Today I’m talking all about painting furniture with chalk paint.
If you take a look around my blog, you’ll quickly realize I am a huge fan of any type of chalk-type paint (or miracle paint as I lovingly call it).
Chalk-type paint eliminates the prep work and doesn’t require stripping, sanding, or priming! It adheres to almost any surface, dries quickly, and cleans up easily with soap and water. It’s pretty close to the perfect paint.
If you’re new to painting furniture, go ahead and try chalk-type paint! I think it will help you gain confidence, and let you then branch out to other paint types – although you may not want to after you see how easy it is to use!
To begin, I usually just wipe down a piece to remove any dust or dirt. I personally have never used a primer with chalk-type paint, but I would suggest it if the piece has a really glossy finish.
Step 1: Paint
Paint the entire piece with paint. I usually use a brush (but a small roller could come in hand for some pieces such as cabinets). You’ll find that a little paint goes a long way, and I almost always use two coats of paint. Chalk-type paint dries really fast, but make sure the first coat is dry before applying the second.
Step 2: Wax (Clear)
After the paint is completely dry, apply two coats of wax on the piece using a wax brush. I don’t wait for the first coat of wax to dry before I apply the second coat. A tip when waxing, less is more! You are not limited to using wax, but wax does work well with chalk-type paint. However, I would recommend a water-based polycrylic for cabinets, table and desktops, floors, and outdoor furniture.
Step 3: Wax (Dark)
This step is optional. Dark wax is good if you want to bring out details and/or like the aged look. You must apply clear wax BEFORE you apply dark wax. Go easy on the dark wax. You won’t need much! Apply the dark wax with a brush over somewhat dry clear wax. Remove excess wax with a lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Buff Buff the wax using a lint-free cloth. It’s pretty easy to see where you missed the wax, so you can easily touch those places up with a brush or rubbing the wax in with your cloth. Buffing helps smooth out and remove extra wax.
Step 5: Sand I recommend sanding after you apply the wax because of the chalk nature of chalk-type paint. It will make a mess if you sand before waxing and then you risk waxing in the chalk paint particles. I usually sand the edges and places where normal wear and tear would occur.
And that’s it! This is by far my favorite paint to use on furniture. You can also see the more basic tutorials in my Painting Furniture Tutorial Series by clicking HERE. Still want more tutorials and information on painting furniture with chalk-type paint, milk paint, spray paint, latex paint, and oil-based paint? Then you need to check out my eBook, Painting Furniture. Receive your FREE copy by signing up for my newsletter.
Go create something!
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Hi Sarah, I would like to know what number of Sand paper are you using to sand thé wax?
Thank you,
France
I use a pretty fine grit sandpaper – 180 or under. The sandpaper gunks up pretty quickly, so you will go through it pretty quickly!
Hi Sara,
I really enjoyed your tutorial. I love chalk paint as well and have painted many decorative items with it. I haven’t tried furniture yet, but that’s my next step. My question is, will chalk paint with a wax finish hold up on a kitchen chair that gets a lot of use everyday, especially with kids and their “messiness”? Once the wax is set, can it wash off with everyday wiping?
Thank you!
Laura
Hi Laura, I think a kitchen chair should hold up fine with wax and be able to be wiped down. I would not suggest using wax on table or desk tops or cabinets. I’ve had bad luck with all three!
Thanks Sara! So on a cabinet (say China cabinet) what would you use instead of wax? Sorry to hear about your bad luck! ! It’s always a learning process!
I did a china cabinet over three years ago with chalk paint and wax, and it has held up beautifully!
It is always a learning experience! Basically I wouldn’t use wax on table tops or cabinets. Wax works well in almost every other situation!
I cannot find the pale creamy yellow color I want in chalk paint. Can it be mixed, or do you have a source that has such a pale color?
Yes, you can mix chalk paint! I would mix a mustard yellow and a cream OR (even better) go to Ace Hardware. The Amy Howard One Step Paint (chalk-based) can be mixed to any color you want!
I really enjoyed the article about chalk paint. I am trying to decide which paint to use on my bedside tables. Since you don’t recommend chalk paint for table tops, would you still use it on them and not wax the tops or use a different type of paint?
Hi Timi!
Wax works fine on bedside tables – I just wouldn’t recommend it for kitchen/dining tables or desks. You should be find on your bedside tables. Good luck!
You said for large pieces you could use a roller, what kind would you use ?
I use a small foam roller. Good luck Monica!