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An Unbiased Review of Chalky Finish Spray Paint

April 28, 2021 by Bre 95 Comments

Over the years I’ve grown fond of painting just about every single thing in sight.  That’s due, in large part, to how easy chalk paint makes it to tackle just about any project.  When spray chalk paint appeared on the scene several years ago, I became an immediate fangirl.

For some projects . . . not all of them.

Because I know you have lots of questions about it, I decided to share my chalky finish spray paint review!  I hope it helps you decide whether or not it’s right for your painting projects.

Spray chalk paint is an amazing paint . . . for some projects! Find out the answers to all of your questions about chalky finish spray paint right in this post.

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Test Subjects for this Review

In this review, I’m sharing my experiences with both Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint and Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint.  There are other brands of spray chalk paint on the market now, like Behr Chalk Decorative Paint and Kilz Chalk Spray Paint, but I haven’t tried those yet.

Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint

To test out the Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint, I used some clearance candle holders/pedestals.  Here they are before I sprayed them.

To give a review of Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint, this blogger gave these candle holders a makeover.

And here they are after I spray painted them.  Look at how solid and smooth that finish is.

To test out Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint, this blogger gave these candle holders a makeover.

Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint

More recently, I used Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint on some thrift store baskets that I used as above-the-bed art in my bedroom.  These had a lot of detailing that would have been difficult to cover with paint and a paint brush.

Is spray chalk paint the right paint for your next project? This post answers all of your questions about chalky finish spray paint, and gives a complete review of Rustoleum Chalked and Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint.

Now that you’ve seen what I used spray chalk paint on, let me give you my totally unbiased review of the products.  (Why is it unbiased, you ask?  Well, I simply mean that this post has not been sponsored in any way, shape or form by Krylon, Rustoleum, or any other entity.  It’s just me sharing my totally honest thoughts.)

Spray Chalk Paint Review: the Nitty Gritty on Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint and Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint

Again, there are other spray chalk paint brands on the market, but Krylon and Rustoleum are the oldest and most widely available.  Here is my experience and review of these brands.

Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint vs. Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint

First things first, I don’t have a preference between these two brands.  I like them both equally!  With that in mind, read the rest of this review knowing that the review points I mention apply to both brands.

Chalk Spray Paint Coverage

Like regular chalky finish paint, spray chalk paint has excellent coverage.  I used two coats of the product on each of the items I refinished, which is what I would have done for a solid finish with regular chalk paint.

The finish is opaque and very matte – also just like regular chalk paint.

Chalky Finish Spray Paint Odor

There is definitely an odor to chalky finish spray paint, unlike most regular chalk paints.  You would be wise to use the product outside or in a well-ventilated area, and of course, while wearing a mask.

Suitable Project Types

To me, spray chalk paint is the PERFECT paint for smaller pieces that you want a super smooth and solid finish on, or pieces with intricate details that might be difficult to paint with a brush.

I would not refinish a large dresser with chalky finish spray paint because you would have to buy so many cans of it.  That would get really expensive!  But smaller furniture projects like chairs or stools are definitely doable!

If you have a larger project in mind, you would love the HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer, which lets you spray paint any “regular” chalk paint you want.  I have this paint sprayer and used it to spray paint radiators and kitchen cabinets, among other things!

Paint Color Choices

Unfortunately, there aren’t many colors of chalky finish spray paint available.  You can view Krylon’s Chalky Finish Spray Paint color chart and Rustoleum Chalked Spray Paint color chart on their websites.

If you’re hoping for a special or custom color for a project, you’ll probably want to go the regular paint and brush route.

Spray Chalk Paint Adhesion

From what I can tell, spray chalk paint adhesion is awesome, just like regular chalky finish paint.  I did not sand before using it, and the paint is sticking wonderfully over many years of use.

As with regular chalk paint, it is important to make sure the surface you’re painting is clean before applying the paint.  If you do that, it will not wash off.

Application

I actually thought applying chalky finish spray paint was easier than regular spray paint.  It did not run as easily as regular spray paint, and I got a much more even finish with it than I do with regular spray paint.

Availability 

I have purchased Rustoleum Chalked spray paint at Target and ACE Hardware, and Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.  Both brands are also available online at Amazon.

Sealing Spray Chalk Paint Projects

Both Krylon and Rustoleum also have spray wax products for sealing and protecting your projects.  If interested in learning more about that, you can read my review of spray wax for chalk paint.

All in all, I think chalky finish spray paint is a great product for small projects and items with intricate detailing.

Have you tried spray chalk paint?  If so, leave me a note and tell me about your experience with it!

-Bre

Filed Under: Furniture

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leigh Anne says

    October 2, 2015 at 8:20 am

    Thanks for the unbiased review!! Somehow this product has never landed on my radar but now I’m psyched to use it!! I have a little bedside table I was about to hand paint with chalk paint anyway. Sweet!!

    Reply
    • Leigh Anne says

      October 2, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Oh and I just noticed the little table on the front of the can looks just like the one I’m going to paint LOL!

    • Bre says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Oh, that’s perfect! That means it will DEFINITELY turn out amazing! 🙂

    • Sharlene says

      November 19, 2015 at 8:14 pm

      I have not tried the paint you are talking about yet but i have used the Rust-Oleum Universal 12 oz. All Surface Matte French Cream Spray Paint and Primer. It worked great on some turned wooden lamp bases and gave a really noice chalk paint type finish, but the can ran out fast, three times faster than a regular can. If its anything like this chalk paint in terms of coverage, you would need at least two cans to cover that table on the front of the can. Same thing with the stone look paint by rustoleum…hardly covers anything

    • Bre says

      November 24, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Hi, Sharlene! Thanks for your comment! I haven’t tried the Rustoleum matte product, but that’s so good to know that it produces a chalky finish paint result! As for the Krylon product, I think you could probably do that table on the front in one can. But don’t hold me to it. 🙂

    • Bre says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Hey, Leigh Anne – thanks! Yes, I think you will really love it! A small table sounds like the perfect candidate for spray chalky finish paint. I hope it turns out well for you! 🙂

  2. Janice says

    October 3, 2015 at 12:40 am

    You didn’t show us the frames you painted. Looking forward to adding this paint to my list of options. I am always looking for new paints and I too love the chalky finish!

    Reply
    • Bre says

      October 5, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      Ugh, Janice, I know! You would not believe the problems I was having getting this post even published! I could not get photos uploaded and I finally gave up on uploading the ones of the frames! They really did turn out awesome though, I swear. If you’re truly interested in seeing them, they are in my Fall Home Tour post, which I just published today. They’re hanging above my Changing Table Upcycle project in my living room. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the chalky finish spray paint!

  3. Aimee, The Crazy Craft Lady says

    October 3, 2015 at 8:41 am

    I JUST saw this in the store the other day, and was wondering to myself how well it actually works. LOVE the review. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Bre says

      October 5, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      Yay! Thanks, Amy! Yeah – give it a try. I really do think it’s a great product!

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