The Solution to Stop Chalk Paint Bleed Through
4 Materials
$30
1 Hour
Easy
Are you freaking out seeing brown streaks come through your chalk paint?
I'm here to help you stop and fix annoying chalk paint bleed through because it just happened to me too!
Chalk Paint Bleed Through Defined
If you are painting over a stained piece of furniture and an area wasn't properly sealed with an oil polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac the wood stain will likely be activated by the water in the paint.
What does that mean? You will see red or brown streaks coming through the chalk paint or regular paint. Typically a mahogany stain is the worst culprit in chalk paint bleed through.
While testing some Annie Sloan chalk paint on a small project, I just experienced this issue. The furniture piece is an old one that I bought on consignment. My best guess it was made in the 70's.
A person's normal reaction is to keep layering on chalk paint! Sorry to tell you that's not going to fix it. The red or brown stains (like magic) will keep coming up to the surface. It's the most annoying thing ever!
If you experience staining, STOP! More chalk paint will equal more problems. It's time to get out the stain blocking primer. In my situation, it was a small stain and in one area, so I kept painting. There are exceptions to every rule.
For example if you are painting a large armoire, SAVE MONEY by using the primer and don't waste the pretty chalk paint that is creating bleed through.
Step 1
I recommend using: Valspar Bonding Primer - it seals stains!
Depending on the situation you will need to either cover the entire piece with one coat of stain blocking primer to seal it. OR if you have a small area like I did, then you can just spot treat each area.
For a large piece of furniture, apply the primer like you would paint: use a roller on large expanses and a brush in the smaller areas.
Shake and stir the primer really well. It can look thick and clumpy, so work to get it smooth first.
In my situation, I was able to use a craft brush to apply a thin coat of bonding/stain blocking primer over the stain and surrounding areas.
You WILL SEE THE STAIN through the primer. Primer is meant to SEAL and not COVER. Please don't worry.
Step 2
Let the primer dry overnight. This is important so the stain is contained and the primer is dry, before reapplying the chalk paint.
Here I've applied just one additional coat of the Annie Sloan chalk paint in Paris Grey.
It's all better now! It takes just a little effort to seal those chalk paint stains. So don't freak out when you see chalk paint bleed through, because now you know how to fix it!
To see more of my painting projects CLICK HERE!
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What if you want to lightly brush on the chalk paint for a more sheer look. Won't the primer make it lose that effect? I finished painting a desk like the one you show in your pictures. it was until I was applying the polyurethane that it started to bleed through. Do you have any suggestions?