To start off, both of these products are wonderful and definitely worth trying out! Get inspired and GO PAINT!
Valspar vs. Annie Sloan
Similarities:
- -Both Annie Sloan and Valspar require little to no preparation of the item you are painting. No sanding, no priming,…whohoo! However, both do have recommendations to sand for certain surfaces that are glossy, rusty, or chipping paint (just research a little if your canvas requires a little TLC). I also recommend always giving a furniture piece a once over with a damp rag or paper towel to ensure no debris or dust mixes with your paint. Just allow ample drying time before your first coat of paint (15 minutes is normally good).
- -Both cover well, luxurious thick color application, give a great matte finish (I do however think Valspar looks more “chalky” if that makes sense), low odor, and all around super easy to apply with forgiving application.
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-Both do not require you to use an expensive brush (Annie Sloan does have a special brush but it is crazy expensive). Find a brush that has long flexible (not too floppy) natural bristles or a flat brush for smoother look. This brush is also reasonable if you want something specifically for chalk paint.
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-Both brands offer a clear protective wax coat and a dark wax to give your project an antique finish.
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Pros:
-Great value – $29.99 Valspar 29oz can ($1.03 per fluid oz.) $38.50 Annie Sloan 32oz can ($1.20 per fluid oz.) – saves $0.17 per fluid oz. about $5 savings for a can *prices based on VA
-Easy access (pick up at a local Lowe’s compared to hunting down a small boutique distributer of Annie Sloan)
-Easy access (pick up at a local Lowe’s compared to hunting down a small boutique distributer of Annie Sloan)
-More color options (Valspar has 40 while Annie Sloan has 32)
Cons:
-Had to use more Valspar paint than Annie Sloan product
-Some people have complained that their color selections do not match the Valspar color swatches when mixed at Lowes
-Does not come in smaller sizes like the sample 4oz size Annie Sloan offers for $13.50 which is great for small projects or using multiple colors for a project
-Does not come in smaller sizes like the sample 4oz size Annie Sloan offers for $13.50 which is great for small projects or using multiple colors for a project
-People have stated the Annie Sloan waxes are better, however since I have not tried Valspar I cannot verify this myself
Here is an easy color swatch reference guide to compare the colors. The Lowe’s staff did state that ANY Valspar color could be mixed with the chalky finish, however researching Valspar does only have 40 tintable color options it recommends. But you can always take a chance if you find a color you just LOVE! (update 3/7/2016 – I went again to get Valspar paint for an upcoming project and the Lowe’s staff stated again that you can pick ANY color to be mixed with the chalky finish paint…WOW, what a selection!)
Photos via: http://thatcoversit-home.com, http://www.valsparpaint.com, http://www.anniesloan.com
I've used both and prefer the Annie Sloan hands down. The Valspar gets bubbles in it, especially if you want a smooth finish because you have to water it down to prevent brush strokes. The Annie Sloane strokes on perfectly and has a beautiful matte finish. Also, it's true that you don't need as many coats with the Annie Sloane. Considering the AS paint is only about $5 more a can, it's more than worth the extra money considering the ease of use and the fact that you have to use less.
Thanks Tim for your review. I personally did not have issues with the Valspar bubbling but do agree that Annie Sloan does have have overall positives.
I have used ASCP on concrete, linoleum, plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal over the years. For the most part, I don't believe it lives up to the hype.
What do you think is better for concrete? If not Annie Sloan, then just oil primer and latex paint? Or homemade chalk paint? Thanks!
Hi Diane- I have not worked with concrete, but your best bet is to use a concrete tintable paint or exterior paint.
Google acid concrete paint. This is what the pros use.
You can easily mix your own chalk paint with products from Home Depot and it it much less expensive and works just as well. There are tutorials all over Pinterest.
Hi! Yes, I have used my own mix as well using Paris of Plaster and it's great for smaller projects for sure! I however wouldn't recommend it for large furniture projects just with the consistency and with the applicability of the mixed paint.
Homemade chalk paint still contains latex paint which over time doesn't adhere as well as AS Chalk Paint.
Plaster of Paris is hazardous, creates it's own heat and can burn your skin. Not a good solution! Try Chalk-tique Additive. Non toxic, when added to ANY paint it will last for years. Hands down, sticks better than any chalk paint out there, and is SO much cheaper!
Thank you Natalie. I had not heard of Chalk-tique Additive, but can't wait to try it out!
A home blend is a waste of time. You'll never be able to remove the latex in the paint which means it can't work the same.
Do you recommend putting a clear coat over if using on kitchen cabinets?
A few coats of water base matte or satin finish polyurethane will give you superior protection on kitchen cabinets and furniture. I normally use 3 coats … or more because I kind of enjoy using it.
Do you recommend a clear coat if you areceived using chalk paint on kitchen cabinets?
I painted my kitchen -21 doors- and waxed and polished using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Annie Sloan clear wax. It’s perfectly sealed and looks awesome. If you’re going to put varnish on top there’s no point in using ASCP.
how many cans of paint did it take to do the kitchen cabinets?
Do you recommend a clear coat if you areceived using chalk paint on kitchen cabinets?
Yes always seal it. I prefer a water based poly over wax and use several coats. Also let it cute for a couple weeks of possible. Oil based can yellow over time.
Thanks Misty and Julia- I would highly reccommned sealing as well for kithcen cabinets!
Is wax or poly a better sealant? Looking to paint my laminate kitchen cabinets. Thank you! 🙂
is the wax not a sealer?
I was talking to a AS vendor and she said this paint is not recommended for outdoors because is not protected against sun, water, etc. I hope this helps
I used Anne Sloan on an outdoor project three years ago and I live in Arizona and it still looks amazing an it is not protected by the elements. Maybe I just got lucky but it is holding up very well!
That’s great Erika!
I read a comment about chalk paint in the kitchen. The blogger said that the wax finish was a grime magnet and she couldn't get her cabinets clean. I'm going to do my kitchen cabinets next and will use a poly sealer of some kind when I do.
Good idea!
The best additive for making your own chalk paint, hands down, is Calcium Carbonate (which is the chemical make up of chalk btw) purchased by the pound from an on line nutrition store. Not toxic in the least because it is food grade. Mix 3 parts paint to one part chalk. First measure out CC powder and mix with just enough water to moisten into a smooth paste. This enables easy mixing into the paint with no dry surprise lumps. If you use a premium latex paint, it works amazingly. And pS, ASCP contains latex so its not that far off. Works like a dream and wears as well as any chalk paint I have tried. Make sure to seal with wax or top coat. Its chalk paint, so it's porous.
This is great Lisa! Thanks!
I have also used the same recipe for chalk paint an the paint worked wonderful, very smooth an stays on great.
That’s great Jane!
One thing I would like to mention is that AS paint has no black in the paint and that is one reason why you are able to mix her colors to blend or layer and not create a yuk color. Just another thought to add when you are doing certain projects. I prefer AS when working on antique wood or say old vintage.
I have done many pieces in AS. I have not had a problem with paint coming off as I know how to seal by waxing correctly. I have also done a table top using a product from AS store to top coat the table top. I took way longer to cure than poly.
I made my own chalk paint using calcium carbonate (chalk). I used an industrial grade and it never really broke up fine. The next time I used food grade and it dissolved much easier. It actually had a recipe on the bag (purchased from Amazon). In the end it is hard to get a good mix and balance of water, chalk, and paint. I have not been doing this long so I can not yet speak to durability, but I sure like the freedom to mix my own colors.
P.S. Lowes also sells a paint medium that you can use to create a glazing effect on chalk paint, if you are not as fond of the super-matte finish as plain chalk gives you.
Thanks everyone for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
Can I put a poly sealer on top of wax or just chalk paint?
Hi Ashlee! I’ve only put poly ontop of stained wood never the chalk paint. I’ve only used the wax for chalk paint.
Hi Ashlee, you can use poly to seal your chalk paint but it needs to be water-based as oil-based can yellow over time. I have used it and it is great for furniture that gets constant use, like a table, chairs etc.
I just finished a dining room table and used polycrylic to seal the top. It turned out great.
Can you use a roller to apply poly? I am getting ready to tackle a 7ft. Shelving unit that will be used in a retail shop.
Hi Sharon- You can use a roller to apply poly. Use a tray and do not roll back and forth on poly because it may cause bubbles.
could someone email me and give me a step by step how to cover a dark stain dresser with chalk paint ? it says no sanding ect , i want to cover it with a sage green kind of distressed look . how does this paint cover a dark surface with no sanding ? thanks so much …. maybe we could talk on the phone also ? sherry please email me …….
After days of agonizing over and comparing endless paint chips, I finally made a decision on the perfect color for my project. I traveled down to Lowe’s to purchase my paint only to be
told that I can only choose from the colors in the chalky paint brochure. When I said I had
heard any Valspar color could be used to tint the chalk paint, they wanted to know where in the world I had heard that! Very frustrating. Don’t know whether to try another Lowe’s or just
start formulating color selection, plan B.
I’ve always been able to take a swatch in and ask them to match it, never had a problem. The person must not have a clue, I’d call up there or go to a different store.
I had mine custom mixed at lowes to a color not on their chart and it worked beautifully and I have done several pieces in the same color. Hope this helps. My lowes didn’t hesitate to custom color.
I used Caspar chalk paint on a dresser. Everything looked great until the sealer dried and left cracks that exposed the wood underneath. What happened and how can I fix it?
Auto correct! Valspar!
What kind of sealer did you use?
I Just used the Valspar System with the sealer and antique glaze on a veneer dresser, slightly sanded. It worked amazing. I have never used the Annie Sloan Chalk paint before.
That’s great Naomi! Thank you!
Hi! So, I am painting a fairly large black dining table white. Not sure yet if I will be using Annie Sloan chalk paint or the Valspar chalk paint. My question is, should I be using the wax and poly sealer,?Or is just using a poly OK? My recommendations on poly? Want to use the most durable coat as possible, have 3 kids 😉
Hi Candy- I would use the wax over chalk finish products since they are made to work together. I have not used poly over any chalk paint product.
Hi Candy – you need to use ploy on a table, some ladies even use an outdoor poly to give extra protection. You can use wax or poly to seal chalk paint.
Did you happen to compare the antique or clear waxes? I have yet to try the Valspar waxes.
Hi Jessica – No I haven’t compared waxes yet. Sorry!
Do not… i repeat, do not use Valspar wax! It is not a wax and doesn’t go on like a wax. I’d say it’s more like a glaze. It’s very difficult to use. I spent an entire day on two small pieces and am not happy with the results. Very disappointing, especially since i spent $40 on the two little cans of wax (clear & antique). I will be asking Lowe’s for a refund.
Thank you for this wonderful content.
Hi.. yes, thank you for this q&a, very helpful!
Hi,
I am planning to use the Valspar Chalky Point and have a custom brown colour mixed for my bathroom vanity, wall cabinet and linen cupboard. I was hoping to be able to roll the paint on the flat surfaces instead of brushing everything. Can I successfully use a small roller for this project?
Hi Rietta – I think a small roller will work with the product on flat surfaces. Share how it turns out and I would love to put on my Instagram story! #lovesthefind
I have used a mini roller to apply chalk paint on a large armoire. But if you have grooves, like on a door or the frame like mine has, a brush comes in handy gets into the grooves.
Hi, Rietta. I had trouble with a roller on my first AS project. Turns out it needed to be thinned just a bit. But even with thinner paint, and on a completely flat surface, I found that I prefer a brush. Just a personal preference. I don’t like the sloppiness of the roller ends. And brushes are much easier to clean. Oh, and I’m an artist who taught art for 25 years. 🤗
Has anyone tried chalk paint on glass peel and stick tiles? I put two coats on last night and will put another 1 or 2 coats on tonight. I planned to use the step 2 wax sealant but am also wonder if I should use something different. I would like it to have a glossy finish. Suggestions?
I was online looking for painted floor planks to replace the laminate wood flooring in a house I just bought. The look is exactly what I am trying to achieve (where nothing else really has) but I don’t know if I have the talent or patience to do it myself. Can I hire someone to do it for me? If so, how do I search for/go about finding them? If there aren’t, what size brush or application method is best to cover a large area like a floor?
I have painted my Bathroom cabinets with Valspar Theater Blue. When I finished the color was darker than expected. Would a second coat of a lighter color help with the darkness, not caring if it shows through?