Chalk paint is a popular choice for furniture and home decor projects because of its matte finish and creamy texture. While it is easy to apply, sealing chalk paint can be tricky. This blog post will discuss how to fill chalk paint to get the perfect finish every time!
What is chalk paint and why do you need to seal it?
Chalk paint is a thick, opaque paint that requires no sanding or priming to be applied to furniture pieces. It usually comes in powder form, which needs water to be mixed before being used as a primer by mixing it with water. Once the mixture dries out, you will have an ultra-smooth surface and look. This is how it gets its name, ?chalk? Because of how smooth and velvety the feeling is when finished. However, this paint can be prone to chipping if not sealed properly before applying any other type of finish on top.
Here are tips and tricks to seal chalk paint for a perfect finish
Chalk paint is all the rage these days – and for good reason! It gives furniture and other home decor a rustic, vintage look that’s hard to replicate with any other type of paint. But there’s one downside to chalk paint – it’s notorious for being difficult to seal. If you don’t seal it correctly, your beautiful paint job will start chipping and peeling in no time. So today, we are going to hop on to some tips and tricks for sealing chalk paint perfectly every time. Keep reading to learn more!
- The first step is to make sure that your surface is completely clean and free of any dust or debris. This will help the sealant stick better.
- Once your surface is clean, it’s time to start applying the sealant. You can use a brush, roller, or spray bottle – whatever you prefer. Make sure to apply it in a thin coat, and be sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
- Let the sealant dry completely before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two, depending on the weather conditions.
- Once the sealant is dry, you can start applying your top coat. Again, make sure to apply it in thin coats, and be sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
- Let the top coat dry completely before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two, depending on the weather conditions.
- Protect and prolong the life of all your chalk-style painted surfaces
- Enhances the chalk-style look of your project for a beautiful antique look
- Chalk-Tique Paste Wax helps protect finish color from sun fade with a UV inhibitor
- ALL PURPOSE PAINT AND FURNITURE PROJECTS – These waxes work smoothly on a variety of wood and furniture surfaces.
- PREMIUM POLISHING WAX - Made of the best base products, our Colorantic soft recipe is such a high end one. Perfect & compatible with any chalk type paints. It is best on chalk style paints, milk paint, latex paint, and our waxes are used for Stencils, Artists, Crafters, Furniture Restorers, Interior Decorators and more.
- Clear Sealing Wax provides low gloss protection when applied over Krylon Chalky Finish Paint
- Clear Sealing Wax is ideal for decor items and varnished, previously painted, bare wood or metal furniture
- No primer or prep needed
- Ultra-Matte
Sealing chalk paint with wax or varnish
Wax provides a durable finish and can be buffed to a high shine. Varnish is less durable but can add extra protection against water damage. So, which one should you choose? It depends on what you’re looking for in a sealant. If you want a durable, high-shine finish, go with wax. If you’re looking for extra protection against water damage, go with varnish.
Many types of wax and varnish are available on the market, so it’s essential to do your research before choosing one. Be sure to read the product descriptions and reviews before buying anything. You might even want to test the product on a small area before applying it to your entire project.
Before you start sealing, be sure that your chalk paint is thoroughly dry and sanded with fine-grit sandpaper if needed. Then use a lint-free cloth or brush to apply the wax or varnish to the chalk paint. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how long you should wait before applying a second coat.
Keep in mind that wax and varnishes can change the appearance of your chalk paint, so it’s essential to do a test on a small area first if possible. In addition, some types of wax or varnish may take days to dry and cure, so be sure to plan your project accordingly.
If you’re using chalk paint on furniture that will be used in high-traffic areas or by children and pets, it’s a good idea to seal the surface with wax or varnish for extra protection against spills and wear-and-tear.
Which sealing method is best for you - wax or varnish?
Wax or varnish are popular sealants, but they have different benefits and drawbacks. So how do you decide which is suitable for your project? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each sealant to help you make your decision.
Wax
Wax is a standard sealant for chalk paint projects because it’s easy to find, affordable, and can be applied with just a simple rag or brush. In addition, the wax provides an attractive finish that will make your project look beautiful. However, there are some disadvantages to using wax as well. First of all, wax is not waterproof, so it’s important to avoid using a wax-sealed piece in areas where it might be exposed to water. Secondly, wax can be challenging if you need to touch up your paint or apply another coat of chalk paint because the new layer doesn’t adhere as well over an existing layer of wax.
- Permanent gloss varnish used to protect finished painting
- Gloss varnish may be mixed with matte varnish to vary the finish sheen
- Dries to a clear, non-yellowing finish
- Best applied with a large soft brush
- ACMI certified. Conforms to ASTM d4236; safe for educational use
- Archival; Permanent; Non-Removable; Gloss finish
- Lightweight, non-toxic; Dries to a non-tacky, hard, flexible surface; Non-yellowing and water-resistant when dry
- Includes 8-oz / 237ml bottle of medium
- Intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums.
- Conforms to ASTM D4236; Safe for educational use
- Our Acrylic Paint Set: The must-have paint kit for all your craft projects, no matter how big or how small. The bright, bold colors of this versatile acrylic paint kit are easy-to-use and glides on smoothly with excellent coverage.
- Reliable Quality: The highest quality of raw materials are selected to make our Acrylic paint set. Uniquely formulated to ensure the best quality with a fantastic consistency for easy mixing and blending. Ideal for canvas painting. The Acrylic Paints glide on smoothly, dries quickly, and won't fade over time.
Varnish
Varnish is a good choice if you want to protect your project from water damage. It can also help to prevent chipping and peeling, making it a good option if your project will be subjected to heavy use. Varnish is available in both matte and glossy finishes, so you can choose the look that best suits your project. However, varnish can be a bit more expensive than wax, and it’s also a little more difficult to apply. In addition, varnish can give your project a yellowed appearance over time if it’s not applied correctly.
Conclusion
Sealing chalk paint is an important step to protect your furniture from spills and dirt. By following these tips, you can achieve a perfect finish that will last for years. Have you sealed your chalk painted furniture yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Get started today and enjoy your beautifully finished pieces for years to come!
