What is Chalk-Style Paint?

Chalk-style paint is a water-based mineral paint. Chalk Paint™ is a specific brand, however, chalk-style paint is available through many manufacturers. Its most identifiable characteristic is its matte, chalky appearance. It is often used on furniture, such as dressers and tables, or smaller home decor pieces. However, it’s flexible enough to use for a wide variety of projects, including walls or cabinets.

Chalk-style paint is porous and will not provide an impermeable surface. Due to this, it is often paired with a wax or lacquer for protection. It won’t penetrate into the surface, allowing for greater flexibility in the final look, such as creating a distressed effect or adding various stains or finishes.

What is Chalk-Style Paint Used For?

Chalk-style paint will adhere to nearly any surface, including metal and glass, and requires very little surface prep. It generally doesn’t require sanding or priming so it is a great choice for intricate furniture projects with lots of corners or design features.

It is commonly used on shabby-chic looks due to its ability to achieve a distressed finish. It’s also popular in modern farmhouse style decor and can give finished projects a rustic, vintage feel. It is a very forgiving paint and is a great option for beginner DIYers and experts alike.

Why Spray Chalk-Style Paint?

Chalk-style paint takes on the characteristics of the tool it is applied with. When applied with a brush, brush strokes are more pronounced than with other types of paint. If you’re looking for a smooth, even finish, spraying is the best application method. With larger projects, such as dressers or kitchen cabinets, using a sprayer will result in faster application and a smoother finish.

Prep the Surface and Area

Chalk-style paint requires very little preparation to apply and adheres to most surfaces. Ensure all surfaces are clean and free of dust or grease by cleaning with soap and water. Make sure the surface is fully dried before application. Smooth or glossy surfaces can be lightly sanded to aid in adhesion. In most cases, a primer is not needed and previous paint layers do not need to be removed before application.

Be sure to read the preparation instructions on your specific brand.

When Spraying Outdoors

Spraying outdoors is the easiest way to ensure your project receives full coverage while limiting the effects of overspray. Be sure to protect any surfaces that could come in contact with overspray, such as laying down a dropcloth or using a spray shelter.

When Spraying Indoors

If your project cannot be sprayed outdoors, such as with installed cabinets, be sure to protect all adjoining and nearby surfaces from overspray. Creating an enclosed spray area ensures overspray cannot drift into other areas of the house.

To do this, lay down a drop cloth to protect the floors. Then hang plastic sheets from the ceiling, securing them to the floor and each other to create an enclosed spraying space. Remove anything from your spray enclosure that you don’t want painted and if anything cannot be removed, cover it with plastic sheeting.

We also recommend wearing proper safety gear like a paint respirator with a organic cartridge filter, coveralls, and safety glasses to ensure you are protected from overspray and chemical fumes while spraying indoors.

Spraying Chalk-Style Paint with an HVLP Sprayer

An HVLP spray gun is recommended for smaller, more detailed surfaces as the spray and control are finer. With an HVLP gun, your paint may need to be thinned with water, especially on lower end HVLP spray guns. If you use a professional level HVLP like a 4 or 5 stage turbine you can typically spray chalk paint unthinned with great results.

We recommend a 1.4 or 1.8 tip for chalk-style paint with a professional level HVLP spray gun. For setting suggestions you can check out our guide here on using a HVLP Spray Gun.

Spraying Chalk-Style Paint with an Airless Sprayer

Airless sprayers are best for larger areas where efficient coverage is the top priority. They can be easier to spray than a HVLP, however, they can can cause more runs so you’ll want to move quickly for even coverage. It’s important to check if your chalk-style paint is water or solvent based as this could impact your choice of airless sprayer. Most chalk-style paints are water-based, but check your specific brand to be sure.

With an airless sprayer, no thinning of the paint is required. To spray chalk-style paint you will typically use a small tip, such as a 311 or 313. For the smoothest finish, we recommend a fine finish airless tip.

• Test your sprayer settings before you spray your project - You want to ensure the settings are correct for the paint and project you’re working with. You can use a piece of cardboard, poster board or paper, or waste materials.

• Make sure the sprayer is moving before engaging the trigger - The spray gun needs to be continuously moving while spraying. If it is still when you pull the trigger, you’ll get uneven coverage with too much paint at the starting area. When disengaging the trigger, be sure to continue moving until the spray has stopped.




• Keep your movement continuous and steady - For even coverage, use long, continuous movements at a steady pace. Keep the nozzle at a consistent height above the surface.




• Hold the sprayer at a 90° angle to your project - Keeping your wrist stiff and the sprayer at a consistent angle ensures a smooth, even finish.




• Look into finishing sealers for your project - Depending on the item being painted and how it will be used, you may want to seal your project against wear or chipping. There are many options for sealing chalk-style paint, including waxes, varnishes, or glazes. The different options can have different effects on the finished look.




• For more tips and tricks on getting the best results with your spray gun, have a look at our free spray course!

HVLP Sprayers for Chalk-Style Paint

A quality paint sprayer for anyone looking to complete small-to-medium sized projects. Ideal for crafts, dressers, cabinets, or other furniture, this makes the HomeRight Fine Finish Sprayer a great for chalk-style paint projects. The Finish Max sprays a smooth, factory-like finish with no compressor required.

The FLEXiO® 590 handheld paint sprayer is a flexible solution for any type of home painting project. It can paint a wall 10 times faster than a brush or put a fine finish on furniture saving time and effort. This is the perfect choice for smaller, detail-focused chalk-style paint projects.

Airless Sprayers for Chalk-Style Paint

The Graco Ultra Handheld is a great choice of airless sprayer for water-based paints. Being handheld and cordless means more control over your project and the flexibility to spray anywhere. Ideal for all your mid-sized chalk-style painting needs.

The Control Pro 170 High Efficiency Airless takes the fear out of airless spraying, making it easier to paint like a pro. It's ideal for anyone looking to complete larger chalk-style painting projects quickly and easily.

The FinishPro GX 19 is the fast, portable, and affordable solution for those small finishing jobs. Graco's proven piston pump and RAC X FF LP SwitchTip quickly lay down a smooth finish and the ProXChange Pump provides fast on-the-job pump replacement – no tools required.

The Titan ED 655 is an airless sprayer ideal for small paint jobs. It’s a compact, lightweight, dedicated finishing system that’s easy to use, easy to transport and, dependable. The perfect airless choice for your small-to-medium chalk-style paint projects.