Chalk Paint Not Drying - Can't Wax?
by
S
+9
I have used this product before and had no issues. But it's been over 40 hours since I painted the last coat of (dark grey) chalk paint, and the paint keeps rubbing lightly off when I try to apply clear wax. Lost a wax brush to the paint staining the bristles. Now I test with paper towels and clear wax. The temperature is extremely consistent in the house and isn't cold. I've never had this problem before. Should I take a hairdryer to my dresser?
P.S. The paint is dry to the touch. It's just when I apply the wax?
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What was on the piece before you painted? Bare wood? Paint? Wax? It sounds like whatever it was is not allowing the chalk paint to bond. 🤷♀️
Some chalk paint will come off when you wax, but it sounds like this is quite a lot. I am also wondering if the base is preventing it from adhering well. By any chance is it laminate?
Hi! I had an issue with chalk paint applied over some kind of oiled finish (imported furniture... so no telling.) You may have to sand off chalk paint and then apply a layer of Kils... and redo.
...don't work... it'll be worth it! Have fun!
Sounds like you painted over a surface that the chalk paint didn't bond with.
If you put three coats on in quick succession the paint does need to dry and cure more. You don't mention the brand you used. Each one is a bit different and acts differently. And it also depends on how thick your paint coats were. Chalk paint needs to be laid down in thin coats and I like to sand in between the 2nd and 3rd coat. Just sand lightly to smooth everything out. Chalk paint does need to be sanded a little bit before you wax. And then the dust cleaned off. You will get a smoother finish this way. Be a little more patient--though I know it's hard to wait--the chalk paint will eventually dry and cure. It takes up to a month for chalk paint to cure to it's final hardness.
Hello. I would call the paint manufacturer for expert consultation. Sometimes they offer the best solutions they can compensate for faulty product preformance.
Could it be the surface that is the issue and not the paint. I always use a primer with no exceptions because I always have one problem or another is I dont prime.
Hi! I have to agree that I always seal the surface first. Even with chalk paint, prep is key. If you already addressed that, and did light coats of the paint, is it the wax or the paint, would be my next question. I don't use wax very often, and prefer a clear water-based sealer. But, in this case, if you used your usual product, I keep going back to the paint. It should have adhered and dried. It may have to be stripped and the surface prepped again. If you are using a name brand paint, reach out to the company for help, also. Good luck and stay safe!
It sounds like you didn't do any prep. At the very least you should wash down with TSP quick removes old wax, oils and grime. No paint can stick to that. I always lightly sand too.
This post may have some answers for you https://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/2012/07/i-applied-the-wax-days-ago-and-it-is-still-tacky/
Did you lightly sand the furniture first because if there I’d gloss or wax it will do that
It sounds like the piece may of had some oil or grease that was not removed. Did you clean it well? I have found when that happened to me it's because the piece was not cleaned good. You may have to sand it lightly to scruff it up. If it's laminate, I would use a deglosser.