No Rust-Oleum did not pay me to write this review. But, yes I got the paint for free, and yes this post has affiliate links. {Just keepin’ it real.}
I guess you can call me a skeptic. I am the type of person who needs to use a product myself to form my own opinion. So, when I was introduced to Rust-Oleum’s Chalked Paint, I was naturally thinking, “I’ll use it myself and see if I like it.”
If you are a long time blog reader, you know that furniture transformations are a big part of All Things Thrifty. I’ve been refinishing furniture for nearly 7 years now {WOAH that’s CRAZY}. I definitely consider myself an expert in this area by many trial and error situations. Heck, I’ll even admit that I have ruined a couch, painted kitchen cabinets the way a cabinet maker taught me, used lacquer to paint my ogre of a kitchen table, and even painted my PIANO for heaven’s sake. I am an absolute freak about painting if you cannot tell.
When I was introduced to Chalked Paint by Rust-Oleum, I learned that this version of chalk paint does not need wax, so I was definitely intrigued. I painted a bed set for my neighbor and quickly loved the paint. It went on smoothly and easily. It dried quickly and the finish looked professional. It looks and feels just like Annie Sloan but without the high price tag. What I learned quickly though is that it does need a protective coat, and it’s super easy to work with. It’s much easier than wax.
Check out the step by step video tutorial below. You might even laugh at my quirkiness. 🙂 If you do, we are destined to be BFFs.
I will definitely use Chalked Paint again. It comes in a variety of colors too.
If they don’t carry the color you are looking for, don’t stress, BBFrosch Chalk Paint Powder is a great option for those who are looking for a specific color of chalk paint. All you do is mix a few tablespoons of powder into your favorite color of FLAT paint and bam you have your solution!
Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to answer them! I normally answer questions within 24-48 hours.
xoxo,
Have a great weekend!
-Brooke
I love it!! You did a great job! I do have a question for you. I have used BBfrosch and I really loved it. The only thing I didn’t love was the wax, but I feel like I applied it wrong because it wasn’t the best protector. (I used it for a table that was frequently used, so maybe that’s why?) anyways, what’s the difference between the coat that you used in this video to the wax? Thank you!!
Hi Ari, this topcoat is more protective than wax in my opinion. I don’t like wax either. It’s just not my favorite. The end product of this topcoat product isn’t sticky like it can be with wax.
I am redoing my formal dining room set that I purchased in the 80’s. I want to paint the chairs white and glaze them with a dark brown. I have considered using chalk paint, so my question is: How easy is chalk paint to remove — if say the 80’s come back and I want the chairs natural finish again….? Thanks ~ Joy
It is not easy to remove. If you paint it with chalk paint, it will be on there indefinitely. This stuff sticks like glue.
Ok where did you buy it? Do you have to use their top coat? I prefer wax. I like minwax clear wax. Can I use that instead?? Thabks!
Hi Emily! I know that most Home Depot stores have it in stock. If not, you can buy it on Home Depot’s website. And, yes you can use wax, I just like their topcoat better.
Why, yes, yes we are bff’s! LOVED the video….I hadn’t heard about RustOleum!
Thanks!
judi
Brooke, if you have wax is it okay to seal it with wax??? Do you have to use their top coat??
Yes you can use wax, I just like their topcoat better.
LOVE the video – snort laughed a few times, so I guess we are BFF’s now!
I hadn’t heard of the new stuff…been out of the painting loop for a while now, but itching to get back to it. I’ve got a table pedestal and some chairs crying out for my attention!
Hi, Brooke! Quick questions! I’ve just painted over a flat white chest w/Annie Sloan Old Ochre, & had planned to use either her clear wax or clear Minwax to seal, then A/S dark wax to glaze/antique. However, this Protective Coat sounds interesting. Would it be less expensive, quicker?! And the “chalking powder” we “can add to any Latex” to make it chalked ~ is it grout? Thx much for your advice & help! I’d so much rather go w/ Rustoleum ~ my old standby, favorite brand! Kathleen
No it’s not grout. It’s way more awesome than grout! Haha. Check it out here:http://bit.ly/bbfroschchalkpowder But, you must add it to FLAT latex paint. Not just “any” latex paint. And yes, the protective coat from Rustoleum is FREAKING AMAZING!! HERE is a direct link to that too:http://bit.ly/matteprotectivecoating
Hi Brooke,
Enjoyed the video very much! I have several mismatched pieces of bedroom furniture that I would like to paint to try to at least get them to look a bit more alike. One is maple, one is pine and two are laminate. I’m interested in using chalk paint because it looks pretty easy to work with but I don’t really want a distressed look. Can I use chalk paint, skip distressing/sanding and go right to sealing? Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Lynne
No. I would definitely not skip the sanding. Just sand lightly {more like wiping with the sand paper}. That way it will make the paint smooth instead of gritty. But after that, you can seal.
Hi Brooke love your tut and the finished product 😉 I’m intrigued too! and am ready to try something else because the last can of A.S. I bought definitely isn’t as good as the first several cans but I priced them out and the rustoleum is actually MORE expensive than the Annie Sloan at least in my area…A.S. $34.95 for 32oz and R. for $37.96 for 30 oz. could it have gone up that much in 6 mths? thanks in advance for your reply. V from Montana
No, the Rustoleum is not more expensive, Check out this link: http://bit.ly/chalkedpaint It’s a TWO pack for $37.96. So you actually get 60 ounces for that price! 🙂 For a second I sat here thinking is there an Annie Sloan underground in Montana? HAHA. But, no, it’s much less expensive.
Hi! I recently used this to refinish a TV stand. I used the Vintage Ivory color. Everything was going great until I did the matte clear coat. When it dried there were pinkish/reddish streaks all over my beautiful white TV stand. Has this happened to anyone? What could have gone wrong?
It’s bleeding through from the stain underneath. What kind of wood and stain was it prior?
I had this same problem with two pieces I painted. Yellowish stains bleeding through. Looks very ugly. One piece was pine. I’m not sure about the other but it’s a harder wood than pine. ( I also painted a third piece that was unfinished pine and it looks great.)
Everything was fine until I painted on the rustoleum top coat. If they sell the 2 products together, why did this happen? I am very unhappy and would NOT recommend rustoleum
It’s reacting to something on the wood to begin with. Unfortunately that can happen sometimes. In your case, you need to prime first. There isn’t a product out there that is perfect, and sometimes wood reacts differently. Priming, degassing, and degreasing, and then sanding can sometimes prevent mishaps, but sometimes even those three extra steps cannot prevent a poor reaction. I wish I had a better answer for you.
What you need to do is chalk paint then clear coat as you did (& then it streaked theough), so then all you need to do is paint a new white coat on top of the clear & then seal it AGAIN. This time it will not bleed through.
Thanks for the video. I’m new to chalk paint and actually used Dutch Boy on some bedroom furniture. Since I have never used it before I really can’t say whether I like it or not. It is working great on a smooth headboard (3 coats are needed to cover it though), and it has been terrible on a old bedside table. Getting it even on the top part of the table has been a nightmare and I’m simply tired of trying, it might have stay that way due to the use in a toddler bedroom (I’ve already tried 3-4 coats.) If you have suggestions, shoot away. Anyway, my real question is this. I don’t want to use wax since I have heard it isn’t great for sealing and lasting and this is for a toddler. I was looking into a polycrylic satin finish or matte. But instead would you recommend the rust-oleum top coat, since it is not a wax. I’m curious since it is for a chalk paint, do you think it would it work alright on Dutch Boy Chalk Paint? I plan on doing a bench next and was planning on trying rust-oleum, Americana Decor, or Martha Stewart Chalk paint and could I use it on those other two brands? I would love thoughts and/or suggestions?
Yes you can totally use the Rustoleum Top coat on other brands! I would use it in a heartbeat! I’m not ever using Dutch Boy just because of you! HAHA It sounds terrible.
I’ve read alot of reviews that the Rustoleum Top Coat for Chalked Paint yellowed after a while. Have you found this to be true? Thanks!
I’ve never seen it yellow. But, that may be because I have never used it on pure bright white.
Do I have to use a round BB Frosch brush when using the Rustoleum chalked paint? If so, why? I have lots of new beautiful paint brushes but none of them are round.
Where can I buy a BB Frosch brush? I’ve looked several places (even Amazon) and can’t find them.
Thanks!
There are specific brushes for chalk paint but it does not have to be a BB Frosch brush. I do prefer the round brushes to others however they aren’t mandatory! If you would like to purchase those specific ones, just head over to bbfrosch.com and you will find a link to her brushes! Hope this helps!
is a topcoat mandatory? Can that step be skipped? I am painting 2 decorative Windows to hang on either side of our fireplace, they won’t be “used” like a table would be. Probably won’t even be touched once they’re hung. What do you think?
Did you use chalk paint? If so, I would definitely recommend a top coat. As for other types, I think they would be fine without! Hope this helps! xo
Can I use this paint on sanded pieces of furniture.
Yep! Just make sure to wipe it down to avoid dust before painting!
Do you sand/distress it prior to the protective finish coat? Does the protective finish make it shiny? I want it to have a flat aged finish.
The paint is so sensitive that even if I touch it with my finger it rubs off the color making it lighter.
If you want a distressed look, then yes, you will want to lightly sand those areas beforehand. The top coat that I used was a Matte finish and wasn’t glossy at all! Here is a link to that info. Hope this helps! Protective Topcoat
I am interested in chalk painting a table to be used outdoors. It will be in a covered area but will be exposed to the strong Australian morning sun as well as any rain that blows in. I’m not going to distress it, but I’m still worried the Rust-Oleum chalk paint top coat won’t be strong enough to protect the finish from the elements. Is it okay to go with a more durable finish meant for outdoor furniture?
Yes, I would definitely top coat it with an outdoor grade topcoat.
Just tried Rustoleum today in the spray and the can. Was skeptical as well, but wanted to report my findings on my blog. I was surprised too. I’m a die hard CeCe Caldwell’s Paints user, as I used to be a retailer. Hated to admit that it wasn’t too bad. I am a sucker for paint too. Lol
Brooke, have you or your girls had a chance to try the Rust-Oleum Top Coat in the HomeRight Finish Max sprayer yet? I’m curious to see how well it sprays, as I’m about to tackle a kitchen cabinet reno. I’ve got my BB Frosh powder ready to go and paint color picked out. I am just thrilled to be able to skip the clear wax this time!
YES! I totally have, and it worked GREAT!
Would you say the rustoleum chalk paint is good for a kitchen table? I need something that will stand up to three young kids and the messes they bring.
Thanks!!
Yes! Just make sure you do three really good sealant coats on the top.