Your brush does not have to be expensive, but it does need to have certain qualities because working with bad brushes can be very frustrating. A brush that is made of natural bristle works best. The bristles should be fairly long and flexible with a little bounce to allow you to be expressive in your work. Don’t choose brushes with bristles that are too short since the paint will not flow well, and don’t use a brush with hard and inflexible bristles, because the paint will look scratchy. Don’t have a floppy brush either because you will have to work too hard to make the paint spread.

Annie Sloan’s oval Pure Bristle Brushes are excellent for applying Chalk Paint® decorative paint. These brushes give you the freedom to paint expressively, they hold lots of paint, and they are comfortable to hold and easy to work with.

The best way for you to find the perfect color for your project is to visit your local Annie Sloan Stockist. Each of our Stockists has been trained in the Annie Sloan Method and they can guide you with making the perfect color choice. There is also a very informative chapter on working with paint colors in Annie Sloan’s latest book, Color Recipes for Painted Furniture and More, including tips for mixing colors and layering one color over another. This book also contains 40 step-by-step projects using Chalk Paint® decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax. It is available from your local Annie Sloan Stockist.

If you are working with new, untreated wood, you will need to apply clear shellac to any wood knots and open grains. One or two coats of shellac applied with a cloth pad will block any tannins that can bleed up through your new layers of Chalk Paint® decorative paint. This is particularly important on pine, oak, and certain types of mahogany.

Absolutely! Both Chalk Paint® decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax are safe to use on furniture destined for baby and child use. However, before putting the item to use, please allow these materials to harden and cure for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Expectant mothers should not apply Soft Wax themselves but find someone else to do so instead. For more information, please reference our Material Safety Data Sheets that can be found at www.chalkpaint.com.

Yes! You can use Chalk Paint® decorative paint on most wood cabinetry. Chalk Paint® is meant to give character and interest to cabinetry rather than a perfectly smooth “factory” finish. Typically there is no need to sand or prime although in areas that receive a lot of use, like the cutlery drawer, it might be wise. Apply at least two coats of paint and then two or three coats of Annie Sloan Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next. Soft Wax makes a good bond to the paint for durability. You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax as needed.

Chalk Paint® decorative paint can be used to give both old and new walls depth and interest and even a bit of texture. Simply apply one or more coats of paint with a brush or roller for coverage and let dry. You can leave the paint as is, but some people like to apply a thin coat of Annie Sloan Soft Wax over the paint for a really smart polished look.

Linseed oil is a finishing product that is used to restore wood’s natural moisture without covering the grain. It is typically found on antique or vintage pieces of furniture that have a stained finish. Unless it has weathered to the point of almost being gone, the surface may not be receptive to new paint. Clean well and apply one or two coats of clear shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. Chalk Paint® decorative paint can then be applied as you would on any other wood surface.

The Chalk Paint® decorative paint palette does not include a true black. Graphite Chalk Paint®, which is almost black, is not a simple, hard color but a mellow, sophisticated one. However, you can create a darker appearance to the Graphite by first applying a layer of Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint®. Follow this with one or more coats of Graphite until you have achieved complete coverage. When the paint is dry, apply one or two coats of Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax. You can also add a bit of the Aubusson Blue into the Dark Soft Wax to make an almost black wax.

Although Chalk Paint® decorative paint can be applied over many brick, stone, and concrete surfaces, you should first check with your local government offices to see if it is permissible to paint around your fireplace. Every county or province in North America, Australia, or New Zealand has a set of building codes, including codes that may restrict the application of paint around a firebox, and these codes can vary for each county or province. For example, some building codes do not allow the application of any paint product within 13” from the top of the firebox and 9” on either side.

We do not recommend painting kitchen countertops and backsplashes because Chalk Paint® decorative paint, even when sealed with a quality sealer such as Annie Sloan Soft Wax or Annie Sloan Lacquer, will not be 100% non-porous and this can present problems with cross contamination. The surface may look clean but it may not be deep down into the finish.

If you see a yellow or pink stain coming through the paint on older furniture – typically pieces from the 1930s and 1940s – apply clear shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. One or two coats of shellac applied with a cloth pad will stop this happening. There is no need to remove the stained coat of Chalk Paint® – you can apply the shellac directly on top. Shellac dries in minutes, and then you can get on with your painting!

We have had many success stories from people who have painted their IKEA furniture with Chalk Paint® decorative paint. We recommend that you ensure the surface is clean before painting. Some new IKEA pieces may have a bit of an oily film on them for packing and shipping purposes and this should be removed using a cloth moistened with low-odor mineral spirits. Next, lightly sand the surface with some fine grit sandpaper and dust off. Then apply a thin first coat of paint, and allow that coating to dry about 48 hours to encourage the paint to bond to the surface. After that, you can continue painting for your desired look.

Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once hardened and cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. Apply at least two coats of Chalk Paint® decorative paint and then two or three coats of Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next to get that extra durability you need. You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax as needed.

It is important to note that any protective coating can be susceptible to scratches, stains and watermarks. When these occurrences happen to a wax coating, they are easily fixed with just a bit more wax rubbed into the marked area with a soft cloth.

Chalk Paint® decorative paint is a water-based paint. Water-based paints take approximately 30 days to harden and cure, a chemical process that takes significantly longer than drying. Annie Sloan Soft Wax contains solvents that need to completely evaporate before it is hardened and cured. The curing process for this product may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks or longer. All finishes prefer warm, dry conditions during the curing process. Cold temperatures, high humidity, and application thickness will extend drying and curing time substantially.

Furniture painted with Chalk Paint® decorative paint and finished with Annie Sloan Soft Wax will stand up very well to everyday wear and tear. Treat your furniture with respect. Allow your new finish to harden and cure 30 days or longer before placing items that may scratch the surface. Avoid excessive water and sharp or scratchy objects. Use coasters under water glasses and placemats on dining tables. Clean with a soft cloth and avoid all liquid furniture polishes. To clean marks or stains, use a slightly damp cloth or chamois with a little mild soap. If you need to use a stronger cleaner, you may have to re-wax the area. Keep away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Waxes dissolve in alcohol, so using it on bars is not advisable!

Of course! One of the key features about working with Chalk Paint® decorative paint is it’s easy to change your mind. You can apply another coat or two of Chalk Paint® over your previous finish, and then seal your new paint layers with a coat or two of Soft Wax.

A clean surface is important for any paint project, especially on items from the kitchen. You should sand the areas where the paint is not sticking to remove the loose paint and then inspect the surface. Remove any old greasy, waxy or oily residues with a soft rag moistened with mineral spirits. Then clean with soap and water. Use a Scotch Brite pad to lightly scrub the surface, and a soft brush to work into open grain and intricate carvings. Rinse with a clean rag and warm water and let the piece dry completely. Then reapply your Chalk Paint® decorative paint.

A skin can form on the top of Chalk Paint® decorative paint when it is exposed to air for a long period of time. Simply mix the skin back into the paint, stirring for a couple of minutes until the paint is smooth again. If the paint becomes too thick, you can thin it with a small amount of water.

Many spray furniture polishes contain dimethicone, a silicone used as a film former to protect surfaces. This can cause cracks to appear in your Chalk Paint® decorative paint layers, especially along edges. Sand the affected areas with fine grit sandpaper and then seal the surface, including the remaining paint, with one or two coats of shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. Shellac dries in minutes, and then you can get on with your painting!

Absolutely! Both Chalk Paint® decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax are safe to use on furniture destined for baby and child use. However, before putting the item to use, please allow these materials to harden and cure for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Expectant mothers should not apply Soft Wax themselves but find someone else to do so instead. For more information, please reference our Material Safety Data Sheets that can be found at www.chalkpaint.com.

Yes! You can use Chalk Paint® decorative paint on most wood cabinetry. Chalk Paint® is meant to give character and interest to cabinetry rather than a perfectly smooth “factory” finish. Typically there is no need to sand or prime although in areas that receive a lot of use, like the cutlery drawer, it might be wise. Apply at least two coats of paint and then two or three coats of Annie Sloan Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next. Soft Wax makes a good bond to the paint for durability. You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax as needed.

No. Annie Sloan Soft Wax should be used on interior surfaces only. It is not suitable for outdoor use.

Less is more, so there’s no need to apply Annie Sloan Soft Wax too thickly. Always apply Soft Wax in thin layers. The wax needs to be gently spread and pushed into the underlying paint using a brush or cloth so that it absorbs into the paint (just like hand cream!). You should immediately remove any and all excess wax with a clean cloth. Work in small areas at a time and change to a clean cloth frequently as an old one can become clogged with wax and become ineffective. Let the remaining thin layer of wax dry a few minutes before buffing. Buff with clean soft cloths. You may find this task easier if you wait until the following day to buff.

Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once hardened and cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. Apply at least two coats of Chalk Paint® decorative paint and then two or three coats of Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next to get that extra durability you need. You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax as needed.

It is important to note that any protective coating can be susceptible to scratches, stains and watermarks. When these occurrences happen to a wax coating, they are easily fixed with just a bit more wax rubbed into the marked area with a soft cloth.

Chalk Paint® decorative paint is a water-based paint. Water-based paints take approximately 30 days to harden and cure, a chemical process that takes significantly longer than drying. Annie Sloan Soft Wax contains solvents that need to completely evaporate before it is hardened and cured. The curing process for this product may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks or longer. All finishes prefer warm, dry conditions during the curing process. Cold temperatures, high humidity, and application thickness will extend drying and curing time substantially.

Yes, but only Artisan Enhancement® Clear Topcoat. AE Clear Topcoat can be used over or under wax and can be buffed for a higher sheen. Use caution when painting with a “pure white” paint as it has no pigment. When “whites” are clear coated with oil based products they can take on a “yellow-ish” or brown hue. This is not the Topcoat turning yellow. We recommend testing your piece first before proceeding on.

Furniture painted with Chalk Paint® decorative paint and finished with Annie Sloan Soft Wax will stand up very well to everyday wear and tear. Treat your furniture with respect. Allow your new finish to harden and cure 30 days or longer before placing items that may scratch the surface. Avoid excessive water and sharp or scratchy objects. Use coasters under water glasses and placemats on dining tables. Clean with a soft cloth and avoid all liquid furniture polishes. To clean marks or stains, use a slightly damp cloth or chamois with a little mild soap. If you need to use a stronger cleaner, you may have to re-wax the area. Keep away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Waxes dissolve in alcohol, so using it on bars is not advisable!

Annie Sloan Soft Wax offers water resistance but it is not waterproof. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. If spills remain on the surface, the moisture can penetrate through the wax coating and leave a mark. These marks should disappear as the moisture evaporates, but if not you can use a bit of Soft Wax on a soft cloth to rub it out.

Annie Sloan Soft Wax builds up only if you don’t remove all of the excess wax after each application. Each time you apply a new coat of wax, the solvents in it dissolve the underlying wax, making one new mixture. When you remove all of the excess wax you will be left with the wax that is stuck on the surface. You can effectively remove the excess wax by wiping it away with a clean cloth. Most likely you will need to have several cloths on hand as you should switch to a clean one when your old one becomes clogged with wax.

Failure to remove all of the excess wax can leave a sticky or smeary finish. Try to remove and buff out the excess wax using a clean cloth. Have several cloths on hand and change to a fresh cloth when the old one becomes clogged with wax. If you find this difficult to do, apply a thin layer of additional wax. The solvents contained therein will soften the underlying wax, making it easier to remove the excess. Again, have several clean cloths available. As a last resort, you can remove the excess wax by wiping over the surface with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Most likely you will need to reapply a coat of wax.

After each use apply a small amount of no odor mineral spirits to a soft cloth and swirl the brush in it until the wax is transferred to the cloth.

Apply Annie Sloan Lacquer with a quality sponge roller and/or brush. Stir this product well before using. It is best to apply two thin coats for even sheen and greater durability. A small amount of water (up to 10%) can be added to the Lacquer for the first coat. Let the first coat dry one to two hours before recoating, and leave the final coat to dry overnight before walking on it.