Chalk paint peeling

Question

So the advise I got said 'you do not need to sand the table and chairs or even prime before  using Valspar chalk paint.'   'Use Minwax  Polyurethane spray to finish.'  Table and 4 chairs done!  Off white table top and blue base with blue chairs. Beautiful!  I put them in the house just a couple of days ago and just moving them around the paint is PEELING!  We haven't even sat at the table for a meal!  What should I do now?

Geri Ann · Answer

Hi Tami, how badly is it peeling?  Is it in spots or all over your pieces.  This can happen if there's any residual residue from oil, grease, etc. you cannot see.  The best thing to do in prep for any paint is clean and or degloss it but make sure it says “liquid sander” and not the cleaner but a little light sanding can't hurt.  You've put so much work into all this I would try to lightly sand back the areas where it's peeling and repaint or distress if you like that look.  If the peeling is really bad, I would contact Valspar and ask them what went wrong.

Cindy Hagemann · Answer

Did you hand wax them after you painted them? I have never used a poly on chalk paint - always used wax to seal them.

Lizzy L · Answer

I've used poly over chalk paint and it's worked well.  My guess in this case is that the items weren't squeaky clean before painting.

Tami · Answer

Thanks Markering Momx4! No I did not wax them.  Do you think I could re-paint the scratches and wax over the poly?

Diana of all Trades · Answer

Tami while you generally don't have to sand before you use chalk based paint, you do have to clean the piece really well. While chalk based paint adheres much better than other paints, it still needs a surface to grab on to. I use 1 part Dawn detergent, 1 part white vinegar, and 2-4 parts water. Additionally, I don't know that particular product so it may just not have good adhesion. I use and recommend HeirloomTraditionsPaint.com and you can get 10% off by using DSD at checkout. Sorry you went through all that work.

Dee · Answer

Here in Australia I use a product from the Hardware Store called ESP that you apply and wipe off after a short while before painting. They say you can even paint on glass after using it.  Also, don't forget that a lot of waterbased paints can take a month  to cure before use, which might be another reason your paint has peeled off.

Dee · Answer

Hi Geri Ann, no it's called ESP in Australia (stands for Eliminates Sanding Preparation ), but your TSP in the States might be an equivalent.

Cindy · Answer

I believe it was a combination of things that started the paint peeling. It may not have been ultra clean when you began this project. I also recommend light sanding before you paint so that the paint has a surface to cling to. Let each coat dry before adding the next coat. And sand in between coats of paint. You also need to seal it when the last coat is dry. This entire process needs approx a month in total. Good luck.

Chalk paint peeling

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Chalk paint peeling

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