praising ASCP and have used it twice myself on a vintage dresser and night stand. I can honestly say that I did not like the end result. I felt each piece lacked depth and an overall eye-appealing “richness.” I believe this paint is so loved because of the promotion-”no need to strip or sand.” Who doesn’t want less labor! However, I swear by latex and no primer….let the natural wood shine through, add a wash of stain and finish with a wax….gorgeous luminous results! ASCP fell flat for me!
Thanks so much for the honest review. I’ve also heard so much about ASCP that I was beginning to wonder if I should try it, especially because of ‘no need to strip or sand’ promotion! I’ll stick with sanding, latex, and sometimes a primer. Thanks again for the heads-up!
Thanks for the honesty! I too tried ASCP with mixed results. I was even disappointed with a few pieces. Many friends have raved about their homemade chalk paint so I think it’s time for a
try myself!
Kathleen
Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}
I also enjoyed reading your honest review.
For many years I painted furniture and sold it from my home. When I read about ASCP, like many I was curious. My first purchase was online, since I now have a dealer nearby.
I have had excellent results. My first attempt was painting my daughters bedroom furniture in Paris Gray. seeing the pics of your experience, I almost wonder if you got a bad can of paint. It seemed very thin.
The next project was our guest room. I painted all the furniture in Duck Egg Blue and trim in Country white.
I just today painted a suitcase in the new pink, Antionnette.
I purchased a can of old white with plans on painting my bed, and some of the other pieces in duck egg and a vanity in the Antoinnette.
I have rheumatoid arthritis, so sanding etc… is an action of the past:( ASCP does save time. Is it expensive? Yes.
But, 1 can painted an entire bedroom set. When I looked at it that way, I could explain the cost a little better.
One of the pieces I plan on painting has a glossy coating on it. It will be interesting to see, if the ASCP will work on this piece.
thought my experience has been good, I STILL very much appreciate reading an honest review. AND, I am ABSOLUTELY saving the recipe for making your own. Wish I knew about it sooner
I love to see another view of this amazing product. I have one small table, it was highly varnished before I painted it. Everything worked great…except, I went over the top to even out a spot, and ruined the finish. Probably should sand it down and do it again, one day.
It is true that everyone is raving about the paint, and it it remarkable, but it’s also good to hear a honest review of another user. Did you try to contact AS? and let them know the difficulties you have been having? I vaguely remember seeing something about bleed through on a blog.
The reason I love it so much is that I have such severe allergies, and really can’t use any of the paints on the market, but the odourless ASCP is OK for me to use. The wax is a little iffy, but if I use gloves, and lots of ventilation then I am OK. Yes it’s expensive, but it goes so much further then other paints.
I have yet to try the homemade version, and am looking forward to seeing how that works.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I appreciate the honest Pros and Cons.
BTW, the yellowing you speak of…actually looks like really amazing shabby chic. Now, if you are looking for a smooth finish, that would be frustrating. I get that. But, just want to reinforce that your items are beautiful.
~ Dana
You make me laugh, “I am ducking.” I read somewhere online that you can make your own chalkboard paint by adding I think 2 tablespoons chalk powder to a cup of paint. That most be the same as the gal adding the plaster of paris (thanks, ’cause I didn’t know what chalk ppowder would be).
Could you prime the piece first and avoid the brush marks and staining?
SO nice to hear a really balanced review — so many of them are gushing in praise, but it all sounded a little too good to be true to me. And when there were adhesion problems, people would just gloss over it, saying it “added to the distressed look.” I’ve been planning to try the homemade version, but I’m also fond of my primer, especially if I want a really hard-wearing surface or a non-distressed surface.
Anyway — your desk is gorgeous and I love hearing about what you’re up to!
~Angela~
I just spent a great deal of time on your lovely blog. I enjoyed my visit so much, and I am happily following along with linky followers. Hmmm… just wondering when you can bring the desk over, giggle. Hugs and Happy Wednesday. P.S. I hope you will stop by and say hello and enter the latest giveaway too.
Welcome to my blog! And no, you can’t have my desk, that is a keeper. But I get your envy
I often feel the same when I am visiting other peoples homes via their blog. Isn’t this blogging thing fun!
P.S> I appreciated this review too!
I enjoyed your review…. The yellow that you see coming through the paint is the natural die (tannins) of the wood coming through. It doesn’t matter how many coats of ANY paint you put on the piece…they will bleed through. When that happens, STOP painting. Get yourself a can of CLEAR Shellac. Spray or brush on the shellac and then paint your piece. You won’t see the yellowing afther that. Shellac will also take out ‘smoke’ smell or ‘moth’ smell if you pick up a piece to restore. It’s your friend!!! Be sure to take the piece outside when you use the shellac as it is very smelly. Also…another tip, before you paint anything, particularly a piece with a shiny finish, use TSP to clean, then Simple Green. It will make the application of your paint, so much better.
As an experienced decorative painter for over 25 years…I have to say I love ASCP! If your expecting it to look and act like any other paint your used to using…it may come up short. I for one LOVE and want the brush strokes to show, all the better for the wax to collect and show interest & age in. It is not a stain killer though…so if tannins or marks are bleeding through as they will with any paint that does not have a stain block built in, either hit them with a stain killing primer like Kilz, or put a layer of the clear wax over the stain to seal it and keep on painting. Like most paints, a second coat will usually cover irregularities and streaks. I even like Chalk Paint when it gets thick…the more texture in the painting.
I am going to try one of the many recipes online for chalk paint, just to cut costs and add more to my color palette. I just had to throw my 2cents in the mix for those of you who haven’t tried it yet…it’s wonderful to work with…give it a try. Not to mention the ease of getting right in to a paint project without all the tiresome prep work that used to be involved?
Yeah I guess it is all in the expectations. Now that I know what to expect I am sure I’ll have more fun painting with it next time.
thank you! I haven’t had the success with it either. Bleed through, cracking off when it dries, etc and always the response from AS is, “…I’ve never had anyone report these problems…” I don’t believe it. And the ‘fixes’ suggested don’t work. I think the hype has taken over and people gloss over the fact that it doesn’t always perform.
I have made chaulk paint at home with grout and Flat paint. I just got Annie Sloans Paint and painted my kitchen table it is 100 time better than the home made chaulk paint. Her paint does cost a lot but my table is beautiful and worth every penny. I did not have the problems you had. The paint covered wonderful and no paint brush marks. You have to use a different type of paint brush than water based paints. I love this paint and will be going back to get more colors. Can’t wait to paint more pieces of furniture. Annie Sloan paint has a lot of steps you must take that is so different than other paints I have used but I fallowed all the steps and had no problems. I have painted 5 pieces with the home made Chualk paint and I wish I would have just spent the money and got the real deal. The pieces look good but not beautiful like my kitchen table. I hope this helps Have a great day.
Make your own chalk paint at home with 2 parts flat latex paint, 1 part plaster of paris… the plaster is cheap…. if a little on the thick side just add some water… you want a pancake batter consistency… works great no priming needed.
I was SO glad to read this. I have a desk in my garage right now freshly painted with ASCP and the same thing happened to me with the varnish dissolving and showing thru!! I have done several other pieces with this paint and have not had this happen so it was a bit of a shock. Of course this has to happen on my first BIG piece. Grrr. I guess I wil just do what you have done and distress and somehow make it work.
A couple of things I have found that have helped me although it may not be “correct” in the ASCP world
- if you are doing a large flat surface, use a palm sander to smooth the finish and it will be a LOVELY feel to it- SO smooth and soft.
- personally, I use a small rolling brush as well as my bristle brush when I’m painting to smooth out flat surfaces. Once you sand afterwards, it will end up very smooth. I know you’re not supposed to use a roller but I find it helps with all those brush strokes.
- first coat is scary…..and always looks awful…. second coat and you can start to breath again.
- once you’ve painted at least 2 coats, sanded, waxed and buffed…. you will probably love the result no matter what. Getting there is a bit of a journey.
Thank you again for sharing your experience. I feel SO much better.
Is chalk paint like chalkboard paint? Can you write on it and erase it?
I would like to know also if chalk paint is like chalkboard paint. And I am also wondering…why not just use flat paint. Is it because you have to sand first? It doesn’t take much to sand something. I recently painted a mirror frame with white flat ceiling paint and it turned out beautiful.
No Chalk paint is not Chalkboard paint. Two different things.
Chalk paint goes on differently than regular paint, with a nice matte finish. And it distresses particularly well. It is great for old pieces, or pieces you want to give an old look. I have painted stuff with ceiling paint too. Works great. It all depends on the project, and the look you want I guess.
I read your post about the chalk paint. I have been painting for years and just recently friended a chalk paint user and “diva”. Your quote about the paint being irregualr and stripy. My thought on this would be to try adding a little splash of “Flotrol”. This is for latex/washable paints and prevents the “stripy”. It may go on the furniture that way but the flotrol will allow the paint to “lay” down smooth as it dries. No stripes, streaks, etc. This of course is just an opinion and may not hurt to try on your next large piece of furniture. I enjoy your blog very much and admire your talents and sharing your travels.
Good idea. I might try it one time.