Why is my chalk paint lifting?

Mama Bird
by Mama Bird
I'm painting my bathroom cabinets, the first coat of Chalk paint went on great. The 2nd coat is lifting. I cleaned it first with 409 and waited 3 hours in between coats. What might be the problem.. HELP!
  6 answers
  • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Dec 30, 2014
    Lifting? Is it peeling away or is it discoloring...or both?
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Dec 30, 2014
    Several things could be causing this. Did you rinse after you used cleaner, what did you paint over, did you prepare the piece by lightly sanding? I always use TSP, depending in the surface I prepare most of them. Also you need to take into consideration the bathrooms moisture. Pictures are helpful also. Even through they say no prep with chalk paint I still prep most of my pieces. Because I want it to grip the surface. More work, better results. And I always use the right paint for the right job, and yes I am a AS fan.
  • Linda Dompierre Linda Dompierre on Dec 31, 2014
    I don't think chalk paint is recommended for bathrooms.
    • See 2 previous
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Jan 01, 2015
      I phrased that poorly. I should have said brand name, sorry for the confusion. Annie Sloan chalk paint does not have chalk in it and many homemade recipes do so I just wanted to advise on this.
  • Laura Lopez Laura Lopez on Dec 31, 2014
    Did you primer it first?
  • Birdie Berghuis Birdie Berghuis on Dec 31, 2014
    Bathrooms are high moisture areas. The wax used normally after chalk paint won't do well. I agree.. a sealer is necessary. Check with an Annie Sloan rep or email Annie and get the best sealer. They have sealers available now instead of wax particularly for areas that wax can't be used. I used it on an applique that wax couldn't be applied in all the little grooves. Works great!
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Jan 02, 2015
    @Mama Bird if it is lifting both coats you might have to start over and clean and rinse and dry i haven't ever had it lift before if it is just lifting from the second coat try a light sanding hope this helps xx