NO Chalk Paint Used HERE

     By now you've heard of the product "chalk paint"  You may have even had a piece or two that was finished with chalk paint, which is the main reason I've chose to write this blog. 

     Chalk paint is a product you can buy in many places.   It's on store shelves, and there are small home based businesses mixing their own, and selling it in ball jars *eye roll*  
Chalk paint is targeted more towards the person that will be painting on a tarp, in their living room.  It promises no prep work before painting.  Technically you could use any paint and not prep, but you'll always have the same result.  Pieces that aren't sanded, and prepped properly,  before painting will always shed their finish.   Again, this is my main reason for writing this blog.  I DO NOT, nor will I ever use chalk paint of any kind.  In short, it's basically a  flat paint that people are putting on without proper prep, WHY?  The only thing I can guess, is that it's just a silly trend.

     It's a product that is NOT geared for the end user,  but more for the hobbyist re-finisher.   It's greatly overpriced, and will require maintenance for the course of it's life.  It will need waxing, and the frequencies I've read are any where from 1-6 months.  So stock up on the wax, which is also very costly, you're going to need it.  In addition to no prep, it's also loved in the shabby chic community because it easily chips or sands off for distressing,  that alone should tell you it's not going to hold up.

     The "chalk paint look" can easily be achieved by using any flat paint, made for the surface you'll be painting.  You never want to use a wall latex on furniture!  Whats more,  mixing in some plaster of paris or baking soda, with your wall latex, will not help your cause.  This is evidently common practice/s among some selling paint in ball jars *eye roll*  Lets leave the chemistry up to the chemists, shall we !

     So, I hope this answers all your questions.  There literally isn't a day that goes by,  that I don't have to answer the question "Do you use chalk paint?"

     NO, I do not use chalk paint, I use professional products, by Sherwin Williams !  Yes, they're a bit harder to work with, but that's what separates the professionals from the hobbyists !  My job is harder, but your piece with have the longevity you're looking for.  It's a common principle in many industries,  demand quality, professional products no matter where you are shopping!