First, let's look at examples of Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint (ASCP)...
...and some examples of Old Fashioned Milk Paint (OFMP)...
So, let's now put them side-by-side...
What does the paint look like?
OFMP: Comes in a brown paper bag in a powdered form and has to be mixed with water.
ASCP: Comes in quarts, premixed.
Do you have to use primer?
OFMP: No, but you do have to add a bonding agent if you want the paint to grip to non-porous surfaces. I do not use the bonding agent, since I like an antique look.
ASCP: No. ASCP has great gripping power and primer isn't necessary.
Do you have to sand before painting?
No for both paints.
Do you have to use wax or a topcoat?
OFMP: No, but I would suggest it. You can use either a wax or poly topcoat to protect the paint from moisture and wear.
ASCP: No, but again, I would suggest it. The only time I don't use wax is on a piece that won't get a lot of wear and I don't mind if the paint gets distressed naturally.
Can the colors be mixed to make custom colors?
OFMP: Yes and the colors mix beautifully. The available colors are definitely more "primitive country" with mustard yellows and barn reds, but they have some beautiful blues, greens and grays and all colors can be mixed to suit your taste.
ASCP: Yes and the colors mix beautifully as well. The available colors are inspired by European cities and antique furniture, so they are right up my alley.
How can you apply the paint?
Both paints can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer.
Do the paints distress well?
OFMP: Milk paint is unpredictable in how it will distress. Sometimes it grips really well and just comes off in a fine powder. Other times the paint cracks and flakes away, creating this wonderful chippy look. You just have to go with it!
ASCP: Comes off in a fine powder when sanded before waxing. It's easy to control the amount of wear and results in a soft, distressed finish. (Annie prefers to distress after waxing, so the paint is rubbed back.)
Do I have to distress these paints?
No
Why should I use ASCP or OFMP instead of latex?
Latex has its place and won't ever be removed from my paint shelf, but I love ASCP and OFMP for furniture. Both of them are fun to work with and give pieces an authentic, old feel and they distress much better than latex.
Which paint do you like better?
Both. That's not a wishy-washy answer, it's the truth. I really love both of these paints and decide which I use depending on the piece of furniture, the look I'm going for and my mood.
Where do I buy ASCP and OFMP?
You can buy OFMP online through John Millen Hardware or check out this list of retailers to see if someone sells locally in your area.
ASCP can be bought online through stockists or locally if one is in your area. Check out their Retailers page to find one near you. There are now stockists in Canada as well and a brand new stockist in Malibu, CA!
I know this is not a comprehensive comparison, but I hope this answers some general questions and gives you a point in the right direction. (By the way, this post was not sponsored by OFMP or ASCP. It's just my opinion.)
Now, I need some help. Actually Jenni needs your help. She saw the amazing response I received when I put the call out for green Ralph Lauren pillows and turned to me (and you) as a last resort. She found this lamp at Marshalls, bought it, loves it, but she needs one more.
Can you help a girl out? I know it's such a tough thing to ask all of you to go to Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross or Home Goods to shop. Sigh...that's rough. Can you bear the burden? If you are up to this challenge, Jenni says it's about 2' tall with a white drum shade. It was $29.99, made by Illumination Station and the item number is 12446. Send me an e-mail if you find one and I'll put you in touch with Jenni.
Have you entered the DIY True Stories Contest? You have a few more days...
Oh...my...who's that girl in the bandanna?
And one last bit of business, there's an "Ask the Blog Squad" session this week on the True Value Blog Squad Facebook tab, so drop in if you have a question for the Bowers.
They made that button. Aren't they cute?
I'm going to Lucketts tomorrow to drop off some new finds. Busy, busy, busy...
