How do I add dark wax over finished chalk paint?

Cindy Rubin
by Cindy Rubin

I have a 'vintage' end table that was going to my son's furst apartment... naturaly he asked me to paint it. So I did... done and done. I used white chalk paint for the bottom and ornate spindles. Then grey for the top and middle shelf. Finally, I distresses it in corner area et. and clear waxed it twice.Now finished... lol ... I want to add somw dark wax in certain areas. How is that accomplished.Do I just 'add' dark wax to certain spots or do I have to remove all of the clear wax?

  10 answers
  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Dec 05, 2019

    You would just rub the dark wax on in the areas that you you would like shading and highlights to the details and crevices. This will give it an antiqued effect. I don't think you need to remove the clear wax but you can always wipe off the clear wax in those areas that you want to apply dark wax. the wax will eventually rub off and you will have to do it again. Think of the wax like shoe polish. Dark wax will change the color in certain spots and darken it like a shading effect. Test some areas in a spot in the back of the nightstand that can't be seen. Looks great! Love it!

  • Gk Gk on Dec 05, 2019

    You always want to use clear wax first before you wax with dark wax. Applying clear wax first and then buffing it will give you the best surface to apply the dark wax. If you apply dark wax with no clear wax first it is very difficult to get any excess dark wax off. When you apply the dark wax you use clear wax to remove any excess dark wax and blend the dark wax to your liking. Once you get your piece where you want it make sure you buff and buff with either a microfiber towel or I use the blue garage towels you buy in a box. You will get a nice smooth finish. It takes at least a day to cure and harden so you can use the table

    and up to a full month for a full cure.

  • Em Em on Dec 05, 2019

    Use a TINY bit of wax on a rag and make a dot or two on the edges. Use a clean area of the rag and start to smear and polish at the same time. You can build more color as you wish but if you use too much to start with you will have a hard time rubbing it out.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 05, 2019

    I added a glaze and wiped off rather quickly. Then repeated in a few areas to get it darker.

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Dec 05, 2019

    I always mix a tiny amount of dark wax in with clear wax. The dark is very intense and not easy to remove. Mixing it with clear wax makes it much easier to work with.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Dec 07, 2019

    You can add the dark wax over the white, but work quickly and work in small areas. You can always add more, but it wont be easy to take it off.

  • Linda W Linda W on Dec 07, 2019

    I just wanted to say I LOVE the shape of that table!!

  • Pamela Pamela on Dec 08, 2019

    You should be fine working over the clear wax , just think of it as another coat of wax . Just work in small sections at a time . Good luck !!!