It’s taken a while, but it seems there is finally some competition in the readily available chalk paint category. We wanted to know what, if any, the differences are. We compared Annie Sloan (ASCP), Rustoleum and Behr chalk paints and the results might surprise you!
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Chalk paint was created by Annie Sloan in the 90s. At that time there were really no other paints that created that ultra matte, chalky look. As the look caught on, more companies came to the table.
Rustoleum came out with their line of similar paints called Chalked a few years ago.
A little late to the game, in 2018 paint giant Behr added a chalk decorative paint to its line up. Since we couldn’t find many Behr chalk paint reviews, we decided to try it our and report back to you!
We compared ASCP’s graphite, Behr’s classic noir and Rustoleum’s charcoal to determine whether there are any significant differences and to help us, and you, choose the right chalk paint for your next project.
1. Appearance and ease of use
All three bands don’t require much in the way of prep. For our test we used a chair that was prepped with only a light sanding and cleaning.
ASCP and the Rustoleum were similar in texture while the Behr seemed a little thinner and less viscous. However, going on the Behr seemed to coat a little thicker than it first appeared.
After two coats, all three brands had good coverage but we’d say the ASCP graphite looked most in need of another coat.
To compare the finished look we used the same wax on all three, Behr’s black wax. Looking at the final results, Behr was definitely the darkest and closest to the “black” they all claimed to be (update: ASCP now offers a true black called Athenian black which is a true black). But in terms of achieving a nice, ultra matte finish with little prep, they all performed very well.
ROUND ONE: ASCP 7/10, Rustoleum 8/10, Behr 8/10
2. Range of colors of chalk paints
Annie Sloan currently offers 42 colors but new colors are added fairly regularly. You can also find colour recipes for mixing different ASCP colours fairly easily. Behr currently offers 45 colors. Rustoleum offers 25 different colors to choose from, which can be a little limited if you have something specific in mind.
ROUND TWO: ASCP 8/10, Rustoleum 6/10, Behr 8/10
3. Price of chalky paints
In general, chalk paints cost more than regular old latex paint. Prices do vary by region but Annie Sloan in Canada retails for about $45 for 1L, while Behr and Rustoleum are both just under $30 for 1L.
ROUND Three: ASCP 5/10, Rustoleum 8/10, Behr 8/10
4. Availability of chalk paints
This category is a big deal for us. With 3 small children, we simply don’t have time to drive very far to buy paint. Annie Sloan has chosen to only make her products available through smaller, independent retailers called “stockists”. We live in a city of about 200,000 people and there is only one stockist in our city. Rustoleum is available at all major retailers including here. Behr is available at Home Depot.
ROUND Four: ASCP 4/10, Rustoleum 10/10, Behr 6/10
Final results:
Final results: ASCP 24/40, Rustoleum 34/40, Behr 32/40
Going by appearance and ease of use, it’s a really close race. But when we factor in both the price and availability, Rustoleum was a clear winner. Behr is the runner up with it’s expansive range of colors. We’re surprised to say Annie came in third in our competition. With it’s much higher price tag and its limited availability, it’s hard to justify choosing it over the other options. Having said all that, the originality and exclusiveness of the Annie Sloan line is appealing to some and her devoted followers are truly amazing chalk paint artists!
Whichever chalk paint you choose, we hope this comparison is useful and maybe encourages you to try a brand you might not otherwise have tried.
There are many other smaller brands of chalky paint you can try as well. We’ve enjoyed using Country Chic Paint which, as an added bonus for us, is made in Canada!
If you want to paint furniture but the cost of chalk paint is just too much for you, don’t worry you can use latex paint (which you can read about here) and get great results too!
UPDATE (March 2020): our go to paint for furniture now is mineral paint! You can read why here!
Which furniture paint do you love? We’d be thrilled to hear from you in the comments below!
Thank you for this comparison! I am trying to figure out what black to use. I see you said you used Behr Black Wax. I only see them selling clear, white, or dark antique. What wax did you mean? Thanks
Hi Linda, we bought Behr black wax from Home Depot a while back but when I just looked at Behr’s website it isn’t there (although it does still appear on the HD Canada website). As an alternative, you could use Fusion’s black wax for the same look. Thanks for your question!
What colors did you use in each paint?
Hi Kayla,
We used Annie’s Graphite, Behr’s Classic Noir and Rustoleum’s Charcoal. Now Annie has Athenian Black which is much more black than Graphite and I’d recommend that is you’re looking for a true black chalk paint. Thanks for asking!
Over time, do you feel that one is more durable than the other? I want to use it on a desk for a teen. Thanks!
Hi Jen, great question! Durability with each will really depend on the top coat you use. We use a spray water based poly by Rustoleum with good success.
You use that over the wax?
Hi Kris,
Wax would be used on top of the chalk paint as a protective coating. Thanks for asking!
Is it possible to use a Behr chalk paint over a Rustoleum painted piece that has no wax on it yet? I want to change the color.
Hi Nora,
Great question! If you haven’t put wax on it, you should be able to paint over it without any issue. A light sanding will help to smooth out any areas before you paint your new colour. Thanks for asking and good luck!
Hi there,
I’m new to chalk paint and keen to do a piece using chalk paint. I’m thinking the Rustolean coastal blue colour. What colour wax do you suggest for a finish?
Sons bedroom so something that stays true to the blue but seals
Many thanks
Jane
Hi Jane,
Coastal Blue is such a great colour! The best wax option to keep the colour as true as possible is clear wax. Behr clear wax is pretty soft and easy to work with. You shouldn’t have trouble finding it at Home Depot. Thanks for asking and happy painting!
Can Annie Sloan be mixed with Rustoleum? (or any other brand) I need to lighten a color by mixing it with white but my stockist recently went out of business so I’m looking for another option!
Hi Jennifer, you should be able to mix them without any issues as long as they are really well mixed together! Good luck!
Thanks for this! It is super helpful. I have been die hard ASCP but moved to a place where it wasn’t sold so I bought some Rustoleum, BUT i am thinking it isn’t going to be as dark as I’d like. I’m used to mixing my ASCPs to create custom colors, I was wondering if you had an experience or thoughts about mixing brands???? I can’t find anything online about it!
Hi Sam, great question! We mix our chalky-style paints from different brands without any issues. Just be sure it is really well mixed and you’re good to go! We’ve created some of my favourite colours this way! Good luck!!
Hi, great article. I have used both ASCP & Rustoleum. I personally like the Rustoleum & I bought white? I think it was & had it tinted to the colour I needed, (teal) so I found there was no issue with colour. Just started painting 4 vintage radio chairs, so far so good.
Thanks!! Good luck with the chairs!
Hi! I am wanting to use Chalk paint to cover my marble fireplace seat. I whitewashed my fireplace and now the marble seat looks yellow! Yuck! So after I paint the marble, do I need to seal it? I have read both that I do and read that I don’t! Lol! If I do, what do I use?
Hi Susan, chalk-style paint is very porous and part of it’s appeal is how easily it can be distressed. If the marble seat will have any contact with people or things, it most definitely will need to be sealed. You’ll want to consult with the manufacturer to make sure any product you use is safe to be close to a heat source. Hope this helps!
Hi! This is a great article! Is the Rustoleum crib safe? How long does it take to cure without wax?
Hi Savannah, thank you! I don’t know if Rustoleum is crib safe, but I suspect not. You’ll want to look for a paint that is natural or water-based with “Zero-VOCs” and is non-toxic. I’ve used Fusion Mineral Paint on children’s furniture before, but never on a crib. Thanks for asking and good luck!
Have you tried the Rustoleum clear spray? Is this for the wax part of the process? Or am I better off using the Behr wax?
Hi, good question! Yes we have used the spray and it works pretty well. It is a top coat so it would be instead of a wax finish. Thanks for asking!
Thank you for sharing this great comparision. I am planning to paint my MDF board( I made wall ). Which paint should I use to paint mdf board ?
Hello, latex paint works well for trim work. Good luck!
Hi! Loved your article. I’m going to use the Behr classic noir on my dining table and I’m wondering which I should choose to put on top. The black wax or the water based poly you mentioned above? The dining table is only used on occasion.
Hi Randi, I do not recommend wax for a surface that will get used even occasionally. The poly is a more durable finish. On dark colours you will see more streaks so I recommend adding 10% of your paint to the poly for a more flawless finish. Good luck!