Painting a Wall with Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint

Learn how to paint a wall with Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint.

I’ve been using Chalk paint on furniture for years now. This was the first time using a chalked paint product on the walls though! I was looking for a completely matte look with a “plaster like” finish. I figured a chalked paint product would be my best option to achieve this look.

What’s the best Chalked paint product to use on walls?

Chalk paint was invented to be used on furniture. Because of this, I haven’t found a true chalked paint intended for walls. This doesn’t mean that chalked paint can’t be used on a wall. Today I’m sharing all my best tips on how to paint a wall with it.

That being said, Annie Sloan has recently announced a chalk paint made specifically for walls that is currently only available in Europe. Hopefully it will make its way to America soon.

For this project, I’ll be using a Rustoleum Chalked paint in the color charcoal. I can’t wait to show you how to create a lovely matte textured wall.

It all started with an idea for a budget friendly “toilet room” makeover. I wanted to paint the wall behind the toilet a dark moody color. I’ve always wanted to try chalk paint on a wall so I figured this would be my chance! More importantly, I was looking for a paint that would create an ultra matte finish. The texture on the wall isn’t super smooth so I thought a matte finish might make it look like venetian plaster.

Why would you use chalked paint to paint a wall?

Chalk paint (chalked paint) creates an ultra matte finish with beautiful texture. If this is the look you are going for, then using chalk(ed) paint on wall might be a good idea. Chalk paint isn’t super durable, so it will need to be finished with a wax product or top coat if you’re painting in an area that is touched frequently or susceptible to scuffs.

I won’t go into all the details about how to use chalk paint (I’ve got another post for that), but know that you will use a similar process as you would on furniture for a wall.

Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the Amazon links in this post.

Supplies needed:

• Large bristle brush or round brush
• Rust-Oleum chalked paint
• Painters tape
• Chalk wax (optional) or top coat
• Lint free rags

How to chalk paint a wall

1. Clean the wall and wipe it down with a lint free rag to make sure it’s free of any dust or debris
2. Use painters tape to tape off the area you will paint
3. Start by cutting in paint with a smaller bristle brush to the corners and edges
4. Use a larger bristle brush or round brush and dip lots of paint on the ends
5. Apply paint in different directions (like an X motion) to create a textured matte finish
6. Let the first coat of paint dry for at least a few hours
7. Apply a second coat in the same manner you applied the first
8. After the second coat is dry, determine if you need a third (most of the time you won’t)
9. Next apply a top coat or wax (optional but recommended for most walls)
10. If applying a wax, work in sections with a lint free rag or round brush just like you would if you were applying it to furniture
11. If you are applying a top coat, follow the directions from the manufacturer

Painting a wall with a textured finish

Like I said earlier, I wanted to create a “venetian plaster” like look on this wall with lots of texture. Because of this, I dabbed a lot of paint on my brush and applied it in different directions to really work it into the wall. I used two coats.

Painting a wall with a smoother modern finish

If you are looking for a smoother finish, dilute your paint starting at a 10% water to chalk paint ratio and apply two to three coats with a flat brush. Continue to add water if it’s not smooth enough.

This picture above is after the first coat of chalk paint (still wet). Chalked paint takes about two hours to dry fully on a wall. After the first coat was dry I applied the second coat the same way I did the first.

It only took two full coats to finish painting the wall.

Above is after the second coat was dry.

It’s not super smooth, but that was the look I was going for.

Do you need to seal the wall after using chalk paint?

Chalk paint is formulated to wipe off easily (it distresses easily) so if you are painting a surface that will be touched or scuffed, do make sure to seal the surface.

Note; I chose not to seal the wall I painted. I did this because this wall should not be touched (or if it is it won’t be touched much) and I wanted that aged venetian plaster look. So if it did get a little scuffed up, that would just add to the character!

I did, however, do a small water test on it. I took a wet rag and wiped a small area down to see what would happen. The paint dried quickly and looked like it was never touched!

How do you seal a wall after applying chalk paint to it?

You seal the chalk painted wall just like you would a piece of chalk painted furniture; with wax or a lacquer.

How to seal a wall with wax after using chalk paint

If you are looking to keep that ultra matte finish, I would suggest using a wax product. Apply the wax with a brush or a lint free cloth in lots of directions making sure to work it into the wall really well. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Remove the excess wax with a lint free cloth.

Let it dry until it’s dry to touch. You can choose to buff it out with a lint free cloth for a smooth finish or leave it be.

How to seal a wall with lacquer after using chalk paint

If you need more durability (maybe it’s a high traffic wall), I would suggest using a matte Polycrylic sealer. You can also use Rust-Oleum’s matte clear protective top coat that is formulated for their chalked paint. Annie Sloan also makes a Chalk Paint Lacquer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply them.

For more information, I’ve shared how to apply the polycrylic sealer to chalk paint for a high traffic surface here.

Ready to see the final toilet room feature wall reveal?

What a difference a little paint and accessories make! Speaking of accessories, were you here when I created that DIY indoor awning? I think it adds a special touch to this space.

I love the side by side picture of the wall before paint and after.

What do you think? I hope I’ve shared some helpful tips on how to paint a wall with chalked paint. Let me know if you have any questions.

Lindsey*