How do I stop chalk paint from peeling?

Hello Angie! What kind of surface are you painting on? If you are painting over a laminate or a plastic surface rather than a wood you may have this issue. Laminate should definitely be primed first before you use chalk paint on it. Plastic can go either way but I usually use Fusion Ultragrip on plastic before I use chalk paint. It is a clear coat that helps the paint to grip better. Even though it is a Fusion product I do use it under other chalk paints. I also find that I have better luck with homemade chalk paint that is made with Plaster of Paris. Also know that chalk paint must cure for 30 days before it reaches it's peak hardness. It will feel dry before then but until it is cured you run the risk of it chipping or peeling.

Hi Angie, I am SO sorry to hear that what a disapointment! You're not the only one who this has happened to though. Looking around for answers I found another Hometalker asked the same question here in the forum and got a TON of good advice: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/q-chalk-paint-peeling--21767882 Hope that helps! Good luck!

If you are painting veneer doesn't breathe and most paints will peel right off of it because most laminate veneer is plastic composite.

Hello Angie. I believe it was a combination of things that started the paint peeling. It may not have been ultra clean when you began this project. I also recommend light sanding before the very first coat of paint. Be sure to wipe all the dust off with a clean cloth. All this prep work will pay off in the end. Now it's time to actually paint. Let each coat dry before adding the next coat. And, again, sand in between coats. And wipe the dust off each time. I know this is a lot of work, patience, and elbow grease. I have an alternative to share with you. There is a new paint on the market called Beyond Paint. This paint eliminates the work of sanding, priming, and sealing. Sounds great, right? Until you hear the price. It sells at Wal Mart for $100 a gallon. Something to think about. I wish you well Angie.

You really should clean the piece well, and I have always used a bonding primer. I agree with the others that if the piece is laminate or veneer, you need to take care to prime, prime, prime. Also the calcium carbonate chalk paint is the best recipe to use.

Calcium Carbonate chalk paint.

· I like it because it mixes up into a smooth consistency.

· Any leftovers, if the container is sealed well, will last for a long time. Where other methods do not last.

· Making a mix using Calcium Carbonate Powder creates a velvety smooth mix that would work well in paint sprayers and distresses beautifully when sanded.

supplies needed:

· Mixing bowl

· Spoon

· 2 Tablespoons Calcium Carbonate Powder

· 1 Tablespoon of warm water

· 1 cup latex paint

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together calcium carbonate powder and warm water. Stir well to create a smooth pancake like batter consistency. If too thick, add a little more water and stir well.

2. Make sure all the powder is dissolved in the water.

3. Pour the mix into a cup of latex paint and stir very well.

To Make a Quart of DIY Chalk Paint Using Calcium Carbonate Powder

· Mix 8 tablespoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder and 4 tablespoons of water. Stir well to make sure powder is dissolved. Pour into a quart of paint and mix well.

You can use any formula of paint when using Calcium Carbonate Powder by itself.

· You can buy Calcium Carbonate Powder at your local health food store, or on Amazon

Ditch the home made chalk paint and look into Rustoleum brand chalk paint. Very affordable, can be made in any color and top coat is easy and durable. I've painted hundreds of pieces of furniture with it. If the piece is rough, I lightly sand it smooth and wash down with TSP. if smooth I just wash down TSP. Never once had a piece peel.

For these frustrating reasons, chalk paint is not my go-to choice of paint for furniture. Next project you might want to try a cabinet paint. I LOVE Benjamin Moore ADVANCE!! I am not paid to advertise I just love it and I think it is fantastic paint after using many other types. It doesn't chip and it doesn't need a topcoat. Just wipe down when it is dirty. It works for HEAVY DUTY traffic. You will need to sand and prime first before applying. I'm sorry I didn't help with your problem piece at the moment, just wanted to throw out this info in case you are done with chalk paint.

There was another person on Hometalk with this question as well. Here are some of the responses they received that might help too - https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/q-chalk-paint-peeling--21767882

My question is why would you put modge podge between layers. It is glue. That is your problem.

Here is a Hometalk post with more information on how to stop chalk paint from peeling. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/q-chalk-paint-comes-of-easily-7242402

Hi Angie, you can pick up sealer in the same section as they sell chalk paint, or you can apply a wax sealant or a matte spray that will be in the same section as well, you may have to redo the areas that are peeling and apply the wax or matte sealant after wards.

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.

Hello Angie, Use a wax on top to seal it or a water based sealer, or maybe acrylic!

The only time I had trouble with chalk paint peeling was when the piece I was painting had some kind of a waxy finish on it. I bought a large hutch from a furniture store and it was imported. It apparently had a very waxy type of sealer on it and the paint kept peeling.