It was a matter of time before someone came out with a chalky paint finish in a spray paint. Honestly, I really never thought it could be done and actually look even halfway decent. Traditionally, that beautiful chalk paint finish is a hand painted layered finish. I’m thinking, how could someone replicate that in a spray can?
Well, it’s just been done. Hallelujah!!
So, Krylon just came out with their line of Chalky Finish Spray Paints and when I first heard about it, I was pretty skeptical but when I read this great post from Kelly at KA Styles (I’m obsessed with Kelly), I was pretty intrigued:
These mason jars from Kelly are the perfect example to show exactly what this paint can do and how pretty the finish is. Just look at how matte and chalky that finish is, while still being smooth. Kelly inspired me to give the paint a try on my own project over the weekend and I’m so excited with the results.
The paint just came out about a month ago, so it wasn’t available yet at my local Walmart or Sherwin Williams where Krylon spray paint is sold. I did track down just a couple cans at Hobby Lobby for my project but I’m not sure when they will fully be in stores. I did find that all of the colors (below) are available on Amazon here.
Before I jump into my project, I created a color chart with the 16 color options to help us see all of the colors together:
I have wanted to paint this bench for quite awhile now and decided this would be the perfect project to test out the paint. I love the dark wood on the bench but I also have dark wood floors where I wanted the bench to go and it was just too much dark wood.
Here is the bench before I spray painted it with Chalky Finish spray paint:
and this is how it turned out after:
I opted to go with the color Misty Gray, which is a light gray with just a very slight hint of warmth and I just can’t get over how stunning the end finish is and it really does look just like a smooth chalk finish. It looks like it was hand painted. The paint finish is not super chalky and rough feeling like traditional chalk paints, but rather smooth. Very ultra matte. I thought it looked like the paint may already have a wax additive in the paint already.
This paint is a great foundation if you want to come over the finish with a white or a dark wax or lightly sand to distress. Big time saver here!
I couldn’t help myself, so I also tested out the color Slate on this decorative finial type stand that I had and again, I really could not believe just how pretty the finish turned out. The slate looks just like a Restoration Hardware finish and you can really see up close exactly what this paint can do. I couldn’t get the image editing down to really show but this color has a slight blue and green undertone, it’s really stunning in person:
I got as close as I could with my macro lens so you could really see the finish up close:
Yep! This is a game changer and while I won’t paint everything with this product, this will save me so much time on those quick projects and I think I may even use it on bigger furniture pieces as well. My mind is churning, how about you? In addition to furniture, I’m thinking frames, baskets, lamps, etc..
If you have never spray painted furniture before or used this product, I have some tricks and shortcuts that I’m sharing below to help you get a flawless finish. help you.
Prep
If you’re painting accessories, you’ll just want to make sure that your item is clean and dust free. If you’re painting furniture, you will want to very lightly sand with a sanding sponge in a very fine grit, just to take the edge off the gloss/finish. This should just take you 5-10 minutes. You’re just sanding to sort of rough up the surface. Wipe piece down afterwards to get all of the dust residue off.
Prime
With this product, you will want to prime both furniture and accessories. Go the easy route and use a spray primer. Just one light coat is all you will need and it’s very important to let the piece dry at least 6 hours before spraying the Chalky Finish onto your piece. If you’re painting furniture, after 6 hours, I would again, very lightly sand with a fine grit sanding sponge just to take the ridges off of the primer. It should just take a few minutes but since this finish is so matte, it will be very important.
Spraying on Paint
Any time you spray paint and especially with this product, you will want to do 2-3 very light coats with at least 20-30 minutes drying time in between. It’s best to spray at least 1-2 feet from the piece and quickly moving your arm back and forth, without stopping. If you do this, the spray paint will not run and it will dry even and smooth.
Top Coat
The Krylon Chalky Finish is actually sold with a spray “Wax Coating” that you can buy but I was not impressed at all with the product. It had a yellow color to it. I loved the finish with the Chalky Finish paint itself and I think it will be durable over time (I will update here if it’s not). Rubbing wax over the piece, just like you would with chalk paint would enhance the finish but I would only do it if you are looking to add white or dark wax to contrast. This finish is simply amazing in person and I think it will be just as strong and durable as spray paint is. However, all spray paints have to cure. While the piece may seem dry to the touch, it needs to cure for at least 4-6 days to harden and not scratch off.
Ok, so what do you guys think? Are you gonna give it a try? If you have never painted furniture before, this is your opportunity to finally give it a try! If you do the basic prep work and do a couple light layers at a time, you will be guaranteed a beautiful finish with this Chalky Finish.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Cyndy
Julie Spear says
I can’t believe how GORGEOUS the finish looks on your pieces!! I had read somewhere a less than glowing review of the paint, so I thought I may skip it… but after seeing your results, I really want to give it a try!! (Plus, I totally trust your recommendation – I didn’t ‘know’ the other blogger who reviewed the paint) I am surprised I haven’t seen more information about this game changer of a paint, I mean REALLY it’s chalk paint…in a spray can!!!!LOL! thanks for reviewing…OH, also – my local Michael’s Craft Store is carrying about 6-7 colors of the paint too, but it was only the neutrals, none of those gorgeous saturated colors, so I didn’t know about those until now..so THANK YOU!!!!
Cyndy says
I wonder if the other blogger used the Wax Coating spray sold with it and it ruined her finish? I tested the Wax Coating first because Kelly talked about how she didn’t like it and it could ruin the finish with the yellowing and splotchy-ness. The wax coating is not good at all.
Thank you for the heads up that it’s also at Michael’s, I will add it to the list. You know, the paint is not super chalky in texture like other chalk paints and to me, the finish is more like you get after you wax chalk paint. Smooth but ultra matte. Yes, this paint is a serious game changer and I can’t wait for you to try it Julie! Thanks for your sweet note 🙂
Mary Ruth says
What a NEAT product! I am gong to get some! I am thinking of using to change out some Christmas decor items.. makes it easier to just spray! Thanks for sharing with us!
Hope you have a nice Christmas!
Cyndy says
You’re gonna love it Mary Ruth and yes, such a great idea for updating some of the Christmas decor! Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a wonderful Christmas! 🙂
Kelly says
Those look great! The spray paint is great, eh? 🙂 Krylon did well on this one. I love the bench! Im also digging that slate gray color, that must be new or its not in my area yet. They need to come out with an aqua-robins egg color! I’ll be all over it! LOL
I have a small stand to paint still, its going gray but, not sure what one yet!
Awe, and blushing, Im obsessed with you too. 😀 Ive shown so many your garage makeover and paint cans! Ha ha. They know me and all my paint cans! LOL. Thanks for sharing the love.
Cyndy says
I agree Kelly, aqua-robbins egg would be gorgeous! I think they need a really good warmer gray. The tans are too yellow and I think they grays are too gray. Something in between.
Thanks for your inspiration! I would have never believed it would be good if it were not for your awesome post! Cheers! To spray paint! 😉
Alison says
I’m looking to re-do both my kitchen cabinets and my king-size sleigh bed. Would this product be good for those? Thanks!
Cyndy says
I’m not sure about kitchen cabinets Alison (it would take a lot of cans!) but absolutely on the bed! It would be so stunning. I would recommend doing the bed first and seeing how comfortable you are with using the paint and make a decision if you want to give it a try. I could only imagine how beautiful this would be on kitchen cabinets! Keep me posted 🙂
Barb V. says
Michael”s in the Milwaukee area has had this for several months. Maybe not every color but most of them. The good news is…you guessed it! You can use your COUPON!
Cyndy says
That’s great to know Barb that you can use the coupon for the paint at Michael’s. You can for Hobby Lobby too! Yay!! Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!
Chrissy says
I’m super excited about this! I can’t wait to run to my local hardware to get some>
Robin says
This is awesome. I’m getting up the nerve to paint a medium-sized dresser in our spare room. This could be the answer to my procrastination lol. Loving the light gray of your bench! So soft and pretty. Thanks for sharing the step by step. So helpful.
Susanne says
I CAN’T WAIT!! Thank you so much for giving such an honest review. I’m excited to use this on chairs, legs and other hard m-to-paint pieces!! Whoo hoo!! ?
Teri says
As a chalk and spray paint lover, I cannot WAIT to try this!
Catherine says
What brand of wax does everyone recommend?? Thanks@
Jo-Anne Huxter says
I am also interested in what wax you could use on top of the chalk spray paint as it sounds like the spray can top coat is not great and ruins the projects.
Miri says
I have a river stone fireplace-don’t like color or grout (gray)- thinking this paint in white will be great- room is brown and white-
Taylor says
The finish with this paint looks amazing! I have a question – can you use any top coat for this, or would it have to be the wax finish? I just got a can to do a project that will get significant wear, and i want to make sure its protected. I can imagine i can use any top coat but wanted to see if you had any insight on that portion 🙂
Laura says
Has anyone used the spray chalk paint on fabric?
Alyson says
I’m going to give it a try. I’m excited and nervous to spray paint a bookshelf I picked up, but I figure why not!? It’s black so I probably need a few coats to cover it. Wish me luck!
Chris says
would this chalk spray paint work on a wrought iron stair railing?
Cammy says
I am glad I found your post. I have kitchen chairs I want to redo. And to be honest to strip and paint then is more work than I care to do. Excited to try this paint. Thanks for the instructions.
Beth says
I love your wallpaper, can you share manufacturer/style name? Thanks! Love your blog!!
Kristi says
Your piece looks great! Unfortunately when I gave it a try the paint ran in several places. Do you have any tips for how to fix this?
Polly Bennett says
As with any spray paint, it runs when you don’t move your arm back and forth quick enough to evenly distribute the paint. It will run. It’s best to only to fast-moving, light coats with spray paint. I’m currently spray painting outlet and light fixtures as I am painting each room. I do about 6 quick, light coats before they are done.
Beth says
I have used this to paint some frames and absolutely love it. The finish is beautiful, no wax or primer…going to paint my bedroom furniture next. Used the slate color.
Ellen Bartlett says
It all sounds great! What type of primer did you use? Oil or water based?
Polly Bennett says
I like your details. What to prime, sand, how to spray evenly and that the wax wasn’t worth it. These are all time and money savers!
Louise Laprade says
Wil be doing this on an old piece of furniture, however, I need to wait as the weather is just now warm enough yet. Can’t wait to see the end result. Thanks for the tips.
penny says
Regarding the comment on sray chalk paint, I tried the Krylon chalk paint in a spray can. It is very expensive to use as it does not give good coverage. I did a large chest of drawers, and ultimately it looked great but it took 8 cans! it is better for small things like picture frames, baskets etc. I did a few of those and it was good. For furniture I would still use regular chalk paint. Also it dripped a lot, I had to wait for each side to dry and turn it flat and paint only on the flat not vertical. I used a wax to seal it, I tried a few things, as it kept rubbing off. So not good for anything gets a lot of use. Also there is a lot of chemical smell. interstingly I was in an Annie Sloan Chalk paint shop and they said her paint is the ONLY chalk paint and nothing else is really “chalk paint” Is this really true? and do we care if it gives the same effect?
Joan says
I recently spray painted with chalky misty gray paint on a chair and I am concerned as when I ran my hand across the seat I had chalky residue on my hand and now the seat looks messed up. I want to coat this chair with polyurethayne, and now I am concerned. Do I wipe over the whole chair with a slightly damp cloth to clean the chalk residue off. I am reluctant to coat the seat again. What should I do to remedy this , Please help
Andrea says
Hello! I noticed this too! I lightly ran a paper towel over a file cabinet I painted, after about 24hours, and there was a powdery residue that came up. I’m wondering if this will go away after the 4-6 days cure time? Or is this the nature of chalky paint? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!
Stephanie says
I have noticed this same thing. I am in the process of painting 6 chairs and I’m wondering if I wipe them down and wax them if it will stick. Have you found a solution by chance?
Barbara Nelson says
I just finished spray painting a lampshade in light gray over an original beige color shade that has to be 35 years old. Awesome results!!
Joan says
I called Krylon and was told the paint was for cement! I said you have a piece of furniture on the can. They could offe no help. I wiped the chair with a damp cloth to get the chalk residue off, Then I used a light sandpaper n sanded the chair n wiped it again with a wet cloth. Then I used a tack cloth to make sure the chalk powder was gone. Went to store and bought regular semi gloss paint in same color. Finished with 3 coats of semi gloss sealant. Never would I buy chalk spray paint again. I now have a lovely chair and I painted small flowers across the back in acrylic paint before I applied the sealant.
Cyndy says
That is so strange that they say it’s for cement? Krylon has marketed it for furniture. Maybe you spoke with someone who wasn’t familiar with the product. I have used the spray chalk paint now on several projects and never got that residue. I wonder if the paint was bad or stored in too hot of an environment. In fact, in all my projects, I didn’t need a top coat/sealant. That’s the only thing I can think that happened. Glad that eventually you got a pretty finish. 🙂
Penny says
I mentioned this back in April. I painted a large chest of drawers and it did rub off- so Benjamin Moore’s paint expert where I bought the paint actually came to my house with several products, I tried several and in the end used a paint on sealer and this worked. But I do not think the Krylon product is suitable for large pieces of furniture. It takes way too many cans and certainly not for kitchen cabinets etc. My piece ended up looking great but 8 cans of paint later! Very expensive. Better to use regular chalk paint. But the spray is great for baskets, mirror frames, smaller things with lots of grooves or texture that are hard to paint with a brush.
Monica says
That’s what i was wondering and hoping it would work for. I have a complete bedroom set to redo. I guess I’m going to look into purchasing a sprayer and using the chalk paint I have. I painted the headboard with 3 coats of paint and I still have to put the wax sealer on it. After that I have the rest of the bed, the dresser and two nightstands. It takes forever painting it by hand and I thought if I could spray a couple of coats and than maybe, paint the last coat it will save me some time. I’m just wondering if item going to take more paint using a sprayer or do I thin the paint out with water? The paint is $30 a pint, so it’s not cheap. I have 4 cans to hopefully complete the task. When I purchased the used set, I didn’t it online off of seeing photos. They were out of town and unfortunately, it looked way better in the photos, so it’s costing me a lot more than I budgeted for. Any help is appreciated…
Michelle Shipley says
There 8s such thing as chalk paint for cemnt. It is marking lines and stuff. I use it for a homecoming parade I organize. They prob asbly thought you meant that stuff.
Brenda carabott says
How can I manage to buy theese chalk sprays ,please
Cyndy says
You can buy the spray chalk paints online on Amazon. They have all the colors. 🙂
Barbara Ward says
What kind of finish can you use over it? Does it have to be their brand? I’m looking for a matte finish over a spray of Rust-Oleum chalk paint. I would like to lighten up the light gray a bit so would like a whitewash over it. What could I use for that?
Jojo says
Thought the big advantage of chalk paint was NO prep required, sanding, primer etc….
Cyndy says
You’re right but if you have a highly glossy surface, it’s always best to lightly sand just to take the edge off to be safe. Especially, if the piece is a high traffic furniture piece. 🙂
Angelia Doggett says
Hi there! Can you use the spray chalk paint over chalk paint? I have furniture that has already been painted with chalk paint and I want to change the color.