I’m not the most patient person when it comes to DIY projects. I don’t want to invest days or weeks on fancy finishing techniques or days between paint drying times to get the results I want! I’m guessing there are a few others of you like me and if you happen to be one of them, this review is definitely something you’ll enjoy! When I decided a dresser makeover was on the horizon I knew that chalk paints had a reputation for being easy to use and best of all, didn’t require a ton of sanding or priming to complete! Perfect! When I saw one of these products from the Valspar brand, Valspar Chalky Finish Paint, I figured it would be worth trying!
I wanted to redo an old dresser that had been sitting in our garage (for years!) and now that I’m in need of a dresser/changing table it was time to make it happen! The Valspar instructions seemed easy enough to follow for the type of finish I wanted – two coats of paint, a coat of sealing wax, and an optional top coat if I wanted a more glossy finish. The small paint can didn’t seem large enough to cover the dresser (boy was I wrong!) so two cans of paint were mixed and purchased, along with a can of the sealing wax.
After wiping down the dresser really well the dresser got a light sanding all over, though I honestly don’t think this would have been necessary!. Once I started applying the paint it was easy to see how thick it was and how far a little bit would go! Another plus to note here, there was pretty much zero odor to this paint. I was prepared to turn over the project entirely to my mom as I’m currently pregnant but I had no hesitation picking up a brush once I realized there were no fumes at all!
I let the paint dry overnight and the second coat went on.
Take a look at how much paint we used from this one can. This is with two coats covering the entire dresser and drawers.
That’s crazy! Considering I now have two cans of it I’m pretty sure I’ll be painting most of the other furniture in my house with it!
After allowing the second coat to dry overnight it was time for the wax.
For the wax you’re supposed to apply a thin coat and then wipe off the excess after a minute or so. The finish was still a little rougher than I had wanted so I opted to apply a top coat over the wax.
After one coat of the top coat I was a little worried about the paint streaking but it dried perfectly!
Overall this paint was SO incredibly easy to use and the results were exactly what I was hoping for! I would highly recommend this product!
Looking for more DIY? We’ve got lots of ideas for you!
Originally published September 11, 2017
Laurel Jordan
Sunday 21st of July 2019
What color is this? Woolen stockings?
Jamie
Wednesday 24th of July 2019
Yes, Woolen Stockings! I need to add that to the post, thanks!
Amanda
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
We are using this to paint a crib. When you say top coat, do you mean another coat of the sealing wax or something else?
Jamie
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
Sorry, I need to clarify that! I used a polyurethane on top to give it a smoother finish.
Aubrie
Tuesday 12th of September 2017
Going to try this paint on my kitchen cabinets!
Jamie
Tuesday 12th of September 2017
I think it would work great on cabinets!
Amanda
Monday 11th of September 2017
That looks great!!!
Jamie
Tuesday 12th of September 2017
Thanks! I now see why you love chalk paints so much!