Top 4 Chalk Paints
Best Color Options: FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint Most Eco-Friendly: Country Chic Chalk-Style Paint Best Coverage: Rust-Oleum Matte Interior Chalked Paint Most Customizable: Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint
Best Color Options: FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint
Available in over 50 colors, this FolkArt chalk paint allows homeowners to select an option that best suits their furniture. Because it comes in an eight-ounce canister, this paint works best for small projects, such as painting plant pots.
Key Features
Comes in an eight-ounce can Available in over 50 colors Can be used on wood, metal, ceramic, terracotta, canvas, and other surfaces
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked that the paint color they received matched the photos of the color on the product page. However, some reviewers said that the packing process needed more care, as multiple customers received damaged products.
Most Eco-Friendly: Country Chic Chalk-Style Paint
This chalk paint from Country Chic has an eco-conscious formula free of phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and solvents to provide DIYers with a safe way to decorate their furniture. It’s also rated for indoor and outdoor use, making it a safer option for areas in your yard where kids and pets play.
Key Features
Comes in a 16-ounce can Available in three sizes and over 40 colors Can be used on furniture
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who loved this paint praised its matte finish, which gave their furniture a rich color without needing multiple coats. However, some dissatisfied customers said that the paint was easy to chip.
Best Coverage: Rust-Oleum Matte Interior Chalked Paint
This Rust-Oleum chalk paint is designed for DIYers who want a quick-dry paint that can add an antique look to a variety of home furniture. Each coat takes only 30 minutes to dry, allowing you to finish painting furniture with multiple coats in a few hours. Plus, one can can cover up to 150 square feet, which is enough for several pieces of furniture.
Key Features
Comes in a 30-ounce can Available in over 10 colors Provides 150 square feet of coverage Can be used on wood, ceramic, metal, and other surfaces
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked this paint’s versatility, which allowed it to be used on almost any surface, including brick and wood. However, dissatisfied customers complained that the recommended top coat that kept the paint from peeling caused the white paint to turn yellow.
Most Customizable: Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint
This chalk paint from Retique consists of an indoor- and outdoor-safe formula that emits little odor and dries in under 30 minutes for a quick and simple paint job. You can customize the paint to meet your needs with over 40 color options and three size options.
Key Features
Comes in a 32-ounce can Available in three sizes and over 40 colors Can be used on furniture
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers were impressed that the paint didn’t leave an odor behind after application. However, unhappy customers complained that the paint required multiple coats to dry without streaks.
Buyer’s Guide
Before deciding on a can of chalk paint, consider the following four factors.
Quantity
Most chalk paint comes in 32-ounce containers, though some brands offer paint in a variety of sizes. For example, the Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint comes in three sizes to match your painting needs.
Color Offerings
Chalk paint is meant to add a decorative and rustic look to surfaces, which is why most brands offer a variety of color options. For example, the FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint offers over 50 color selections.
Coverage
A chalk paint’s coverage refers to the amount of square footage it can coat. Most offerings cover up to 100 square feet per quart, though some paints, such as Rust-Oleum’s 30-ounce chalk paint, can cover up to 150 square feet.
Formula
Some chalk paints make do without the common additives found in most water-based paints. For example, the Country Chic Chalk-Style Paint has a phthalate- and formaldehyde-free formula, making it safer for the environment and you.
What’s the difference between chalk and regular paint?
While chalk paint is water-based like many regular paints, it contains a matte finish that covers cracks and blemishes with ease. Additionally, chalk paint typically has a thicker consistency that’s less likely to drip down surfaces.
How do I apply chalk paint?
Many DIYers select chalk paint because of its simple application, which usually doesn’t require sanding or priming. When you’re using chalk paint, a quick cleaning of the surface is usually all that’s required before applying it with a paintbrush or roller.
Do I need to wax my chalk paint after application?
While a wax coating isn’t necessary after applying chalk paint, adding a protective layer of wax shields the chalk paint from normal wear and tear.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
