Chalk paint comes off easily!

Question

I used chalk paint for the first time. I painted a dresser, not wood, but laminate or veneer. I added a little water to the paint to stretch it out. Is that why it comes off? I sat a drawer on top of the dresser and scratched off some paint.

Lesley · Answer

Had you waxed it? Chalk paint needs to be sealed with wax and then left to cure for 30 days. Then it will achieve a very durable finish. You can still use an item during the 30 days curing time but you do need to be careful not to scratch it during that time.

Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio · Answer

...It does need a LIGHT sanding, and do TWO coats of your chalk paint. Sometimes it all depends on the veneer; I have used chalk paint on it, no peeling, and no flakes. I did two coats, then waxed. If you prefer to use a non yellowing poly sealer, that is also an option.

Moira · Answer

I've used Chalk paint on veneer as well as wood successfully. Chalk paint is formulated to wipe off easily for an aged effect, that is why you need to use wax to seal the paint. It works great without the work.

Renee Seeling · Answer

I have not used chalk paint especially but, have made up my own version of a 'type' of chalk paint and it will rub off if I do not prepare the surface...especially if it is veneer or some similar type of surface. As shelbybella said...lightly sand the surface first. And as Laurie Eng said....veneer doesn't breathe.....so sanding that will 'open up' the pores of the surface and let the chalk paint adhere better. And do seal it after it cures. My 'home made' paint needed a full 48 hours before I sealed it and then did not let anything that might scratch it come in contact for a month.

Linda fleet · Answer

At first I was going to spray paint but it is too cold to go outside. Therefore, I decided to use chalk paint. I have been watching videos for weeks before I decided give it a try. Thank you all for the suggestions. Initially I just painted...sanding or waxing! Many videos say all you need to do is paint. So, I will paint again and wax. I'll let you know how it turns out :-)

Linda fleet · Answer

I put a couple coats of polyurethane on it. It gave a shiny look which I did not want. I had already spray painted the other furniture I had. It has a matte look. Thank you all very much. Now I have to decide which I prefer matte or gloss :-)

Roxanne Rose Massarelli · Answer

You could try a less glossy poly (satin).

Kaz · Answer

Ive just finished putting home made black chalk paint on my old dining chairs. Recipe from the hundreds of posts ive read lol...two coats on each chair. I read so many times u dont need to sand..so I didnt! Also read about leaving it for a few days but not weeks! Thinking this is a bad move and Im kicking myself 😕 here in Aus we have our Bunnings hardware stores so off I went and purchased a water based One Coat Clear sealant for $30 odd bucks...big outlay for me. So far ive put one coat on one chair and its scratched off...NOT HAPPY 😠. Ive done what I thought was a hell of a load of research on the process and dont know which one is correct for chalk paint now. Bit fed up with it to be honest..who do u believe. I also made my own fabric medium with vinegar and Glycol..added it to my paint and painted the old sprung seats that fit into my chair frames..they have turned out well but again who do u believe. Heat sealing the fabric? Ok I gave them all a good iron this morning so fingers crossed ☺

Looks like its back to the patio and a good sand down on the chairs...repaint the Black chalk paint on em and then what? Wait days and then seal? Thanks all...ps Love Hometalk 😊

Kaz · Answer

Ps sorry lol the sealant was a Satin..dont want them shiney or defeats the purpose really 😂 cheers..

Linda fleet · Answer

Thanks everyone.

Robin Lueddeke · Answer

I used spray chalk paint and was disappointed in that there was a 'film' of it all over my garage floor! I had to take an old towel and use my feet to get up the dust. What a pita! I also did not know you had to wax n cure it for 30 days...ugh! Now I just want to sand the piece and paint it. I do a lot of dyi, I should have read up more on this...

Jb · Answer

Many of the answers are already here (like PREP!) but it REALLY depends on what brand you’re using. All should be protected with wax or polycrylic (I prefer the latter) but I’ve tried nearly every brand and most of the more expensive mineral or clay based brands aren’t very durable and can rub/scratch easily if not protected (especially the ones that claim no prep or no topcoat needed, lol). Now Waverly brand (cheap, at Walmart) sticks to anything. Like I can’t get it off glass or metal once dry, when I’ve accidentally splattered it. But you won’t hear about the most durable chalk paint except word of mouth if it’s cheap and not sold by “stockists” similar to every MLM company. Most want you to waste your money because they did (and don’t want to admit it) or they sell it themselves. All paint will scratch though. Gotta be careful. And follow advice of experienced chalk painters, just don’t fall for their pushing brands. Kacha is good on YouTube.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

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

Mogie · Answer

Did you wax it after painting?

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