Welcome to the Academy! Lesson 1 is the shortest, because painting furniture needs far less than most people think. Here's the honest starter kit.

Your essential kit

  • Paint — an all-in-one chalk paint (primer and top coat built in)
  • A brush — a good oval or flat brush for detail and edges
  • A small foam roller — for glass-smooth flat panels
  • A damp cloth + degreaser — the only prep you need
  • A drop cloth — to protect your floor
  • A screwdriver — to remove hardware and drawers

What you can skip

Traditional painting sells you a lot of extras. With an all-in-one chalk paint you do not need sandpaper, primer, wax, or a separate sealer for most projects. That's the whole point — less to buy, less to do.

Brush or roller?

Use a brush for carved details, spindles and edges; use a small foam roller for large flat surfaces like tabletops and doors. Many people brush the first coat and roll the second for the smoothest result.

Set up your space

Work somewhere ventilated with a drop cloth down. Chalk It! is water-based and low-odor, so a spare room, garage or balcony is perfect. Keep a cup of water handy — cleanup is just soap and water.

The best project is the one you actually start. You already have almost everything you need.