Our Favorite Chalk Paints

Maybe it’s time to see what all the fuss about chalk paint is about and repaint that old bureau or revitalize that tired-looking outdoor furniture. You just might discover a new hobby or an inner Monet you never knew. Here are our favorite chalk paints for all your projects.

A new twist

One coat and you’re done. Remember we’re not going for perfection, we want a worn and vintage look. We love that this chalk paint covers metal, glass, and wood for all your projects. This perfect shade, Serenity Blue, is a latex paint so you can use soap and water at clean-up. The soft ultra-matte paint is also easy to distress. If you want a custom look, let the paint completely dry, then use some sandpaper on the raised places to make it look “naturally” worn. Give it a try and have some fun adding a new twist to your old furnishings.

Hardly any odor

Cabinets and wooden furnishings don’t need sanding or priming before chalk painting. Just make sure the surfaces are clean for a nice smooth finish. We like the convenience of being able to use this paint indoors. It’s 100 percent acrylic with no VOCs – volatile organic compounds – and hardly any odor. It’s also hypo-allergenic so everyone can help with the painting projects. The dark denim Black Indigo tone looks great on larger furnishings like buffets, dining tables, and entertainment hutches.

Primer and topcoat built-in

We love that this eco-friendly chalk paint doesn’t have any harsh chemicals. It’s safe for kids’ furnishings and their toys, and certified by European Toy Safety Standards. This durable paint is made with chalk, clay, and minerals. The sturdy chalk paint is suitable for furniture and crafts both indoor and outdoor. The natural materials help the paint glide on and stick well so you get high-quality results.

Blast away

We like how this paint sticks to everything. Finished and raw woods, metals, glass, bricks, and even cement. Just mix it with water if you want to use it as a fabric stain. All you need is a clean surface and this paint will do the rest. It’s easy to get a silky texture because this paint isn’t lumpy but serves up a smooth finish. This feature makes it especially easy when using the paint on fabric or soft furnishings. Of course, you can also use a brush, or get one of the specially designed Chalky Chicks natural bristle brushes, for the serious artist.

Delicate touch

We love the quality of this acrylic chalk paint from the Plaid company. It adheres to lots of surfaces, including wood and metal, plaster, canvas, and terracotta. Don’t worry about stripping and priming your furniture before using this chalk paint. Non-toxic and safe, just apply it to a clean surface. Also great for combining chalk-painted plaster and terracotta pots in your patio or outdoor living area.

Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Cyndi recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat.