QA

Quick Answer: Should I Use Wax Or Polyurethane Over Chalk Paint

What is the best finish for chalk paint?

The best sealer for chalk paint is General Finishes Top Coat which does an outstanding job of preserving the look, feel, and color of chalk paint. Their Flat High-Performance Top Coat is a clear, flat, water-based topcoat and excels at making chalk painted or milk painted projects much more durable.

Can I use polyurethane over chalk paint?

Yes, you can use polyurethane over chalk paint. Poly is very durable, inexpensive and watertight. However, it can be tricky to get a smooth finish and it can yellow over time.

Can you use polyurethane over chalk paint instead of wax?

–Both poly and paste wax can be applied over chalk or flat paint. –Though wax will always give you a beautiful, smooth,deep finish, and really enhance color or grain,water-based poly can be streaky and temperamental to put on with a brush (I prefer the spray).

Can you clear coat over chalk paint?

Applying a coat of clear wax over Chalk Paint® will deepen the colour of the paint and create a beautiful, matt finish. It will protect against fingermarks and stains. It’s also water-repellent, so you can wipe any marks away with a damp cloth.

What happens if you don’t seal chalk paint?

You have to also be careful to apply wax very evenly. What happens if you don’t wax chalk paint evenly is that built-up of too much wax can attract dirt. But a thin layer of wax could allow water to penetrate so be sure to use coasters on pieces that get a lot of use.

Can I use Modge Podge to seal chalk paint?

Mod Podge is also a good alternative to poly and wax sealers. Particularly it’s a decoupage medium that can be applied on top of a chalk-painted piece of furniture, craft, or art project made of glass or metal.

How many coats Polycrylic over chalk paint?

The Polycrylic requires 2-3 coats. I do not recommend rolling on the Polycrylic. Even on the can they recommend brushing it on. I use my trusty Purdy brush and brush on the Polycrylic in long even coats.

Does chalk paint scratch easily?

When chalk paint isn’t properly protected and sealed it can chip and scratch pretty easily. So what’s the best way to keep chalk paint from scratching? Applying a liquid topcoat is the best way to keep chalk painted surfaces from scratching.

How many coats of wax do you put on chalk paint?

Apply at least two coats of paint, and then two or three coats of Chalk Paint® Wax or Chalk Paint® Lacquer to seal and protect them. Remember to always test your cabinets first with both paint and lacquer.

Do you have to put wax over chalk paint?

Wax is absolutely worth applying to chalk paint, especially if you want to protect your furniture and keep it looking good for longer. If you have any other queries, take a look at our article all about painting furniture for beginners.

How do you seal white chalk paint without yellowing it?

The best way to seal white painted furniture to avoid yellowing in color is to use Minwax Polycrylic water-based protective finish. Keep in mind, the type of wood and the type of paint you are dealing with can cause the yellowing in color, it’s not always the finish used.

Is it best to wax or varnish chalk paint?

When you apply wax to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, something of a chemical reaction occurs where the wax will penetrate the porous paint in order to create the seal coat. If you apply a varnish first, this will inhibit the wax’s ability to be absorbed into the paint and it will effectively sit on top of the varnish.

Can you seal latex paint with wax?

Wax as a top coat, does not apply when you have used Latex paint because as you may know- Latex has a rubbery surface and the wax cannot penetrate it. Latex literally floats on the surface – which is why you always use a primer first to give the Latex paint something to “bite” to.

Does rustoleum chalk paint need a top coat?

You HAVE to do a top coat to ensure the durability of the paint. And most likely two top coats.

Do you have to put a top coat on chalk paint?

Bare or No Topcoat Leaving your chalk-painted surface bare, or with no topcoat, is the simplest treatment with the least alteration to the finish. However, adding no protection means your piece is vulnerable to the elements, wear and tear, and natural distressing.

Does chalk paint rub off?

Paint may seem dry to the touch, but it should be left to “cure” for at least 3-5 days. If you use a piece of furniture before it’s adequately cured, it can lead to chipping and peeling paint almost immediately.

Which is better Polycrylic or polyurethane?

The formula has an acrylic base; polyurethane is added for better adhesion and durability. Polycrylic is not as durable as polyurethane and is meant to be used only on interior surfaces such as cabinets, furniture, and trim.

How long should chalk paint dry before sealing?

No stopwatch necessary; it’s best to wait 24 hours between coats for a flawless chalk paint finish.

What are the pros and cons of chalk paint?

Here are the pros and cons of working with chalk paint to help you decide if it’s right for your project. Pro: No Prep Work. One of the most challenging parts of any painting project is the prep work. Pro: Good Coverage. Con: The Cost. Pro: It’s Water-Based. Pro AND Con: Dry Time. Pro: Durability. Con: You Have to Wax It.

Do you need to seal chalkboard paint?

The first reason is to seal a porous surface (such as a painted chalkboard) so that you can easily erase your liquid chalk markers. A single coat should do if you are sealing over top of your chalk markers so they can’t be erased.