Can you paint over chalk paint with Latex?

Question

My husband and I have painted several pieces with chalk paint with great success. He just built this particular piece and primed it. The chalk paint was splotchy and uneven. Even with two coats. Every site I visited said that you could paint over chalk paint with latex. I did, this is the result!  Even sanded one side, result was the same: horrible. Arrgh! Back to square one...any hints?

Duv310660 · Answer

I wonder if some oil or residue was left on the piece and is rising up thru the water based materials...try a layer of shellac; if it fails over a little time, you'll need to sand the blotchy areas right down before shellac and recoat.

Country Design Home · Answer

Red is always tough, no matter what kind of paint you use. Even with multiple coats, it never seems to be a completely solid, one-color surface. Did you use a white latex primer before you used the red chalk paint? That appears to be the issue. At this point because the finish is uneven and bumpy, you really just need to sand the heck out of it to get as much of everything off as you can. Once it is as smooth as possible, then do not use white primer again. Just go straight to the red paint-either chalk or regular.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Was the piece thoroughly cleaned prior to the primer?

Shari · Answer

Usually for darker colors like red (which, as Sue said, is a difficult color to work with), a TINTED primer is recommended to achieve the most even coverage and truest color. I once painted a room red and when I showed the paint counter guy the color I was using, he mixed my primer a medium gray color. I would sand off as much as possible and then show the paint clerk what color red you are using. He/she will mix your primer in the appropriate color and that should solve your problem of splotchy, uneven coverage.

Lynn · Answer

Red always takes three or four coats. Also use a good brush and stay with the grain. If its a big area use a 3/4 ' nap roller.

Ginger · Answer

I painted old kitchen cabinets red in a older mobile home. They were off white and in bad shape. There were some raised areas that I think were caused from water. They weren't wood doors but some kind of pressed material. I primed them and tried rolling with sponge roller and tried brushing but could not get rid of the lap marks. So I cut up some cheap sponges and dabbed on another layer of paint. I love how it turned out. It gave it a leathery type look and helped to hide the imperfections. Not sure if this answers your question. Just sharing my coverage issues with red paint.

Lizzy L · Answer

I've heard that shellac should go on first with red furniture pieces.

Ginnib · Answer

Ginni B
I always use a grey primer when painting with red. It sounds funny but it works well.

Paula · Answer

First, I want to thank all of you who took the time to answer my query.  We ended up sanding down to the first layer of chalk paint...and repainted with 3 more coats of chalk paint.  I think my take-away from the experience is that when we have newly built furniture to just go with a latex paint!!  Chalk paint is grand for already finished pieces!!  Thanks again.

Nancy · Answer

I just heard you have to clean surfaces w/a spray that takes off any oil which might be embedded in the surface of what you are chalk painting! ug.....think I'll just stick to flat latex!

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here are some ideas that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/re-purpose-up-cycle/furniture/

Can you paint over chalk paint with Latex?

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Can you paint over chalk paint with Latex?

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