So I have had several friends ask me about what materials I use and where to buy them, so they can redo their own furniture. Which I think is totally great! BUT… once I tell them the prices of what Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is, then they wonder why? Why would I spend nearly $40 on ONE QUART of paint?
Just to give you some background, I’ve used regular Behr Premium Latex paint, and I’ve used Sherwin Williams Latex paint, and I’ve tried out homemade chalk paint and I’ve been happy with the end results of all of them. So why am I an exclusive user of ASCP still? Mainly it comes down to the following 3 reasons:
1. I want to distress my furniture after I’ve painted it.
2. I want to sell my furniture after I’ve painted it.
3. I want options when it comes to painting texture and layers.
I have read tons of reviews out there and continue reading them because I like to know what other people’s experience is. People who don’t get the “CHALK PAINT CRAZE” are usually people who don’t meet the three conditions I mentioned.
It really doesn’t make financial sense to pay $38.95 for 1 quart of chalk paint, plus wax, if you are only planning on painting your own coffee table. And maybe your night stand. And you want it to look factory made. It just doesn’t! I’m being blunt here. If you love Annie Sloan colors, you can get exact matches made at HD or Lowes. If you don’t love the distressed look, then it makes more sense to spend the time to sand it a little, use latex paint and a polyacrylic or polyurethane finish. If you don’t plan on selling your furniture but you like the easy distressed look or even the antiqued look, then by all means do the DIY homemade chalk paint and use antique glaze! You will spend more time with mixing, and sanding at the end to get the same result, but time isn’t your issue! Money is! So go with what is cheaper!
BUT, if you think this could be a profitable hobby that could turn into possibly more, invest. Or if you are an artist and you want layering and texture options that are harder to achieve and more time consuming with other paints, invest. It’s worth it! You will spend less time with all the annoying stuff and spend more time creating, which will turn into more profit for you and a look that is one-of-a-kind. I’ve never met or talked to a soul who didn’t love how workable it was.
LindaC says
I totally agree!
Mimi's Vintage Charm says
good perspective. thanks for sharing.
Anne says
Hello Rachel, oh how I wish I would of wrote this post. So totally true. You do wonderful work and congrats on Miss Mustard Seed loving your dresser. I too paint with Annie Sloan and sell in the St.Charles,Mo. we`re neighbors! I really enjoyed reading and looking at your blog. Your work is inspiring!
Thanks, Anne Dees
vintagegoodsstcharlesmo.blogspot.com