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.
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Hiya! We want to use chalk paint on a stained wooden table that will be exposed to tropical weather in the Caribbean. Any tips to share, or recommendations? It would be used every day for meals, too.
Thanks.
The furniture looks great, but what about the rust? Did you treat the rust in any way, before you painted? Will chalk paint keep it from rusting further or peeling where rust remained? Thanks.
Did you receive a reply regarding the rust marks?
You are absolutely hilarious. New fan! <3 Keep making all the things! GO GO GO!
Can you please tell me what type of paint sprayer you used?
I have one too that I just can’t toss. I see you said 1:1
Does that mean mean? Also did you do anything
Regarding the rust spots? Will it chip? Will color go on your clothes without wax?
Hi Jen,
1:1 ratio means you’d dilute the chalk paint by half. Whatever amount you have of chalk paint, add that much water. I sanded the rust spots off. It hasn’t chipped and the color doesn’t come off on your clothes. Hope that helps!
I have a black wrought iron just like this table. My husband keeps saying it will come onto clothes. Is it still holding up?
I used a HomeRight sprayer for the first time and fell in love! On my first try it looked like a pro job!!! I did practice with water on cardboard first like it recommended!!! I also used the HomeRight paint shelter and LOVED it also!
I have nearly the same patio set. Do you recall how much paint it took to cover the table and chairs? I have six chairs. Seriously? No scraping.
I have a wood Pub table that I was going to get rid of and have been wanting to do something on my patio so when I saw you can use this on outdoor furniture that little light went on LOL! Can you say repurpose! So excited!
What type of spray paint do you recomend?
I have a very rusty plants stand, what type of spray paint do you recommend, or can I use a brush?
Thank you ?
So, I did this. I let it sit for two days. Last night, it rained. When I touched the table, it was kind of slimy, but the paint is not budging…..do I need to wax coat it?
I love it but it didn’t work for me. We couldn’t sit on the chairs as the paint rubs ff on clothes or hands. Now I have a horrible job wondering what to do with these chalky table and chairs.
Sorry to hear that Marilyn! We didn’t have that problem.
Just read your post. Beautiful colors! I am going to use chalk paint on my patio seat cushions. I’m assuming I won’t need a weather sealer??
I am wanting to add a pop of color to my log house by painting my front door. My door is primed white metal. Would I be able to use this chalk paint to paint my door? What would.i need to do for prep and sealing?
Thanks!
I’d like to order a paint sprayer after reading this blog! I’m on amazon right now… which model do you recommend? Thank you!
Hi Laura,
I have the Fuji Semi Pro sprayer (https://amzn.to/2LdRME1) and LOVE it. If you’re looking for a lower price point, I’ve heard good things about the HomeRight Finish Max: https://amzn.to/2NVwgCs. Hope that helps!
HomeRight!!??
Do you know the name of the wrought iron set or what one could ask for it? I have the same set that I want to sell and I can’t find a similar one anywhere to compare for an asking price.
What a great article! This has been more helpful than dozens of videos I’ve watched. I’m SO inspired now! Can’t wait for my new creative juices to show their results!
Hi Jen
Can I use chalk paint on my wooden rockers that I keep outside exposed to rain and sun, heat and cold? I have just finished scraping and sanding them.
Thank you,
Fran
Can this be done with aluminum patio furniture ?
How much paint would I need for a patio set pretty much like yours?
Thanks Amanda! I used less than a quart of paint!
Hi Jen, love the patio set. Can you let me know if I would be able to use this paint on spindles on my stairs (inside). They are white right now and I would like to paint them black. Thanks much.
Hi Colleen,
Yes, you can use this chalk paint on your stairs, however it will need a protective topcoat. I’d also recommend enamel paint in this application. Hope that helps!