It's beautiful! I know that chalk paint doesn't *have* to be distressed. But that's the advantage of it (that it's easily distressed) and the fact that it costs so much money (or time, if you have to mix your own) and for me, didn't work all that well, kind of kills the appeal. I also put clear poly on top because I didn't like the matte chalky finish. So for me it's just as easy to use regular satin finish paint.