Is Chalk Paint Over? My Journey and Insights

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. I will receive a commission for items purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Please read all labels and follow all manufacturer safety recommendations when working with paints, stains, and other equipment

Hey there! If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Christina Muscari, and I’ve been painting furniture on YouTube since 2014. That means it's been a decade since I first encountered chalk paint, the miracle paint that took the DIY world by storm. But now, with so many new paints on the market, you might be wondering: is chalk paint’s reign over? Let’s dive in!

A Little History

When I first started using chalk paint, it was because of its ease. Back in 2014, I was transforming almost everything in my home. From dark furniture pieces handed down by family to treasures found at Goodwill, I was painting them white or gray, distressing them, and sealing them with wax. The result? Beautiful, farmhouse or French country-inspired furniture.

This nightstand was one of my very early furniture flips, and a perfect example of the style and technique I started out with. Hand painted, and lots of distressing!

This is the dining room in the house where my furniture painting journey began! As you can see, it is full of chalk painted furniture that leans toward the farmhouse/French country styles. Even though my style has shifted- I love remembering where this journey started.

Chalk paint, made famous by Annie Sloan, allowed me to skip priming. All I needed was soap and water to clean my dressers, then I could paint directly on top. This simplicity made it incredibly popular. I owe a lot to chalk paint—it was the foundation of my YouTube channel, Instagram, and ultimately, my career.

The Evolution of Furniture Painting

Over the past ten years, the furniture painting industry has evolved significantly. When I started, everyone used Annie Sloan chalk paint, and finding it meant driving to local stores. Today, you can find various chalk paint brands at hardware stores and online, including Rustoleum and Valspar. This accessibility has been a game-changer.

The rise of content creators has also transformed the scene. With countless people sharing their furniture makeovers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, there's now a wealth of knowledge and inspiration available. Styles have shifted too. While the farmhouse look was once all the rage, today’s trends lean towards sleek, modern aesthetics. People now want their furniture to look like it came straight from a store, rather than distressed and hand-painted.

My Personal Style Shift

As trends changed, so did my style. I began gravitating towards clean, modern looks with dark blacks, rich greens, and navies, moving away from the white and light gray distressed furniture. This shift led me to explore new paints and techniques that offer smooth, durable finishes. The furniture I refinished reflected this style shift, as you can see from these pieces below.

One of the significant changes in my process has been the adoption of paint sprayers. Initially, the thought of using a sprayer was intimidating, but now, I spray almost every piece I work on. The result is a beautiful, smooth finish that aligns perfectly with modern styles.

The Rise of All-In-One Paints

With the demand for sleek finishes, new paints have emerged, offering all-in-one solutions with built-in top coats. These have gained popularity because they simplify the painting process. Unlike chalk paint, which requires a separate sealer, all-in-one paints save time and effort.

Over the past few years, I’ve used several impressive all-in-one paints. For instance, Silk All-In-One Paint has held up remarkably well in my daughter’s room, even without a top coat. I have used this paint on many projects and I am always pleased with how they have turned out.

Similarly, Melange One and Wise Owl One Hour Enamel offer beautiful finishes and durability, whether sprayed or brushed on. I have many of my furniture flipping peers that use these paint and love them as well!

For beginners, I often recommend Beyond Paint. It's incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to clean, prime, and seal in one step, despite its slightly textured finish.

Is Chalk Paint Really Over?

So, is chalk paint over? Not entirely. While I reach for it less frequently, it still has its place. Many furniture artists continue to create stunning pieces with chalk paint, blending and distressing to achieve unique looks. Although my style has evolved, I appreciate the growth and variety in the industry. There are now so many paint options available, each offering different benefits and finishes.

If you’re a DIY enthusiast or furniture painter, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How has your style changed over time? What paints are you currently loving? Share your experiences in the comments!

Thanks for joining me today. If you enjoyed this post, you can watch the full video here.

See you next time!