When you are doing decorative painting on interior surfaces and items you may wonder if you would get better results from chalk paint or regular paint. The real decision maker when you have those thoughts is what look are you trying to achieve.
Chalk and regular paint are used for specific reasons to create specific finishes. The only way to determine which of these substances will provide you with the look you want to create is to compare their abilities in a side-by-side comparison.
What is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is a paint substance that is created for use on furniture and decorative items. Chalk paint has a composition that includes ingredients such as clay, lime, and minerals.
The majority of chalk paints are water-based substances. If you need to thin this paint you simply add a little water until the consistency you desire is reached.
If you want to create an antique look on wooden furniture, or you want to create the “farmhouse” style that is so popular, then you surely want to use chalk paint. It is designed to create these decorative finishes.
While chalk paint can give you a decorative finish it may not be suitable for all materials and surfaces. It may not work well on metal or masonry surfaces. It is primarily designed for application on wooden pieces like tables, jewelry boxes, chests, and the arms of chairs and sofas.
What is Regular Paint?
The term regular paint applies to paint substances that are acrylic or latex. The paints come in many different finishes from dull to high-gloss. This type of paint is used to create color and protection on walls, ceilings, exteriors, interiors, decorative items, and more.
Regular paint may contain special features that prevent rust, stop corrosion, or seal the item so that water will not damage it. If you want the optimum protection for the surface material then you want to use regular paint. Shop for the paint that is designed to be used on the specific materials you are painting. Learn ways to prevent spray paint from chipping off metal
You can purchase a quart of latex paint for close to $15. Chalk paint is about twice that price for a quart. Many people who paint their own furniture and décor do so because they are working on a budget. Chalk paint is not always budget-friendly, so if you want to paint as cheaply as possible stick with the regular paint varieties.
With regular paint, you can paint imperfect surfaces and make them appear smooth and flawless. You can also paint using a paintbrush, roller, or spray gun. Most chalk paint is too thick to be sprayed onto a surface, and if you thin the chalk paint down enough to spray it you may lose the gritty quality that allows it to create such decorative finishes. You may be wondering how long it takes to paint a room.
Comparing Chalk vs. regular Latex Paint
Pros of Chalk & Regular Paint
| Pros of Chalk Paint | Pros of Regular Paint |
| Adheres to the majority of the surface | Adherence is based on a formula |
| It May be applied without primer | Unless it is primer included it requires a primer |
| Easy to distress | Self-leveling formulas available |
| Self-leveling | Does not require a sealer most of the time |
| Provides excellent coverage | Seals and protects the surface area |
| Withstands hotter and colder temperatures | Wider variety of sheens and finishes |
| Does not easily flake or peel | Oil-based or water-based |
| Chalk paint blends easily | Can be used on more surfaces |
| Low volatile organic compounds | Can be distressed |
| Stops stains from bleeding through | Can be applied with more application methods |
| Very thick so you use less | Cost about ½ what chalk paint costs |
| More porous than regular paint | More colors available |
| Easy to clean up | Available at more retail locations |
| Cures to a harder finish |
Cons of Chalk and Regular Paint
| Cons of Chalk Paint | Cons of Regular Paint |
| It May become gummy while distressing | Cannot tolerate the same temperature variations |
| Generally, a topcoat or sealer is required | Does not blend as easily |
| Does not provide a smooth finish | Needs a primer coat on most surfaces |
| If not sealed properly the chalk paint can re-liquefy | |
| Interior use only | |
| Twice as expensive as regular paint | |
| Harder to maintain | |
| Higher cost than regular paint |
Make Your Own Chalk Paint
If you want to avoid the extreme prices of chalk paint, and you want to get the durability and protection that is available in regular paint substances then you can make your own chalk paint.
Chalk Paint Recipe
- 1 cup of water-based paint
- 1/4 cup of plaster of Paris – ½ cup baking soda – 2 T un-sanded grout compound
- 1/3 cup tap water
Mix the three ingredients together, and stir until everything is completely blended. If you would like to make a full quart of the chalk paint just triple each ingredient.
- 3 cups of water-based paint
- 3/4 cup plaster of Paris – 1 ½ cups baking soda – 6 T un-sanded grout compound
- 1 cup tap water
Pro Tips
When making your own version of chalk paint you first stir the paint to make sure it is properly blended and smooth. Then add the dry ingredient to the mix, and the water should be added in small increments so you do not get too much water in your mix.
Chalk paint dries very quickly so apply it to small sections at a time, and do not make quantities larger than what you can use in a short period of time. It does not store or keep well.
Make certain that you properly clean the furniture or surface before you try to apply either paint. Dirt, grime, and greasy surfaces will not accept the paint as easily as a clean dry surface will. Clean thoroughly and be sure the area is totally dry before you begin to paint.
High temperatures and low humidity levels cause paints to dry faster. If you are using chalk paint do not attempt to do so in temperatures that exceed 700 F.
Always paint furniture and décor items in a protected area. The protection from possible rain, bird accidents, and flying dirt in the air will allow you to achieve a better finish on your piece of furniture. If you are painting in your garage be sure to sweep the floor carefully before you begin to reduce dust contamination.
Final Thoughts
Chalk paint is basically a specialty paint designed to create a matte finish that makes home interior pieces appear to be antique. It is a fabulous paint for furniture, but regular paint also has fabulous properties making it a great choice for furniture, décor, walls, and more.
Before you decide what paint you are going to use, you must first decide on what finish you prefer. This is your world, so paint it the way you want it to be.
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