If you’ve been around the blog for a while now, you probably know one of my favorite DIY projects is to paint old furniture. And my go-to product is generally chalk paint. I just love how easy it is to use and it’s always worked really well for me. But when I was browsing Home Depot the other day, I came across chalky spray paint. Yep, chalk paint in a can. Have you guys heard of this before?! I think it’s actually been out for a while now, so I’m probably way behind the curve, but holy cow chalk paint in a can! Of course I had to try it out and see how it compares to normal chalk paint. So today I’m sharing what happened when I tested it on a little side table, and a full review of this chalky spray paint.
One of the things I love so much about chalk paint is that you don’t have to sand the furniture before beginning your painting project. And you don’t need a primer either, which makes the painting process a total breeze. So when I bought the chalky spray paint, I really wanted to see if it would allow me to skip the same steps and still get a good result. I found an old side table, did no sanding or priming, and this is what happened using the Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paint in the color Aged Gray.
Coverage
The coverage with this chalk spray paint is good, but you definitely have to build it up slowly. I was a little disappointed with the first coat–as you can see it was splotchy and fairly light in coverage when first applied. However, when I applied the second coat, I noticed it not only went on more evenly, but the coverage was much better. So I’d definitely recommend at least two layers, possibly three depending on what you’re working on. Just be sure to let each coat fully dry before adding another.
Application
With no sanding and no priming, I was really interested to see how the chalk paint adhered to the table. I found that it bubbled up in some spots and went on smoothly in others, as you can see in this shot. Applying spray paint is always tricky, I find it’s hard to get an even application, and this was no different. But I’m happy to say the second coat covered up all of the little bubble areas and I ended up with a nice, even application.
Here it is after 2 coats:
Finish
With normal chalk paint, the finish is really dry and kind of rough–which is why you need to go over it with wax. With this spray paint, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the finish was nice and smooth, and there was no need for wax. Yay! It is definitely matte, but still really smooth and soft to the touch. No waxing is a HUGE plus in my book.
Here’s the finished look:
Overall Review
Overall I’d say this chalky spray paint is awesome. At first I wasn’t so impressed, but once I got that second coat on, I was actually really happy with the look. No sanding, no priming, no need for wax, just spray it on and go. Plus I was able to add a bit of distressing with sandpaper and had no problem, which is another plus. And I can’t get over the fact that it’s waaaaaaay cheaper than my usual Annie Sloan Chalk Paint with a very similar result. I honestly think this works just as well as regular chalk paint. The trick is making sure you apply it in thin, even coats, which can sometimes be hard to do with spray paint. And just for reference, I used one full can for this painting project, so you’d need to grab a few cans for anything larger.
Ok friends, that’s my full review of the Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paint. I think the table turned out pretty darn cute. I’d love to hear what you think of the finished look. And feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much for stopping by!
If you’re interested in learning more about regular chalk paint, here’s more info and my best tips and tricks…
Thanks -I have seen this in the store but always thought I’d still have to wax it …..that’s the part I’m not a fan of and have to get really siked up for.
I’m a big spray paint advocate and am never concerned that a piece I’d like to buy is the wrong color -it can always be painted is my motto!
Heck ya, that’s my motto too Marilyn! Someone on Instagram just told me they sell a clear wax like spray paint that goes along with this, which I didn’t realize, but I think you can get by without using it just fine.
Oh im doing this!!!!
Go for it Chrissy, I bet you’ll love it!
Yes I’ve used both. The clear matte cover is great for pieces that may get a lot of “traffic” or heavier use
Hello! I love how your table turned out!! Totally unrelated to the spray chalk paint tutorial, but where did you get those curtains??? I LOVE them!
Hi Amelia! Those are actually just drop cloth curtains. Super cheap and easy. And you can buy them from Home Depot! Here’s a post I did about them a while back: https://sarahjoyblog.com/drop-cloth-curtain-review/
I like the chalk board spray paint and have seen the chalk spat paint and wonder how the color would turn out. Thank you for sharing I have a couple small pieces I want to do. So I will try it. Love your site.
Give it a try Jonita, I was pleasantly surprised with this stuff!
I can’t believe I’m going to admit this, but I’ve never tried chalk paint. The biggest reason is I’ve never been able to justify the expense. I think your table turned out great! I have a end table I’ve been wanting to paint. I just might give this a try.
I hear you Sandy, it’s very pricey! I can usually make one can of chalk paint last for several projects by thinning it out with water, but it’s still really expensive. This is a great alternative! Give it a try.
Funny. I used this aged gray last weekend. I felt like it looked blue among my creams. Did you feel it looks blue?
I’m going to repaint cream with a new chalk paint brand at Walmart. Have you tried that yet? I haven’t but it is less expensive then Sloan.
Your table looks great!!!
It does have a little bit of a blue tint to it actually. I haven’t tried any other brands yet, but I might pick some up and see how they compare to this one. Thanks for stopping by Deanna!
FYI…the brand is Waverly and is in the craft section and was $6 for a jar. They have quite a few colors just in case you decide to try it. I repainted today and like it.
Great, thanks for the info!
Table looks great! I’ve used this chalky spray paint to revamp a cabinet & a couple of lamp stands. Do you know if it’s ok to paint a lampshade with too?
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for trying this out for me! I heard about it the other day and I was so curious. I’ll have to give it a whirl next time. Great review.
I’d definitely go for it Chelsea, I was really impressed with this stuff. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a chandelier that I would like to paint a matte black, will the chalk spray paint work on metal? I also have never tried the chalk paint, although there are classes within my area that I would love to try. Thanks for the info on the spray paint.
Deb
Yes Deb, it should definitely work on metal. Give it a try!
I’m so excited to see this chalk spray paint! I was just spray painting a few small pieces today and will have to wax them, but next time I will try this! Thanks for the review, the table looks great!
I tried the curtains but the drop cloth has this line right in the middle of it. Do they look different up close?
Hmm that’s weird. Mine don’t have a line on them…do you mean a line where they were folded?
I would like to trg this out for a desk aad dresser for my daughter’s room. Does it hold up well to wear and tear?
If you’re ok with a more distressed look, the chalky spray paint would be fine. But if you’re looking for a really polished look with no chipping or distressing at all, I’d go with primer and regular paint. Check out this post to see how I did a dresser like that: https://sarahjoyblog.com/vintage-dresser-makeover/
I am a True Value Hardwarian/Paint Specialist and we carry this Rustoleum Spray Paint. We’ve had nothing but good reviews from our friendly crafters. I will however suggest a Porch and Floor Paint for furniture that is used daily. It will hold up better. Ours comes in a Satin finish or a Semi-Gloss.
I covered my desk and filing cabinet tops with two coats of spray polyurethane, I did one coat on the sides. And I used this color! I love it!!
I just used the dark gray (almost black) of this same paint on two wooden chairs and looved it! We will see how they hold up. I’M really hoping the color won’t rub off for people sitting in the chairs?? thoughts? xo
Hi Jackie! You could try to use a clear finishing spray to seal the chairs just to ensure the color doesn’t rub off. I’d suggest the Zinsser Clear Aerosol Shellac, I use it a lot and it works pretty well. Hope that helps!
I have used the brush on version of Rust-oleum Chalk paint and found it to be pretty good, although not as thick as other brands I have tried. I am excited to try this spray version to use on smaller projects! I have been refinishing furniture for years, and by far chalk paint cuts down the time spent in prep work. Thanks for the honest review!
I recently used this same brand on a side table and after sanding he color keeps rubbing off! I know I could do a clear coat over but love the matte, chalk finish. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong?
Thank you for this post! I did not realize Rustoleum had a chalk spray paint. I love Rustoleum and I love chalk pain. Win-win!
After pinning your post I bought some to paint my dining room furniture. I have begun with the chairs. I removed the cushions, recovered the seats, and have painted 3 of the 6 chairs. I love it!
Next I am going to paint the china cabinet & buffet.
Thanks again!
Oh wow Deb, you’re taking on a lot! I’m sure it will all look amazing when you’re finished. Good luck to you!
Great to hear you did a dining set! How did it turn out? You used the chalk spray right? Do you prefer it to the regular chalk paint? Did you wax or seal your chairs? Nervous about how much mine will be used, especially with kids around!
I used it on a very ornate mirror, and it came out really nice.
How cool is this! Have you tried it on glass? I have to paint 40 mason jars for a wedding and this would save a ton of time!
I haven’t tried it, but you could test it out on 1 or 2 and see see how it works. I bet it would do great!
Hello! First time here and I already love everything I’ve read! I am going to try this spray paint on some DIY candlesticks, but I was wondering if there is a certain topcoat you would use when using this spray paint?
Hi Natalie! I didn’t use any topcoat actually, but the table is holding up really well without it. Good luck on your project and thanks for dropping in!
I’m doing this on my coffee table today. We use the table a lot and wondered if it would hold up to putting stuff on the table or do I need a finishing coat? Love your tutorial
I didn’t put any finishing coat on this side table and I am happy to say it’s held up fine for me!
Worst spray paint I have ever used. Sprays into the well of the nozzle no matter what angle you use. Get used to drips, never had a spray paint drip so quickly. It seems like a nice thin coat and I’d come back and it would drip down the piece. Also needed way too many cans to finish my project. I will note I was using the white and it was 8-9 degrees Celsius out. Maybe in a warmer environment it works but I will never buy again.
It has to be above 10 degrees c. And shake it a lot. That’s in the instructions on the can
I painted a dresser outside when it was around 10 degrees and it was ok but really tried to do several thin coats
Thanks, it’s very informative
It works really well for me
Thanks for the great guide
Hi Sarah, Just saw your site for the first time – Beautiful job on the end table! Thanks so much for your info. If l were to give a table as a gift, I am always concerned about water damage if someone puts a glass down without a coaster. Have you experimented with different sealants & have you found any with low VOC’s? I need to seal things inside in the winter. Thanks So very Much!
So have you ever used this spray paint on cupboards? I have a couple in my laundry room that I would love to try it on.
No, I haven’t tried spray paint on cupboards yet. But it might be worth a shot!
I few months ago I rolled the Rustoleum grey paint onto a concrete floor in my office after we had a water leak and the carpet had to be removed. The floor was vacuumed and hastily cleaned with wet towels and left to dry. We used a brush to cut in the paint around the baseboards and rolled on the rest. One coat was ok and two were wonderful. I didn’t put any type coating on it. It is not completely matt but I like it a lot. I don’t know how it will wear but I didn’t really care about that when I made the decision to use chalk paint as I like the distressed look. I have an indoor outdoor sisal rug on it also. Love it. So easy to apply and clean up is a breeze also. it did have a paint smell that lasted a couple months. But even that wasn’t harsh.
You used chalk paint on the concrete floor in the utility room???? I didn’t think that would be possible. Did it hold up? Any tips looking back in hindsight??
I tried it, and I just love it! I’ve been painting everything from picture frames to tables with it. I love the creamy vanilla. I didn’t put a wax coating over it. I also painted an old Home Interior mirror that was my moms and it turned out beautiful!
Using this spray chalk paint, does is scratch easily? I’m wondering if I would have to use polyurethane after spray painting it?
Yep, it will scratch easily. I’d definitely put a coat of poly on top if you don’t want it to do that.
Love love love the spray chalk paint! You can do a piece in minutes. It’s fun and easy. Best part …..no brushes to wash!
Exactly Mary! I hate washing brushes.
Hi Sarah,
This comment is in response to your article that is a review of chalky spray paint. I would like to try using the chalky spray paint, but I’ve never painted any furniture before, so I’m a little apprehensive. I have a light oak end table very similar to yours that I was going to replace, but may just paint now (maybe a cream color). How did you get the “worn off” or distressed look? Did the paint just cover that way or did you use an additional technique?
That worn off look is super easy to get. After you have painted the furniture, just get a piece of sandpaper and lightly sand on any areas of the piece that you want to have that “worn” look. It will take the paint right off! Easy peasy!
I love the chair next to the table!!! Where is that from?
FYI I used this product on the inside of drawers. The smell was overpowering when you opened the drawers weeks later.
I’m thinking of doing this in my kitchen. We have that 70’s “Z” brick…. Any thoughts? (In my opinion it can’t get any worse!)
Lovely website, wish I come across it earlier! I have just used this chalked spray paint on some Lloyd Loom items (chair and linen box) and they look fantastic, but ……. when touched/brushed against chalk is coming off on hands etc. I don’t really want to use wax spray on top. MaybeI sprayed too thick on second coat? Would you recommend dusting off and doing a 3rd light coat?
I have seen a lot of posts on Pintrest about making your own chalk paint and was wondering if you had ever tried it or know of anyone who has. It would add a ton of color options!
I make my own chalk paint in small quantities for small things. I use the calcium carbonate recipe. I got mine at our local co-op. They ordered it for me and it was about $7 so that’s affordable. It works well. I have yet to use it on any large projects however.
I just used this spray chalk paint in char HIL grey on a curbside find, a lil three drawer chest. Turned out great, super easier than the armoire I chalk painted with a brush, thought my hand was gonna fall off! I bought the country blue for my next project, a chest. They also sell a spray top coat for chalk paint so no waxing needed-win/win!
Love how the table came out. I tried it on a hutch recently using the waterfall blue. I love the results! it was so easy and, like you said, you need to use more than 1 coat to get good coverage. I definitely will be using it again on more projects coming up.
Do you think this spray paint would be durable enough for kitchen chairs? I’ve been putting off painting them, but this would make it so easy!
Thank you for posting! I’m going to paint the legs of my grandmothers old dining table and the chairs using chalk spray paint …don’t have time for all that normal prep ( we’re moving soon) I feel confidant now that it will turn out great! Yours looks really good! Thanks again!
Go for it Shari! I would actually recommend the Kyrlon chalky spray paint if you ca find it.(I get it at Hobby Lobby). It’s better than Rust-Oleum in my opinion .
I love the table. I too have been using the spray for various projects and am happy with all.
Can you please tell me where you got your curtains in this pic? My daughter loves them.
Beautiful job on the table, very helpful
Thanks
I’ve seen that too at home depot but the color that I started painting with is more of an off-white color and home depot only had white. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the great reviews : you get right to the point and stick to it ,
No one wants to read a bunch of superfluous stuff.
I have a question. Can this be used on a metal front door? I want to paint my front door but am confused about paint to use.
Well, I’m 4 years late in trying chalk paint, but it’s good to see the raves about spraying! Just bought this for a bookcase, so it may take several cans. I’m going to finish it with the matte sealant they offer too. I see the comment about it adhering to metal, so my old table lamps are getting a matching coat.
Do you think a dining table would be better off with a hand application and wax?
Hi Linda, yes I’d think the dining table would do much better with hand painting and wax!
Can this spray paint be used on a piece of furniture that has already been spray painted by someone else?
yeah I think so!
It turned out beautiful!
I have never painted a piece of furniture and really need my bedroom furniture updated was a had me down. I can’t afford to replace it and I am looking forward to trying the Chalky Spray Paint. Alittle nervous but I have nothi g to lose
Wow that turned out beautiful!! My daughter wants her dresser a distressed gray. But I’m worried about it rubbing off. Is there a spray wax or top coat that I can use to help with that, that is a matte finish? I love the chalk look and would love to keep it like that but protected.
Have You tried the clear chalky Rust-Oleum paint? Do you think it would make regular paint look chalky? Or is it just a regular sealer?
I have a good outdoor patio set in a heavy gauge plastic that has become faded. Would the Rustoleum paint or spray stand up to this application and what would I seal it with afterwards?
Have you ever used both spray and painted chalked paint in a project? I have a large hutch & was thinking of spraying the detailed parts vs brushing. Thoughts? Thanks for all your comparisons!
How did you distress this furniture, and at what point did you do this, did you use sandpaper? Saw this on Pinterest. Thank you, Angela
how has the spray painted item held up?
Love the table. But also love your curtains in the background. Where did you get those. Thank you! ❤️
I used this to redo a table and four chairs. I love the look. I wondered if I need to seal it?
And thanks to your review is why I used it!
Thanks so much,
Barbara
I have just started to dabble in painting furniture. My first piece was an end table similar to the one you did. I stripped and sanded both with that piece and was thrilled when a friend told me about chalk paint. Thank you so much for your comparisons. I’m using Rust-oleum brush on paint on my project this time. Was so glad to see your comparison because my Rust-oleum first coat looked just like yours .. very streaky .. so much so that I stopped and wasn’t sure what I was going to do with that table. Now … I’m going to finish it with a second coat and hope it covers as good as yours did!! Thank you so much!!
Great job! I also painted a table and thought spray paint was way better option than brushing it on with Annie Sloan.
Hello,
I have a question for you. I’m currently using the Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint in Blush Pink and recently I’ve noticed that the paint is drying darker on the edges of the furniture I’m painting. I can’t figure out what’s causing it. I shake each can for 4 minutes & a little while I’m painting. Do you have any advice for me? I can send you a picture of the issue if that helps.
Thanks,
Shanda
That looks beautiful. I have 2 dark wood tables with a glossy finish, I’ve been wanting to chalk paint & lighten up. Any suggestions? Do you think I need to sand the glossy coat off?
I don’t know a lot about Chalk paint but I’ve read that if you don’t wax it, moisture on that table is going to emulsify the paint again.
👏
I enjoyed your article. I have used Annie Sloan chalk paint in the past but today I went to Ace hardware and bought the Rust-Oleum chalk paint. I noticed the spray chalk paint there and I was curious about it so I’m glad to read your article I’ll be trying that also. Thanks for taking all the guess work out for me!
in the past
I find that spray chalk paint very interested. I’ve never used Annie Sloan paint before but I do love that Rustoleum Chalked Paint. I’ve used it quite a bit now. I have never used the wax method on any of my furniture though. I use minwax poly on it. So much easier. I’m going to paint over some of my furniture with a different color so I will see how that works. Thanks for the info.
Wow wonderful I love it
Thanks for sharing! I’m just getting into refinishing furniture and was excited to find this same can a few days ago. Would this hold up on high- use furniture like a dining table and chairs? If so, I might be able to finish this re-upholstering and painting in time for Thanksgiving!
Can u sand paper after u spray paint?
yes you can! that will give you a more vintage, aged look.
Sorry this is a year late but I just came across your blog! Have you ever used the spray chalk paint on metal? I’m getting ready to do a metal bed & researching the best paint. I love the look chalk paint gives!
I painted two counter stools with Chalk spray paint, a dark gray shade. I did 3 coats, lightly spraying and building up. The paint covered well however it left a rough surface…I use the stain clear Chalk protective spray paint to finish and I was not impressed by the finished surface. Wax gives Chalk paint a soft sheen. I’m on the fence about using spray Chalk, it was a lot easier to use, super fast, but I don’t care for the rough surface. Any suggestions?