Exploring Furniture Paint: Thoughts on Choosing the Right Finish

When it comes to revitalizing furniture, choosing the right paint can make all the difference. I often get asked what the best type is to use and, to be honest, there's not a one size fits all answer. It really comes down to what finish you are looking to achieve on the piece you are painting.

With a plethora of options on the market, it's essential to understand the characteristics of different types of furniture paint to achieve your desired look and durability. In this guide, we'll compare two popular choices: chalk paint and mineral paint.

Chalk Paint:

Chalk paint, such as Annie Sloan and Wise Owl, has gained widespread popularity for its ease of use and vintage-inspired finish. Both the bed and the dresser seen here are done in chalk paint with a matte finish. You can see that the finished product is a softer look with minimal shine. Here are a few key points about chalk paint:

• Prep Work: One of the biggest draws of chalk paint is its minimal prep work
  

• requirement. In most cases, you can skip sanding and priming, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a quick furniture makeover. You do however, need to give the piece a good clean!

• Finish: Chalk paint typically dries to a matte, velvety finish, perfect for achieving that shabby-chic or distressed look. It can be easily distressed with sandpaper for added character.

• Topcoat: In my experience, chalk paint does require some sort of topcoat for durability; applying a clear wax or polyurethane can enhance its longevity and protect the finish from wear and tear. Just know that wax has to be redone every few years.
  

Mineral Paint:

Mineral paint, such as Fusion Mineral Paint and Melange, offers a more modern alternative to traditional chalk paint. Both the desk and the cedar chest in this section are painted with a mineral paint. The desk has a glossy topcoat and the chest doesn't have a topcoat and relies on the built in top coat that is part of the paint's structure. You can notice how they have just a bit more shine to them then the pictures in the above section. Here's how it compares:

• Prep Work: Like chalk paint, mineral paint often requires minimal prep work. However, I highly recommend light sanding and cleaning with a good degreaser to ensure proper adhesion, especially on glossy surfaces.

• Finish: Mineral paint typically dries to a smooth, satin-like finish with excellent durability and coverage and just a touch of sheen. It's available in a wide range of colors, including vibrant hues and neutrals. Unlike chalk paint, these paints are self-leveling which helps minimize brush strokes.

• Topcoat: Unlike chalk paint, mineral paint usually doesn't require a topcoat for durability as most are built in. However, applying a clear coat of polyurethane can add an extra layer of protection and sheen if desired and I typically recommend doing a topcoat on a high usage piece such as a dining table top.
  

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Project:

Ultimately, the choice between chalk paint and mineral paint depends on your preferences, the desired finish, and the level of durability required for your furniture piece. If you're aiming for a vintage-inspired look with minimal prep work, chalk paint may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a modern, long-lasting finish with a wide color selection, mineral paint could be your best bet.