Which Do I use on a chalk painted bathroom countertop- wax or poly?

Lisa Rosi
by Lisa Rosi
  17 answers
  • Gk Gk on Apr 07, 2020

    Definitely poly. Better yet--use a marine spar varnish as it is water resistant/water proof.

    I am not sure how durable this is going to be for you which is why I suggested the marine spar. I think it will last much much longer this way.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 07, 2020

    Hi Lisa, you can buy a nice matte clear coat as well, mask off around it and it won't ruin the nice matte look of the chalk paint

    • See 1 previous
    • Deb K Deb K on Apr 07, 2020

      I used it on a sign I painted and hung outdoors in elements year round and it has help up fine, rain, snow hail wind, you name it!

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 07, 2020

    I totally agree with marine spar varnish, chalk paint is not designed for wet areas the marine spar varnish will give you the most life out of your countertop.

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Apr 07, 2020

    Lisa: especially on a countertop --- wax would not hold up!

  • Definitely poly.

  • Because of the water present in bathrooms, I'd recommend poly. Several coats.

  • William William on Apr 07, 2020

    Best product would be Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane.

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Minwax-Helmsman-Indoor-Outdoor-Spar-Urethane-Satin-Finish-1-Quart/17253538


    Personally I would only used paint specific for countertops. Should be epoxy based

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Apr 07, 2020

    Hi! Poly will give you more durability. Stay safe!

  • Dee Dee on Apr 07, 2020

    Spar varnish is the best because it is made to be used near water. That is what the boats are coated with. I do not think a chalk paint counter top will last very long in the bathroom. You may want to try a good epoxy or resin.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 08, 2020

    Hello,

    I would make sure the Varnish/Finish you use if water proof otherwise you are going to have to keep re-doing it! Maybe Yacht Varnish - Clear!

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 08, 2020

    Hi Lisa, definitely the marine spar varnish, it's designed for use outdoors, so moisture won't be an issue for it!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 02, 2021

    Hello Lisa,

    You could use clear Contact.

    • See 1 previous
    • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 15, 2021

      Hello Em,

      I wouldn't personally, but other like it. For me it would have to be a laminate worktop or artificial stone or Tiles or Mosaics etc.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 03, 2023

    Marine spar varnish would be a good option to go to. Poly is also a good choice.

    Vanity tops get a lot of use so going with something very sturdy to keep it dry is best.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 05, 2023

    Poly is more durable the wax.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 14, 2023

    Go with the poly, it will hold up better than wax.

  • Janice Janice on Jun 14, 2023

    Poly! Because of the water issues on a bathroom counter top.

  • Dee Dee on Sep 12, 2023

    I would use Marine Spar Varnish. Wax will attract dust and grime. Marine varnish is made for water.