How do I stop chalk paint from peeling?

Angie Gramps
by Angie Gramps

Hello, question I'm making my own chalk paint because I love all the different color choices there is. I'm using the sand grout method. I have ran into a problem with the 2nd coat peeling, so I have seen other tutorials on using mod podge between the coats, I noticed today when I did this the first layer started to peel, I have all the nessary steps to prep them, even using latex gloves when painting, I let them sit overnight, I'm so frustrated with this, since I sell them for my business. I need help. Thank you very much, have a blessed day.


  13 answers
  • Gk Gk on Mar 05, 2020

    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.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Mar 05, 2020

    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!

    Chalk paint peeling
  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 05, 2020

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

  • Cindy Cindy on Mar 05, 2020

    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.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 05, 2020

    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

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 06, 2020

    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.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Mar 06, 2020

    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.

    • See 1 previous
    • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Mar 06, 2020

      I know right? chalk paint seems like more work to me. I saw your reply about Rustoleum chalk paints though. You know what...I love rustoleum metallic spray paints. They put out great products and I wouldn't be surprised if they had a top notch chalk paint brand. I will have to try it on something like a chandelier or something. Thanks for the idea. I Love this Hometalk village:)

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Mar 06, 2020

    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

    Chalk paint peeling
  • Em Em on Mar 06, 2020

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

  • Linda Linda on Mar 06, 2020

    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

    Chalk paint comes off easily!
  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 07, 2020

    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.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 11, 2020

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

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Mar 12, 2020

    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.