A table that I painted with chalk paint is still tacky

Question

I painted a table with chalk paint  and then clear wax and then dark wax about a month ago. It is still tacky. What can I do?

Rachel Lynn | queenbeeofhoneydos.com · Answer

I guess it depends in part on what brand of chalk paint. I will assume this to be Annie Sloan. But tackiness this long after the fact means that you put too much wax on, which is easy to do. 
Since you have applied the dark wax, it may be impossible to correct without ruining the stain (dark wax) finish. First, try buffing it in steady consistent movements for 60 seconds. I mean really give some elbow grease scrubbing. I have even used scotch green scrubbers before to lift off excess wax. See if that helps to remove the tackiness. Just don't scrub through the paint. You can always reapply more wax to even out the wax layer after you get rid of the tacky buildup.If not, the next step would be to use a very, very thin layer of clear wax to refresh the old layer. Apply it, and then start removing as much wax as will come off. (you can never take off too much wax, but it is easy to apply too much). Again, this will likely mess up the dark wax. Hopefully, you will be able to correct it after it dries. Last option, use turpentine to remove the wax. wipe and scrub as needed. Be gentle so that you don't take off the paint. Hope that helps. Maybe someone else has come across a better solution, but this is what I do in the event that I mess up.

Country Design Home · Answer

Since you have a couple of coats of wax on there, you will definitely need some elbow grease to buff it off. I have also used the green scrubby pads, which work well but do make a globby kind of mess. Also, I have used heat (either a blow dryer or heat gun on low) to soften the wax to make it easier to remove. Good luck!

Lynn Foreman · Answer

Maybe you should try using a hair dryer set on cool or warm.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I found this for you to consider http://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/2012/07/i-applied-the-wax-days-ago-and-it-is-still-tacky

Jeani Miller Miner · Answer

definitely sounds like over-waxing. I can't tell you how easy it is to make this mistake. All the previous suggestions will work and here is one more. You can paint right over the tacky wax. That's right, if you're using ASCP you can! Then you are back to square one and can begin again. And this time when you apply your clear wax remove as much as you can. Wax on - Wax off. (remember the Karate Kid?). Once the wax is dry, give it a good buffing with a clean rag. The result should be a smooth finish with a lovely luster. Good luck - it's so frustrating, trust me, I know. Been there, done that.

Teri Broberg · Answer

painting over the wax is actually a good idea. When you reapply your wax, wipe it back right away so that there is no tackiness. If you don't want to repaint, you can try removing the wax with mineral spirits.

Patricia · Answer

I agree with the others that you can repaint it. However, you could also try an orbital buffer (I use a Ryobi 6'). I've also used fine grit sand paper over the wax and then wiped it down -- test in an inconspicuous spot first and see if you like the result. It will make the finish shine. One other method that could help is to put the piece in a cold area like a garage and let the cooler temperatures harden the wax.

Madame painter · Answer

mineral spirits really works and doesn't take the paint off. I used the clear the dark wax but the weather was too humid and the wax did not set right. I'm starting over with a thinner amount of wax. Does any one know when to apply the dark after the clear? I read that you apply the dark while the clear is very fresh soon after.

Kimberley Meise · Answer

is there any other way to take the tackiness away other than mineral spirits? I have tried to rub off with a t-shirt but still tacky :( if I sand lightly will it ruin the finish? It is a table top. PLEASE HELP

A table that I painted with chalk paint is still tacky

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A table that I painted with chalk paint is still tacky

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