How to Antique and Distress Wood with Chalk Finish Paint
Chalk finish paint is an easy and stylish way to improve your furniture, frames and more. Not to be confused with chalkboard paint, it is a latex paint with a fine powder added to the mix that creates a unique matte finish. Any brushstrokes and imperfections become a part of the look. Learn how to antique and distress wood with chalk finish paint in this Lowe’s video:
Because applying chalk finish paint is different than applying other types of paint, practicing on a scrap board first is essential. Chalk finish paint dries fast, so you’ll have to move more quickly.
The most popular application for chalk finish paint is furniture. You can create a beautiful matte finish or go an extra step and create a stylish distressed look.
- To create a solid color, apply paint with a brush and paint all crevices and cracks. Once dry, repeat with a second coat.
- To create a distressed look, you will need two different colors. Apply the base coat first, covering the furniture completely. Then dip your brush into the second color and dab the paint into a rag until the brush is mostly dry. Dry brush the second color onto the furniture, highlighting the raised areas. Once both coats are completely dry, use sandpaper or a scrubbing pad to lightly distress the raised areas and corners. Finish the piece with paste wax for protection.
Chalk finish paint is a great way to bring new life into a tired old picture frame or mirror. Begin by taping the mirror or glass, then paint using one or more colors. When the paint is completely dry, apply a clear soft wax to protect the paint. Brush it on, then wipe off the excess with a lint-free cloth. For a vintage look, use a dark wax on top of that, applied in the same way. The dark wax will stay in the crevices and give it a subtle aged, distressed feel. Once the wax is dry, you can sand the raised areas for a more worn look. Then add another coat of clear wax.
You can make your own version of chalk finish paint by mixing 1 cup of paint with 1/3 cup cool water and 1/3 cup plaster of Paris and stirring it until smooth. The plaster of Paris will lighten the paint color, so plan accordingly.
