More about chalk-style paint

What makes chalk-style paint different? Founder Annie Sloan answered some questions (via email) about her specific product and the genre.

Q. Why is Chalk Paint so innovative?

A. It very rarely requires any preparation, such as priming, and can be used indoors or outside, on just about any surface — wood, metal, plastic, cement, bricks, etc. It’s easy and fun and makes amazing results accessible to everyone. We have 35 colors and more on the way.

Q. Are there varieties of finishes or top coats and how are they applied?

A. Because the paint is so versatile and because we have different waxes and brushes, you can create different textures and a variety of effects with the paint — from a more contemporary and smooth finish to a textured, aged look.

Q. Is it suitable for beginning do-it-yourselfers?

A. Yes, it was created for its ease of use. The best way to get comfortable is by experimenting and playing around with the paint.

Q. How is it applied?

A. There are endless options and techniques. It can be applied directly with a brush, watered down and with a cloth, or you can use your fingers if you don’t mind getting messy. It takes an hour or two to dry, depending on the temperature.

Q. Do you have other tips on how to apply it?

A. It depends what look you're going for. One of my signature techniques is what I call the “two-color distress.” This is where you paint on two different coordinated colors as first and second coats. Once they have dried, you remove areas of the paint using sandpaper.

I recommend “distressing” areas of the piece that would naturally wear and age to give an authentic look. You also can do this with just one color and sand back to reveal the original surface. To learn more about Chalk Paint techniques, consider reading some of Sloan’s many books on decorative painting.