CHALK PAINT™, WAXES AND VARNISHES

HOW TO USE CHALK PAINT™

An approximate guide is that one liter of Chalk Paint™ covers approximately 13 square meters, which is equivalent to a small Welsh dresser or a porcelain cottage.

For most purposes, one or two coats of paint are sufficient. Chalk Paint™ adheres to almost any surface, and sanding or priming is rarely necessary before painting. Refer to the “Chalk Paint™ stain prevention” section to learn when priming or sanding before painting is required.

To start, turn the paint container upside down and shake it before use. Then, open it and stir well. If the paint is too thick, simply add a little water and stir. For best results, we recommend using a good-quality brush for applying the paint, such as Chalk Paint™ Brushes.

For protection, always finish Chalk Paint™ with Chalk Paint™ Wax or Lacquer.

You can paint Chalk Paint™ directly over Chalk Paint™ Wax without removing the previous finish.

 

USING CHALK PAINT™ WAX

Chalk Paint™ Wax is the perfect complement to Chalk Paint™. It increases durability, slightly deepens the color, and gives a very light sheen. It's really easy to get sensational results — simply use a Chalk Paint™ Wax Brush or lint-free cloth to apply the wax to the paint. Remove any excess wax with a lint-free cloth.

It’s important to finish Chalk Paint™ with wax or lacquer to seal your finish for years to come and protect it from scratches and watermarks.

A very rough guide is that you will need one 500 ml tin of wax for every 3-4 liters of paint. This will vary depending on how many layers of paint or wax you use to cover a piece. It's always best to leave a bit of wax for touch-ups. If tightly sealed, it will last indefinitely.

 

CHALK PAINT™ WAX CURING

After applying Chalk Paint™ Wax, you’ll find that it dries very quickly. At this stage, it’s still what you might call “soft.” It will begin to harden as the solvents in the wax evaporate. This hardening process is known as "curing." Curing can take from 5 to 21 days depending on the ambient temperature.

You can use your finished piece right away, but it may need to be handled with extra care until the wax is fully cured (you might want to use coasters, avoid sharp objects, etc.). Once cured, furniture painted with Chalk Paint™ and waxed will withstand normal wear and tear.

Chalk Paint™ Wax, once fully cured, is food-safe and toy-safe.

 

HOW TO CARE FOR CHALK PAINT™ AND WAX FINISHES

Usually, light wiping with a damp/dry microfiber cloth is sufficient for cleaning.

Stubborn marks on waxed pieces can often be removed with a little Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax on a cloth, acting like an eraser. If you choose to use a cleaning product, the wax will eventually wear off, but if you want to use a gentle surface cleaner, apply it with a cloth and test in an inconspicuous spot first. With regular use of cleaning products, rewaxing may be necessary over time.

Always use heat mats and coasters to protect painted and waxed surfaces. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity. Like you, your finish prefers a moderate climate!

Waxes dissolve in alcohol, so it is not advisable to use them on bars.

Avoid spray polishes, as they may contain solvents or silicone that could dissolve the wax.

 

USING CHALK PAINT™ LACQUER

One 750 ml tin of Chalk Paint™ Lacquer will cover 19 square meters (204 ft²), but this will vary depending on the absorbency of the material being painted. For best results, lacquer should be applied in very thin layers. Results may also vary depending on previous surface treatment.

When applying Chalk Paint™ Lacquer, note that it is a "permeable" finish and may pull tannins or stains from the wood through the paint. This can be especially noticeable on whites, appearing as a yellow stain. Always test Chalk Paint™ and Lacquer in multiple areas before starting a project. If staining occurs, apply a stain blocker to the entire surface before repainting and lacquering.

 

CAN CHALK PAINT™ BE USED ON STAINED WOOD?

The porous nature of Chalk Paint™ means that when applied to an oiled or stained surface, it can pull the stain through the surface and into the paint, causing discoloration. To prevent this, you need to create a seal between the oiled/stained/varnished furniture and the paint. To seal the stain, you’ll want to use a water-based shellac, such as Chalk Paint™ Lacquer.

If you’re painting vintage furniture, check to see if it's from the 1930s or 40s. Furniture from that era often has an oil-based finish, which will cause staining. The same can happen when working with new, untreated pine. Since Chalk Paint™ adheres to the surface, it will pull stains or tannins from the wood, even if they are not visible to the eye.

If you see a stain bleeding through the paint, apply a stain blocker (or knotting solution) directly over the already applied paint. Treat the entire affected surface to avoid patchiness in the final finish. One or two even coats of the blocker applied with a cloth pad will seal the stain. It dries in minutes, and then you can continue painting.

These stains can often bleed through when Chalk Paint™ Lacquer is applied over Chalk Paint™. If that happens, follow the same steps as mentioned above but over the already applied Chalk Paint™ Lacquer.

Chalk Paint™ is not recommended for use on teak or other oily woods. Always test if in doubt!

Chalk Paint™ is also ideal for covering surface damage to furniture, such as coffee rings, water damage, or ink. Simply cover marks, stains, and aesthetic blemishes with a fresh lick of paint.

 

TOUCHING UP OR REPAIRING DAMAGE

As with any decorating paint, it's not advisable to paint small areas needing touch-up — even if you're working with paint from the same batch. When applying the first coat of paint to a surface, the water absorption rate into the surface ("absorption") affects the final color. Subsequent layers will be absorbed at a different rate by the underlying paint, leading to a subtle variation in shade in the finish.

For this reason, if a repair is necessary, it's recommended to paint the entire surface of the affected area, whether it’s a section of the wall (corner to corner and top to bottom) or the front of a piece of furniture (like a drawer front or table leg).

To ensure the most seamless blend possible, always apply Chalk Paint™ Wax or Lacquer over the fresh layer of paint.