

UPDATED (ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MAY 1, 2020 10:58 AM)
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When it comes to refinishing furniture or cabinets, chalk paint—originally developed by British artist Annie Sloan—is the way to go for a “shabby chic” look. The paint leaves items with an appealing, ultra-matte finish, often in a matter of hours. Chalk paint is the preferred medium for creating a vintage effect, transforming ordinary looking tables and dressers into objects with charm and character. To give your home an antique-y feel, pick up a pint of chalk paint and get to work. The results may encourage you to pursue further home improvement projects.
1. Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint
Available in 25 shades, this product can do almost any chalk paint job. It works for most surfaces and includes built-in primer, wax, and top coat, streamlining the process of getting a true chalk-paint finish. You’ll save plenty of time and energy with this paint, but bear in mind that it may still take up to three coats and several hours of to achieve the desired velvety look and rich color.
2. Chalked Country Paint
Made by Chalked Country Paint, this product comes in an array of shades, including Blooming Peony, Coastal Blue, Baked Clay, Green Pasture, Old Burgundy, that may inspire you to go beyond the ordinary. But no matter how ambitious your project, simple directions on the jar will ensure perfect results. The paint goes on to surfaces smoothly, and a small amount will go a long way. And because it’s also tough as nails, there’s no need to worry about damage or chipping after your pieces are dried and finished.
3. Rust-Oleum Interior Chalked Paint
The deep opacity of this paint sets it apart. That means less layers and a richer tone. As bonuses, Rust-Oleum’s paint has low odor and dries quickly so you can complete your project with ease.

4. Renaissance Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint
Renaissance specializes in furniture paint meaning they’ve focused their paint formula to avoid the common pitfalls of painting uneven surfaces. The paint is of a thickness that self-levels, meaning less pools and drips. The nontoxic, eco-friendly paint doesn’t smell. If it doesn’t suit your needs, the brand’s customer service is accessible and responsive.

5. Shabby Chic Chalk Based Furniture Paint
No primer is needed when using this top-of-the line chalk paint on your chairs, tables, bookshelves, dressers, and more. You can find this paint in classic tones like winter grey, antique silver, anthracite, and a lot more. Conveniently, you can use this product both indoors and outdoors, accommodating all your furniture painting needs. What’s more, these paints don’t have any intrusive odors that can interrupt your creative process. Since a little of this paint goes a long way, you’ll have plenty left over for more projects after your first painting job. Once you dry and sand your pieces, they’ll come out looking like one-of-a-kind antiques.