How to Create a Smooth, Modern Finish

How to get started using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® products

Versatile, easy-to-use, and above all, fun, Chalk Paint® is for everybody – from weekend do-it-yourselfers to dedicated furniture restoration artists.

The best thing? When you use Chalk Paint® there’s no need for priming or sanding. Just pop open your can, dip in your brush, and start applying paint to the furniture.

Chalk Paint® can be used to achieve a number of different paint effects. So by way of introduction, here are a few of the most popular and versatile techniques to help get you started.

Smooth Modern Finish

Simple

You Will Need
• Chalk Paint®
• Clear Chalk Paint® Wax or Chalk Paint® Lacquer
• Flat Brush
• Sanding Pads (optional)

If the surface isn’t smooth to start with use a Sanding Pad to remove any lumps, bumps, or texture.

Dilute the Chalk Paint® slightly with water and mix. Use an Annie Sloan Flat Brush and paint gently, using the tip of the brush (avoid applying pressure as this creates marks). Since the paint is diluted consider doing two thin coats to ensure even coverage.

Once dry (which will only take an hour or two), it’s time to wax! Use Clear Chalk Paint® Wax and work into the paint using a lint-free cloth or Chalk Paint® Wax Brush. For a glossy finish: allow 24 hours then use a clean lint-free cloth to buff the waxed surface to a shine. Or, instead of wax, use Gloss Chalk Paint® Lacquer.

Tip
For an extra-smooth finish, lightly sand away any brush marks before waxing. If you’re using lacquer, apply one coat, then sand, then apply a second coat.

For more advice and tutorials sign up for one of our regularly scheduled Workshops, or visit www.AnnieSloan.com, and Annie Sloan on YouTube.