Hi DIY friends! If you’re a DIYer (and you probably are, because you’re reading this post), you may have heard about a little revolutionary paint product called Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. It’s kiiiiind of a big deal. As in, internationally.
No prep, no prime, no fuss. You just paint and go!
(Not to be confused with painting on the go. That would be very messy.)
But did you know that you can use Chalk Paint® on exterior projects? Yep.
Boom.
Mind. Blown.
The fabulous folks over at Annie Sloan and Unfolded asked me to share their current #MadeItMyOwn contest and giveaway by tackling a Chalk Paint® project of my own.
My parents have had this wrought iron patio set for a thousand years and boy, was it was hurtin’. This little set had certainly seen better days (like, back in ’83) and it was *this* close to being left for dead out on the curb.
My parents were all, “just leave it on the side of the road. Some homeless person will pick it up.”**
And I was all, “But wait! It’s still breathing!”
Then I said, “Wait. What would a homeless person do with a patio set?”
**These statements cannot be verified.
So I dusted off the spiderwebs (ick) and bird poop (ew) and breathed new life into this cute little patio set. No sanding, no primer, no nothing. Just a couple of coats of this striking Florence Chalk Paint®.
At first, I was overly ambitious an idiot and thought I could paint this 5-piece set with a single paintbrush (in this lifetime, I mean). After painting one chair by hand, I tried to bribe my husband to do it, but he refused. I mean, honestly. Is chivalry really dead?!
RUDE.
Then I wised up and unboxed the paint sprayer that had been collecting dust in my workshop for several weeks. I know. I’m a genius.
Minutes, you guys. I had this entire set painted in minutes.
Mind. Blown. (that’s twice now – you are welcome.)
Seriously, why in God’s name did I wait this long to use a paint sprayer?! Remind me to punch myself in the face later.
I mixed the Chalk Paint® with water, using a 1:1 ratio. This proportion worked beautifully – it sprayed on perfectly, didn’t drip or clog, and the color didn’t lose any of its vibrancy (as you can see). I let the paint cure for a day before spraying the second coat on. While I was at it, I painted these cement planters with Provence Chalk Paint®.
And remember these box planters I built a million years ago?
(It’s okay if you don’t, it was a long time ago.)
I used Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint® on the box planters. Again, I watered the paint down (1:1 ratio) so I could use my paint sprayer.
By the way, those aren’t drips of paint you’re seeing. After waiting ALL DAY LONG for the light to get right for this photo shoot, it started raining the second I turned my camera on. I wish I was kidding.
God is a real comedian. Also, turns out, He’s not too fond of me shaking my fist at Him over it because as soon as I did, He sent the loudest clap of thunder right over my head that I literally thought I was being struck by lightning. Then I immediately fell on my face in fear and repentance.
True story.
*Update: After 10 months of my patio set and planters being outside, without any overhead cover, in direct sunlight, rain, and other inclement weather, the paint job has held up beautifully and still looks as good as the day I painted them!
Oh, and be sure to pin this project so you don’t forget it! Feel free to use the image below.
*This post is sponsored by Unfolded, the exclusive North American distributor for Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. While I received product and/or compensation to write a post about Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan, all efforts, opinions, happy dances, and professions of undying love for these products are my own.
Pin for later!
I love this makeover! We just used chalk paint to makeover an old bed frame. I didn’t think you could use this stuff for outdoor furniture! Did you put any sort of protective coat over the chalk paint?
No, they don’t recommend a top coat for exterior. Just chalk paint and done! 🙂
Hi do you not even need to wax the furniture after painting?
I recall reading to never, ever use ASCP wax outside.
Wax-sun bad mix
Thanks Jen for giving me the confidence to forge ahead with my project, love your patio set!
Thanks Missy. According to the Annie Sloan website, chalk paint is perfectly fine outdoors, as long as you don’t apply a top coat (like the wax). We just used the chalk paint and our patio set is still going strong after 3 years now!
I love the color you used for the table and chairs. On the Annie Loan site the color seems to have more of a greenish tone, but your pics are more turquoise. What’s your take?
Thanks!
Hi Amanda, it looks like a very vibrant green-toned turquoise in real life.
I have a similar patio set and am excited to use chalk paint on it! But I don’t have a spray gun so guess I’ll have to paint it old school with a brush.
Where did you get your rug and how big is it?
I don’t know the size of the rug, but I got it from World Market!
Hi, Have you used rust oleum chalk paint outside? Its cheaper than Anne Sloan, so i was wondering how it compared.
Love the patio set! I use a lot of AS chalk paint, but, have never tried it out of doors!! My mind is reeling now!! Thank you!!
Sara
Yes! Annie Sloan recommends that you don’t use a top coat for exterior projects, which is pretty mind-blowing, but after 8 months of my patio set being outside, unprotected from the outdoor elements, the paint has held up beautifully!
Beautiful makeover, Jen! In my experience with Chalk paint that doesn’t not have a top coat, any contact with another hard surface (metal, wood) causes marking on the super matte finish – especially on the darker colors. I plan on repainting my set black – is there anything I can do to minimize the marking since I can’t use a protective top coat?
Did you use something to seal the chalk paint? I am going to paint some old copper urns for the garden and am concerned that it will wash off.
Thanks
No Maria, believe it or not, Annie Sloan recommends not using a top coat for exterior projects! After 8 months of my patio set and planters being outside in the elements, the paint job has held up beautifully!
So is there a certain type of chalk paint that is used on outside furniture than what is used on indoor furniture?
Hi Wanda, no – I just use Annie Sloan’s chalk paint for both interior and exterior projects.
I have some a very weathered “wall” of lattice that has never been treated in 20 years. Can I just brush chalk paint right on and bam, I’m done? Do I need to use the wax?
So you did not even use wax?!?! I’m in the process of painting an old wood porch bench. Just AS pure white chalk and done? That’s great!
Yes, Suzanne – the Annie Sloan website recommends not adding a top coat when using their chalk paint for exterior projects. Good luck!
I just checked the AS website and she did recommend using a polyurethane sealer for protection (outdoor ). Now I’m really confused. Help
Hi Monica,
I wonder if it changed since my post four years ago, because at the time, Annie Sloan recommended no topcoat for exterior projects. We didn’t put a top coat on and the patio set has held up just fine all these years!
What type of paint sprayer do you recommend? I am so excited to paint our pool furniture!
Hi Patty,
I own the HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer and it worked great.
Thanks! I’m ordering one from Amazon now!!
What model of the finish Max paint sprayer did you use?
How long did you wait before sitting on/using the furniture?
Allow the paint to cure for at least a whole day.
Did you put any wax finish varnish after chalk paint dried? To protect from elements or rain????
Don’t you get chalky marks on your pants when you sit on these chairs??? Without waxing the paint wears off.
Thanks to you……I painted my wrought iron patio set yesterday!!!! Two coats, with a brush, don’t own a sprayer. They look beautiful! In the night, we had a terrific rain storm! The set is still beautiful this morning!!! Thanks again!!!
So awesome to hear!!! Thanks for the lovely comment, Sara!
Hi Jen, Where did you get the pillows from?
Lorena,
The pillows are from World Market.
Your patio set and planters are beautiful. Did you apply any thing over the chalk paint for protection from weather?
I love the color what is it called?
And how much paint did you use to do the table and chairs? Can I buy the paint in stores?
I am curious how the patio set is holding up after almost a year?
I am looking to revive my parents old patio set as well. It just worries me that there isn’t a finish over the paint.
The paint is holding up great! The patio set looks as good as the day I painted it!