Asked on Jan 07, 2014

Splotchy chalk paint

Junk Gypsee
by Junk Gypsee
I'm using Ce Ce Caldwell's chalk paint and have no problems with it using lighter shades or the darker on smaller items. However, the last two pieces I have done have been larger pieces, brown and charcoal. The painting went fine but when I applied the wax, it was splotchy and I couldn't make it even regardless of what I did. Then when I thought I had applied even coats to even it the color, I applied the diluted sealer, 6 coats, diluted to even out the sheen. So much work!!
Has anyone had this experience and what do you suggest? I do this professionally and I have not had this problem until the last two pieces so I am really concerned. Help!! And, thank you!! <3
  12 answers
  • CC CC on Jan 08, 2014
    I use several brands of chalk paint. CeCe's paint is designed to give you variations in color to add interest. If you want a more matte appearance try Annie Sloan. I'm confused if you were putting sealer over wax? I use either wax or sealer not both...when you buff the wax you can create high and low sheen spots that will give color variations. Hemp oil is a nice sealer that gives a more uniform appearance. Did you buy from a stockist you can visit? Take your piece in and have them advise you. Chalk paint is great to use but depending on the look you're trying to achieve not always the best choice, sometimes latex is better if you want a matte solid look.
    • See 4 previous
    • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 13, 2014
      @CC That's the instructions for Ce Ce's...wax, then the sealer. I think Sherrie has answered the question...seal the damaged wood with shellac and it was very damaged and dry. Thank you!! <3
  • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 08, 2014
    Has anyone else had this problem with the wax not absorbing evenly?
    • See 1 previous
    • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 13, 2014
      @LIJ Designs I wait for at least 6 hours. When I apply the sealer, I wait 24 hours between coats and give it 6 coats on top, using 220 grit sandpaper and with the final finish, I dilute the sealer 50/50 to even the sheen then use 0000 steel wool. I think Sherrie has answered the question. It should have been shellaced since the wood was so damaged and dry, uneven in tone. <3
  • Myra Myra on Jan 08, 2014
    If you want a great Chalk Paint with great coverage try Shabby Paints! It is $10.00 cheaper than Annie Sloan.
    • See 2 previous
    • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 13, 2014
      @Barbara Sawyer I would have to drive to Fayetteville, Arkansas...but I think they might ship it or deliver here if I were to request it. I'm thinking of just making my own. I like having color options.
  • Melinda Luttrell Melinda Luttrell on Jan 09, 2014
    With Ce Ce Caldwell's Paint. First you need to clean your item with either Simple Green or Dawn Detergent and water, to remove the oils from previous usage. The other comment regarding the wax, as this is the last finish, you do not put satin finish or another finish over wax, as it does need to breathe. Hope this helps.
  • Sharon Calvert Sharon Calvert on Jan 09, 2014
    My son had the same problem on a piano he did. Very discouraging after all the hard work. He's going to sand and redo with Annie Sloan.
    • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 13, 2014
      @Sharon Calvert Sharon....Sherrie has answered the question. Scroll up and read it...same color and paint, but she found the solution. YAY!!
  • Elaine Simmons Elaine Simmons on Jan 09, 2014
    Barbara, if you google Shabby Paints, it will bring up their website. I think you have to buy from a retailer though and there is none where I live. Maybe you will have better luck.
  • Joran Joran on Jan 10, 2014
    I have also had problems with CeCe Caldwell wax I am not a fan. I use Annie Sloan wax on it or the Endurance finish I really liked that for the black piece I did. I would use that again.
  • Heather Dahn Miller Heather Dahn Miller on Jan 10, 2014
    Try Websters Chalk Paint Powder you can mix any color of latex paint with it and it turns ordinary latex paint into Chalk Paint! Awesome product for half the cost! visit their website at: http://websterschalkpaintpowder.com/
  • Junk Gypsee Junk Gypsee on Jan 16, 2014
    Well, I've come to the conclusion that there is something not right about the brown Ce Ce Caldwell's paint. I've tried everything, including the shellac. After doing furniture for 30 years, I've never come across anything like this. So, I'm sanding it down and painting it with another color that I've had good results with in the past. 7th attempt is the limit. Thank you all for all your great advice, all of which I have tried. I'll be posting the 'new' coffee table soon, IF I don't throw it off the 5th store balcony of my condo. :-)
  • Olive Mendiola Olive Mendiola on Mar 06, 2018

    I need help too with my dark wax.I made a mistake of not carefully removing the excess and now the table looks blotchy with dark wax. Is there a solution to this?



  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 06, 2021

    Hello Olive,

    Try warming up the wax with a hair drier and blending it in better when it has softened.

    Good luck!