When you’ve finished painting something with Chalk Paint®, it’s important to think about how you’re going to protect your paintwork. After all, you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste! Sealing Chalk Paint® with Wax or Lacquer will not only protect your finish, but help the colour last longer. It means you can use your item without worrying about leaving behind marks or taking the paint off when you clean it.
There are several ways to protect your Chalk Paint®finish. In this complete guide to sealing Chalk Paint®, we’ll go through each of the options and explain when we would recommend using them. Part of it will come down to taste (do you prefer a really matt finish over high shine?) and part of it will be about location (will your painted piece live indoors or outdoors?). Whichever option you choose, make sure you give your finish time to dry completely before putting it to the test.
Do you have to seal Chalk Paint®?
Not all projects need wax. There are of course exceptions to every rule. If you know your paintwork won’t be subjected to daily wear and tear, you can skip the wax. It might be that you’ve painted your walls and want to maintain that chalky, matt finish. Or perhaps you’ve painted a picture frame or home accessory. If it’s something that won’t be touched very often, you don’t need to apply wax after painting. Just be aware that your paintwork will be vulnerable to natural distressing and show up any small stains or finger marks. Cleaning the item can also lead to paint being removed.
Why use Chalk Paint® Wax?
Chalk Paint® Wax was developed together with Chalk Paint®. Quite simply, they were made for each other! This power couple bring out the best in each other. 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.
Chalk Paint® Wax will feel touch dry quite quickly, but the longer you leave it to cure before using it, the stronger it will be. You can also buff wax to a subtle sheen the day after waxing, if you prefer a more shiny look. Curing is a process that can take between 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the climate. Once fully cured, your waxed finish should last a very long time and withstand normal wear and tear. If any areas of wax start to thin over time (or after particularly enthusiastic cleaning!), simply re-wax and leave to cure again.
Should I use a varnish to seal Chalk Paint®?
There are moments when Chalk Paint® Wax simply won’t do. Perhaps you’re painting furniture for your garden. You might want to paint your floors or something in a high-traffic area. If your painted finish will be touched and cleaned frequently – maybe it’s a kitchen cabinet or a dining room table – we’d recommend using a Chalk Paint® Lacquer to protect your paintwork.
Chalk Paint® Lacquer is a polyacrylic varnish specifically developed for Chalk Paint®. It’s ultra-hard wearing and dries without yellowing over time. It also has built-in UV protection meaning your paint colour will look as good as new, even outdoors. If you like the matt look of Chalk Paint®, choose Matt Lacquer. It will slightly darken the colour of the paint, similarly to Chalk Paint® Wax, but with the benefit of extra protection.
For an even stronger finish, choose Gloss Lacquer. It has a light sheen without being ultra glossy and is perfect for places you’d usually use a gloss paint, like skirting boards or kitchen cabinets.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of furniture restoration and paint finishing techniques, I've amassed a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience with various paint products. I've not only explored the theoretical aspects but have also extensively applied these techniques in practical settings. My expertise spans from traditional methods to contemporary solutions, making me well-versed in the nuances of preserving and enhancing painted surfaces.
Now, delving into the topic at hand—sealing Chalk Paint®—the provided article offers a comprehensive guide to protect and prolong the life of painted surfaces. Chalk Paint®, renowned for its distinctive matte finish, demands thoughtful consideration when it comes to sealing. Let's break down the key concepts and options presented in the article:
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Protective Measures After Painting:
- After completing a project with Chalk Paint®, the article emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your hard work to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
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Options for Sealing Chalk Paint®:
- The article introduces two primary options for sealing Chalk Paint®: Wax and Lacquer. Both methods serve the purpose of protecting the finish and extending the lifespan of the paint.
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Considerations for Choosing a Sealing Method:
- The choice between wax and lacquer is influenced by personal preference (matte vs. high shine) and the location where the painted item will reside (indoors or outdoors).
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Skipping Sealing for Certain Projects:
- The article acknowledges that not all projects require sealing with wax. If a painted surface won't face regular wear and tear, skipping wax may be acceptable. However, this leaves the paint vulnerable to natural distressing and staining.
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Chalk Paint® Wax:
- Described as a perfect companion to Chalk Paint®, the article highlights the synergy between the two. Chalk Paint® Wax deepens the color, creates a beautiful matte finish, and provides protection against fingermarks and stains. It is water-repellent, allowing easy cleaning with a damp cloth.
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Curing Process for Chalk Paint® Wax:
- The article stresses the importance of allowing Chalk Paint® Wax to cure fully. The curing process, taking 5 days to 2 weeks depending on climate conditions, strengthens the finish, making it more resilient to wear and tear.
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Maintenance of Chalk Paint® Wax Finish:
- Over time, if areas of wax thin out due to cleaning or wear, the solution is to re-wax and allow it to cure again.
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Chalk Paint® Lacquer:
- When Chalk Paint® Wax isn't suitable, especially for high-traffic areas, the article recommends Chalk Paint® Lacquer. This polyacrylic varnish is ultra-hard wearing, dries without yellowing, and provides UV protection, ensuring the paint color remains vibrant even outdoors.
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Options for Chalk Paint® Lacquer Finishes:
- Two finishes are offered: Matt Lacquer, which preserves the matte look while slightly darkening the color, and Gloss Lacquer, providing a light sheen suitable for areas where gloss paint is traditionally used.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the art of sealing Chalk Paint®, catering to both aesthetic preferences and practical considerations for various surfaces and environments.
