Refurbished Chair Using Chalk Paint

This first time I heard about chalk paint is when I was taking a walking break to the liquor store near work. I stopped by this cute looking shop and asked them what they sold here; we only sell Annie Sloan's chalk paint. I was so intrigued... how could you survive on just selling chalk paint? It must be SO GOOD. I thought chalk paint was the same as chalkboard paint, which I was informed was incorrect. Apparently chalk paint is popular because there is no need for sanding or priming a material before painting- usually those steps are required for paint to stick. After leaving the store, I was very intrigued by the idea of using chalk paint for these wooden chairs I have at home.

My first idea was to use chalk paint for the white parts and then sand the wood colored area to restain it. Welp after much wasted time... I realized 1. Sanding isn't fun 2. I'm not good at staining (took me 2 tries to learn that). Below is a picture of the chalk paint for the white part of the chair and my bad staining job. 

So I gave up with my staining job and decided to paint over it. 

Then I realized it looked too boring, so I went with another color and I love how the end result turned out. Now, even though you don't need to prime.. I do recommend you use a wax after. It creates a smooth instead of chalky finish and protects the paint.

I used Martha Stewart Vntage Decor Paint in Smoke and Vintage Decor Clear Wax as well as Art Minds Chalk Paint in Smoked Pearl. It was pretty simple to use; apply 1-2 coats of chalk paint and let it dry for the appropriate amount of time; followed by 1-2 coats of wax. An 8 fl oz of Martha Stewart Paint goes for $10.99 at Michaels- don't forget to use those coupons! I believe an 8 fl oz ArtMinds Chalk Paint was around $6.99.