How should you use chalk paint? Offering a cleaner, more durable alternative to traditional whitewash, chalk paint gives you the country cottage look without the hassle. Thanks to its unique texture and soft matt finish, chalk paint is becoming increasingly popular with people who love a lived-in look. Based on traditional lime washes, chalk wall paint is a bit different to what you may be used to, so if you’d like to find out how to use chalk paint properly and get the result you want, read on.
Chalk paint looks great, but it’s also practical. Rooms like kitchens, basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms can be a nightmare for most paints, as the changing temperatures and moisture levels can cause bubbling and flaking. Chalk paint is the answer to these problems. As well as coping with fluctuating levels of moisture and temperature, chalk paint is especially effective in rooms with porous stone walls.
We find that organic chalk paint captures the antique charm of the washed look, while its slight bactericidal effect makes it ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms. Available in white for a traditional whitewash look, chalk paint can also be tinted to the colour of your choice, letting you get the distinctive finish of chalk paint without compromising on your personal style.
Once you’ve selected your paint, the first stage in using chalk paint is to prepare your surface. If you’re painting bare stone or a new wall, then it couldn’t be simpler. Just apply your chalk paint with a brush or roller and allow to dry. However, if you’re painting over existing paint, make sure you give your walls a good rub with rough sandpaper to create a surface texture that the paint can bind to.
While you’re painting, you may notice that chalk paint looks thin or even transparent. Don’t worry, This is due to the way the paint is mixed, and as it dries, it will become more opaque.
After 24 hours, your chalk paint should be fully dry, leaving you with a beautiful matt-finish, whitewashed look that’s easy to care for. All you need to do if your chalk paint becomes scuffed or dirty is rub gently with fine sandpaper until the stain disappears. Make sure you don’t sand too much, though, or you’ll expose the wall beneath.