Can chalk paint be used right over varnished stain piece of furniture?

Question

Can I just chalk paint over this furniture?

Denise · Answer

It will stick to it but there may be a few other problems. If you use a light color paint, the dark wood might bleed through. And if you use a water base poly on top to seal it, it may give you a crackle affect which you may or may not want. To eliminate these problems, seal it with a coat of shellac first and then use your chalk paint. That should prevent bleeding and crackling.

Shari · Answer

Denise is totally correct about the possibility of bleed through with old, dark furniture finishes. I experienced it first-hand with white Annie Sloan challk paint over an old piece that had a reddish mahogany-like finish on it. It is extremely frustrating to spend the time painting and then find there is a pink stain bleeding through your paint so save yourself a ton of time and headaches and spray or paint your piece with Shellac first. Don't even bother with any other product. I tried a stain-blocking primer first and it didn't work; I still had the bleed through problem. Shellac is what the Annie Sloan chalk paint website recommends.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Although many express that you can paint over existing finishes I feel that the paint will be uneven. A light sanding may be needed for the look you are trying to achieve.

At Home With The Ellingtons · Answer

I ALWAYS prep. I know people and even most paint companies will say you don't need to, but I'm much happier with my finishes (and the fact that the paint actually adheres to the wood) when I prep. And if it's a bleeder then you need primer specifically for tannin bleeds. I use Kilz Complete. Good luck with it!

At Home With The Ellingtons · Answer

Shellac will cover water marks/stains but it won't block tannins. They'll bleed through sooner or later. Been there. Done that. Tannin blocking primer is the way to go.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

The tattered rabbit said exactly what I was going to advise! Always prep. light sanding. wipe off well. I use a spray shellac but she is correct about the tannins. Mahogany will always bleed. Most of the time the shellac will stop it. If not, try the Zinsser spray primer in white. Plenty of how-to's out there.

At Home With The Ellingtons · Answer

Pamela, I just wanted to say that's a really pretty china cabinet. Hope you'll post pictures after you're done with it!

Rita · Answer

The really good thing about the Annie Sloan chalk paint is that you do not need to sand it, but feel free to do a light sanding and then just give it a good wipe down with a damp cloth and paint away with chalk paint by Annie Sloan, no primer necessary.

Stephanie Schultz · Answer

I agree with The Tattered Rabbit, prep is crucial for a quality finish.

Jane · Answer

Why would you? Decorators suggest to clean it well. Once painted it will devalue it.

Pamela Langone · Answer

its scratched and had plastic covers on chairs so they are messed up. Its 60 yrs old and really needs a facelift kinda like me

Pamela Langone · Answer

I dont know if Im going to or not. My husband says no now

Julie · Answer

While I agree that painting SOME antique furniture pieces does devalue the piece and effects its resale value, pieces you love that you plan to show off in your home and never re-sell can always benefit from a face lift. (I have an upcycling/restoration business, and I can tell you honestly that when it comes to value, most pieces I renew with paint have a tremendous resale value...and many, many decorators LOVE painted furniture!) You need to ask yourself: what makes ME happy? If your piece is valuable and usable to YOU, regardless of what antique dealers or the 'I hate painted furniture' people think, then do with it what makes you feel good about it in your own home. If you're not happy with its look, then you will not be happy with it in your home. You will walk by it every day and cringe. It's your piece, your home, and your decision. There is no 'one size fits all' opinion about painted furniture. It is subjective and unique to each person. Personally, I think your piece would paint up beautifully and give it new life, as it seems kind of drab and boring to me as it is.

Elaine · Answer

While I agree with Julie (from Canada) I'm just answering your question re varnished pieces.   Most people tell you 'yes, Chalk paint adheres to varnished/slick items'.  I've used it twice now & find the following.  For my first piece, I painted an un-sanded varnished item & found I needed 2 to 3 coats before it covered the varnish.  The second item, I lightly sanded & found it adhered much better.  Be sure to stir the paint WELL as the chalk can settle at the bottom & be almost like a thick layer of almost hard 'sludge'!  Not all Chalk paints do this but it's better to be safe than sorry.  I'm trying a third piece today with a different brand of Chalk paint & will NOT be sanding just to experiment & see if this other brand sticks better to the shiny varnish.

Elaine · Answer

I can now understand your hesitation, Pamela!  I was unaware it's the ENTIRE  dining room set you are referring to  - that IS a lot of work!!  Can  you post some photos of the chairs?  A two-tone table is a very nice look; by that, I'm meaning the legs are painted a color but the top is either painted (or stained) very dark.  Real sharp looking OR if you want it slightly more casual, do the top an antiqued creamy white.  You could paint the dining room legs the same as the hutch and chairs to tie it all together but having the tabletop treated differently, breaks up the matchy-matchy look a bit.   If the chairs have upholstered seats (and not plain wood), that helps to break up the set a bit too.    Go on Google and Houzz (type in 'dining room furniture') and that might help give you some ideas.  Check out Paula Deen's dining room furniture too as she usually has pretty painted pieces.  If it were mine, I'd probably do the whole set an antique white but stain the table top.  Good luck.

Pamela Langone · Answer

I was thinking a dull black

Pamela Langone · Answer

or even a gray

Trish · Answer

If it has shiny finish or oil give it a light sanding then use chalk paint. Just make sure you wax it really well

Fleur Costello · Answer

I know this thread is super old - but I am new! I am about to paint this cupboard and know nothing about tannin marks - so am going to prime before painting - any advice would be wonderful

Homeroad · Answer

Yes you can! I use Fusion Mineral Paint which comes in many colors. It can be painted right over the top and needs no sealer. https://amzn.to/3gAD1II

Agnes Chrzanowska · Answer

of course ! with no problem

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Yes, but don't forget to seal it with a wax or varnish.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here are some ideas that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/re-purpose-up-cycle/furniture/

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

You may want to seal it first. Tannins do have a tendency to 'bleed through'.

Leeanne · Answer

Have you tried fusion mineral paint!!! It’s amazing

Mogie · Answer

When painting over dark wood bleed thru is a very real possibility. So prime first. To be safe I would apply one coat of primer and let it dry over night to see if bleed thru still comes thru and apply another coat if needed. Better to be safe then sorry.

Can chalk paint be used right over varnished stain piece of furniture?

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Can chalk paint be used right over varnished stain piece of furniture?

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