It’s not a secret that I’ve been a big fan of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for many years. I’ve used it on over 100 projects, from large furniture pieces to small decor. I wrote a detailed post about How to Chalk Paint Furniture here, and used ASCP on 24 of the projects in my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers.
So you might be a little surprised to learn that I finally tried a competitor for the first time: Rustoleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint. In today’s post, see how I updated a thrifted cabinet and read my honest Rustoleum Chalked Paint review. I purchased all the products myself, and this post is not sponsored by any company.
I spied this piece on a local thrift store’s Facebook page and thought it was interesting, and then of course forgot all about it! A couple days later I was wandering through that store looking for a project for Furniture Fixer Uppers day (today), and remembered this quirky cabinet. It was marked $40 and then 50% off = only $20!
It’s solid and sturdy, and has 2 drawers (a top one and then a second deeper drawer) – and this spinning piece was added by the previous owner. I assume they wanted to set a TV on top and angle it in different directions…?
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First, the spinning top had to go. It was kind of a clever addition, but unlikely that the new owners would want to keep it anyway. There was a bolt, nut, and washers holding it in place.
Next I removed the hardware from the drawers. I planned to replace the pulls, but kept the bolts to reuse.
Then I taped over the backs of the holes and filled all the unwanted holes with wood filler and let it dry. After a while I sanded over it for smoothness.
I planned to use some extra copper cup pulls from this project earlier this year. So I measured new spots on the drawers to center the pulls (measure twice, drill once)…
and then drilled the six new holes with my handy drill/driver combo. I believe this is oak which is pretty hard wood, and my arms felt it afterward!
Rustoleum Chalked Paint Review
Initially, I decided to give Rustoleum Chalked Paint a try because I really wanted to paint the cabinet light green. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint doesn’t come in light green, and I didn’t feel like mixing paint colors. Also, I needed the paint quickly and just wanted to buy a can and use it the same day. When I saw that there was a Sensible Sage color in Rustoleum Chalked, I was excited!
Here are a few quick facts about Rustoleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint:
- It gives a smooth, matte finish
- No priming required
- There are 6 popular premixed colors you can buy off the shelf or even on Amazon
- Besides the premixed colors, you can choose either a Light Tint Base which is tintable to 12 specific colors or a Dark Tint Base which is tintable to 15 colors (Sensible Sage is a Light Tint Base option) – must be tinted at a paint counter
- Some of the colors are available as a spray paint (I’ve tried the Linen White color before in the spray paint and honestly did not like the coverage)
- There are also two decorative glaze options and a protective topcoat to use
Rustoleum Chalked Paint – Light Tint Base Colors
Rustoleum Chalked Paint – Dark Tint Base Colors
Prepping for Rustoleum Chalked Paint
There isn’t much prep work required for Chalked paint, but you should lightly sand glossy surfaces before painting. That’s pretty much the same guideline as Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. However, as an experienced painter I know there are some types of furniture that will always need extra prep work. Learn how to properly prep furniture for painting here. Since I wasn’t concerned about this cabinet bleeding through, I went straight to my Purdy paint brush and got busy.
(I did tape inside the new drawer holes so the paint wouldn’t drip through and make a mess.)
The coverage seemed pretty good. I did two full coats and then some smaller areas again as needed. The paint is thicker than latex but doesn’t seem quite as thick as ASCP.
After the paint was dry, I sanded it smooth and distressed it with 320 grit sandpaper. I was pleased with how well it distresses (I usually like a slightly worn look, not heavy distressing).
I didn’t buy the Rustoleum Chalked Protective Topcoat – I plan to apply Annie Sloan’s clear wax instead. I’ve had so many bad experiences with topcoats yellowing even when they’re not supposed to, that I just stick with furniture wax to be safe.
Here’s how the cabinet turned out…
I’ve wanted to try a light green color for ages! However, this isn’t the color I had in mind. It was hard to tell the true color on a little one-inch swatch in the pamphlet at the store. This is Sensible Sage and it leans more toward the Duck Egg Chalk Paint color that I’m used to. And I didn’t plan on it being so pale… but it definitely is a pretty color.
I’m glad I used the leftover copper pulls from this recent project. They are gorgeous with this color! These are the exact pulls I used if you’re thinking about trying them.
Final Thoughts:
- Rustoleum Chalked is almost half the price of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- It’s available at major home improvement stores and even here on Amazon
- The coverage is decent and it distresses easily (at least for this specific color and type of wood finish cabinet)
- It has a similar matte finish like ASCP
- Clean up was easy with soap and water (including my arm and a small drop on my carpet)
- I’m not sure if Chalked Paint can work on as many surfaces as ASCP, which can be used on almost any surface imaginable
- Limited color choices, similar to ASCP
- ASCP is only sold at approved small retailers, who are highly trained to guide you in whatever your Chalk Paint project is – unlike the Rustoleum paint (but you can find video tutorials online)
Verdict: Overall I was pretty happy with Rustoleum Chalked Paint. I will always love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint because it’s the original (and the best in my opinion), but I can definitely see myself trying another color of Rustoleum Chalked. It’s also great if you have a lower budget or don’t have any ASCP stockists locally to buy from. If you’ve tried it before, I’d love to know your thoughts! – Jen
Now it’s time for Furniture Fixer Uppers day again. Let’s see what my blogging friends are up to this month…
Below are the Before photos – visit the links underneath to see the creative Afters and to learn how they did it:
1. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
2. Salvaged Inspirations
3. Petticoat Junktion
Christy James says
This turned out absolutely gorgeous, Jen!! Love the color with those copper pulls, and the staging is just perfect! XOXO
Chris T says
Despite this not being the initial color you desired, it turned out phenomenal. I can’t imagine any other color looking as amazing with those copper pills. This truly is an interesting piece that you made even better. I love your work.
Wayne Robert Fritz says
love it good job !!!!!!!
Hake, Carol MICHAEL says
Looks fantastic! What a transformation! I’ve tried many different brands of chalked paint including Rust-oelum but have never used ASCP. I love Country Chic Paint and I’m actually a retailer. But now and again I like to try others. Rust-oelum is right up there and so affordable. Best part is buying right off the shelf when I want to do it TODAY. LOL
Polly King says
That’s so pretty! I love the copper pulls on it as well. I live in Canada and haven’t seen the ASCP here except in only a few specialty stores, so I’ve been using only the Rustoleum, which can be found everywhere. I really like it! I’ve used it on a lot of different surfaces and never had any issues. 🙂
Lizzy says
Thanks for the review! It turned out really pretty. The color is very nice. I bet it gets snatched right up. You were smart not to go with their topcoat. It DOES yellow. I learned that the hard way.
Marietta Walker says
Oh wow, I am getting ready to put the second coat of Rustoleum Chalked Chiffon Cream on an old Silerware box that I am going to use to keep my paints in. I actually like it very much. I have used a lot of different chlk paints and I like the Rustoleum just fine. In the end I prefer making my own simply because I can make it in any color I want using a simple latex paint. I ended up with all the colors of Rutoleum and some of them I have two or three of now. It’s a good thing I like it!
Lola Bockholt says
I am new to chalk painting. I had some ASCP that was kind of old and it was great. I bought Rustoleum and it was great, too. I love the color because I miss the old Duck Egg of Annie’s. Rustoleum was close. Clean up was excellent, also.
Jen says
Hi think it looks great
Yes I’ve tried the rustlers spray on cane furniture
Came up really well
Marietta Walker says
Gosh, I meant to tell you the table came out wonderfully. It does seem a little less sage-like than most, that could be my monitor, and I still think it is a pretty color.
I actually have eight colors of pre-made Rustoleum Chalked: Linen White, Aged Gray, Charcoal, Country Gray, Coastal Blue, Farmhouse Red, Blush Pink, and Chiffon Cream
It’s a good round number, but I do wish they would add the sage and a French blue.
Has anyone else here used it?
Marietta Walker says
Wait-One More: Serenity Blue
Cindy says
Very pretty. My favorite go to paint is a resin paint called Rethunk Junk. It’s a little pricey, but it doesn’t leave a chalky feel. It has a slight sheen, so you don’t have to put an extra finish on your piece.
Pamela Mann says
I’ve been using Rustoleum Chalk Paint since I started refurbishing three years ago and I love it! I knew that I wouldn’t be able to afford the more expensive paints if I was going to paint much, so when I accidently ran across Rustoleum and saw the difference in price, it was a no-brainer for me to try it lol. I have a Facebook page where I sell my items and there are 106 projects there, that I used Rustoleum paint on every one of them. I love how ‘soft’ and smooth it looks after sanding it. I would highly recommend giving it a try and you’ll never want to pay those high prices again (and then you can paint more lol). (Note: I will say though that when you’re spraying it you definitely want to stand back the recommended amount of space, because I’ve found myself spraying too close and it will run because it builds up so fast.) Thanks for letting me share; I love your projects!
Annod Nostaw says
Your piece came out very pretty.
I, too, love Annie Sloan and don’t mind the price. I have several colors and love the quality of the paints and waxes.
I have been using this Rustoleum Chalked Paint since forever. I have found it at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Menards, even AAFES on the Air Force Base I work at. I have used the Rustoleum Chalked Protective Topcoat on many of my pieces and I love it. It’s easy to apply and it gives a very nice flat finish. I have used it on many light color chalk paints, even white, and it has not yellowed. They also have 2 different glazes (brown and gray) and they are also very easy to use and apply.
Some Wal-Marts still carry WAVERLY chalk paints, waxes, and varnishes and I love these products as well.
So much variety out there and so little time.
Jann says
I really like their paint. I have bought Serenity blue both in spray and chalk paint as well as brown. I love the results I get.
Denise Zdziennicki says
I’ve never tried Rustoleum Chalked Paint so thanks for the info. Looks beautiful and love this color! XOXO Pinned. 🙂
Cheryl W says
I have also used the Rustoleum Chalk Paint for years and really like it. Their pre-made colors (as listed by Marietta) are great basics to have on hand at all times, especially since they’re easy to find locally. I occasionally splurge on Fusion MP and ASCP for fun, but appreciate the lower price of Rustoleum.
Naomi Shelton says
Jen, I think the piece turned out really well. I like the color and I especially like the way the shape of the new drawer pulls echoes the shape of the decorative molding below the drawers. Nice choice. A much cleaner look than the old drawer pulls. I might have to check out the Rustoleum Chalk Paint, too. Thanks for sharing the project.
Jackie Nicholson says
I’ve used Rustoleum “Chalked” paint on several projects. It has become one of my favorite go-to paints. The paint goes on smoothly, covers in two coats, and cleans up nicely. I like the color choices and didn’t know this paint could be mixed at the store for even more color choices. Thanks for the info.
I just came across your site information on FB today. I will be following you now as I am always glad to learn of new techniques or products. Thanks much.
Kenna Ann Evans says
Have you used it on fabric?
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Kenna, I have not used Rustoleum Chalked Paint on fabric yet.
Elizabeth eades says
I just bought some rustoleum chalked paint in Chiffon Cream to do over my dark stained kitchen table. I usually use Dixie Belle products. I will probably have to light sand the stained and poly existing surface for better adhesion. But it is worth the try since I am not selling it.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Elizabeth, I would definitely use primer before painting too! Good luck with your project! 🙂
Nancy says
I just painted a stool an Ann Sloan beautiful blue. I cleaned, sanded, primed first cause I wouldn’t be comfortable otherwise. I applied two coats of chalk paint and it started rubbing off during the waxing! I sanded those areas and repainted it. Then lightly brushed matte Polycrylic by Minwax. The paint started coming off again. It’s way too expensive for this. I don’t know what I could have done wrong. I have decided to stick to regular Ben Moore paint, although I have heard General Finishes are very good.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Nancy, it’s hard to say for sure. Did you let the primer dry well before painting, and did you let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before waxing? I always have a tiny bit of color on my cloth when I wax furniture, but it doesn’t affect the piece at all.
Cassie says
Newbie to all of this, but Jen you’re my inspiration! I really would like to do some bar stools in that Rust-Oleum Sage tint but I can’t seem to find the product. Where did you find it and can any paint store tint it for you, say if you got it on Amazon, or does the product have to be sold by the store? I am so intimidated by the paint section.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Cassie, I got the paint from Menards and had it tinted there. Here is a store locator that might help: https://www.rustoleum.com/pages/help-and-support/store-locator/?a={18FE4297-BE60-4486-B03F-297E918092DA}&sku=287689 You can call first and make sure they carry the Chalked Paint tintable cans. Hope that helps some!