Hey everyone and Happy Monday!  As a lover of Chalk Paint, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “how well does Chalk Paint hold up?”  Many have heard the amazing stories of chalk paint transformations.  You may have been lured by Chalk Paint’s claim that there is no sanding and no priming required.  It is also low in VOC’s and dries very fast (which can be a blessing or a curse!)

Using Chalk Paint is how I started out my DIY journey.  You can read all about how Chalk Paint changed my life here.  I have used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on a variety of different items.  I have used it on outdoor planters.  I have used it on console tables, bookcases, mirrors and bedside tables.  Two years later, I am here to tell you how it stands the test of time.

First, I truly believe that it is a remarkable product.  However, I don’t think it is for every type of furniture.  In my opinion, the best pieces to use it on are mirrors, console tables and other furniture that does not get a ton of wear and tear.  One of my favorite Annie Sloan transformations is this console table I painted in a pale purple color called Emile.  This table is for decorative purposes only and is never used or really even touched (even by my kids)!  Two years later it looks exactly the same as it did the day I painted it.  It is one of my favorite spots in our house.

In complete contrast, are the bedside tables I painted in with Chalk Paint.  These get daily use. From putting water glasses down on them at night, to stacked-up books, to my children’s feet, these tables get A LOT of wear and tear.

I also painted these tables a color called Old Ochre which is a much lighter color, almost an off white. They look horrible.

They are dirty and stained.  Ick!  I am tempted to start all over and just paint them with latex paint.

As some of you may know, you are supposed to finish off Chalk Paint with a wax that is supposed to harden and seal the product.  It is similar to sealing latex paint with Polyurethane.  I did wax these end tables, but in my opinion it offered little protection.  I have seen other reviews where someone painted their dinning room table with Chalk Paint and had a similar problem.

Finally, to my complete surprise, the outdoor furniture and pots I painted with Chalk Paint have held up surprisingly well to the elements.

Apparently, the exterior of  Annie Sloan’s original store in the UK is painted with Chalk Paint.  I would definitely use Chalk Paint again to bring new life to outdoor pieces.  If you missed it, you can see how I transformed these inexpensive plastic faux terra cotta pots with Chalk Paint here.

At the end of the day, would I recommend and use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint again?  Yes, I would definitely use it for smaller or decorative accent pieces that do not get a ton of use.  Would I use it for a dining room table, end tables, or cabinets that get a lot of wear and tear?  A definitive NO. As I navigate my way through these DIY ropes, I am starting to get a better feel of what types of paint will work best on certain finishes.  You live you learn, I suppose.

Have you used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or any of the other brands out on the market?  If so, what did you think of the durability?  I would love to hear your experience.

xoxo,