Why You Should Use Chalk Paint vs Regular Paint?

Many people have a recurring problem that they don’t know whether to go for chalk paint for their art projects or choose regular paint instead.

If you’re experiencing this issue, then don’t worry. We’re going to compare chalk paint vs regular paint in this article and give you every single factor you need to consider.

You’ll learn how they look, how much they last, how much you can paint with them, and how well they stick to surfaces. Then, you’ll be able to make a much more informed choice.

Want to learn more about this and possibly find your ideal option? Then come further and find out!

What is Chalk Paint?

First and foremost – what is chalk paint?

It’s common for people to not know what this paint means. Indeed, it looks like ordinary paint when it is not applied. But once it adheres to a surface and dries up – it is way different.

This happens because it leaves a “grippy” surface on any material. If you apply on smooth wood, then it makes it slightly rougher. The same happens with other materials.

You could say that chalk paint leaves a chalky surface. And that wouldn’t be far from how they work.

In short, if you want to give any wall, ceiling, object, or piece of furniture a more chalky appearance and porous finish – then chalk paint is your way to go.

What is Regular Paint?

Regular paint refers to all those paints that instead of delivering a porous surface, offer a smooth finish. Paints like latex, oil, and acrylic formulas are the typical regular paints you’ll find most often.

When comparing regular paint or chalk paint, you’ll see how standard compositions are usually lighter and shinier. Even in their matte versions, which are close to chalk paint, they don’t have the same dullness but instead look glossy.

Most regular paints you find on the market comply with this description. Most of the time, they don’t offer much of a finish but a regularly smooth surface.

Chalk Paint vs Regular Paint: Factors to Consider

To give you a more accurate and useful explanation of how they differ, here’s a deeper look into aspects that make them different:

Application & Consistency

First off, let’s start by explaining how easy chalk paint and regular paint are to apply.

Here, you’ll find that chalk paints are a piece of cake to get on any surface. But this mostly happens when they aren’t too thick. Latex chalked paints, for example, are usually a no-brainer. Either in brush-on or spray versions, they don’t require much effort or time to use.

But when they’re thick, you may find that they don’t stick as well to surfaces. Still, adding a few drops of water can always make it thinner and easier to apply.

In any of its versions, you’ll find chalk paint self-leveling. That means they don’t need much brushing or interaction to stick deeply in different places.

Regular paint is also self-leveling and provides decent consistency. However, some versions may not be easy to apply (either too thick or too thin), and may eventually create a huge mess. Similarly, you can’t add water to ordinary paints and expect excellent results. They usually destabilize and lose their color.

So yes – chalk paints are usually easier to apply. But both are still decently safe & mess-free.

Coverage

How much can you cover with each type of paint? Well, it is not so easy.

Chalk paint is certainly thick most of the time. That means it doesn’t spread quickly on the surface. But because you can add water to it – there’s a high chance you can make it spread better. However, because chalk paints are usually thick and saturated, they don’t cover much.

In contrast, regular paints can cover tons of space with a single coat. But that’s because they’re usually thin. This not only means they can cover large areas but that you can make a single container last longer.

Durability

One of the main advantages of chalk paint vs normal paint is the ability to withstand all kinds of environments. Most chalk paints come with lime, clay, and other minerals. These properties usually increase the ability of the paint to resist different climates. Similarly, they don’t flake, peel, or weaken too easily.

Regular paints are strong as well. But they are more temperature-dependent. That means you won’t get the same kind of experience in all environments. You’re more likely to see regular paint flaking and peeling than chalk paint.

Blending

Can you blend chalk paint and ordinary paint? Well, yes – both offer the same advantage. Even with the thickest chalk paint you’ll have this chance.

Most chalk paint blends quickly and effectively. You won’t experience any problem mixing different colors together. And what’s even better, you can layer several chalk paints at the same time to obtain interesting combinations for extra creativity.

Regular paints are also easy to blend. However, some types tend to be extra fragile and may lose some of their consistency in the process. At the same time, regular paint embarks such a wide array of compositions that you should be aware of always mixing the same type together.

Overall, chalk paints are a piece of cake to mix. Standard paints are also easy, but not always. So be careful.

Looks 

Another massive difference between chalk paint vs regular paint for furniture is they leave widely different looks.

For example, chalk paint has a matte appearance. The furniture or any other object covered in chalk paint will look more opaque than usual. Typical, there’s also a saturated tone that can add a stylish vintage or classical touch to any surface.

Most regular paints leave shinier and more vibrant colors. And they don’t hold well on all kinds of surfaces, which reduces their ability to look well enough. On surfaces like ceramic or glass, for example, regular paint may not look as good as it would look in a wall.

Overall, they look fantastic. But chalk paint offers a more matte or opaque finish than regular ones.

Texture

To finish the comparison, we need to consider the final texture they leave on surfaces.

Here, you will find that chalk paints leave a more “grippy” or rough surface than typical paints. This happens because they have the extra minerals and chalky composition that makes them sort of gritty.

Regular paint doesn’t have this texture. Most normal paints leave a smooth surface on any material they’re applied to.

So, if you want a chalky effect on the surface – go for chalk paint. But if you prefer smooth surfaces, then regular paint is your best bet.

Why Use Chalk Paint vs Regular Paint?

As you can see, the differences between chalk paint vs regular paint are broad. So you must choose with care.

For us, however, chalk paint is always a better option in most situations. Of course, it all comes down to your needs and demands.

Here’s why chalk paint is such an excellent choice:

• Applies easily
• Usually long-lasting
• Blends quickly and effectively
• Leaves a matte finish on all surfaces
• Tends to leave an interesting “grippy” surface

If that matches your demands, then chalk paint will not come like a bad option. We totally recommend it.