Chalk and latex paint are water-based paints known for their dry and textured finish, ease of application, and fast dry time.
Latex paint is more flexible, durable, cheaper, and has better weather resistance than chalk paint.
What is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is a water-based paint designed by Annie Sloan and known for its dry and textured finish. It uses Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) and Gypsum as its binders that give its finish good adhesion, making it a self-priming paint.
The chalk paint finish can be distressed to look aged or vintage. However, its finish isn’t durable or flexible and doesn’t protect surfaces from water, moisture, or other damage.
What is Latex Paint?
Latex paint is a water-based paint known for its flexibility, colorful and textured finish, and fast dry time.
It’s more suited for interior surfaces as its finish is water-soluble and will get removed if exposed to constant water.
Chalk Paint vs Latex Paint
The differences between chalk paint and latex paint are listed below.
The Paint Formula
Chalk paint and latex paint have a water-based formula with a few additives. Chalk paint uses plasters as its binder, while latex paint uses synthetic latex as its binder.
The difference in a binder makes both paints have different finish types and features.
Flexibility
Latex paint is more flexible than chalk paint as it’s formulated with synthetic latex that makes its finish contract and expand based on temperature changes.
Chalk paint finish isn’t as flexible or elastic, it’s more rigid and hard and doesn’t move from the surface.
Durability
Latex paint is more durable than chalk paint as its finish is more flexible and can withstand temperature changes better. Chalk paint isn’t as durable as its finish isn’t flexible and can develop cracks if exposed to temperature changes.
Latex and chalk paint aren’t durable when compared to other paint or sealer types. Their finish is water-soluble and gets removed if exposed to constant water or moisture. You must seal both paints with a moisture-resistant sealer if you apply them outdoors.
Adhesion
Chalk paint has better surface adhesion than latex paint as it’s formulated with a better binder. Latex paint adheres well over porous non-painted surfaces but doesn’t adhere as well over glossy finishes.
Cost
Latex paint costs less than chalk paint.
Finish
Latex and chalk paint create a colorful dry (or dull) textured finish that covers surface imperfections. However, chalk paint creates a more matte (or flat) finish with a chalk look.
Weather-Resistance
Latex paint has better weather resistance than chalk paint as its finish is more flexible and withstand temperature changes better.
Chalk paint doesn’t have good weather resistance as its finish is hard (rigid) and can crack if exposed to temperature changes.
Which Paint Do You Need?
Before choosing latex and chalk paint, check the following things.
- Budget: Use latex paint if you have a lower budget as it costs less.
- Finish Type: Use chalk paint if you want a dry distressed chalky finish.
- Experience: Both paints are easy to apply, but chalk paint leaves fewer brush marks behind.
