How To Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint And Wax – Oh, I’m so excited! This morning we’ll be talking about my favorite subjects: Annie Sloan furniture painting and chalk paint.
This topic has been going on for a long time. It’s been a while since I promised you a post on why I love chalk paint. So, without any further delay…
How To Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint And Wax
All I can say is I’m so excited again?!? Some of these tips are very simple. I hope you like them. Grab a coffee or tea and let’s get started.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, read our disclosure policy here. If you purchase something through a link there is no extra cost but I do receive a percentage. Thank you for supporting our blog in this way.
1. Before using the paint, leave the can upside down for about 30 minutes (Annie’s tip) then shake well. You have to make sure that the colors are mixed well and all the magic is distributed evenly.
2. Preparation. I know Annie Sloan wasn’t ready. But my good friend and local supply Nancy Chase recommends doing a little preparation, especially if you’re doing any painting for a client. This trick will really save you time and paint. When preparing the furniture I washed it with mineral spirits. Rubbing alcohol and hot water generally do not require scrubbing or priming. If the surface is shiny you may want to sand it a bit with a sanding block. Sometimes I use two coats of clear shellac to keep the stain from bleeding through. I do this mostly on custom pieces or anything that might bleed. For clean lacquer, wipe with a clean cloth and let dry for 15 minutes between coats.
Why Would I Use Annie Sloan Paint On My Kitchen Cabinets
I know what you’re thinking: Hmmm, really prep work? I found that these steps saved me a lot of time and paint. Especially when I end up with bloody stains after two coats.
3. Brushes Brushes are very important. You want to make sure you get the right thing for the job. I like the Purdy XL slides and I also like the Annie Sloan brush because it holds a lot of color and gives a hand-drawn look showing the brush strokes.
Between coats – I put the brushes in a zip lock bag. This is a tip I learned from Amy Chalmers of Mason Decor (also provided by Anne Sloan).
Annie Sloan Techniques
Cleaning – Wash with soap and water. For Annie’s brushes, I like to use my husband’s Paul Mitchell conditioner (shh, don’t tell him), it makes them feel softer. Sleek and new!
4. Paint – Annie’s paint is thicker than latex paint. And that’s why it provides excellent coverage. Typically the piece is made in 1 1/2 layers. The paint dries very quickly!
Paint may thicken when exposed to air. It’s a quality of color because you can use a technique called impasto. I usually pour the paint into a small cup and cover it with saran wrap if you paint from a can and it gets thick. You can add water.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint…. It’s Not Just For Furniture (paint All The Things!)
5. Colors – I love Annie’s colors. Especially its blue and neutral colors. It has its roots in the historical colors of Europe. For more information about the colors he sees in France, Italy and England, see: Please see this site and his new book.
Its colors can be used as is or you can create custom colors. Spice it up with antique white or pure white. (for a more modern look) or mix different colors together. Their workbooks are great for sketching out ideas with your fingers and mixing colors on the page.
6. Waxing – I get a lot of questions about waxing at Annie’s Tours and various classes in Boston. The soft wax is amazing. It has less chemical content and is easy to use. Beeswax is similar to Crisco and you only need a little bit of it.
Annie Sloan Clear Waxing Tips & Tricks
You only need a small amount of wax. I think in our culture, more exercise will make you lose weight. More money will make you happier, etc. But with wax. less more. Annie told us to think of applying the wax as if we were applying hand lotion. Add a little at a time and mix until absorbed.
When using wax I used a wax brush to press the paint on. Then remove the excess with a thin white cloth. I use a wax brush. But you can use a cloth or gauze to apply the wax. Using a cloth or waxed cloth will help you know how much wax you have used. (Especially if you’re new to waxing.)
Dark wax adds dimension and vintage quality. To make this easier I usually mix dark wax with clear and mineral spirits. Always apply a little clear wax to the surface first.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Colors With Painted Furniture Examples
7. Clear wax removal: If you add too much dark wax. You can use clear wax to remove dark wax.
Annie says you can apply multiple coats at a time. But I usually apply one coat and wait 24 hours for the wax to sink into the paint. especially during summer
8. Finish: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint dries matte and has a chalk-like finish. But what if you want a glowing effect? You can wipe it with a clean cloth. I like to wear crisp white t-shirts. Be sure to wait 24 hours after the last layer of wax before buffing. Because the cloth will stick to the sticky wax. If you wax, leave it on. Even months later, you can still polish it and make it shine.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Emperors Silk
9. What can you paint with chalk paint? The paint has amazing quality that sticks to virtually any surface. You can paint wood, plastic, metal, glass… I even painted a pumpkin! It has never cracked or broken (inadvertently damaged) on any surface I have applied it on. I’ve painted hundreds of ASCP pieces and only had a problem with a white bunk bed from Pottery Barn. I’ve heard from other people about the issue with Pottery Barn furniture, even after washing, sanding, coating the furniture and applying 4 coats of shellac and Annie Sloan chalk paint, the paint doesn’t stick, so no, I would do that Never paint Pottery Barn again, it’s too disappointing!!!
10. Concern: What if I only paint one color and there is wood underneath? I like to use a wet cloth to clean furniture. This eliminates the worry of sandpaper scratching the wood and gives amazing results.
The wet brush method allows you to achieve two-tone colors with more control. (If you have lumps underneath or ugly discoloration)
Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
11. Additional Techniques Part of what makes Annie Sloan’s chalk paints so great are all the techniques you can do and create with them: washing, waxing, gilding, big cracks or small cracks. Modern and simple decor the list goes on and on. And I could dedicate an entire post to it. (or more) for each technology. I try to include technical tutorials in all my projects. If you want more information please see the before and after page.
If you want more information about chalk paint, check out the Annie Sloan webpage here and the new Annie Sloan Chalk Paint site. I would really recommend taking a class with your local dealer. There’s nothing like hands-on learning! Annie Sloan Unfolded has a list of retailers on its website.
If you have any questions about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or would like some advice, please email me
Techniques & Tips
Disclosure: I am not an affiliate of Annie Sloan or Annie Sloan Unfolded, I just love her colors and want to spread the love!
Since writing this post three years ago, I published my first ebook in June 2016. In this eBook I have combined everything I know about furniture painting and faux decor techniques into over 150 pages. Click here to learn more about my ebook and get your copy.
Oh! Thank you to everyone who came to my open studio on Sunday. It was a very positive day, I also had…
How To Use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint And Decoupage For A Bedroom Facelif
I think it’s no secret that I love coffee, I love it, I love it, I love it. In fact, I think it’s what’s motivated me this entire week – starting with the WHOLE30. doing…
Today I’m sharing the wardrobe I painted for my sweet little Connor. She’s so quirky, she’s a real beach lover. And he said it himself:…
Via Country Living When I read this I stopped to flip through this month’s issue of Country Living (which I enjoy reading)…
Painting Cherry Furniture With Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
You all said you wanted a part 2. Today we will talk about colorful furniture. If you missed the first part about dismantling furniture, you might…
I’ve been wanting to try General Finishes Milk Paint and their top coat for a while. They sent me some samples to try… Click here to get these 2 free tips: 10 Tips + Tips from an Experienced Furniture Painter
How to use annie sloan chalk paint, where to buy annie sloan chalk paint and wax, chalk paint wax annie sloan, annie sloan chalk paint coco, where to purchase annie sloan chalk paint, where to buy annie sloan chalk paint, annie sloan chalk wax, annie sloan chalk paint retailers, annie sloan white chalk paint, how to wax annie sloan chalk paint, graphite annie sloan chalk paint, annie sloan chalk paint sale
