Published on November 14th, 2022

Last updated on February 3rd, 2023

How To Use Chalk Paint On Furniture

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
chalk paint on furniture

If you have long had an idea to change your interior and don’t know how to chalk paint can solve this solution. With its help, you can give a style to any furniture and make something unique. For this, you need:

  1. Mix the paint thoroughly;
  2. If desired, you can dilute the paint with water;
  3. Use a roller, brush, or sponge for painting;
  4. Apply the paint with smooth movements to form an even coating;
  5. For the paint to dry entirely, leave it for 24 hours.

Before using chalk paint, it is enough to properly clean the furniture and degrease it, for example, with gasoline extract. That means you only need a clean surface, and that’s all. With chalk paint, you can give new life to any of your furniture, even antique ones, and make it look new. And even if you are a beginner in this field, with the help of following the chalk paint instruction, you will cope with everything from the first time.

Guide On Using Chalk Paint

Often, chalk paint is used to give the furniture an original matte look. With the help of this paint, you can turn the dresser in the room into the interior’s main element or give the dining area table a vintage effect. And you can do all this with your own hands with the help of the independent use of chalk paint. You can create your style of furniture and choose any color scheme. So, to do it, keep the chalk paint instruction:

Clean the Surface of the Furniture

First of all, you need to prepare your furniture and make it clean. To do this, do the following:

  • Wipe the furniture from dust;
  • Remove any equipment. Maybe these are drawer handles or some decorations;
  • Next, use soapy water for cleaning and gasoline extract for degreasing. It will help to make deep cleaning of any surface and make it smoother quickly;
  • Cover the place where you will paint with paper so as not to contaminate the areas you do not want to paint.

If using chalk paint accidentally gets on an unprotected area, clean it with washing powder and water.

Lightly Sand the Furniture

If some areas are peeling off – remove them before using chalk paint with a spatula, knife, or sandpaper. The main thing is that the surface is clean, dust-free, and dry without greasy spots. For this, we recommend that you better use sandpaper that will quickly and easily cope with this task:

  • If the furniture has a thick layer of old paint, it should be removed. For this, there are special preparations for removing old layers of wax, varnish, etc;
  • Next, use sandpaper on the surface of the furniture;
  • Use it with light movements, and do not press the sandpaper firmly against the furniture;
  • Then you need to clean the entire surface of dust residues.

If there are any dents or visible scratches on the furniture’s surface, we advise you to fix them before using chalk paint. It will ensure a more straightforward paint application and a better furniture appearance.

Select a Brush

An equally important step is the choice of a brush. Of course, you can also choose a roller, but a brush with natural bristles for chalk painting is better suited, especially for beginners. It is easier in the process and applies color evenly. You can also use brushes with synthetic bristles. The main thing is to use a professional brush purchased in a good store. It should be solidly made, with springy but relatively soft bristles.

Open the Paint and Mix

Next, you need to start chalk paint:

  • Open a can of paint and mix it. It is necessary so that the color components that have settled to the bottom will be well mixed and the paint becomes more liquid. Usually, chalk paint is very saturated and has a good consistency, so one can is enough for a reasonably large area;
  • Before chalk painting for beginners and even specialists, it is helpful to know that the paint must be poured into a second container, especially if you dilute it with water. It will help not to contaminate the remaining paint.

So, when you have mixed chalk paint well and made sure that the color suits you, you can proceed to the next stage.

Test the Chalk Paint

Next, you need to test the paint to understand whether it is of good quality and has the effect you want to get. For this:

  • Choose an inconspicuous place on the furniture and apply paint to a small area;
  • Wait for it to dry;
  • Apply a second layer of chalk paint and follow the same instruction;
  • Wait until it dries.

After that, see if the shade of the paint has not brightened or, on the contrary, darkened. Also, pay attention to whether cracks form after the paint dries. If everything is normal, you have high-quality chalk pain and can continue following instructions.

Start Painting

It’s time to paint. To make it even follow these steps:

  • Dip the brush in the paint;
  • Start painting any furniture from the bottom up;
  • Use the appropriate brush technique;
  • Having reached the upper part, draw the brush with side-to-side movements;
  • Using chalk paint, periodically check whether the paint drops have not fallen on other sides.

Most paints require repeated application. Therefore, after the first layer dries (24 hours), apply the second so that the brush marks will become invisible and the color will be more even. After that, give 24 hours for the paint to dry completely.

Add Wax on Top

And the last step is fixing your paint. So, after chalk paint, you need to use transparent or tinted wax and here is the instruction for this:

  • Wax is applied to a dry surface using a brush with very soft bristles. It can also be done with a brush, sponge or cotton cloth;
  • Then you have to wait at least 15 minutes;
  • After that, you need to rub the wax with a clean cotton cloth in repeated movements without pressing too much;
  • The surface of the fabric must be dry.

After about 5 hours, you can enjoy your result when everything is dehydrated.

Summary

So if you need to update the interior of the room, or if you need to change the appearance of the wardrobe or bedside table, do not rush to buy new ones. Chalk paint can give a new look to any furniture, and the main thing is that it is effortless. Only a little time for painting, drying, and the new look of the furniture is ready.

FAQ

How many coats of chalk paint are needed for painting furniture?

In general, one layer is enough. However, you can apply two layers for a better effect and saturated color. Chalk paint adheres very well to any furniture material, so we recommend using no more than two layers.

What is the best brush for chalk paint?

The best brush for painting with chalk paint is a natural bristle brush. It applies paint easily and prevents the formation of cracks after drying. But if you don’t have such a brush, you can use a synthetic brush, which also gives a good result.

Why is my chalk paint cracking when it dries?

Cracks can appear because the chalk paint you apply is very thick. In this case, you should dilute it with water or drop the brush in water before painting. The main thing is to use thin layers, and then cracks will not appear.

How long should chalk paint dry on furniture?

For the chalk paint to dry completely on your furniture, you must wait 24 hours after painting. Such an amount of time should be given to each layer that you apply. The paint is wholly absorbed during this time and provides a beautiful effect.