Chalk Paint vs. Regular Latex Paint for Furniture | Battle of the Paints!

[@amandabilderback]

It's so interesting to me that it all boils down, more or less, to how well you prep your piece. Thank you for the experiment, Katie!

[@christinesews5886]

Absolutely amazed over how much time and effort went into this video!!! Thank you!

[@natalierichardsonrn9350]

Thank you so VERY MUCH For doing such a thorough BUT no unnecessarily long drawn out video of watching you paint for 10-20 minutes or more! Both this video and your top coat video has helped me tremendously with improving the outcomes of my attempts to paint some “ inherited” and some thrift store furniture items that I have always wanted to restore / redo in my personal style!

[@Moldy_Lemon]

The amount of effort you put in to test the stickiness of the product after it was dry was amazing and so helpful

[@jennlizzy2019]

I LOVE product comparisons. Your experiment was great and fair. Thank you for doing this 'battle' for all of us.

[@dusbus2384]

My experience is doing two coats of primer sanding just like you did can cut down on the amount of paint needed to get good coverage on the work piece. I'd rather apply an extra coat of primer @ $.40/oz vs an extra coat of paint @ $1.00+/oz. This is especially true with the latex paint with built in gloss. I'd also say that the traditional paint doesn't need a top coat. IMHO after just finishing a couple of projects for my daughters room with chalk paint I'll never use it again bc it's expensive and so is the poly top coat and takes just as long to do a job at twice the cost. Again just my $.02.

[@stevemcniel9515]

So true. Chalk paint is for specific uses such as distressed look. It's not beginner friendly and is unforigiving on accidental over application. Not to metion one touch requires cleaning because it leaves a mark. Not a fan of chalk paint, not at all

[@lisafreebairn7736]

Thanks for the discussion. I used Benjamin Moore Advance to paint my kitchen cabinets and it is an amazing paint. You have to know how to handle it. It needs 16 hours to dry and it needs like a month to cure.You also really need the primer as well. But it dries hard and protective and does not require a top coat. I did 4 coats and my cabinets look professionally finished. You can customize your colors. I didn't think it did as well with a sprayer, but works amazing with a synthetic brush. You get NO brush strokes. When you use semi gloss you do not need a top coat! I hand sanded every cabinets, every coat going from 220 grit to 400 and eventually 600 at the end and honestly the finish is smooth as glass. I think people are scared to use it, but I loved working with it.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Yes! I did wait the 16 hours between coats and let it cure for the full 30 days before moving on. For my furniture business those are both enormous draw backs, along with the 4+ coat coverage when other paints only need 2. I did also find that it needed the same protective topcoat to hold up to the other paints. I don’t think it will a paint that I reach for often but we do all get the best results using whatever products we feel confident using. Thank you so much for watching today!

[@lisafreebairn7736]

@@salvagedbykscott I can imagine!!! Of course you absolutely need something fast drying for what you do! I am super excited to try Silk, and if it had been available to me last summer I probably would have used it. I love that gave all these paints this kind of test.

[@Squirrel-2551]

The Command brand is far superior to the Advance. It dries super fast. Loved painting my china cabinet, and my laundry cabinets.

[@lynnsamons7507]

Thank you! For a new furniture painter it's nice to see all the comparisons on not only durability but how time consuming some types of paints are vs others!

[@kellyhowell2668]

This was an incredibly well thought out and useful experiment. Thanks for undergoing all the leg work for us!

[@kellyevans8321]

Such a great comparison. Clearly base coat/primer and sealer really matters in the latex world.

[@JustMe-tk2rp]

I’ve been studying up on paints as I have 3 commission pieces and 6 of my own pieces to do in the next few months. Thx so much for the side by side comparisons.

[@lisaroth7526]

i have watched comparison videos before, but you're the first person to follow the manufacturer's recommendations as far as re-coating and curing. I am impressed and very appreciative. I did wonder why you chose semi-gloss latex paint, since the finish would be different from a matte chalk type paint. I may need to watch again, as I could have missed something. Excellent information. Thanks so much!

[@salvagedbykscott]

I chose a semi gloss because I’ve had SO many people tell me that semi gloss or gloss doesn’t require a topcoat. I wanted to see if that was true. It’s not! 🤪 thanks so much for watching!

[@anncastaneda934]

I just love your channel.. the most helpful videos I’ve watched. You truly love to share your knowledge and it shows. You have tremendous talent and so authentic. Thank you!

[@Paint_Ward]

Every video I’ve seen from you has been so helpful to me, and is always full of good, unbiased information. In the past, I’ve always leaned towards the idea of restoring the original wood/veneer of a piece of furniture, rather than painting over it. To be fair, I think I’ll always be a bit peeved to see a chalk paint finish over certain antique wooden furniture, bc I know how much effort goes into specific finishes in woodworking (especially when it was done prior to power tools and mass-produced/supplied materials). You and your channel, however, have definitely helped opened my eyes! I can appreciate the benefits of painting a piece, and now I see a lot of it comes down to the piece itself, and not just preference. I also love the business aspects of your channel, it’s all very helpful to those trying to work their way into furniture flipping & restoration, too. Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing more from you :)

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank YOU for all of your support!

[@lollylolly8186]

Chalk paint is really good at protecting the wood below so any restoration could be done. But usually we research the piece we are flipping just in case. I tend to buy/ find pieces that need tlc and aren’t rare or made from rare, hard to find wood. But to me it’s ultimately up to the buyer/finder of that piece what they want to do with it. Painted pieces often are worth more to people than a restored wooden piece. If it’s a business you are doing it for the money. Most of us have a personal standard of avoiding those special pieces, plus the initial investment can eliminate and profit margin. Do I see pieces I don’t personally feel comfortable painting, yes but I’m not going to judge those who choose to. Unless they used regular spray paint. Then I might be judging on the inside.😁

[@michelelee5339]

Excellent video! The results are exactly what I expected. I sincerely appreciate you running this test & sharing with us 😊👍

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank YOU for watching! I appreciate your support.

[@scgauth]

Those videos are SO useful! Thank you for taking the time to do thorough tests and sharing it with your community. You make furniture salvaging so much more accessible for everybody!

[@vanlo1178]

I never thought I’d hear bm paint is the least expensive. Lol I’ve always loved it because I’m not the best at rolling walls and it goes on like someone that knows how to paint did my walls. It always turns out so nice!

[@diysbydar]

Wow. That's enlightening. You really put them to the test. Makes me realize that the purpose of the piece can dictate what paint you use for its over all durability.

[@debrap947]

I have always used whatever wall paints I have left over since it is within the budget. You nailed it though...prep is key(clean, sand and prime!) for any furniture painting. My style is a Cottage style so a few nicks and wear is my happy place. This was a great demo...thanks for sharing Katie!

[@salvagedbykscott]

I’m so glad you like it! Prep is key and we all get the best results using the products that we feel confident with 🖤 thank you so much for watching today!

[@kaihandren9309]

......auditorium fell hushed .... the Lab Coat approached .... prodding & poking- a hiss , a crack, bubbling & ..."Behold !," was shouted ... gasps & awe .... Ms Katie gestured.... and ascended !

[@neliborba101]

Taking the time to do this kind of demonstration was nice of you. 🥰Thank you.

[@annaibrahim2052]

Every video that you make teaches me something new and necessary. You are so interesting and clear in your instruction and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks so much.

[@pattydonovan2646]

I am so glad to see this video. I kept thinking Benjamin Moore Advance paint would be great on furniture. It’s what I used on my kitchen & bathroom cabinets.

[@egoranonymous3223]

Hi Patty, has it held up on your cabinets? I'm painting my kitchen cabinets this fall and I need something that can take a beating. I'm on a walker and am constantly banging into walls and furniture. 🙂

[@Dingle1234]

I was sold Advance, not as a wall paint, but preferred for wood (trims, furniture etc.). I think many people, like myself, are only familiar with the "shabby chic", "French Country(ish) kind of funereal look. Chalky on the surface. Say no mo'. Your videos were the first time I've seen it used under a clear coat. Quite lovely.

[@lollylolly8186]

I’ve always heard that latex paint doesn’t have the longevity of chalk paint and that chalk/clay paint has the most stick to it-ness and is most protective of the wood below. Fumes are a huge factor for me so chalk/clay paint suits me. It’s much easier to repaint over a chalk based paint or to strip off chalk based paint for restoration. I tend to use a primer too if I suspect bleeding, am not sure the environment it came out of or it’s going to be a solid colour with no distressing. I was using Bin Zinsser but it would not cover a piece that was bleeding, after several coats I turned to Salvation Solution in clear by Debi’s Design Diary. It’s much runnier than your usual base paint but much less stinky and quick drying. Plus it leaves a lovely smooth finish for your paint, any distressing is easy since it’s clear. I found it to be more effective than Bin but much more expensive even though you didn’t need as much. It was surprising how many coats your two non furniture paint required. That equals a lot more work on big pieces, time is money. Plus the dry time is a turn off. I’m guessing you would also have more trouble blending. Summary, I’m sticking to my chalk/clay paint for durability, ease of use, blendability, odor free and easy clean up. Plus it’s non toxic and I adore the company. Very interesting results though. Thx Katie! ❤️❤️👏👏

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thanks so much Lolly 😘 I’ll be sticking to my chalk paints too ❤️

[@PankDotOwner]

Great information. Thanks for taking the time to do all of that!

[@amelinahernandez9248]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I’m new to painting furniture and wanted to paint my nightstands. I was pulling my hair out over all the options. You are awesome!

[@sulysaldana5867]

Great video. Loved how detailed and fair you where when testing these out. I’ve always used latex paint because I’ve never heard of furniture paint. So this really makes me want to try chalk paint now. Thank you for doing these test.

[@TwiggyGrant1]

Thank you so much for doing this extended experiment. I was shocked at the alkyd paint I’d been using -that it was not worth the hassle of 16hr dry time + extended cure time. Wow. I’ve used paints made for “doors and trim” on furniture without topcoat to great result but now I’m wondering if that held in the long run. I’m going to start using a topcoat for everything bc it’s not worth ruining your reputation or wasting your money! Thank you thank you thank you Ms Kate 😊

[@maureenamos5240]

Hi from down under. Great video. Thank you. It was refreshing to not hear banter about your personal life like most other videos. It was concise and well made. I'm looking forward to watching more. Go girl!

[@stealth48nurse]

Thank you for your thorough and organized explanation of each paint. This will help me save time and grief.

[@dutchessoftruth5435]

Best video I have seen for questions about painting techs. Thank you for all your hard work, most informative 👏

[@MsKiessa]

Seriously I am sad that I am new to your channel because THIS IS EXACTLY the type of review I have been looking for when trying to choose how I should paint my furniture. Would LOVE to see this for kitchen cabinets (as I am looking to possibly chalk paint mine as well). Thanks for the great video! I will be watching more!

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

It’s like a science experiment! I am happy to learn from your expertise.

[@jeffreybelanger3723]

Thank you for your time with this. It is very helpful to have your opinion on durability and value on these 4 out of the zillions of options.

[@pamelasmith2545]

Thank you for this video and all of the effort you went to to make it. Like you said, prep your piece properly. It’s time well spent.

[@aiai-j7i]

I am very impressed with your approach! And thank you for the "scratching sound coming up" disclaimer! 🙂 I really love the beautiful subdued shades you used here too.

[@vancitycathy8422]

This is so freaking helpful. Thanks for doing all the work for us and by extension saving us all time, money and heartache. Amazing video.

[@khurtubise1]

This video was brilliant. I seriously want a two thumbs up button. Thanks for such a great comparison video. Your testing was so thorough and fair in process and application and testing methods! Kudos! ❤

[@TatianaBalashova]

Thank you Katie! Such a sophisticated test and beautifully shot. Thank you for the effort!

[@tallmountainman]

I'm a sucker for comparisons. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Now I know what paints I should look for when starting to paint my own furniture.

[@leahroby241]

Until the lockdown, I had never heard of a furniture paint. I have used Benjamin Moore's and store brands. But I was not doing anything artistic with the paint. Thank you for the side by side.

[@Boomerinthewild62]

This is the best comparison test I've seen yet 👍

[@gonzalez-valdez8043]

thank you very much! Which one would you recommend for cabinets? If I use the Country Chic paint do I need to put a wax finish? I will be using MDF board. They will be small cuts some will be almost hand size.

[@Nin5083]

Thank you for your video… i just started on this adventure and had wondered what the benefit to each paint would be and whether or not it makes a difference…you answered all my questions. Great video, so thorough!

[@vsen7]

Chalk paints are so expensive in my country I never tried them. I just come here and see you using it. Thank you for such a detailed comparison.. You're awesome.

[@irenearbuckle4744]

Thank you for taking the time to do this comparison. Great information!!

[@chrisp.6056]

I just started using chalk paint. I was in shock how much everything was. Special brushes.etc... I spent probably $150,with transfers. Patio paint really stays on.!! Thank you for this. I so appreciate all your effort. PS- latex paint peals.

[@LumunGames]

well presented, very thorough. Thank you Katie

[@salvagedbykscott]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much 😊

[@fineartlifestyling]

What a thorough video! Thankyou fo taking the time to do this very well thought out and controlled experiment.

[@cathy7824]

I put some unfinished cabinets in my pantry in 2008, I painted them with white latex trim paint. They still look amazing. My favorite go to now is valspars furniture paint.

[@lollylolly8186]

Perfect Katie! I’m just about to paint my new, unfinished kitchen cabinets and have been debating what type of paint to use. I had been looking at the BM Advance but I wasn’t impressed at all by the coverage. Even cheaper, it requires more paint and more time. I always seal with a durable sealer and prime if I’m unsure of the piece’s history. I’ve also tried going back and stripping a piece after 30 days of finishing it, it wasn’t going anywhere! I’ll stick to chalk/clay paint and polycrylic thx. Latex doesn’t stand the test of time and peels eventually plus the chemicals and odors. Great video. 💕💕👏

[@RogueAPBT]

Not being a furniture artist, I will stick with latex and acrylics, but I understand about wanting the right tools for your work, and from what I've seen on other videos, a little of the chalk paint seems to go a long way. Thanks for the video!

[@km_72]

Your organizational skills are on point here. You had so much going on that I would have completely lost track. Haha. Thanks for putting in the work, Katie! 💪🏼

[@msk3905]

BM Advance is fantastic paint for cabinets, I know not everyone has the ability to but it really needs to be sprayed. Just sprayed our bathroom vanity and it looks amazing! Advance needs to be primed on bare wood, 16 hour cure time in between coats and not top coat! Once it cures it is rock solid, I have no idea what you did but I sand with 400 in between coats so that I get a crazy smooth finish (Advance levels out when applied properly) and mine sands nice. I have used it on several projects and never experienced what you did.

[@jena2122]

I just picked up a piece to flip because I’ve been so inspired by your channel! This video is EXACTLY what I need right now. Thank you!!

[@frelnc]

This was a great demonstration and helped to illustrate that prep is key. Thank you, Katie!

[@heatherlaird-mcleod3271]

A worthwhile test😊protective coating is a must.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Absolutely! Thank you so much for watching today 🖤

[@cecilliafalke5752]

Great job!!! You are very clear and thorough with your explanations and methodology and summing it up in a chart is very useful. Thank you

[@WhoWhatWhereWhenWhy7]

Thank you so much for unselfishly sharing your experience with us. Very thorough and informative.

[@artsyathlete1]

Thank you for showing the name difference of the top coat down here. As a transplanted Canadian, I would have driven 6 hours to get the "right" one but with Covid still closing the border it's a lot safer to just buy it here :D.

[@LauriPEaton]

this was extremely helpful. thank you for your meticulous experiment. i really appreciate how detailed and realistic you are when sharing your knowledge.

[@ashleymcgeary5129]

Wall and trim paint is best for furniture. I like Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel. They actually tell you to use that. Its pricy. Prep is really the big thing though. Even when you paint and dont have to strip it down; sometimes I will still strip it down because it makes it better. At least I think. And I mostly use primer even with chalk paint.And ones that dont need a topcoat, I use a topcoat on high traffic pieces

[@mazie.wilson]

Looks to me like house & canvas is the best option over all. Very slight brush strokes, just as much durability as the rest, the shortest cure time, and the cheapest!

[@arlene7394]

Thank you for sharing; great experiment! As you clearly showed you cannot skip proper prepping and topcoat. When using chalk paint I’m more inclined to use waxes but while use a good quality topcoat!! Thank you so much Katie. I love you channel😃

[@salvagedbykscott]

Wax is great too! I just prefer the feel of a good satin poly 😉 thank you so much for watching today!

[@mcm.walnuter3479]

Love these tests! Thank you 😊

[@starnyc5964]

Great video Katie.....you are the gift that keeps on giving!!!!! Thank you and God Bless

[@flossyb.9532]

You have no idea how helpful this is, thank you so much!!!

[@mariadi1069]

That was very smart idea, thank you! Bless you.

[@rabbitruler44]

Wow thanks! I’m thinking about doing my first paint job on my desk and it’s pretty intimidating but this is great.

[@sherrimacdonald2157]

Fusion distresses if you do it within the first two days. Waiting until after the cure time makes it difficult.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Yes, you definitely need to get to it right after it’s dry. Thank you so much for watching today ❤️

[@pamallen2498]

Thank you for all the work you put into this demonstration.

[@angelanieuwenhuis6344]

What a GREAT demonstration. Thankyou now I don't have to do this myself. ❤🇨🇦

[@heathermolony1339]

I am about to try mineral paint..they say no undercoat required..have painting coming via mail very shortly...carn't wait to try this new paint...will let u know...regards heather from australia

[@gordannette]

Ok SOOO glad I found you - a fellow Canadian!! Loved this video - it was so very helpful!!! Thank YOU!

[@wendysowski6904]

Katie! Thank you for this video of your test. It was very helpful!

[@CarolWiepert]

Thank you for this video. I've wondered about the differences in paint types and you answered all my questions. 🙂

[@od2437]

All the colors you used for testing are so beautiful

[@pamalapeterson5352]

Thank you for your time in doing this testing!

[@grasshopperdoy]

Great examination and sharing of results at each step of the way.

[@kellybartlett4798]

I love your videos so much. You put a lot of time and patience into them, thank you.

[@merari1098]

Thank you for taking the time to provide this great information. I learned a lot from it 👍

[@leahrivka]

This was a great way to test and very fair.

[@guylainep1639]

thank you. I do use latex on some piece, mostly bookcases etc, and I do find that prep is the most important as well. The curing time is also very important, especially if you are planning on placing books on the bookcase. I would like to see a comparison with the stuff you use to change a latex into a chalk paint, those beads etc. Thanks again.

[@pattydonovan2646]

I used Benjamin Moore Advance paint on both my kitchen cabinets & bathroom cabinets. I used 2 coats of primer & 2 coats of advance. I lightly sanded in between each coat. The painted cabinets look like a professional did them. I am afraid to try chalk bc I am afraid it won’t hold up as well. I wonder if I can put mineral paint colors over the advance paint🧐? Thank you so much for this informative video!! Great job & so much work & effort that you put into your video.

[@andrewlorettakish6210]

I was just asking this question “what’s the difference between latex and chalk” in one of the paint groups I’m in. Excellent video.

[@sabrinarankin9704]

As usual, I learned so much from watching another one of ur videos! Thank you for putting this info out there!

[@HeyShmoley]

This is one of the most satisfying videos I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@HeyShmoley]

And that sanding sound warning!

[@melanieeaton7302]

You rock! I have two pieces I need to paint in my garage and when your notification popped up, I thought cool, I need to know the difference between chalk and latex paint. I just bought my BIN shellac based primer but forgot the topcoat, thank you for reminding me.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Awesome! Get yo’ paint on!!!

[@thekraftycreech]

I use latex exclusively. And I honestly believe a scuff sand is not enough for prep work. You must sand down to the bare wood on most surfaces. I can scrape the heck out of it with no issues and I barely use any paint because the wood soaks it up (I rarely use a primer unless I know my wood is a bleeder or I'm using white). You are right prep work is key! I really appreciate you showing all the differences. I've asked other youtubers how certain brands of chalk paint hold up and I never feel like i get an honest answer. Great video! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@kathrynjohnson9926]

Good to know! Thanks for this, it helps to know all about this like costs and coverage.

[@libbyannstew8775]

Excellent video Katie! You answered so many questions I had. You’re a fantastic teacher. Thank you. ;-)

[@pateicialane4740]

Those colours are really really beautiful shades haven’t seen any like those here in England!

[@oliviajoneslife]

Thanks for the great video! Country Chic and House & Canvas must have raised prices since this vid. Now they seem to be the same price as Fusion here in Canada!

[@kathleenorr2624]

Another fantastic video. Keep them coming!

[@kellynichols3124]

Thank you for sharing this, as I use all type of paints on my furniture projects!

[@melindaverner8831]

Awesome video Katie! Amazed they all held up so well to the fork test!! 💓

[@salvagedbykscott]

They really did! Better than I expected from any of them.

[@PWallace23]

Do you sand lightly between coats to keep any roughness? A local store uses chalk paint but it feels rough and not shiny.

[@erikaw5669]

I'm currently using chalk paint for the first time and I don't love it. It's bumpy, even with a sanding with 320 before I wax. I usually use an enamel paint from Sherwin Williams on furniture. I prefer the silly smooth finish of the enamel and will probably go back to it after I'm done with this piece.

[@kathyb-007]

Ordered some Country Chic to paint over a laminate dresser. Hope I don't have to prep a thing! ☺

[@FarmhouseFelts]

Thank you for this! Super helpful!