Chalk paint creates a beautiful matte finish—see our tips for applying it!

Chalk paints have become an unexpected favorite among interior decorators. They’re made of minerals, color pigments, and water. You can use them on furniture, walls, ceilings, and even floors to create a matte yet lively finish.

Chalk paint is easy to use. You don’t need to remove old paint unless it’s peeling. Often, one coat is enough, although it’s still good practice to clean away grease and dust first. Apply chalk paint with a brush. You can mix different shades together and even leave the brushstrokes visible. The brush simply rinses clean with water, which many home painters appreciate.

Many people choose chalk paint for its breathability and nontoxic properties. If you’re painting children’s rooms or furniture, it’s still wise to double-check that the paint you’re buying is safe.

You can finish a chalk-painted piece of furniture with wax to make it more durable and stain-resistant. Dark wax creates a gently aged patina. For chalk-painted floors, varnish is recommended. Walls and ceilings painted with chalk paint don’t need any extra finishing.

Chalk paint also works on outdoor surfaces. Just don’t wax them so they stay breathable.

Some chalk paints come ready-made, while others are mixed from powder and water into a porridge-like consistency.

The striped wallpaper in this 1920s villa’s living room was painted with chalk paint. The base is rag paper, sold in hardware stores and shops specializing in reclaimed building materials.

Most chalk paints are combined from powder and water, while some varieties come ready to use.

The living room walls in this 1930s house were painted a sandy shade with chalk paint.

A rustic cupboard was painted white with chalk paint, then lightly sanded with fine sandpaper for an aged patina.

An abandoned writing desk got a new life with two coats of cobalt blue chalk paint.

A lively matte finish on the kitchen walls was achieved with a gray-toned chalk paint.

Read more:

10 questions about painting furniture [in Finnish]

An old piece can be the eye-catcher in your décor [in Finnish]

Here’s how to make chalk-painted eggs for Easter