How am i supposed to use wax over chalk paint?

I have a question regarding the waxing process. I bought one that you're supposed to be able to buff to a high shine (I assumed it was from the heat from friction) it did not go on smooth and I wasn't really worried about it because I thought it would change after rubbing/buffing. I rubbed and rubbed, worked up a helluva sweat, and it still looks crappy, no change at all. Did i just buy a crappy wax? Is it actually wax? You think if I hit it with a hair dryer it will smooth out some? If not, how do I get it off? I usually use polycrylic but wanted to check it out but now i feel like i ruined the finish on this piece

  6 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 04, 2018

    Tips and techniques | How to use Chalk Paint wax | Annie Sloan

    1. https://www.anniesloan.com/techniques/how-to-use-chalk-paint-wax

    Follow Annie Sloan's top tips for applying Chalk Paint® Wax and you'll be able to enjoy a gorgeous ... Work in large areas, sweeping the wax over the paint. Using Wax When Chalk Painting - dummies

    1. https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home.../using-wax-when-chalk-painting/

    This will retain the color of your painted piece while providing protection from the elements. Dip yourwax brush lightly into the clear wax. Use brush strokes to rub the wax into the furniture. Wipe your lint-free cloth over the wax to smooth out any buildup. Allow time to dry. Apply a second coat of clear wax. Why I Rarely Use Wax To Seal Furniture - Canary Street Crafts

    https://canarystreetcrafts.com/why-i-stopped-using-wax-to-seal-furniture/

    Feb 24, 2017 - Annie Sloan is one brand who claims their chalk paint can be used over their own brand of wax, and I have done this myself with success.

    • I have used tinted waxes in the past with no problems, this time I used clear wax, in lieu of another type of sealant, over chalk paint. I did some research first, watched a couple videos so I wasn't going in completely blind. I guess wax just isn't for me

  • Carolyn Travis Carolyn Travis on Aug 04, 2018

    You should seal your paint before going any further. Sometimes it takes several coats depending on wood and depending on age. Never waste your time on fake wood.

  • Gk Gk on Aug 04, 2018

    Normally when you buy a brand of chalk paint there is an accompanying wax of the same brand that you can buy as well. Normally they leave you with a smooth waxed finish. You only need to use a very small amount of wax and if you use too much you will run into problems. I just dab my rag into the wax and carry only a small amount--about the size of a quarter--to my project. For smaller projects sometimes that is all I need. The wax will spread quite a ways as you buff it. I work in small areas at a time as I am rubbing the wax in. You only want a very thin coat initially and you can add a second thin coat before you do a final buffing. Perhaps you applied too much wax. You should be able to dampen a rag/kitchen scrubbing sponge with mineral spirits and rub off the excess wax. You could also use very fine steel wool and mineral spirits rubbing in the direction of the grain. I use the Annie Sloan brand of clear wax over any kind of chalk paint as well as the Annie Sloan dark waxes.

    • I actually purchased a wax that was the same brand as the paint I used. I'm concerned that the use of mineral spirits will also remove the paint

  • Thanks Cheryl, I guess I'll just strip it all off and start again. I had heard some pretty bad things regarding finish durability looong before I ever started painting. That's the reason why I always used a polycrylic or something similar. I liked that article, good to know I'm not the only one😁

  • Gk Gk on Aug 04, 2018

    Rachel, if you do use the mineral spirits and some of your paint comes off you might be able to repaint your project. I know that you can repaint over wax if you are using Annie Sloan. I have never tried it with any other kind of chalk paint. I will tell you that with some chalk paint products and their accompanying waxes and final finishes I have been less than pleased with the final product. I have pretty much tried everything just because I have been curious as to how well each brand performs and whether cost differences matter. I have even made my own chalk paint with a few different recipes. There are some brands I will not use again and others I will and that goes for waxes and other final finishes too. And it also depends on what kind of project I am working on as to which paint I will select and use. Without seeing your project up close I can only try and make some good guesses as to what may have happened. I hope that you are able to salvage your project and end up with a final result that you are pleased with. It's not any fun to have a bad experience and not have your project turn out as you'd like.

    • I did this piece with black dog salvage. I have never tried any of their products until now so maybe it's just this brand? I'm just gonna keep my fingers crossed. Thanks