Sandalwood Red Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

Sandalwood Red in Your Space

Sandalwood Red is the colour of antique Chinese lacquered cabinets — those deep, dramatic corals you find on old ginger pots and lacquered chests that have travelled the world and arrived in European drawing rooms with all their original confidence intact. It sits somewhere between pink and red, bright and lively, with an optimism that feels genuinely modern even as it draws on centuries of decorative tradition.

This is not a colour that whispers. It energises a space the moment it arrives — and yet it is not aggressive or exhausting. There is a joyfulness to Sandalwood Red that makes it easy to live with, a freshness that keeps it feeling light even at full strength. Use it on a single statement piece and it will hold the room. Use it on cabinetry or a feature wall and it will transform the space entirely.

Colour Companions

The Oriental Look

• Graphite — dark, dramatic, and deeply considered, alongside Sandalwood Red it creates a striking lacquerware palette that feels authentically traditional and full of Eastern character

The Palm Beach Palette

• Louis Blue — soft and gently faded, it creates a retro contrast with Sandalwood Red that feels completely Palm Springs — laid back, sun-bleached, and full of mid-century charm
• Coolabah Green — earthy and sun-warmed, alongside Sandalwood Red it brings a tropical, outdoor energy that feels relaxed and genuinely joyful
• Capability Green — deeper and more considered than Coolabah, it grounds the brightness of Sandalwood Red and adds a lush, garden-party richness to the palette

Soft & Mellow

• Antoinette — pale and quietly romantic, alongside Sandalwood Red it creates a pairing that feels vibrant yet mellow — the coral warmth of Sandalwood softened beautifully by Antoinette's blush
• Old White — clean and gently warm, it lets Sandalwood Red breathe and keeps the overall feel fresh and airy

Finishing Touches

• Clear Wax — the natural finish for Sandalwood Red, it protects while preserving the full brightness and joyfulness of the colour
• Dark Wax — used sparingly in details and edges, it deepens the lacquerware quality of Sandalwood Red and adds a beautiful sense of age and patina

How to Apply

Sandalwood Red covers beautifully in two coats, each layer building the bright, lively depth that makes this colour so distinctive. Its coral warmth intensifies as it dries — always let each coat dry fully before assessing coverage.

The Chalk Paint® Difference

Annie Sloan invented Chalk Paint® in 1990 and it changed furniture painting forever. The formula is water-based, ultra-low VOC (2.2g/l), and virtually odour-free — and it bonds to almost any surface without the stripping, sanding, or priming that traditional paints demand. One tin, one brush, and you're ready to go.

It works on timber, metal, concrete, brick, laminate, and plastic. Indoors or out. Smooth and matte or heavily textured. The finish is entirely yours to decide.

Before You Begin

Give your tin a good stir — no shaking needed. Load your brush and work in smooth, even strokes. One coat often surprises you with how much it covers; a second coat gives you full, solid opacity. Always let each coat dry completely before continuing.

Making It Your Own

• Build up thick layers for a sculptural, impasto effect, then seal with wax
• Sand back lightly once dry to reveal what's underneath and create genuine, earned wear
• Add a little water to thin the paint into a translucent wash that lets the wood grain breathe through
• Blend colours directly on the piece — Chalk Paint® mixes beautifully for completely custom results

Sealing & Protection

Annie Sloan Clear Wax is the classic finish — it protects and adds a subtle, natural sheen. Dark Wax settles into mouldings and edges for depth and shadow. For outdoor pieces or high-traffic surfaces, Annie Sloan Lacquer gives a harder, weather-resistant finish.

A Few Questions We Hear Often

Will it work outside?
Yes — seal it with Annie Sloan Lacquer and it will handle the elements beautifully.

Does it have to be sealed?
Not always. Decorative pieces that won't see daily wear can be left as they are. For anything that gets touched, wiped, or sat on regularly, wax or lacquer will protect your work.

Can I mix my own colours?
Absolutely — it's one of the great joys of Chalk Paint®. Mix directly in the tin or on the piece itself.

Which brush should I use?
Annie Sloan's Flat Brush gives a smooth, even finish. Her Round Brush is ideal for working paint into carved details and creating texture.

How much do I need?
One litre covers approximately 13 square metres. The 120ml size is perfect for smaller pieces, testing colours, and mixing experiments.