Chalk wax over semi gloss

Question

I have painted a desk with latex semi gloss paint and wondered if I could use the wax for the chalk paint on the semi gloss and if so, what would the finish look like??

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Honestly I would seal the piece. The wax is temporary.

Shari · Answer

I'm not quite sure what you would accomplish by waxing over semi-gloss paint. Wax provides sheen and some degree of protection. You've already got your sheen from the semi-gloss paint. After it has time to cure well, semi-gloss is pretty durable but if you want more protection, I agree with Janet...seal with a poly type product. Waxing is not my idea of a *good* time. In my opinion, it's a lot of work so I wouldn't want to make more work for myself, especially when there is little to no benefit to waxing in this case.

Kristine · Answer

Beautiful desk! I'm in love with this. What is your reason for wanting to wax it? Wax is used as a protective coating. If you're considering waxing for the sole purpose of protecting the piece, I would suggest sticking to a clear poly instead. But if you're wanting to apply wax for the aesthetic effect, then you need a DARK wax, not clear. The technique will still work with semi-gloss paint. I've done it on chairs that I'd previously painted with semi-gloss, distressed (sanded off) the paint in small sections, and then worked the wax in to enhance the now-visible, peak-through wood areas. I think this piece would look lovely with a little sanding and some dark wax applied over. I enjoy waxing, I don't consider it a lot of work. It's a relaxing process for me. If you're worried how it might look, turn it over and do a test in small inconspicuous area on the underside of the desk, where no one else will see it before doing the whole thing.

Jacqui · Answer

Beautiful desk!  From personal experience I would not use the wax finish on any surface that gets touched a lot, my waxed coffee table top is driving me crazy with cat paw prints & a tacky surface feel.  No matter how much I buff it is still the same. I am actually going to refinish it yet again & use a polyacrylic finish this time.

Jonnie Hammon · Answer

From my experience, you can do this successfully, by lightly sanding the area you want to add the chalk paint to, add a bonding primer, then paint on the chalk paint. Though I must say it is lovely, as it is right now.

Trixie63 · Answer

I just did a table with semigloss and wanted a softer more distressed look so I used wax (just regular old furniture wax) and I think it looks great and plan re-waxing once a year as I do with all my waxed furniture.  I think the difference is that it doesn't look like it has a finish on it, even with matte poly, you can tell it has a finish.

Trixie63 · Answer

Judy I just used Johnsons paste wax. Applied with a cotton cloth and buffed with an old terry towel.

Barbara Polston · Answer

Thanks for asking this, I was wondering the same thing! This is such a beautiful vanity! Good luck on your project !

Baxter · Answer

Wax will give it a softer, buttery look like a well worn antique. Use any furniture wax but use it sparingly. The tendency is to apply too much wax which results in a sticky surface that never cures. If you want to add some 'aging', you can use a combination of dark wax around the normal wear areas and clear wax overall. Good luck!

Chalk wax over semi gloss

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Chalk wax over semi gloss

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