Is Chalk Paint Over?

I started furniture painting back in 2014 and chalk paint was all the rage. With all the new paints on the market and all the creators showing us how to use them, has chalk paint become irrelevant? I'll share my experience with chalk paint and some of my favorite all in one paints with built in topcoats that have hit the market.

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I’m Christina Muscari from Pretty Distressed. Follow me:

Disclosure: These links contain 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 and wear and use appropriate personal protection equipment. Viewers should attempt these projects at their own risk.

[Nonnie]

I am still using chalk paint and Dixie Bell All-in-One paint. I like the coverage and the ease of application. I never associated chalk paint with farmhouse and I don't distress. For me, it just gave great coverage and since I mostly have to paint in my living space, I like the low VOC

[carolyneasley]

If you like it, then it's not over. I would never base the comfort or desire for "my" space based on trends, or someone else's opinions.

Your space, your comfort your choices.

[donnacurry]

Hi Christina. I don’t think I will ever stop using chalk paint. I have tried other types of paint and like several types but chalk paint is just so versatile and fun to use. I think (and hope) it’s here to stay!

[jeanniesmith]

Here in very Conservative Central Illinois we're years behind you! White Farmhouse, distressed Vintage White French Provincial chalk painted dressers is all the rage for Nurseries. Pregnant Moms literally come out in tears! Modern furniture with those boring bar handles are frowned upon! My favorite paint is homemade All in one because it's so fast and easy. I chip brush it on and smooth it out with a roller -- Easy Peasy!

[LindaM]

I love the silk all in one because it comes out really smooth using a brush.

[salvagedbykscott]

Such a great video Christina! There are so many great options on the market today. Something for everyone.

[amsohn]

I'm still using ChalkPaint... love it.
Blessings ❤

[courtney_ann]

Totally agree that there has been a shift away from chalk paint being the main style of paint people use. I like the change and am loving the all in one paints. I also love this mini review/comparison of the different paint brands! I’m definitely coming back to reference these!

[marygroft]

I painted, distressed and waxed many pieces of furniture six or eight years ago. Loved Annie Sloan brand.
But, when I started painting a chair today, I realized that I don’t love it any more. I just didn’t care for the finish any longer.
So- I turned to YouTube and found you!
Thanks for all the information you’ve shared.
I’m going to Lowe’s today for Beyond Paint!

[KarenBoris]

I’ve never cared for the distressed look or chalk paint. I love Fusion Mineral Paint. That is my go to.

[positivenotekeyboard]

I sure hope not! Thanks to you Christina, I trusted it with two furniture makeovers that turned out fantastic! My biggest fear was that the finish wouldn't last. But on my bedroom chest of drawers (used daily) and a nightstand (used nightly) it has held up perfectly. I have been involved with painting for over 50 years, and it is the easiest and most uniform paint I've ever applied. I prefer the Amy Howard brand, as it is self-leveling and may be top-coated if necessary, but two coats usually do it. I also liked the scent of it, and the super easy brush clean-up that it affords.

Now, back to your thesis. I'm a retail manager for a major hardware store in Atlanta, and chalk paint's popularity began to dwindle around 2021. It was very popular around 2014, as people began calling my store insisting that we carry it, and so we did. It was an instant hit, and I strengthened awareness via advertising with many before and after pics (proudly supplied by customers). This strategy greatly helped sales. I think the pandemic also boosted its sales, as people were regimented to stay indoors mostly to have fun. But nowadays there's virtually no interest in it, and part of the reason might be its premium price in an inflationary economy.

[bfranklin]

I started watching flippers at the end of chalk paint popularity as new paints were coming in, so my experience is mostly with the newer paints and I really love them. I'd never been a fan of the distressed farmhouse look, so the sleeker look you get from the newer paints was a better fit for me anyway. Love all your content and how you've branched out lately. ❤

[fromdorothyskitchen]

Love this video. I want to thank you for your approach in acknowledging that people have different styles. You are the chalk paint GOAT! I’ve followed you since before the pandemic and I’ve loved seeing your style change. I’m in Canada so we have access to different paints but like you my style has evolved to a more modern look. I love fusion mineral paint because like many of the paints you mentioned it doesn’t need a top coat. Thanks for your amazing content! I’m always learning so much from you!

[Blooderfly]

It can't be over I finally got my first jar of Waverly chalk paint! 😅

[judieweisenfeld]

You shine when it comes to reviews! I recommend you with confidence. This was so accurate and what I am finding as well. It’s difficult to discern trends so I always check with you.

[CatCaretakerID]

I never cared for the distressed look, but I have used chalk paint and liked the result. I have also used some of the newer all-in-one paints and liked them for specific purposes. I really like how the newer ones level out and cure to a hard finish. I used one of these on kitchen cabinets. My sprayer broke and I brushed it on instead and the results were great, but a lot slower method.

[lyndagreenwald]

Christina, I’m so happy for your info on paints! I’m done with chalk paint, I’d much prefer the newer paint and there are so many to pick from. So good job!!

[glendacox]

Annie sloane was my first paint teacher and preferred paint. I’m so glad she is on the scene!

[DetroitFrenzy]

It' all comes down to, the right product for the project. It depends on the client, their budget, the esthetic they are requesting, and the condition of the piece. My in-stock pieces tend to be in good condition, whereas some of the pieces clients bring to me are in rough (I mean really rough!) condition and using a chalk style paint helps hide those imperfections that don't add "character" to the final look.

[heatherh]

I started with Annie Sloan. Then switched to Melange and Fusion. Just purchased some Annie Sloan again and struggling with it now because I want it to behave more like Melange and Fusion and I find it takes more work to get the finish I want. I'm making it work and saving for specific projects. I think there is a place for each.