Annie Sloan has undoubtedly become a luminary in the paint industry. She is famously known for developing the now popular chalk paint. Annie has positioned herself as an authority and an inspiration to many painting enthusiasts. Apart from her revolutionary work as an inventor, she has also authored many painting books, one of the most renowned being The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques.
In this guide, we will be taking a more comprehensive look into Annie Sloan chalk paints. In particular, we will be looking at the types of colors available and where to buy the product for the best prices.
Make sure to read up to the end because we will be providing some exciting tips and ideas to help you achieve better results with the Annie Sloan chalk paint. There are also very helpful FAQs towards the end. But feel free to leave a comment if you have some questions we have not yet answered.
Let’s get started.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Overview
This chalk paint is a brainchild of the famed painter Annie Sloan. The product was first developed in 1990 and although it was not well-known then, it has now become a global phenomenon. A lot of other paint manufacturers are now producing them, but the product remains a trademark of Annie Sloan.
Chalk paints are known for their dreamy, matte finishes. But that’s just part of the reason why they are so popular. Unlike most paints, they are easy to use and require little preparation. The best part is that there is no need for sanding or priming before application. They are usually used with soft wax to make the finish more durable with a silky look.
Although many copycats have sprung up to develop the same product, the Annie Sloan chalk paint still stands out. It’s mostly used on furniture to give them a distressed or rustic look.
Despite its not-so-glittery look, most homeowners, DIY diehards, and even professional painters find its uniqueness classic.
The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is water-based and has low levels of VOC. It dries quickly and the range of colors available allows for customization and a touch of creativity, which is perfect for DIY enthusiasts!
It blends very well with different home decor. Whether it is bohemian, minimalist or farmhouse, there will always be a color combination to ensure the paint marries well with the general decor.
Chalk paints differ from traditional paint in the sense that there is almost a non-existent need for preparation. No tedious priming or sanding. All you have to do is clean the surface and you will be good to go. You also won’t be experiencing dripping issues like with the normal paint.
Being water-based, you can easily clean your brushes and rollers, using water instead of spirits.
Enough about the paint. Let’s move on to the most exciting part. Colors!
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Colors
Annie Sloan has an amazing collection of chalk paint colors. Although other people might still feel that it is not enough, you won’t be looking too hard for your favorite one. The good thing is that if you don’t find your preferred color in stores, you can easily achieve the desired results through a few color combinations.
In this section, we will be briefly looking at some of the colors available.
Pure
If you are using strong colors in your interiors, this pure white will make them pop out. We recommend that you use this on modern decor for classic finishes on your vintage pieces and walls. However, you will have to apply more than one coat as it has very low coverage.
This color works best in combination with others, but if you are okay with the rather weak coverage, you can use it on its own.
Old White
Use this paint to lighten other colors and give them more high-end looks. The Old White works well with most colors, but we think it looks even better with Paris Gray.
It doesn’t have any traces of yellow or pink and it’s a perfect choice for achieving a stereotypical French look.
Chicago Gray
This chalk paint represents the typical Chicago architecture. Professional painters refer to it as the modern gray because of its cool and fresh look. It has a tantalizing touch of blue and is perfect for industrial interiors or if you are looking to achieve a muted Scandinavian finish.
Paris Gray
This one works perfectly when combined with the old white. Its soft, gentle and draws its inspiration from ancient Swedish decor or French châteaux styles, so you know you are in good hands. The paint is made by combining orange and blue and is quite versatile. You can use it for different projects and still get the same amazing results.
To achieve a more vintage look, use it in combination with Cream, Old white or Primer Red.
Paloma
A combination of yellow, purple and white is rarely disappointing. Paloma is easily lovable with its elegant taupe gray finish. The color was a favorite of ancient painters and still incredibly popular with modern contemporary artists.
You can use it to achieve a soft and warm look for your interiors.
Country Gray
If you have furniture that has strong colors or have been painted severally, the Country Gray color will help give them a stylish, soft finish. This color paint is derived from raw umber pigment and works really well with other colors. It will help give your furniture a unique look, especially when used to create a distressed finish.
French Linen
The motivation for this color was drawn from aged, natural linen. Perfect for a distressed yet classic look. It’s khaki, gray and blends well with bright colors. So, you can use it in combination with Emperor’s Silk, Emile and so on.
It works great with furniture and cabinetry.
Graphite
This paint is inspired by lamp black traditional pigment. It is soft, black and perfect for a variety of modern interiors. If you think it’s too dull, you can wax it to achieve a beautiful dark-slate look.
You can use it on both walls and furniture.
Honfleur
You probably know Honfleur as some city in France. You are right. The color is inspired by the rustic looks found in the French countryside. It is rich brown and will perfectly complement bright colors. So, if you have already used such colors as Scandinavia Pink or Antibes Green, this one will make for a great addition.
Alternatively, you can use it alongside Antoinette or Duck Egg Blue pastels.
Coco
Coco is probably one of the oldest colors. It looks like Burnt Umber and is a great choice for any decorating project. It works just fine, but you can also use it as a neutral.
Primer Red
Primer Red is heavily associated with ancient cultures, from Vietnamese temples to Venetian palaces. It is a powerful color that stands out, especially when used for rustic pieces. You can also use it as a base in combination with such classic colors as Château Gray.
Burgundy
Burgundy is mostly associated with flossy lipsticks. Guess what, it also makes for a great paint color. The color which is thought to have originated from Pompeii is inspired by dark cherries. It’s a deep, warm painting gem and a great choice for adding a touch of sophistication to your furniture.
Emperor’s Silk
This is the perfect option if you are looking to add a pop of color to your cupboard’s interior. It’s a pure red color that resembles the red Chinese lacquer. You can deepen the Emperor’s Silk with a Black Chalk Paint Wax to make it more amazing.
It’s the ideal color if you are looking to revamp your kitchen. You can use it to make your cabinets and other kitchen furniture stand out.
Scandinavian Pink
Just like the Emperor’s Silk above, you can also use the Scandinavian Pink to make the interior of your cupboards stand out. This is a color that is mostly associated with traditional Swedish furniture. For best results, use it as an undercoat for pale neutrals such as the Old White.
Antoinette
This color was popularized in the 18th Century France where it was used as a wall coat. It is pale pink and was originally made by mixing red earth with white. The result was a dusky but clear look that was mostly applied to interior walls and other decorative pieces.
Emile
Emile was originally a favorite of artists, but has since become a popular staple for decorative work. It is a sophisticated aubergine color that has red undertones that give it a sense of complexity and beauty.
Emile originates from Bohemian Paris and is known to produce classic lilac tones, especially when used with the Old White.
Rodmell
Annie Sloan collaborated with Charleston to create three exclusive colors. Rodmell is one of them. The color is damson purple with a dusty look. It is said to have been inspired by the twilight shades common with Studio walls. It is now popular with creatives and DIY enthusiasts.
If you want to turn your walls from dull to classic, this color will not disappoint.
Old Violet
This color can be traced back to the 18th Century where it was inspired by popular ancient Rome colors. It achieves a beautiful and sophisticated finish on its own, but if you want to add a touch of Parisian boho, you can use it in combination with red.
Louis Blue
This is a greenish, soft blue color that is often affiliated to Swedish interiors and Rococo French. You can use it in two ways. If you want to achieve a Rococo finish, you can mix it with white. Alternatively, you can get a vintage retro aesthetic by pairing it with bright colors.
Aubusson Blue
Ever seen the blue color common with classic French Aubusson rugs? Well, that’s where this color gets its name from. It was developed sometime in the 18th century after the creation of Prussian blue.
It is the perfect color to use when looking to refurbish a classic Swedish interior.
Svenska Blue
The Svenska Blue is inspired by an ancient color used in the 17th and 18th Centuries in most Swedish manor houses. It is blue-gray and has a crisp and toned look.
It is perfect for both walls and furniture.
Duck Egg Blue
This is the very definition of Swedish and French interiors. This beautiful color was created back in the 18th century after the discovery of a true-blue pigment. To achieve the Duck Egg Blue, the blue pigment was lightened with white.
You can use it for both interior walls and furniture.
LemLem
This paint color has a very rich history. It is said that the color draws its inspiration from Ethiopia and specifically the fields of alliums. These alliums were supposedly grown by women under the sponsorship of Oxfam’s Ethiopian Seed Project. The color is soft and warm green, and perfect for creating a retro 50’s look.
Florence
Those who have seen neoclassical French and Italian interiors know this color well. It is also most commonly painted on furniture. Florence is inspired by copper green minerals and is still popular today.
You can use it to give your furniture a touch of sophistication and class.
Amsterdam Green
The development of this color was inspired by the way doors and shutters in Amsterdam were painted. To achieve a beautiful vintage look, you can use it in combination with creams, whites, yellows or earthy reds.
Alternatively, you can use it as a backdrop to Provence, Giverny, and Emile.
Antibes Green
This color is common in Ireland and Southern France, where it is used to give pieces of furniture a rustic look. It is bright green and often included in the neoclassical palette. You can also achieve the rustic look by using the Dark Chalk Paint® Wax. Alternatively, you can go for a more warehouse look by using it in combination with the Black Chalk Paint® Wax.
Firle
This is the second color developed in collaboration with Charleston. It is crisp green and mostly used to produce a zesty and fresh look. It takes after the beautiful distemper of the walls found in Clive Bell’s study.
You can use it to paint either your walls or furniture. You will love the result in both cases.
Olive
This is a traditional green paint that is popular with ancient, classical furniture and rustic country pieces. Use it for that rustic look with a touch of class and style.
Château Gray
Another color popular with French woodwork. It is grayed green and is said to have been developed when painters combined their leftover colors in an attempt to create a base color. It is the perfect option for giving the furniture a rustic, classic and original look.
English Yellow
The English Yellow needs no introduction. It is reminiscent of painted Chinese wallpaper and is said to be the first non-earthy yellow color to be developed. You can use it to give your furniture a sense of class and style.
Cream
Probably one of the most popular colors in the paint industry. It is rich and luxurious and was originally used on woodwork. You can easily achieve a vintage French look by pairing it with Paris Gray.
Old Ochre
If you have ever seen traditional French furniture and exterior doors, you will quickly identify with the Old Ochre. It is a darkened cream with a fading look to it. If you want to make it deeper with a typical Paris touch, you can use it with Dark Chalk Paint® Wax.
Tilton
Tilton was also developed in collaboration with Charleston. (Remember we mentioned earlier that there are three?). It is a deep, bright, mustard color that has been around for some time. You can use it on both furniture and walls to achieve a stylish finish.
Barcelona Orange
This color was first developed in the early 20th century. It was popularized in the 1960s where it was used for decoration. Barcelona Orange was also a favorite for most early impressionists and traditional advertisers. It can be developed into a burnt orange color by using it in combination with Black Chalk Paint® Wax.
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Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Where To Buy
Unlike most paint manufacturers, Annie Sloan aims to support small businesses by letting them sell their products. You can find the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in most independent shops which are carefully selected by the company itself. The company works solely with individual business owners.
If you want to buy the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint online, following this link.
The network of retailers (popularly known as Stockists) chosen by Annie Sloan to sell the chalk paint and other products has the following characteristics:
Hand-picked
Each Stockist has to have a unique style and taste. In fact, you’ll hardly find two shops selling similar products in the same area.
Worldwide
The network of Stockists is located in over 50 countries globally. So, there is a slim chance that you will miss one year you. Although they each have different styles, they are all passionate about the products and their work.
Trained
The Annie Sloan company has its unique method and style which it imparts to its Stockists. If you need advice on the kind of product to buy, they will promptly tell you everything you need to make an educated purchase.
Qualified
There’s a reason why Annie Sloan Stockists are carefully handpicked- they have to be qualified. Not just any other retailer can sell the Chalk Paint. So when you go to make a purchase, you can be sure that you are dealing with a professional and will receive the best service.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Ideas
The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is about capitalizing on your creativity and personal style. You can achieve a lot of different looks for different pieces with the right color combination. In this section, we will be providing a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
But first, it is important to understand how to use the Chalk Paint. It would be imprudent to assume that everyone has the facts right. So, if you are a beginner, read ahead to understand how to use the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
After that, we will show you how to apply the Chalk Paint Lacquer.
How to use Chalk Paint on your furniture
- Remove such hardware as handles before painting as they may hinder your work and will need to be cleaned afterward. You can put them back when the paint is dry.
- Clean the furniture. There is no need for sanding but if the surface has hard debris, you can do it. The paint is water-based so you can clean the surface using water and a soft cloth. No need for spirits or abrasive chemicals!
- Thoroughly stir the Chalk Paint. This will ensure uniformity and easy application.
- Dip the brush into the paint and softly apply to your furniture. Make sure to apply in every direction for the best coverage. You can also use a roller foam when applying a second coat.
- Give up to 3 hours for the first coat to dry then apply a second one using the same procedure.
- After the paint is dry, you can apply an optional wax. In this case, you can use a lint-free coat or a soft brush. Follow the procedure for applying the paint. If you are applying on a large surface, you can divide it into sections so you don’t get mixed-up and apply the same area twice.
- Remove excess wax with a lint-free cloth. Be gentle when doing this to avoid messing up the painted surface.
- The curing period takes between 15 to 30 days, but the wax should be dry and ready for use within 24 hours.
How to use Chalk Paint Lacquer
- Just like Chalk Paint, you can apply the Lacquer using either a roller or brush.
- Thoroughly mix the Lacquer before applying.
- If you are using a roller, pour some of the Lacquer into a tray or basin to make your work easier. You can do the same when using a brush or just apply directly from the tin.
- Dip the roller/brush into the Lacquer. Make sure to squash it down to offload excess lacquer (too much of it may leave an opaque look).
- Apply the lacquer onto the furniture surface in every direction.
- Work on the edges using a small brush. Make sure to wipe out any drips.
- Wait for up to two hours for the first coat to dry then apply a second one using the same procedure.
- You can start using the furniture after 24 hours from the application, but it will take up to 2 weeks for the lacquer to completely cure.
A few exciting ideas
Finally! This is the best part if you are looking for inspiration. You might have your styles and that is fine. We will be thrilled to hear about them in the comments section.
Keep in mind that your creativity matters here. The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is very versatile and you have endless possibilities with the kind of looks you can achieve.
Whether you want a distressed, rustic or a shabby chic finish or even the modern solid coverage, you will find the perfect paint.
Here are a few ideas we are excited about
- Paint the whole kitchen (including the doors) with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. A lot of customers have tried it and they loved the results.
- After painting, say your furniture, you can achieve a more distressed look by sanding the painted surface. This will expose some of the wood to give the furniture a unique vintage feel.
- You can paint over the fabric of your chair with chalk paint, then a coat of wax to give it a unique look.
- Paint your piano with your favorite chalk paint color followed by some furniture wax.
- Paint the old tile floor with the chalk paint and then stencil it to achieve a unique finish. Make sure to also use a lacquer finish for durability purposes.
- You can also get a layered finish for your favorite piece by using two different colors.
How Much is Annie Sloan Paint?
The prices may change from time to time, but at the time of writing this, most of the Chalk paints were selling at £5.95 for 120ml and £19.95 per 1 liter. That is according to the Annie Sloan website. You can visit the nearest stockist to check the latest prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to sand if you use chalk paint?
No. Chalk Paint is known for its strong adhesive power. You don’t need to prime or sand surfaces before application. You just need to dust and clean the surface and you will be good to go.
If you, however, have loose paint or other surface debris like rust, a little sanding won’t hurt.
What is the most popular chalk paint color?
Each project is unique and there is no absolute best color for all of your painting work. In that regard, it is a little bit hard to recommend a color without first understanding the specifics of your project and your unique style. But there is a solution. Visit any of the many Annie Sloan Stockists and have a chat about your project and your personal preferences. The Stockists will be able to guide you in making an informed decision.
Alternatively, you can check out the Annie Sloan’s book as it has some helpful tips and advice on working with her products and how to pick the best colors based on your project and personal preferences.
Can I paint my walls with Chalk Paint®?
Yes. The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint can be used to give those vapid walls some depth and sense of style. In fact, you can use the paint alone without any other complementary products. But if you want the color to pop even better, you can use it in combination with the Annie Sloan Soft Wax. Apply the paint with either a brush or a roller for the best coverage.
What type of brush should I use to apply Chalk Paint®?
Working with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is supposed to be easy and cost-effective. There is not a special type of brush to use, but like any other painting project, you need a high-quality brush. We recommend brushes with soft, natural bristles that are long and flexible.
If you use brushes with short or hard bristles, you might leave scratches and a lot of messy marks on your surfaces. Also, avoid floppy brushes as they are hard to work with and don’t offer satisfactory coverage.
Can I apply chalk paint on cabinets?
The Chalk Paint® decorative paint can be applied to most wood cabinetry. However, unlike traditional paint, they are not meant to offer smooth or glossy finishes. Only use when you need a rustic or distressed look on your kitchen cabinets.
Usually, there is no need to prime or sand before application, but if the cabinets are located in high traffic areas, you can either clean or do a little sanding. For example, cutlery cabinets may have some residue that needs sanding to remove.
We recommend that you apply at least two coats of paint and three coats of the soft wax for the best results.
Does Walmart sell Annie Sloan chalk paint?
Unlikely. Annie Sloan strives to support small businesses and that’s they mostly work with independent retailers. They want people that they can easily manage and train so it is unlikely that you will find the Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Walmart, which is a multinational retail corporation.
Can you use a roller with chalk paint?
Yes, you can. But we recommend you do the first coat with a soft brush, then apply the second coat using a foam roller. This will help give the painted surface a softer look.
How long does chalk paint take to dry?
It all depends on where you live and the surrounding climate. The paint will dry faster in hotter areas as compared to humid ones. But generally, it should be dry enough to use softly within 24 hours. To be on the safer side, you should give it up to 30 days so that it cures totally.
How do you clean chalk painted furniture?
It’s really easy and straightforward. All you need is a soft cloth and water. Make the cloth damp and use it to gently wipe the furniture. After cleaning, you can use another soft cloth to dry off the wetness. Then, add luster to dull surfaces using the Chalk-Tique Paste Wax.
Is chalk paint toxic?
The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has been proven to be non-toxic. It has low VOCs, its water-based and free from lead, EG, and odor.
The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is easy and exciting to use. If you are looking to take a break from conventional paints and finishes and achieve more unique and bold looks, it is the perfect product to use. Its versatility allows it to be used for different projects and achieve a range of stylish and vintage looks.
Chalk paint is highly affordable and available in more than 50 countries, so getting it is super easy.
We hope you enjoyed this guide. We are looking forward to your views, experiences and ideas on how to best use the Chalk paint.
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Sources
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/what-is-chalk-paint
https://www.thinkingcloset.com/2014/09/22/the-beginners-guide-to-annie-sloan-chalk-paint/
https://verdigreenhome.com/faq/
