Is it necessary to wax chalk paint?

So, if you want your piece to be shiny or have a lot of sheen, then you need to apply the wax and buff it. Chalk Paint™ by nature, has a super flat finish straight out of the quart…. so basically once the paint dries and cures- the finish will be similar to that of a chalk board.

Consequently, what happens if you dont wax chalk paint?

There is a potential downside to a poly finish that isn't an issue with wax. Poly topcoats can sometimes pull tannins from the wood through the porous chalk paint, creating yellowish (or sometimes pink) spots. Wax doesn't react with the wood the same way a poly does, which is why this doesn't happen with wax.

Likewise, does chalk paint come off? Chalk paint comes off easily! Chalk paint needs to be sealed with wax and then left to cure for 30 days. Then it will achieve a very durable finish. You can still use an item during the 30 days curing time but you do need to be careful not to scratch it during that time.

Thereof, do you have to put a top coat on chalk paint?

Bare or No Topcoat Leaving your chalk-painted surface bare, or with no topcoat, is the simplest treatment with the least alteration to the finish. However, adding no protection means your piece is vulnerable to the elements, wear and tear, and natural distressing.

Can you leave chalk paint unsealed?

Use what works best for you and suits your piece. Most chalk paint brands say you can choose to leave it unsealed too, but I don't recommend it. Chalk paint is very porous and will pick up stains and look a mess in no time if you don't seal it with something.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Do you have to apply wax to chalk paint?

So, if you want your piece to be shiny or have a lot of sheen, then you need to apply the wax and buff it. Chalk Paint™ by nature, has a super flat finish straight out of the quart…. so basically once the paint dries and cures- the finish will be similar to that of a chalk board.

How long do you have to wait to put wax over chalk paint?

Wait 24 hours between coats to allow each layer of wax to cure. Unlike clear wax, the dark wax will impact the final color of the furniture piece.

Why is my chalk paint cracking when it dries?

Yup – sometimes chalk based paint will crack. Some users may even like this. This could either be another case of bleed through OR a matter of not letting the first coat dry before applying the second coat.

Do you have to apply wax after chalk paint?

However, like any project, chalk paint needs a protective finish. Using wax on your project after applying chalk paint provides that protective layer on your newly modified piece. Image courtesy of YouTube.com/Sincerely, Sara D. Using wax on your newly renovated chalk paint piece will provide a layer of protection.

How do you make chalk paint shiny?

If you paint with chalk paint, you need to apply wax or another finish after the paint dries. For a modern finish, I do not use clear wax. Waxing is a multi-step process, applying the wax and then later buffing the wax. It provides a quality result and durable finish, but the sheen is matte.

Why does my chalk paint look streaky?

Milk Paint has a very high water content and so if you use a natural bristle brush, the bristles will soak up too much water and your paint (and finish) will get thick and streaky. For Fusion Mineral Paint or a chalk-type paint, I do prefer to use a rounded brush.

How do you get a smooth finish with chalk paint?

How-To Tuesday: Create a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint – No Brush Strokes!

Wipe piece clean.
Wood filler.
Mix your paint.
Apply the paint.
Apply the second coat and finish by stroking in the opposite direction from the first coat.
Sanding.
Distress.
Wax.

Do you distress before or after wax?

There are two different schools of thought of whether to wax before distressing (and after) or to distress first, then wax. Annie Sloan herself recommends applying at least one layer of wax first before distressing because the paint is very chalky and can produce a lot of dust when sanding.

How do you buff wax off chalk paint?

Once you apply the wax with the round brush, then go back and rub it in and off the surface of the paint with a soft t-shirt rag. The wax needs to be wiped into the paint and then you let it dry. Then you go back and buff with a soft t-shirt fabric.

Is chalk paint easy to clean?

“Chalk Paint is Easier to Clean Up”

Chalk paint can be removed from clothing and hands with soap and water. But do you really want to use a paint on furniture that can be removed with just soap and water?

What is so great about chalk paint?

A decorative paint known for its matte, chalky appearance, chalk paint is a popular choice for giving furniture and home decor a rustic, vintage, or shabby-chic style. Because it can easily be given a distressed look, chalk paint is ideal for those who want to add character and vintage charm to their home.

What do you need to chalk paint furniture?

Gather Your Supplies

1 quart of Chalk Paint® in your preferred color.
Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax or MinWax Clear Paste Wax.
Annie Sloan Soft Dark Wax or MinWax Specialty Dark Wax.
Tarp or Painter's Drop Cloth.
Clean, lint-free rags.
Paint can opener.
Painter's Tape.
Wooden paint stirrer.

Why is my Annie Sloan wax streaky?

Avoid a Blotchy Appearance in Your Chalk Paint® & Wax. A blotchy appearance can come from either a poor painting job, waxing in sections and not blending the areas in the final phase, or sometimes – over wiping wax off and causing some areas to seem buffed and other areas not.

Do you need a special brush for chalk paint?

It's best to use a natural bristle brush (often labeled as “pure bristle”) to apply Annie Sloan Chalk Paint instead of your more typical synthetic brush usually used for painting walls. It can be something as inexpensive as {this set of brushes}. The beauty of painted furniture is that it doesn't have to be perfect.

Do you sand between coats of chalk paint?

Lightly sanding between coats is a good rule of thumb for achieving a smooth finish on any painted surface, but the chalky nature of chalk paint makes it especially easy. To finish the surface, you'll apply a thin coat of wax to seal the paint and add protection.

How long does it take for Annie Sloan wax to dry?

The Wax will be dry to the touch very quickly but take longer to harden or 'cure'. The 'curing' process can take 5 - 21 days depending on ambient temperature. If you want to achieve a really good shine, allow around 24 hours before buffing.

How do I make my own chalk paint?

Mix 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of cool water; stir until completely smooth. Mix that with 1 cup of latex paint and stir thoroughly. This will make enough chalk-finish paint for one coat on a six-drawer dresser.