Annie Sloane / chalk paint

[purplegreen99]

This is probably a really a stupid question, but...if I use Annie Sloane or similar chalk paint on a bookcase, is it actually chalky - as in, will powdery stuff come off on my books?

It shouldn't. I'm not keen on it but lots of people like it.

Not if you wax it once it's painted.

Wax it after its been painted.

My girls have revamped a lot of furniture using Annie Sloane stuff and the secret is to have a plan as to what your doing and not just set about slapping it on.

Its a bit like food tasting better out of slow cooker when you've taken time to prep it rather than 'oh I just bunged it in the slow cooker'.

Thanks for the info about wax. I'm now googling lots of decor blogs to info on how to do this.

Frenchic do a range that doesn’t ha e to be waxed.

Ime it doesn’t take a lot of wear and tear even when waxed. I did a bureau in my sitting room and anything in it tends to mark it.

Thanks Saucery - will look up Frenchic.

Annie Salone has a youtube channel with videos of how to paint effectively and how to wax-I found them really useful. I have to agree about it not always wearing well, it's lasted on my daughter's cot and a set of drawers but is coming off on the corners of a wardrobe I painted which gets a lot of use and knocked quite easily.

It does mark/chip and I found it difficult to use over a larger area because it dries quickly. If I painted the dresser again, I’d use ‘real’ paint.

Even if you don't wax it then it won't leave a residue on your books but it will mark the bookcase less if you wax it. I use the Rustoleum range from B&Q as it's cheaper than Annie Sloan - I think Wilkos might even do their own brand now as well

I did a bookcase in it. I wouldn't use it again - I'm an experienced painter, but found it hard to apply, and I didn't like the finish- marks very easily. I use eggshell for furniture now.

Annie Sloan also makes a water-based varnish which I find easier and much more hardy than the wax. It does have a slight sheen, like all matte garnishes, so you lose the chalky look - not a problem for me, but may be for you.

I'm now thinking of just doing it in eggshell as it's got to be hardwearing and I don't do a lot of painting, so I think I might be better off doing something I know I can manage rather than needing to learn new techniques.