Scroll through any upcycled furniture listing and you’ll likely spot the same two names cropping up again and again: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Farrow & Ball. Both have devoted followings among furniture painters, but they suit slightly different projects. Here’s how to decide which one is right for your next piece.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Designed specifically for furniture, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is famous for its thick, matte finish and minimal prep – it can often be applied straight onto wood, metal or fabric without sanding or priming first. It dries quickly, blends beautifully for a distressed or shabby-chic look, and is usually finished with wax for protection and sheen.
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball is a paint brand best known for walls, but its rich, complex colours have become hugely popular with furniture painters wanting a more refined, muted palette. Their eggshell finishes are durable and washable, making them a strong choice for pieces that will see everyday wear, like dining tables or kitchen cabinets.
Finish and Durability
Chalk paint’s soft, matte texture is easy to distress and blend but can mark more easily without a wax or sealant top coat. Eggshell furniture finishes are naturally tougher and wipe-clean, which suits high-traffic furniture, though they typically need more preparation, including sanding and priming, especially over dark or glossy surfaces.
Colour and Style
Annie Sloan’s palette leans towards soft pastels and punchy, playful tones that suit a country or shabby-chic aesthetic. Farrow & Ball is loved for its subtle, layered neutrals and deep, moody shades that fit beautifully into more contemporary or classic interiors.
Our Recommendation
If you want a quick weekend project with a soft vintage look, chalk paint is hard to beat. If you are after a piece with tougher, wipe-clean durability and a more sophisticated colour story, a furniture-friendly eggshell finish is worth the extra prep time.
Whichever paint you choose, take a look through the finished pieces on Vintup for inspiration on colour pairings and finishes before you start.