Chalk Paint vs Latex
Sorry for the delay in getting this post out regarding my thoughts on chalk paint vs latex.
I will keep this as brief is possible.
Latex has been my friend.
It has carried me to such wonderful transformations and really required minimal effort.
Here are the posts on these past projects. I copied the earlier technique and supplies that Miss Mustard Seed showed many of us.
And now…..
Here are some newer projects using chalk paint.
Both achieved awesome looks and with really “minimal” effort.
I am going to leave the advanced “talk” regarding chalk vs latex for the pro’s. I am providing links to their sites below.
I am not a pro and wouldn’t even pretend to be.
Sooooo…..did I love chalk paint?
Yes.
But…..
Clean-up.…I had to figure it out. Tracy from Tracy’s Trinket’s and Treasures shared a tip that using vegetable oil then warm water and soap worked for her…..made me lean more towards the “I really like chalk paint” side of things, once I had that tip.
Wax….I’m still figuring that out. AS’s method is applying the clear wax…that would be letting it dry etc, then putting the dark wax on……that is too much work for me. I ended up using my Minwax paste on my pieces, as I could get that on and off rather quickly. The chalk paint really absorbs the wax or paste though and you have to be careful to make sure an even application……some of my original prep time that was saved by using chalk paint, was sucked up in the final steps of waxing.
Cost….this was a huge issue for re-selling pieces. I am not “Miss Mustard Seed”.…..who is well deserved in getting a nice return on pieces that she transforms. My flipping of pieces bought on CL doesn’t leave a huge profit margin to work with. Nobody’s beating down my door to buy my stuff….know what I mean? So……you have a ten dollar sample or a 35.00 quart of paint….well, that can really bite into your profit. If you are doing this piece for personal use….then I would suggest using it if it is a larger piece. For instance….you buy a $15.00 mirror on CL….then put $10.00 or $15.00 into it with AS products…..Was it worth it for $25.00? If you can say that it still gave you a look you couldn’t have “store bought” for $25.00 then go for it! I stretched my paint out to the umpth degree. Too far at times by watering down. Be careful when doing that. Watering down the paint stretched the paint out….but made it not cover as well and affected the color. My bar stools are evidence of that. I tried to stretch a ten dollar sample out…….ended up wasting the sample because I am having to re-paint the stools now because adding water gave me a purple look instead of red. So, I will have my original purchase cost on the stools and at least $20.00 worth of paint. There goes your profit. Here is an example where layering looks and watering down paint can affect your final color.
You’re welcome….
AWFUL! It reminds me of the old “sponge painting” technique in the 90’s. BU-GLY! The red watered down became a “purple-ish red”…then trying to fix by applying a dry brush of grey over…..
BU-GLIER! Purple sponge paint disaster!
I will get too wordy on my non-professional opinion but my main thoughts boil down to cost vs labor.
One of the things I have learned. Put less time, paint and effort into the piece and I will end up with a better result. Price wise and labor wise. Sounds crazy but I am trying to totally cover a piece with AS paint. I will end up distressing ALOT of that paint off……so less paint and effort…better return.
My final words.
I love the paint…..I will buy more of the paint but I will be careful at looking at my project and the final cost when I use this paint vs latex.
Here is where I get my paint. She is a local stockist but you can have the paint shipped to you if you are wanting to jump in and try it. They are awesome and will help you any way they can. http://beachescoastalcreations.com/.
Here are some great sites I found today on other “more qualified” bloggers giving their opinion of chalk vs latex. Freckled Laundry had great question and answer’s on chalk paint vs. latex. Miss Mustard Seed has a great post on chalk paint vs milk paint….wowee…that was really good. I am just checking that out. I believe I will be ordering those samples soon.
Overall, they all seem to love chalk paint. I feel like I am the “debbie downer” talking about cost. I don’t mean to be! I do LOVE it but I have to be careful about cost and I am cheap!!!! So, you will have to look at that yourself.
Here are their sites or video links:
 http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2011/06/chalk-paint-q-post-with-videos.html
http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/08/milk-paint-vs-chalk-paint.html
I hope I have NOT confused you any more than you already were.
If you are wanting to jump in….JUMP in. You will never know until you give it a shot yourself!
I think I may be trying milk paint soon after reading Miss Mustard’s seeds thoughts on that !
I love hearing your experiences and ideas and would love to hear your thoughts today!
Love,
Me
I think your review is spot on….very honest and to the point. Bravo.
But….(this is off the subject…I do that)….you and LOTS of others…call things ugly (or bugly, in your case) that I think are pretty neat. Makes me feel like I’ve got a skewed view of things. Case in point…your ‘purple’ stools. I loved ’em! So….maybe I need to take a class or something. And as for ‘distressing’….I’ve seen many things I’ve loved and other (not yours, believe me) that I felt went WAY beyond looking good. And these are from people who are either professional or semi-pro. So…what’s wrong with me? Do I need a shrink?? A crash course on what’s hip? Got a book I can read?
Love ya, kiddo.
I am going to check and see if any of our local stores are selling it. I hope so as I don’t want to pay for paint AND shipping.
Thanks a bunch for all your great tips….
xo bj
This post is JUST what I need right now. Loving the look and ease of ASCP but not liking the price. Thanks for the facts and the links to other posts.
I think it’s excellent that you are considering cost. Especially in these times. I would love to start my own business aging furniture, but I’m scared I won’t price it correctly and it wouldn’t sell. Your article makes a lot of sense. When I use latex, i tend to water it down too and sometimes I do get it too thin.
I agree with you. I’m not made of money, so I have to do things on the cheap. If I could afford it I’d buy the chalk paint, but it’s not in my budget right now. Love your insight into the uses and how to do the clean up.
This is the best article I’ve read on the subject! Â I think you answered everything I’ve wanted to know!! Â And, I feel like I can actually make an informed choice on when I might want to invest in ASCP!! Â Thank you so much!!!!Â
@df06828353520f162dc9b885c0311a1b:disqus I think they look “prettier” in my pictures than they really are…..but you still may need a shrink ; )
I am like you and cannot really handle “heavy” distressing….for my taste. I just did a coffee table that others love….but for myself….too distressed. We just all have different taste. Stick around little one. I have so much to teach you! : ) Love, Me
@openid-100853:disqus Dang Laura….are you kissing up? : ) Love, Me
@NordicGirl2:disqus Enter the Milk Paint giveaway on Facebook! Try that! It’s cheaper….love, Me
@3c06e60742ef5e6feaf75e16ca8878af:disqus check out today’s post Reese. I think it might help you a bit. ps…we call my niece Reese cup…..her name is Cheryse. Was neat to see your name in my comments! Love, Me
@0d925468c4784d04cc50003956a97cbe:disqus Enter the “milk paint” giveaway I am having on Facebook. Let’s try it together! Love, Me
@864062ba487291d6ffa6c778d76a30e5:disqus Thank you for your always encouraging words! I can’t remember…do you have Facebook, or did you tell me you do not? If you do, enter the giveaway on FB that I am having for the “milk paint”. Maybe you will get lucky and can try that first! Love, Me
I have been dying to get on the AS band wagon, but I can’t justify the price. I have to make a profit too.
What is your favorite laytex paint and finish?
Have you tried ‘homemade’ CB paint? I was reading in a mag this weekend (while camping… ah… relaxing) that it’s like a cup of latex paint to a T of grout (or something like that – I can find it if you would like me to) – have you tried this? Considered it?
I think that’s it for all my questions tonight. 🙂
I have tried the chalk paint and I like it. Nut it’s too pricey so Made my own and it works well too. I also bought a quart at home depot for about 12$
It’s nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people on this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you
are not already 😉 Cheers!