Chalk paint

why do you or do you have to add a wax or shellac after using chalk paint?
  19 answers
  • AvonelleRed AvonelleRed on Dec 10, 2014
    I haven't used chalk paint myself, but I believe the paint would rub off too easily if it weren't protected with wax or some other protective coat over it.
  • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on Dec 10, 2014
    should of also said, I have some wainscoting, it has a really ruff finish, OLD ..and dark wood and looking to update w/ chalk paint in "old white" and needed to know if I should add shellac after painting? this is NEW To me....MY first real project....
  • Misty Misty on Dec 10, 2014
    I would definitely wax after using chalk paint. I wax everything I do with chalk paint. With a chalk paint finish it's a very dry, almost dust like feeling, like chalk would be. It can be easily rubbed off or scuffed as well. Do a clear wax over your finished chalk paint. It's super easy and quick to apply. I've used the Annie Sloan clear wax but I've also used the Minwax finishing wax in natural and both give great results. minwax is MUCH cheaper. If you check my profile I have several projects with chalk paint that you can check out. All are waxed.
    • See 1 previous
    • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on Dec 10, 2014
      PS Misty, I may come back for some more answers!
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 10, 2014
    The answer is no. A lot of my outdoor furniture I used AS paint on and didn't seal it. The chairs have done fine. I thought about using marine sealer in them but haven't and it's been two years. They are very durable. I use a water base poly to seal my furniture and wax to seal on something's. It depends what look you are going for I actually think the sealers bring out the beauty in the furniture. But chalk paint will become. Very durable finish with or without the selers.
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    • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 11, 2014
      Then I would seal it with wax or a flat base water Poly . Wax on and wipe off working in small sections. Then go back and buff. Water base poly. Stir don't shake the can it creates air bubbles. So always stir. Apply one coat in the direction of the grain let dry, I use a greenie ( those green scrubbers) going in the direction of the grain and rough it up, wipe off and poly again let dry and your done. When your painting with chalk paint something like this to with the grain. I always tip my brush in a little bit of water to make a smooth stroke end to end. After it's dry I repeat the exact same way. Because on certain things I want a smooth finish. Since this is a large surface I would want a very smooth finish. Because the paint strokes will show.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 10, 2014
    Or sealer...
  • Jennifer Serrano Jennifer Serrano on Dec 11, 2014
    I agree with Sherrie. The only thing I would add is that you need to put the wax on with a thin layer, then let it set up for a couple of hours...then come back with a piece of cheesecloth or terry towel and buff it a little to "seal" the wax finish. It's a beautiful and easy topcoat, but if you put it on too thick and/or don't buff it afterward, it can remain slightly sticky. I think the word "shellac" is being used for "topcoat"...and as Sherrie mentioned, it's not necessary if you want that chalky look/feel, but if you want added richness and/or protection, topcoat with wax or any other water based clear coating.
  • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on Dec 11, 2014
    Thank you ladies.....so Just what Sherrie said up above ^^^^^?
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 11, 2014
    Then I would use a sealer. You also need to know cleaning it and prepare your surface is part of the solution. And it takes 30 days for paint to cure if you use AS wax 30 days also. My presence on heavy duty use is water based poly. Oil base yellows. But I use poly flat because I don't want a shiny finish. May people use wax with great success but it needs to be reapplied and you also need to be careful the way you clean it. Remember the cure time which is half the battle.
  • Sandy Sandy on Dec 11, 2014
    I think it all depends on what you're painting. I chalk painted 3 kitchen jars for storing sugar etc on my counter. They look awesome and the paint never chipped or came off. But, the chalk letters keep smudging. I went to Micheal's and they told me to spray it with a 'matte' finish. The letters still smudge. Anyone know how to stop this? thx
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    • Sandy Sandy on Dec 14, 2014
      @Sherrie Thanks a million Sherrie. Can't wait to try them out :-)
  • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on Dec 11, 2014
    ruff surface wainscoting...I want a matte finish, thank you ALL for responding!
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Dec 11, 2014
    Chalk Paint holds up really well. The only time I use a wax or sealer is if it's a piece that may have a glass or beverage put on it or a high traffic piece like a coffee table and for sure a dining table. The sealer is really easy I use minwax poly. It's like $9 bucks and goes on like a milky finish and dries flat and clear. There is also on from Valspar poly for matt finish it's $8..I don't use wax because it takes more time and you can't put your piece under a window where sun might get to it.
  • DelQe DelQe on Dec 11, 2014
    I'm a little confused. If you should use wax or a sealer on top of chalk paint why not use a flat paint instead? Also, if I finish with wax and then decide to repaint my item wouldn't the wax finish create a problem for refinishing? I'm still trying to decide whether to use "regular" paint or chalk paint. Thanks.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 14, 2014
    If you want to paint over the piece that has been waxed you can use turpentine and wipe down your piece. If you are waxing with Annie Sloan wax, wait 48 hours and paint over it. Some people use this as a blocker if they have bleed through and have had great success. On tops of anything I chalk paint I use-water base polyurethane, and wax and age the fronts. I like water base poly so the tops. And wax on the fronts because I can age it with her aging wax. I started out and practiced on small pieces. Have fun with it, I can't wait to see what you do.
  • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on Dec 15, 2014
    Question, what is the BEST way to apply the wax? This is on a wall -it not that big of a space, med. size eating area.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 15, 2014
    I use a chip brush and would work in small sections. Depending in what kind of wax you use, is how you out it on. Example Annie Sloan Wax. I use it kind if like paint. I wax in the direction of the grain and then wipe on with a clean cloth. I use a chip brush to apply it. This way I don't over apply. I wait for several hours and buff out. Some wax the directions are different. But this is the wax I use because it covers well, and it is easy easy to use.
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Dec 30, 2014
    Help. I am painting my bathroom cabinets with Chalk Paint. The first coat went on really well. I let it dry for 3 hours and applied the 2nd coat which caused the first coat to lift. I cleaned the cabinets with 409 before I started to paint. What could be the cause of this???
  • Txstout Txstout on May 04, 2015
    Distressing with annie sloan
  • Diane Lynch-Berland Diane Lynch-Berland on May 24, 2015
    How?...I have watched videos after video. I am thinking maybe a class?