Can I use chalk paint on interior walls?

Chalk paint has become a popular decorative paint option in recent years. Known for its matte finish and ability to adhere to surfaces without sanding or priming, chalk paint can transform furniture, crafts, and home decor items. But many wonder if chalk paint is suitable for larger interior painting projects like walls. Here’s what you need to know about using chalk paint on interior walls.

What is Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is a decorative paint made from calcium carbonate mixed with an acrylic resin binder. It has a very matte, velvety finish. Chalk paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, and more.

Some key features of chalk paint include:

• Does not require sanding or priming of surfaces
• Adheres to slick surfaces like glass, metal, and laminate
• Provides good coverage and hides imperfections
• Has a very matte, velvety finish
• Can be distressed to create an antique, worn look
• Available in a wide range of colors

The most popular brand of chalk paint is Annie Sloan, which offers a line of chalk paints and decorative waxes. However, there are now many other companies producing chalk paints as well. The paint can also be homemade by mixing calcium carbonate powder with acrylic paint.

Benefits of Using Chalk Paint on Walls

There are several potential benefits to using chalk paint on interior walls:

• No sanding or priming required: One of the biggest advantages of chalk paint is that it can adhere to surfaces without sanding or priming first. This makes preparation work much easier.
• Good coverage: Chalk paint provides opacity and hides imperfections well. So it can cover over existing paint colors or wall flaws.
• Matte finish: The velvety matte look of chalk paint is desirable for many. It also hides imperfections better than higher sheen paints.
• Range of colors: Chalk paint is available in a wide variety of colors from bold hues to softer neutrals. Great for adding color to a room.
• Distressing capabilities: Chalk paint can be deliberately distressed to create an aged, antique look on walls if desired.
• Non-toxic: Many chalk paints are low-VOC and non-toxic, making them safer to use in the home.

Potential Drawbacks of Chalk Paint on Walls

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when using chalk paint on interior walls:

• Not washable: Chalk paint has a matte, porous finish. This means it is prone to staining and marks. Not ideal for high traffic areas or where walls need frequent cleaning.
• Requires protective topcoat: To make it more durable for walls, chalk paint needs 1-2 coats of a protective topcoat like polyurethane or wax.
• Risk of dust: Sanding chalk paint between coats can create a lot of dust requiring extensive prep and cleanup.
• Visible brush strokes: The thick texture of chalk paint means brush strokes may be visible on walls. Spraying chalk paint can help avoid this.
• Not stain-blocking: Chalk paint does not contain stain-blocking primers so may not cover over stains as effectively as other paints.
• Prone to flashing: The matte finish can highlight imperfections. Care needs to be taken to avoid flashing on walls.

Best Surfaces for Chalk Paint on Walls

Chalk paint can work on a variety of wall surfaces, but some may be better suited than others:

• Drywall – The flat, porous surface accepts chalk paint well. Primer helps absorption.
• Plaster – Chalk paint works on new, smooth plaster. May require extra coats on old, powdery plaster.
• Brick – Provides nice texture. May require primer first for best adhesion.
• Wood paneling – A popular chalk painted surface. No need to sand or prime first.
• Concrete – Very porous and can soak up a lot of paint. Proper priming is essential first.
• Tile – Chalk paint can adhere to glazed surfaces like ceramic tile without priming.

Chalk paint is not ideal for highly glossy surfaces like laminate, enameled metal, or oil-based paints as it won’t adhere well without proper preparation.

How to Prepare Walls for Chalk Paint

Proper surface preparation is key to achieving great results with chalk paint on walls. Here are some tips:

• Clean surfaces thoroughly first to remove any dirt, grease, or flaking paint.
• Sand glossy surfaces lightly to degloss and create texture for paint to grip.
• Prime very porous surfaces like fresh drywall, plaster, or concrete first.
• Fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth when dry.
• Remove any loose wallpaper or old vinyl wall covering.
• Lightly sand existing semi-gloss or satin paints to dull the sheen.
• Spot prime any stains to prevent bleed-through.

Proper prep helps chalk paint adhere evenly to surfaces and prevents unattractive flashing on walls later.

How to Apply Chalk Paint to Walls

When ready to apply the chalk paint, follow these tips:

• Choose your color – Pick a color you love! Sample paint chips on walls to view in natural light.
• Purchase materials – In addition to paint, you’ll need paint supplies like brushes, roller, tray, painters tape, and drop cloths.
• Protect surfaces – Cover floors, baseboards, and other areas with drop cloths.
• Apply painter’s tape – Tape off trim, ceilings, and areas you don’t want painted.
• Paint in sections – Paint one section at a time, cutting in edges first with a brush then rolling paint onto section.
• Work quickly – Don’t go back over areas as chalk paint dries fast. Blend borders while still wet.
• Apply 2-3 coats – Let paint dry 4 hours between coats. Lightly sand between coats for smooth finish.
• Remove tape – Carefully remove painters tape before paint fully dries to avoid pulling paint off walls.
• Finish with protective topcoat – For washable kitchen/bath walls apply 1-2 coats of polyurethane or wax.

Going section by section, working fast, and using a roller and brush technique will provide the most seamless application on walls.

Chalk Paint Wall Techniques

Some special techniques can also be used when applying chalk paint to walls:

• Rag rolling – For a textured look, roll paint on with a dampened rag instead of a paint roller.
• Sponging – Apply chalk paint randomly with a natural sea sponge for texture.
• Spraying – Airless spraying avoids brush strokes and gives smooth coverage.
• Color washing – Dry brush thinned paint over primer or base coat in random areas.
• Stenciling – Cut stencils from painter’s tape or reusable templates for patterns.
• Distressing – After painting, intentionally rub paint off in areas for antique worn look.

Experiment with different applicators and techniques to achieve unique designer finishes on chalk painted walls.

How to Care for Chalk Painted Walls

Chalk paint has a porous, matte finish that requires some special care. Here are tips for maintaining chalk painted walls:

• Allow paint to cure fully for 30 days before cleaning walls.
• Gently wipe walls with soft microfiber cloths and mild soap and water only.
• Immediately wipe up spills and splatters to prevent stains.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrub pads, and excessive moisture.
• Use painters tape when hanging pictures or decorations to avoid peeling paint.
• Apply new coats of protective topcoat periodically when shine dulls.

With proper gentle cleaning and care, chalk painted walls can look beautiful for years.

Best Rooms for Chalk Paint Walls

Chalk paint can work in many rooms, but may be better suited to some spaces than others:

Room	Paint Suitability
Living Rooms	Good – Provides desired matte look in low traffic area.
Bedrooms	Good – Relaxed, artistic look suitable for private spaces.
Kids’ Rooms	Good – Whimsical finish great for kids’ spaces. Can be repainted frequently.
Bathrooms	Poor – High moisture levels can damage chalk paint over time.
Kitchens	Poor – Requires frequent cleaning so not ideal for food prep areas.
Hallways	Fair – Durability may be an issue in high traffic common areas.

For the best results, use chalk paint walls in low traffic, relaxed spaces where the delicate finish can be preserved and enjoyed.

Chalk Paint vs. Latex Paint for Walls

Here is a comparison between using chalk paint or standard latex wall paint on interior walls:

	Chalk Paint	Latex Wall Paint
Prep Work Required	Little to no sanding/priming needed	Typically requires priming and sanding
Application	Fast drying, 2-3 coats needed	Longer dry time, often only 1-2 coats needed
Finish	Ultra matte, velvety look	Available in multiple sheens – eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
Durability	Prone to scuffs/marks without protective topcoat	More washable finish
Price	$$$ – More expensive than regular paint	$-$$ – Wide range of prices

Chalk paint provides a decorative, matte look but requires more frequent touch-ups. Latex is more durable for high traffic spaces. Consider the needs of the room when choosing a paint.

Can You Use Chalk Paint in Bathrooms and Kitchens?

Chalk paint is not necessarily well-suited to kitchens and bathrooms for a few reasons:

• Chalk paint has a porous, matte finish that is prone to staining without a protective topcoat.
• Frequent exposure to moisture can damage chalk paint over time.
• The delicate finish requires gentle cleaning and cannot withstand heavy scrubbing or abrasive cleaners often needed in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Grease splatter and cooking fumes can also penetrate and stain chalk paint.

However, chalk paint may still work in some cases if proper precautions are taken:

• Avoid painting near stoves, sinks, showers, or other wet areas where paint can be exposed to excessive moisture.
• Apply 2-3 coats of a protective wax or water-based polyurethane topcoat to protect the chalk paint and make it more washable.
• Use chalk paint on walls only, not cabinets. Opt for vinyl or oil-based cabinet paint instead.
• Clean walls very gently using only soft cloths and mild soap and water to prevent damage.

While chalk paint walls are not ideal in kitchens and bathrooms, they can work in certain low-moisture, low-traffic areas if properly topcoated and maintained.

Conclusion

Chalk paint provides a unique matte, velvety finish on walls that can look beautiful when done properly. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using chalk paint for interior walls. Pay attention to proper prep, application techniques, protective topcoats, and gentle maintenance to ensure the paint looks great and lasts. Limit chalk paint walls to low traffic areas and avoid excess moisture to get the best results. With some extra care, chalk paint can provide gorgeous decorative effects on accent walls and in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ rooms.