Paint Advice
& FAQs

One of the reasons Chalk Paint™ is so popular is that it generally requires very little preparation. Start by making sure the surface is sound and thoroughly clean.

Extremely glossy surfaces, some laminates or problem surfaces may benefit from additional preparation such as light sanding. Always test an unfamiliar surface before committing to the whole project.

In many projects, no traditional primer is required. However, certain surfaces, stains or bleed-through problems can require special preparation.

If you're unsure what your furniture is made from or you see staining coming through the paint, stop and address the issue rather than continuing to add more coats.

It depends on the surface, the colour underneath, your chosen shade and the look you're trying to achieve. Some transformations cover quickly, while others benefit from additional coats.

Allow each coat to dry before deciding whether another is needed.

Yes. Mixing colours is one of the creative advantages of the Annie Sloan palette. You can adjust a shade, soften it, deepen it or create something more personal to your project.

Yes, Chalk Paint™ can be used on laminate. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned first. If the laminate is extremely shiny, a light sanding can help give the paint more grip.

Less absorbent surfaces can take longer to dry, so give each coat plenty of time before adding the next.

Yes. Kitchen cabinetry needs particularly careful cleaning because oils, grease and residue can interfere with adhesion.

Once painted, protect the surface with the appropriate Annie Sloan Wax or Lacquer. For a hard-working kitchen where maximum durability is important, Lacquer is a particularly useful option.

Chalk Paint™ can be used on many metal surfaces and hardware. The metal should be clean and sound before painting.

Active rust should be dealt with appropriately before you begin rather than simply painting over a deteriorating surface.

Chalk Paint™ can be used on outdoor projects, including materials such as brick, stone, concrete and terracotta. The protection required depends on the surface and how it will be used.

Horizontal surfaces and outdoor furniture generally need Chalk Paint™ Lacquer for additional protection.

Chalk Paint™ can be used on suitable floors for decorative effects. Floors are high-traffic surfaces, so the correct protective finish is important.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Lacquer is the finishing product designed for tougher, heavily used surfaces such as floors.

Painted furniture normally needs an appropriate protective finish. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Wax and Chalk Paint™ Lacquer are designed to protect and complete Chalk Paint™ projects.

Which one you choose depends on the look you want and the amount of wear the piece will receive.

Choose Wax when you want the classic Annie Sloan furniture finish — soft, beautiful and tactile.

Choose Lacquer when the surface needs a tougher, more water-resistant finish, such as frequently used furniture, floors, some kitchen projects or appropriate outdoor pieces.

White Wax can soften the appearance of a colour and settle into brush texture, carving and detail to give a subtly faded or washed effect.

It can be particularly beautiful when you want to soften a strong colour without repainting the piece.

Treat freshly finished furniture gently while the finish develops its full durability. For normal cleaning, avoid harsh abrasive products and excessive moisture.

With time and use, a waxed finish can be refreshed when necessary.

Choose Chalk Paint™ when you're transforming furniture or want the freedom to create decorative, textured, layered, aged or distressed finishes.

It is the most creative and versatile choice of the three Annie Sloan paint ranges.

Wall Paint is the dedicated choice for interior walls and ceilings. It gives you the Annie Sloan colour palette in a practical wall finish made for everyday interiors.

Unlike furniture finished with Chalk Paint™, Wall Paint doesn't require a Wax or Lacquer topcoat.

Satin Paint is designed for interior wood and metal. Think doors, skirting boards, bannisters, trims, cabinetry and furniture where you want a smoother contemporary finish.

Satin Paint creates its own durable soft-sheen finish and does not need Wax or Lacquer afterwards.

Start with the surface rather than the colour.

Furniture and creative transformations usually point towards Chalk Paint™. Walls and ceilings point towards Wall Paint. Interior timber and metal with a smooth soft sheen point towards Satin Paint.