I wasn’t going to write this post. I didn’t think it was anything revolutionary. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there is something valuable here. If you’ve been reading awhile you know I’m a huge fan of Annie Sloan chalk paint, I really do love it. What I don’t love is the price. Yes, it’s worth it, but I have been keeping my eyes open for products that work as well that are more affordable. And I may have finally found one.
To be fair, I’ve only used this on a small side table. I had painted this side table once before. I did like that paint as well, but I was never happy with the color in this space. I wanted to get it back to black because black looked better overall in the room. I like how it balances my DIY wall art, and contrasts with the wingback chairs* and area rug.
I noticed DecoArt carries chalky-finish paints so I decided to give that a try this time. I didn’t take step by step photos on painting the table, because as I said I didn’t intend to share this. I used a foam brush as I usually do with my chalk paints and for the finishing coat I used a better quality bristle brush.
The color I used is called Carbon. I did not mix this with water as I usually do with my other chalk paint, but I read that if you do it will result in a more distressed finish. I have to say, I was pretty amazed at the finish on this.
I plan to experiment some more with this paint, I want to see how it looks when you add water and also when sanded down for that distressed finish. I used my Annie Sloan clear wax as the top coat on this because that is what I had on hand, but next time I’ll try the DecoArt brand of waxes with it.
If you want to see more of this space, check out my Valentine’s Day mantel! I’m sharing this project as part of the Back to Basics series hosted by 2 Bees in a Pod. I had planned to makeover an old armoire that I’ve been meaning to get to, but I didn’t have time for that project just yet.
*This post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure here. Thanks to DecoArt for supplying the paint for this project!
Vicki and Jenn says
February 12, 2018 at 7:37 amLove that color and makeover. We have used this paint on small projects but not on furniture…we’ll need to give it a try! Thanks so much for sharing!
RoxanneK says
February 12, 2018 at 9:11 amThanks, I really was surprised at how much I liked it!
Julie says
February 12, 2018 at 9:04 amBeautiful! and love the simplicity of the table. Admittedly I’ve used Rustoleum canned spray paint when doing pieces (ladderback chairs, night stands, end tables, frames) and have been happy. I would be interested in knowing if I am missing something re not using these other products you mentioned?
RoxanneK says
February 12, 2018 at 9:12 amI think if Rustoleum is working for you then don’t change it! I like to experiment with a variety of paints and chalk paint is just SO easy to use and so durable that I tend to keep going back to it!
Lindsay Eidahl says
February 12, 2018 at 9:28 amI am so glad you did write this post. I will definitely have to try this paint now! Thank you for sharing!!
RoxanneK says
February 12, 2018 at 9:31 amThanks Lindsay!
CoCo says
February 12, 2018 at 10:24 amI’ve never even thought about using a foam brush with chalk paint but wow, what a huge difference in the brush strokes. I love the color you chose too it’s perfect with your wall art and those gorgeous chairs too. Can’t wait to see more projects with this product! Hugs, CoCo
Amanda says
February 12, 2018 at 2:19 pmI love that velvety finish! It looks gorgeous!
Amy @ mylifefromhome says
February 12, 2018 at 3:04 pmI love their color, carbon! I’ve used it before for small projects. I will definitely have to try it on something larger. This table turned out great!
Ellen says
February 12, 2018 at 8:47 pmWhere did you buy this product? I live in a small town so I have to drive about 45 miles to hobby lobby let me know thanks the table is really cute
RoxanneK says
February 13, 2018 at 6:00 pmThanks Ellen, I usually get my paint at Michael’s. You can also find it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BpmG7j.
Ruthdiana says
February 14, 2018 at 6:56 amFurniture looks gorgeous Roxanne! I also wanna paint guest room side table. Great color choice!
nancy says
February 16, 2018 at 3:42 pmI’m a fan of Rustoleum chalk paint as well. And I can have the paint guys add any color to it and just mix it when I get home. But I’m not a fan of AS wax. I prefer several coats of water based poly. Wax is so labor intensive.
RoxanneK says
February 18, 2018 at 7:42 pmThanks for the tip, I’ll try that water based poly next time!
Debrashoppeno5 says
February 23, 2018 at 12:55 pmI haven’t tried this paint but it looks like it has good coverage. The table turned out so nice.
Melissa says
March 5, 2019 at 9:38 pmCould you tell me if this paint is a true black? I am going to paint a sideboard and would love it to match my shelf above it which is a true black. I tried a different chalk paint today and it was more of a dark gray. Thank you!!
RoxanneK says
March 6, 2019 at 9:31 amHi Melissa, yes this is a true black!