If you're planning to breathe new life into an old dresser, dining table, or thrift store find, you've probably heard about chalk paint. And honestly? There's a reason it's taken the furniture painting world by storm.
While regular paint has its place, chalk paint offers something special: gorgeous results without all the fuss. Let's break down what makes chalk paint so amazing and when you might reach for traditional paint instead.
What Makes Chalk Paint So Special?
Chalk paint has become wildly popular in the DIY and furniture refinishing world, and once you try it, you'll understand why. It's an ultra matte, water-based paint with a gorgeous velvety finish that adheres to almost any surface without all the tedious prep work.
Here's the real magic: you can skip the sanding and priming that makes traditional furniture painting feel like a chore. Just clean your piece, grab your brush, and start painting. It's that simple. And the finish? Absolutely beautiful. That soft, matte texture creates an instant vintage charm that works perfectly with farmhouse, shabby chic, coastal, and even modern bohemian styles.
Chalk paint is also incredibly forgiving. Made a mistake? Just paint over it. Want to try layering colours or distressing for that perfect aged look? Chalk paint practically begs to be played with. It's the creative, fun approach to furniture painting.
What Is Regular Paint for Furniture?
Regular paint (usually latex, acrylic, or oil based) is what you'll find in any hardware store paint aisle. When we talk about "regular paint" for furniture, we usually mean products specifically formulated for cabinets and furniture, which are more durable than standard wall paint.
Regular furniture paint requires more prep work (hello, sanding and priming), but the payoff is a smooth, professional finish that's incredibly durable. It comes in various sheens from matte to high gloss, giving you more control over the final look.
Key Differences at a Glance
Prep Work
Chalk Paint: Minimal prep required. A quick cleaning is often enough. No endless sanding or multiple coats of primer. You'll be painting in minutes, not hours.
Regular Paint: Requires thorough cleaning, sanding, and usually a primer coat for best adhesion and durability.
Finish & Texture
Chalk Paint: Beautiful ultra matte finish with a soft, velvety texture. Creates that sought-after vintage aesthetic that people pay top dollar for at boutique furniture shops.
Regular Paint: Smooth, even finish available in multiple sheens (matte, satin, semigloss, gloss).
Ease of Use
Chalk Paint: Incredibly forgiving and easy to work with. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Easy to distress, layer, and achieve stunning custom looks.
Regular Paint: Requires more technique and skill for a flawless finish. Less forgiving of brushstrokes or mistakes.
Durability
Chalk Paint: Beautifully durable when sealed properly with wax or topcoat. The wax step also adds depth and a subtle sheen that enhances the finish.
Regular Paint: Durable right out of the can, especially formulas made specifically for furniture.
Versatility
Chalk Paint: Works on almost anything without prep. Wood, laminate, metal, glass, fabric. It's the ultimate "paint anything" solution.
Regular Paint: Typically requires specific primers for different surfaces.
Cost
Chalk Paint: Premium price point, but you save on prep supplies, time, and frustration. A little goes a long way.
Regular Paint: More affordable upfront, but factor in primer, sandpaper, and other prep materials.
When Chalk Paint Is Your Perfect Match
Chalk paint shines when:
- You want beautiful results without spending your entire weekend prepping
- You love the soft, matte vintage aesthetic (and who doesn't?)
- You're creating statement pieces for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, or entryways
- You want to get creative with distressing, layering colours, or custom techniques
- You're painting tricky surfaces like laminate, metal, or wood that's been varnished
- You're a beginner looking for a forgiving, confidence building first project
- You're an experienced painter who values quality and efficiency
- You're flipping furniture to sell (that boutique look commands higher prices!)
- You want a project you can finish in a day, not a week
Pro tip: Seal your chalk paint pieces with wax for a gorgeous hand-rubbed finish, or use a clear topcoat for extra durability on high use surfaces like dining tables. Either way, you're protecting your beautiful work and adding that perfect finishing touch.
When Regular Paint Makes Sense
Regular furniture paint has its place, particularly when:
- You specifically want a high gloss or satin sheen (though many people add a topcoat over chalk paint for a custom sheen)
- You're painting outdoor furniture that will face harsh weather
- You already own all the sanding and priming equipment
- You prefer the process of traditional furniture painting
Pro tip: Even if you choose regular paint, consider using chalk paint for accent details, drawer fronts, or decorative elements. Mixing both creates beautiful custom pieces.
The Best of Both Worlds
Here's a secret: you don't have to choose just one! Many furniture painters (including the pros) use chalk paint as their go to and bring in other products strategically.
For example, you might use chalk paint for your entire piece and then seal it with a durable polyurethane topcoat for maximum protection on a kitchen table. Or use chalk paint for the main body and a contrasting gloss paint for just the legs or trim. The possibilities are endless, and chalk paint plays well with others.
The Bottom Line
For most furniture projects, chalk paint is the clear winner. It's easier, more forgiving, works on almost any surface, and delivers that beautiful finish people love. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, chalk paint makes furniture transformation actually enjoyable instead of tedious.
Choose chalk paint when you want gorgeous results without the hassle, love the timeless matte aesthetic, value your time, or want the freedom to get creative with your finishes.
Stick with regular paint when you specifically need a glossy finish, or you're painting outdoor furniture exposed to extreme weather.
The truth is, once most people try chalk paint, they never go back to the old way of doing things. The combination of beautiful results, easy application, and pure creative fun is hard to beat.
Ready to start your furniture transformation? At Granny B's Old Fashioned Paint, we've curated the finest chalk paints, waxes, and tools to help you create furniture you'll treasure for years to come. Whether this is your first project or your fiftieth, we're here to help you bring your vision to life.
Happy painting!