Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® - Emperor's Silk

Emperor's Silk is not a colour that eases you in gently. It arrives with full presence — a lacquer red so rich and saturated that it has the quality of something poured rather than painted, like the inside of a Chinese lacquer box or the silk lining of a very beautiful coat. It is one of the most iconic colours in the Annie Sloan range, and once you've used it, you'll understand why it has such a devoted following.

It is bold, yes. But it is also surprisingly liveable. In the right space, on the right piece, Emperor's Silk doesn't overwhelm — it anchors. It gives a room a focal point that everything else can breathe around.

How Emperor's Silk Lives in a Room

This is a colour for pieces that deserve to be noticed. A statement cabinet, a pair of bedside tables, a console in an entrance hall — anywhere a single piece of furniture sets the tone for an entire room. Emperor's Silk has that rare ability to make a space feel considered and intentional simply by being in it.

Against Old White or Pure it becomes graphic and theatrical — the contrast is sharp, confident, and completely timeless. Alongside deep, moody tones like Graphite or Athenian Black it takes on a more dramatic, jewel-box quality that feels genuinely opulent. And for those who love a maximalist palette, Emperor's Silk alongside Napoleonic Blue or Oxford Navy creates something that feels full of history and old-world grandeur.

It also works beautifully in small, unexpected doses — the inside of a bookcase, a set of drawer fronts, a single chair in a neutral room. Sometimes the most powerful use of a colour this strong is restraint.

Technique & Finishing

Clear Wax keeps Emperor's Silk pure and vivid — the red stays true and the finish feels polished and contemporary. Dark Wax deepens it into something richer and more aged, with a warmth that feels almost antique — the kind of red you find on old lacquered furniture that has been beautiful for centuries. Both are worth exploring; this colour wears every finish with complete confidence.

Emperor's Silk also responds beautifully to mixing. Blend it with Burgundy for a deeper, more complex crimson. Add a touch of Old White and it softens into a warm, dusty rose that is altogether more romantic and wearable.

Beautiful With

Sharp & graphic:

• Old White — the crispest, most classic contrast
• Pure — clean and brilliantly modern

Dark & opulent:

• Graphite — moody and deeply sophisticated
• Athenian Black — dramatic and full of presence
• Napoleonic Blue — rich and full of old-world grandeur

Warm & jewel-toned:

• Burgundy — deepens into a complex, aged crimson
• Arles — golden and sun-warmed alongside it

To finish:

• Clear Wax — keeps the red vivid and true
• Dark Wax — aged warmth and antique depth

Coverage & Application

Apply two coats for full, rich coverage on most surfaces. Emperor's Silk adheres beautifully to timber, laminate, and previously painted furniture with minimal preparation. One litre covers approximately 13 square metres, while 120ml is perfect for smaller projects, sample testing, and accent details.

Everything You Need to Know About Chalk Paint®

What Makes Chalk Paint® Different

Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan transforms furniture painting with its unique water-based formula that eliminates tedious prep work. This decorative paint bonds to virtually any surface—timber, metal, laminate, even plastic—without stripping, priming, or sanding. With ultra-low VOCs (2.2g/l) and virtually no odour, it's safe for indoor projects and suitable for outdoor applications when properly sealed.

Why Furniture Painters Choose Chalk Paint®:

• Skip the prep—paint directly onto most surfaces
• Covers approximately 13.9m² per litre with exceptional opacity
• Works on timber, concrete, brick, laminate, metal, and plastic
• Safe for interior rooms and exterior pieces
• Create everything from smooth matte finishes to heavily textured effects
• Seal with Annie Sloan Wax (Clear, Dark, Black, or White) for protection and character

How to Paint with Chalk Paint®

Basic Application:

1. Stir well before use (no shaking needed)
2. Load your brush and apply in smooth, even strokes
3. First coat often covers; add a second for solid opacity
4. Let each coat dry fully before continuing

Advanced Techniques:

• Apply thick layers for sculptural texture, then finish with wax
• Sand lightly after drying to reveal underlayers and create authentic wear
• Thin with water for translucent washes that showcase wood grain
• Mix colours directly on your piece for custom blended effects

Common Questions About Chalk Paint®

Will it hold up outdoors?

Yes, when sealed with Annie Sloan Lacquer. The lacquer provides weather protection and UV resistance for garden furniture, planters, and exterior pieces.

Do I have to wax it?

Waxing is optional. High-traffic surfaces like dining tables, kitchen cabinets, and drawer fronts benefit from wax or lacquer protection. Decorative pieces can be left unsealed.

Can I create custom colours?

Absolutely. Chalk Paint® blends beautifully, allowing you to mix any shades together for one-of-a-kind tones that suit your project perfectly.

What tools do I need?

The Annie Sloan Flat Brush creates smooth, professional finishes, while the Round Brush handles general application and adds texture. Both work beautifully with the paint's unique consistency.