Sofia Martinez
There are many ways to seal chalk paint, each with its own pros and cons. The most suitable method depends on the desired look, durability, and the amount of work one is willing to put in. For instance, simply leaving the chalk-painted surface bare is the simplest treatment with minimal alteration to the finish, but it leaves the surface vulnerable to wear and tear. Furniture wax or paste is another option that typically leaves a soft, matte sheen and comes in a variety of colours. Polyurethane, a clear liquid oil-based topcoat, provides the most durable finish and is suitable for high-traffic, water-prone objects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ways to seal chalk paint | 5 |
| Top coat | Water-based poly, glaze, oils, wax, clear coat |
| Pros of water-based poly | Does not yellow over time |
| Cons of oil-based poly | Tends to yellow over time |
| Glaze | Usually coloured (white, brown, black, etc.); adds texture and aesthetic value |
| Oils | Popular choice; works well on reviving old wood |
| Wax | Leaves a soft, matte sheen; comes in a variety of colours |
| Clear spray topcoats | Durable; can be used to protect a piece with lots of nooks and crannies |
| Leaving chalk paint bare | Simplest treatment with the least alteration to finish |
| Polyurethane | Clear liquid oil-based topcoat; durable; best suited for high-traffic, water-prone objects |
| Polycrylic | Water-based version of polyurethane |
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What You'll Learn
Wax
Before applying wax, ensure the area is clean and free of dust or debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down any dirt or debris on the surface and let it dry completely. Once the surface is dry, place a sheet or cloth on the surface to protect it from any drips or spills. Working in a well-ventilated area is also recommended to avoid inhaling any fumes.
To apply wax, use a stiff-bristled brush and work in small sections at a time, applying just a thin coat and wiping over the wax with a soft cloth. Work the brush in loose circular motions to distribute the wax evenly across the surface. If you are waxing a piece of wood, apply the wax in the direction of the grain of the wood. For other surfaces, such as metal or plastic, continue to apply the wax in a circular motion to ensure even coverage.
You can also buff wax to a subtle sheen the day after waxing, if you prefer a more shiny look. If you desire a glossier finish, you can burnish the wax once it's dry.
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![Clear Finishing Wax – Protective Topcoat for Chalk Style Furniture Paint, Raw or Stained Wood, Odor-Free, 500ml [Jolie]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31zxwI7wLEL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Polyurethane spray
Sealing chalk paint is essential to protect your paintwork and ensure it lasts. Polyurethane spray is a great option for sealing chalk paint on plastic, providing a durable and water-resistant finish. It is also affordable and quick and easy to apply.
Before applying polyurethane spray, it is important to prepare the surface of the plastic item. Lightly sand the surface to create a smooth base for the sealant. This will help the polyurethane adhere better and create a more even finish.
When using polyurethane spray, always stir the contents well before starting and regularly during use. This is because the good stuff tends to sink to the bottom. Apply thin coats of polyurethane to the surface, working methodically to ensure complete coverage. Spraying the polyurethane will result in a smoother finish. Allow each coat to dry for 1-2 hours before adding another thin coat for added durability. The finish will be fully cured within 2 weeks.
Unlike oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane is less likely to turn yellow over time, making it a better choice for projects that need to maintain their vibrant colour. Water-based polyurethane is also less odorous, making it a good option for those sensitive to smells.
It is important to note that you should never put polyurethane over wax or any other substance besides paint. Mixing wax with polyurethane is a fire hazard. If you want to use wax for your chalk paint project, consider using a polycrylic protective coat instead of polyurethane.
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Glaze
Glazing is a painting technique that can add depth and character to your furniture. Antiquing glaze, for example, can make the details on your furniture pop out and give it a vintage and aged look.
To glaze over chalk paint, you must first seal the chalk paint and let it dry. Then, prepare your glaze by pouring it into a bowl and adding a bit of water. You can also add a hint of chalk paint to tint the glaze. Be careful not to add too much paint, as it is hard to remove it once the glaze is tinted. You can mix colours to achieve the desired shade.
Once you have prepared your glaze, brush it onto the furniture and let it sit for 20-40 seconds. Then, wearing gloves, use a baby wipe to wipe off most of the glaze. Let the first coat dry for a day. After that, you can add another layer of glaze to the areas where you want more shading and let it dry overnight.
Finally, use a paint sprayer to spray a few coats of poly onto the furniture, letting each coat dry completely and sanding between coats to achieve a smooth finish.
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Oils
If you are using oil to seal chalk paint on plastic, you can use an oil-based poly, which can be wiped on instead of brushed. You don't have to worry about yellowing over black paint as you won't really notice it. You can also use a product like Fusion Mineral Paint's "Stain and Finishing Oil", which will give a nice, durable finish, is super easy to apply, and won't leave a milky or cloudy finish.
Oil-based sealants are similar to water-based polys, but they tend to yellow over time. Polyurethane is an oil-based sealant that can be used over chalk paint. Polycrylic is a water-based polyurethane that can protect your piece from scratches, stains, and general wear. It dries quickly and can be applied by hand, with a paint sprayer, or with a spray can. It comes in different sheens like matte, gloss, satin, and semi-gloss to match your project needs.
To seal chalk paints outdoors, you can use tung oil, for example. Hemp oil can be used indoors. However, note that oils take longer to dry completely and can be wiped off.
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Leaving it bare
Leaving chalk-painted items unsealed is possible, but it does come with some risks. Chalk paint is a popular choice for home decor, with a wide variety of brands and colours available to suit anyone's style. It is a versatile paint that can be applied to bare wood or existing finishes, making it a great option for upcycling projects.
If you choose to leave your chalk-painted items unsealed, be aware that they will be more susceptible to chipping, staining, and scratching. Chalk paint is more fragile than acrylic or latex-based paints and is more likely to chip or scratch, especially on surfaces that are frequently touched, such as table tops and cupboards. Unsealed chalk paint will also be more vulnerable to natural distressing and will show small stains or finger marks more easily. Cleaning an unsealed chalk-painted item can also lead to paint being removed.
However, there are some instances where leaving chalk paint unsealed might be preferable. If you are painting a wall or a picture frame, for example, and you want to maintain the chalky, matt finish, you can skip the sealing process. Chalk paint is designed to create a beautiful, matt finish, and sealing it with a glossy sealant will alter the appearance. If maintaining the original aesthetic of the chalk paint is important to you, then leaving it unsealed might be the best option.
Additionally, the process of sealing chalk paint can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Depending on the sealant used, it can take between 5 days to 2 weeks for the sealant to fully cure. During this time, the item needs to be handled gently. If you are looking for a quick project or don't want to wait for the curing process, leaving the chalk paint unsealed might be more convenient.
Ultimately, the decision to seal or leave chalk paint unsealed depends on the specific project and your personal preferences. While sealing chalk paint provides protection and longevity, there are instances where leaving it unsealed can be a deliberate choice to maintain the desired aesthetic or simplify the painting process.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single "perfect" sealer for chalk paint on plastic. It depends on the look you want, the durability you need, and how much work you want to put in. You can use wax, polycrylic, glaze, or oil to seal chalk paint.
Furniture wax or paste is a semi-solid product that you can apply with a rag or round bristle brush and then buff out. It usually leaves a soft, matte sheen and comes in a variety of colours.
Polycrylic is a water-based version of polyurethane, a clear liquid oil-based topcoat. It is typically applied with a brush or sprayed on and provides a durable finish, making it suitable for high-traffic, water-prone objects.
Glaze is a liquid product applied and then wiped off to achieve an aged look. While it adds texture and aesthetic value, it is not the most durable option.
Oils are a popular choice for sealing chalk paint and work well on old wood. However, they are not commonly used for sealing chalk paint.
