My Favorite Chalk Painting Projects
Wondering what you can do with chalk style paints? Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite chalk painting projects from the last few years on Bellewood Cottage. From furniture flips to Christmas ornaments, use this list for inspiration and ideas. Plus, tips for getting started with chalk paints!
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Chalk style paints have been a popular topic in the home decor/DIY space for years now. When DIYers realized how great the paint worked to quickly flip dated furniture it became a huge trend.
“Chalk Paint“ is actually the original creation (and registered trademark) of Annie Sloan. A lot of bandwagon products from other manufacturers have followed suit, but Annie’s paint is the original.
Chalk style furniture paint is designed to adhere to surfaces (often old wooden furniture) without sanding first. Annie’s Chalk Paint (and many imitator chalk style paints) adheres well without sanding or prep, dries to a matte finish, requires a top coat to seal, and distresses easily for a rustic or farmhouse-style look.
A major difference between Annie’s paint and other copycat varieties is the composition of the paint. While Annie’s is ultra-thick and very low VOC, many other chalk style paints that I’ve used tend to be just a revised formula of conventional paint–slightly thickened and more matte of course. Learn more about Chalk Paint Brands.
My Top Posts About Chalk Painting:
If you are just getting started and want a little more info about what Chalk Paint actually is and how to use it, here’s a few helpful posts I suggest starting with:
- What Is So Great About Chalk Paint?
- The Best Chalk Paint Brands for Every Project
- The Ultimate Chalk Painter’s Gift Guide
- Small Chalk Paint Projects (That Aren’t Furniture)
- How to Save Money on Chalk Paint
Favorite Chalk Painting Projects
This list shares some of my favorite chalk painting projects from over the years. From painted furniture to painted pumpkins this list will give you ideas and inspiration for your own chalk painting adventures.
Painted Dresser with Behr Chalk Decorative Paint
For this dresser flip, I used Behr Decorative Chalk Paint in Cotton Knit. I also created a custom mix for the stenciling detail which I applied on the front of the drawers as well as on the inside edges. The stencil used was the “Elegant Lace” stencil by re-design with Prima and I loved it!
DIY Floral Mason Jar Vase Idea
This is a quick project that is great for leftover chalk paints. Just coat a mason jar two or three times with a white chalk paint and then add decoupage florals cut from paper napkins. A pretty centerpiece, vase, or storage jar!
How to Paint a Dresser Step by Step
In this tutorial I go into the nitty-gritty of dresser painting with plenty of tips for newcomers to chalk style paints. I used Country Chic Paint for this piece in the colors Crinoline and Dune Grass.
How to Paint Mason Jars
While you can paint glass (and therefore, mason jars!) with a variety of paints, I find that chalk style paints tend to work great for getting a pretty rustic matte finish--and for adhering well. You can transform jars by painting them solid colors, adding polka dots or detailing, or even trying an ombre finish. Use the jars for home décor, storage, or centerpieces.
DIY Photography Backgrounds for Food and Crafts
In addition to relaxing crafts, I also love to feature easy desserts on my website. Photographing these treats is much easier with a great backdrop surface. I made my own (and saved 100s of dollars) with a simple board from the home improvement store, drywall compound, and of course, chalk paint!
Mint Green Milk Paint Chair Flip
If you've heard of chalk style paint, you have also likely heard of milk paint! This furniture paint is different from Chalk Paint, but it's worth checking out if you are just getting started with furniture flips.
Chalk Painted Pumpkins Tutorial
Spruce up faux pumpkins with this chalk painted pumpkins tutorial! I start with chalk style paint, but also add a shimmery finish to these pumpkins for a little extra glam.
Pink Chalk Painted Chair
Rust-Oleum's Blush Pink is one of my favorite chalk style paint pinks. With very few exceptions, you can't custom mix chalk paint colors so when you find a just-right hue, you have to go for it! Painting a chair is a great beginner project too.
Chalk Painted Hutch
Definitely my most frustrating chalk painting project to date! This hutch was my first large-furniture undertaking and I had the misfortune of selecting a piece that was made from knotty pine--not realizing the bleed-through problems it was going to cause. The hutch was eventually finished (and mostly repaired) and I still love using it to this day! I never want to paint it again though!
DIY Christmas Ornament Tutorial
These Mini Christmas Ornaments have been featured on ThePioneerWoman.com and are a great way to use up chalk paint leftovers. They use wood appliques and a few layers of dark stain or paint before painting with white chalk paint and distressing.
DIY Christmas Window Ornament
This window ornament is another easy Christmas craft to try. Use a dollhouse window, chalk style paint, and a mini wreath to create a Christmas ornament with plenty of cheer!
French Country Dresser
This dresser was one of my earliest large chalk painting projects so it's not too fancy, but what I love about it is how easy the whole process was. I took a dated well-loved dresser and simply added a few coats of white chalk paint and new hardware for a fresh look. Chalk Paint makes transforming your home quick and doable even if you are short on time!
Ikea Play Kitchen Hack Tutorial
This mini IKEA Kitchen was a chalk paint flip using KILZ chalk style paint. In the tutorial I share more about the project and what you should know before you get started on your own IKEA play kitchen makeover.
Washi Tape Christmas Ornaments
Another quick Christmas ornament tutorial with chalk style paint. Make these cute Washi Tape Christmas Ornaments using wooden beads, chalk paint, and of course, washi tape! Showcase your prettiest washi tape rolls with these easy ornaments.
