How to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax

If you have spent any time at all on Pinterest you've likely heard the term "chalk paint" thrown around quite a bit. Today I'm here to show you exactly what that is and how to use it.

The first benefit of using chalk paint is that you do not have to do any prep work besides a quick cleaning to your piece. This is a HUGE time saver. The fact that you don't have to mess with sanding and priming is a major bonus especially when you're a busy mom which I know a lot of you are.

First off, remove the hardware! and put everything in a ziploc bag so you don't lose them when you get interrupted 5927 times since you're painting during summer.... and your kids need 500 snacks a day. Just mine? mmkay. moving on..

Go ahead and clean your piece, give it a good wipe down with soapy water. You don't need to sand or fuss but you do need a clean work surface free or dust and dirt.

First off let's talk brushes, you've probably seen the speciality brushes when you went to go pick up your paint at the store but you really don't need to run out and buy those. I started with a good

angled brushes or a chalk paint brush. I now prefer my chalk paint brush but it's not absolutely necessary, however, at $14...and free 2 day shipping...its not a huge hit to the pocketbook!

I just love how it moves and how well it covers. it just makes projects go much easier. You're going to paint on your surface start on the outside and work your way in. Chalk paint dries really quickly so keep a wet edge and work from there. It WILL positively look awful after the first coat if you're using white paint, white is hard to cover, especially this new white color, so heads up but just keep going! Get your surface completed then let it dry at least 2 hours. The good thing is that chalk paint dries quickly like I mentioned before so you don't have to wait forever and a day to get your project finished up!

After you have your coats on you want to sand down. I use 400 grit sandpaper and just sand lightly! You'll feel the difference really quickly. If you need a refresher on sandpaper and what grit goes with what check out this post I wrote here.

The next step is the waxing, This part can be intimidating for some but it's truly easy!! This is for clear wax. All you do is dip into the wax a little bit with a old t shirt or rag and just push it into the paint as you wipe it on, wipe on and off, it's really quite simple!.

<---dip into it but just grab a little. A little goes a long way!

After that you need to let it dry 24 hours and then come back and buff. If you're doing anymore than 2 pieces of furniture you're going to want to invest in THIS. It's a buffing attachment that goes onto your drill and is amazing!! You'll get it all buffed to a gorgeous shine in no time!!! You just run it over everywhere you waxed the day before and it's buffs to a beautiful glossy finish!

And that's it! You finish up you're project and share it with the world! It's really easy I promise! Don't overthink it! Just dive in and go for it! It's JUST paint you guys, if its awful, you just start over, but it won't be awful...promise!! Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Happy painting!

xoxo,

Sarah