Whenever anyone asks me if I use chalk paint and if I recommend it, I always feel obligated to let them know about the price. Just one quart of chalk paint runs you around $40. I pay a few cents over $40 when buying Annie Sloan chalk paint once the tax is added, and for CeCe Caldwell’s Paints I spend a couple dollars less than that. Either way, it’s not cheap.
If you’re only painting one piece, you may be better off buying a couple sample sizes, which are still kind of pricey, but will save you some money. If you’re getting into this furniture painting business, this is what you can expect to get out of 1 quart of chalk paint.
I bought a quart of Annie Sloan Paris Grey, and I was able to paint all this:
First I painted this bedroom set which consists of a dresser (with mirror), a chest of drawers, and a night stand.
Then I painted this bedroom set which consists of a dresser (with a mirror that isn’t pictured) and chest of drawers.
Then I painted another nightstand which is the middle left nightstand below.
Next I painted another dresser with a mirror. (Yes, with the same quart of paint.)
And finally I scraped from the bottom of the can to paint this headboard.
If you lost count that’s:
- 3 dressers with mirrors
- 2 chest of drawers
- 2 night stands
- 1 headboard
That’s EIGHT pieces of furniture. And not just tiny pieces either. That is just an average of $5.00 per piece of furniture. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.
So next time you wonder if it’s worth it to try out the chalk paint, just make sure you have quite a bit to paint, and it will definitely be worth the price. And if you’re looking for a the best paint brush for chalk paint, you can read about my favorite here.
UPDATE: I don’t actually use chalk paint for painting furniture anymore, and this is why.
How to Transform Your Furniture with Specialty Furniture Paint - My Breezy Room
Tuesday 3rd of October 2023
[…] Chalk paint is a mix of powder such as Plaster of Paris or calcium carbonate. It is known for its ability to adhere to almost any material or finish. It dries to a chalky matte finish and requires waxing or sealing to preserve the finish. […]
Lois Hamme
Tuesday 6th of September 2016
Can I really do a long dresser, mirror tall dresser, night stand headboard, footboard with just 1 quart of chalk paint, being you would need 2 coats, and not sand,pieces are not real wood? Thanks for your help
Kala
Thursday 8th of September 2016
I mean it really depends on how thick you apply it and the type of coverage you get. I was able to do that with mine, but I can't make any promises. I would totally lightly sand with a sanding block even though it isn't real wood to help the paint adhere better.
Lisa Sorrentino
Thursday 14th of April 2016
I have never used chalk paint and am going to tackle my bedroom furniture this summer. I have a king sleigh bed, dresser with mirror, 2 nightstands and an amoire (although I may not do this piece as we now don't need it. thank you for the tip on poly over wax. I am guessing when it is completely dry from chalk paint you put the poly on? Also, do you need to sand down the wood first or just apply the chalk paint? Thanks!
Kala
Thursday 14th of April 2016
Lisa, I really don't use chalk paint as much anymore. You can get the same finish and a more durable finish using flat latex paint and polycrylic. But if you're using chalk paint anyway, I'd apply the poly the next day. Sanding depends more on the condition of your wood than on the paint you use. It's always a good idea to lightly sand with a sanding sponge during the cleaning process to knock off any imperfections.
Tanecia
Monday 3rd of August 2015
Your post really helped me, thanks a million and your pieces look gorgeous! Please clarify, you prefer poly acrylic over Annie Sloan wax? I've used her paint and clear wax, just wondering if there's a more reasonable item to use in ace of the wax? Thanks for any input!
Kala
Wednesday 5th of August 2015
Yes, poly over wax every time! I personally am not a fan of wax at all. I don't think it's as easy to use as they claim, and while I know it has its place, you have to apply and buff it correctly to make it durable, plus reapply every few years or more often if it's on a heavily used piece. I prefer a clear coat.
Amy Hall
Wednesday 1st of July 2015
Hi! I was curious, would a quart of paint be enough for a loveseat? I am painting my cream fabric loveseat a medium/light gray color using Annie's chalk paint. Hoping one quarter will be enough. I know fabric takes more paint though. Do you have any idea if it would be enough?
Thanks!!
Kala
Monday 6th of July 2015
I assume a quart will be enough, but I have never painted fabric before. Sorry I'm not more help! Good luck!