I recently tried chalk paint for the first time, specifically a small sample of Annie Sloane chalk paint in the color “Emperor’s Silk.” Since many readers have asked whether chalk paint is worth trying, I wanted to share a clear, practical account of how we used it on a thrifted set of chairs and a cut-down table in our playroom.
John and I considered several color combinations before deciding on a final look for the table and the two $8 thrift-store chairs we found in West Virginia. Our shortlist included:
- red chairs with a white table
- red table with white chairs
- navy table with red chairs
- navy table with white chairs
- one red chair, one navy chair, and a red table
We finally settled on wood chairs with red backs and a white table. It felt like the right balance of bold and neutral for the playroom. The addition of the table and chairs immediately made the room more usable and inviting; once they were in the space, the kids started using them right away.
My initial plan was to pick up a small pot of red paint from the hardware store, sand, prime, and paint as I normally would. Instead, I remembered a little sample of Annie Sloane chalk paint from a conference swag bag and decided to try it. Chalk paint is popular because it typically doesn’t require sanding or priming before application, which sounded appealing for quick thrifted furniture makeovers.
Note: Chalk paint is not the same as chalkboard paint. Chalk paint produces a flat, matte finish similar to milk paint or clay paint, while chalkboard paint creates a surface you can write on with chalk.
To prepare the chairs, I wiped them down with a liquid deglosser to remove any grease or residue that might interfere with adhesion—especially important for secondhand pieces. I painted the chair backs with a short-handled angled brush for better control, free-handing the edges carefully. If you’re concerned about keeping crisp lines, painter’s tape is an option, but I found steady brushwork worked fine.
The chalk paint I used was fairly thick, offering good coverage; each chair back took about two coats and approximately ten minutes per coat. I painted in the sunroom with the sliding door open for ventilation because the paint had a noticeable odor while wet.
After a few days of drying, I checked the chairs and found the finish to be matte and chalky. When I dragged a finger across the painted surface, it left a light mark—a sign that the painted surface wasn’t fully sealed. That’s an important point: while chalk paint often eliminates sanding and priming, it generally requires a sealing step after drying. For Annie Sloane paint, that means applying Annie Sloane wax to seal and protect the surface and to add a slight sheen for everyday use.
I didn’t have a full tin of wax on hand, but a friend who had used the same paint generously offered a small amount from her leftover tin. I applied a thin coat of wax with a soft cloth (I used an old sock). Tip: apply wax sparingly; too thick a layer can make curing slower and can stay tacky over time. Buffing the wax lightly after application helps build a durable, finished surface.
So here’s the practical takeaway: chalk paint does save time by eliminating sanding and priming, but you need to account for a post-paint sealing step—usually wax or a clear topcoat—which can require an additional product and a little extra time. For my project, the trade-off was worth it for the quick color update and the charming matte finish, but it didn’t feel dramatically simpler than the traditional route of deglossing, priming, and using a durable paint finish.
For the table, the wood surface was stained and peeling along the bottom. We sanded the worn areas, applied a quick primer, and painted the table with Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White in Advance semi-gloss. We chose this paint for its durability—Advance is formulated for cabinets and trim and holds up well to daily use.
We’re still experimenting with table placement in the room, alternating between placing it against the wall under the window and centering it on the rug. The playroom is evolving—about a third of the way to our overall plan—but adding the table and the red-backed chairs has already made the space feel more functional and inviting.
If you’re thinking of trying chalk paint: give it a shot, especially for small projects or pieces where a matte, vintage look suits the design. Just remember that sealing the paint is part of the process, and plan accordingly. Have you tried painting just a top or a back of a piece? Did you tape it off or free-hand? If you’ve used chalk paint, did you love it immediately or did it take a few tries to win you over?