Thoughts on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Revisited

It's been just over a year since I gave my first review on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™.  A lot has happened in that short time...from initial interest to buying it to writing a review and now selling it...it's been one very busy year!

Considering I am a Certified Trainer for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™, I thought it was time to re-write the review and answer some frequently asked questions.  Oh, and please post your questions here. Your questions will not only help you, but also others reading this! 

The Price:  Yes, the price question comes up every day!  I continue to sell all Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ and products at the lowest possible price.  The paint retails in my shop and at my online shop for $34.95.  I do sincerely encourage you to find a retailer near you!  There is nothing like chatting in person with the wonderful retailers! The incite you will gain from visiting with your local retailer is priceless! To find a retailer nearest you, visit this link Find a Retailer.

Is it worth the price.  I often answer with "How valuable is your time?".  Once you buy primer & paint..prime the piece, sand the piece, touch up prime, sand again, paint, wait, paint again, and wait 28-30 days before distressing....if you can wait and don't mind a plastic feel...then maybe this paint isn't for ya~  For those who are about as patient as a hungry 6 week old baby, then this paint is worth every ounce!


It's not just a time thing~  I wish I had a penny for every time a customer came into the shop and commented on how luxurious the  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ pieces feel!  They are so soft to the touch...even purists have commented on how lovely they are. 

To Roll or to Brush.  In true Annie Sloan fashion, you should brush.  The texture that can be created is amazing!  I have painted with many, MANY different paints and truly non compare!  I love all the different textures I can create just by letting the can sit open for a short while.  And when you finish with dark wax, the old world look is stunning!  I also believe the finishes you can achieve with this paint shouldn't be limited to just brushes.  Grab a roller for an ultra modern finish...cardboard for a leathery look...a feather for a light, airy paint finish...a fork for scratching designs in top layers to reveal colors that lay beneath.  Have I tried any of these other tools...YES!  :)

1 or 2 Coats.  I say 1 coat right out of the can and the second slightly watered down.  There is no need to have 2 thick coats...this paint covers incredibly well.  With the second coat watered down, the distressing is much easier.  Plus it makes your quart last that much longer!

Minwax or  Annie Sloan™  Soft Wax.  Wow have I regretted using Minwax!  This too is one of my most frequently asked questions.  My only defense was I didn't know better!  I now only use Annie Sloan™  Soft Wax in clear and dark.  Minwax most likely will cause discoloration.  I've had customers pop in and say the whole thing was fine except for 1 drawer, or one side...it pinked or yellowed, or even greened!  Don't take any chances!  Annie has paired these two products together because it works!  And Annie has years of experience working with her paint...after all she created it! ;)

Waxing before Distressing.  Again, I have to say in true Annie fashion, there is much less dust when you wax first and distress/sand second.  There is also another great benefit to this.  By applying the wax prior to distressing/sanding, you are allowing the paint to soften so when sanded it's much quicker.  You'll end up with little pea like balls of wax and paint, but simply brush them away and apply another coat of wax for the best finish.

Just as there are many different ways to use the paint, there is equally as many different ways to use the wax when distressing.  Experiment with what works best for you.  I also have used a scotch bright, baby wipe, paper towel-not a great choice, no wax, dark wax, and a burnishing brush to create different affects.


So I've changed a few of my answers from my initial post, but I a still a firm believer in  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™!  It is the only paint I use and I have found great joy in creating new colors.  


I hope you have learned something new by reading this.  If you still have a question, let me know!  I will do my very best to answer it and if I can't I will find the answer!
Want to email me instead of post your question?  Not a problem!  Email me at Christie@CartersCottageInteriors.com

Enjoy~
Christie 

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Jennifer Rizzo