WALMART CARRIES CHALK PAINT? THINK AGAIN...

In my 20 years of painting furniture and decor with
chalk paint and every chalk, mineral and natural based paint to gain that look, believe me when I say that I have tried them all! From the most expensive to the least, and you all know I'm a very thrifty gal who likes the luxury look!

So, of course when I saw the HUGE word CHALK on paint bottles overflowing an end isle display at my local Walmart, I had to scratch my head and check it out.

It took me all of 2 seconds to realize that it's another big business attempt to capture the current craze. (Although it's been my craze for 20 years and not ending any time soon!) Unfortunately, most people haven't taken one of my classes or know the difference and know what true "Chalk" paint is, so I felt I had to share. I hate to see anyone spend money thinking a product will do something it won't.

Let me explain.

True Chalk, Mineral and clay based paints that I paint with and that you see used to achieve the rustic, distressed or shabby chic look, do have quite a few ingredient properties that are important and the reason that look is achieved.

It is WATER BASED.

It has ZERO VOC'S - that basically means no smell because it contains no harmful chemicals. All natural ingredients ( and very few of them!)

Chalk, Mineral and Clay based paints are very different from regular paints, purposely so you can achieve the desired look. That said, this means very obviously, they are NOT made from a Latex or
Acrylic paint.

So let's look at the label on the "chalk" available at Walmart and likely other hobby stores.
You see, this is an ACRYLIC PAINT. It is now their new "Ultra Matte" finish.
FolkArt acrylic paints are wonderful for craft painting and have been around forever. But this is NOT Chalk based paint or anything close. It's basically the same as the difference in Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss and High Gloss in Latex paints, which is what Lowe's / Valspar new "Chalky Look" paint is made with.

Ya'll know I just like to keep it real! And I really hate to think of those who don't know and purchase the product expecting to get the same look on furniture pieces and the like as you see me post with Chalk & Mineral based paint.

25 Years ago, Annie Sloan paved the way for women entrepreneurs everywhere by making the decision NOT to have her Chalk Paint sold in Big Box stores. All other Chalk, Mineral and clay based lines have followed her since and you'll only get them through thoroughly trained and qualified stockists. This should make us all proud, as women, and know that you are supporting a woman based small business when you purchase your paint.

As always, educate yourself about products you use and if you're local, I'd love to see you in an upcoming class! Keep a check on my facebook page for types and dates!



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ThriftyLittleThings.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, as a full time Blogger, there are times that I do selectively accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.