Now you’ve finished painting your furniture with chalk paint, but you’re wondering what topcoat to use. Can you put polycrylic over chalk paint? There are many options to seal your painted piece, including polycrylic, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the right one for your project.
So keep reading to find out if using polycrylic as a topcoat for chalk paint is a good idea, and if so, learn how to apply it properly and successfully.
Chalk paint is a popular way to transform old furniture and give it a vintage, distressed look. It has a chalky finish, but can also be easily sanded and distressed for a more shabby chic look. It’s perfect if you’re going for a farmhouse style for your space.
You do need to topcoat chalk paint for it to be durable and long lasting. And you might be considering polycrylic as a topcoat for your chalk painted furniture. It’s good to make sure you understand what polycrylic is and how it works before using it over your chalk paint.
If you haven’t used polycrylic before, it can seem a bit intimidating, but in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about it, as well as how to use polycrylic. So let’s dive in and get some answers!
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Can You Put Polycrylic Over Chalk Painted Furniture?
And the answer is yes! In fact, using polycrylic over chalk painted furniture is actually the best way to topcoat it. Polycrylic is more durable than wax, making it a greater choice for protecting your chalk paint.
What exactly is polycrylic? It’s a water based polyurethane that offers great protection against scratches, stains, and wear on your furniture. There’s also oil based polyurethane, but it can give your paint a yellow tint, so water based is the way to go if you want to maintain the true color of your chalk paint.
Polycrylic is also very versatile when it comes to the sheen options. It comes in matte, gloss, satin, and semi gloss finishes, so you can choose the one that best suits your project. And when it comes to application, you have options too! You can use a brush, a paint sprayer or a spray can – whatever works best for you.
It’s also fast drying, so you won’t have to wait too long before applying a second coat. In fact, you only need to wait two hours between coats – perfect for those who are excited to see their finished piece as soon as possible.
Our favorite polycrylic is Varathane’s Waterbased Polyurethane in satin finish. We’ve used it in many of our furniture makeovers and it’s always left our furniture looking amazing and well protected. Plus, it’s affordable and readily available at Home Depot or online.
How to apply polycrylic over chalk paint
Now you know that polycrylic works with chalk paint, the next question is how to use it. Well, we’ve got you covered! As we mentioned above, you can apply it in various ways depending on your preference, or you can also try a method you’ve never used before.
Applying polycrylic over chalk paint by hand
When applying polycrylic by hand, it can be hard to get a perfect finish without any streaks. Especially when you use a brush, so we recommend using a foam sponge to avoid this problem. If you want to use a brush, check out the best paint brushes for polyurethane here.
Start by cleaning the surface of your furniture too so there’s no dirt or dust that could ruin your finish. Make sure you’re also using a clean foam sponge. An old sponge could be full of dirt particles that could cause imperfections on your furniture. So clean it or use a fresh one for the best results.
When it comes to application, you can tint your polycrylic by mixing it with some of your chalk paint. This helps prevent streaks from showing as much and gives your piece a more consistent finish. Then apply thin coats, making sure to use long and even strokes.
Since polycrylic dries fast, it’s important not to go back over an area once you’ve already applied the topcoat. This can create more streaks and ruin your finish. So try to be precise and avoid going over the same spot twice. Then let each coat dry completely before adding another one.
Applying polycrylic over chalk paint with a spray can
Another effective way to apply polycrylic over chalk paint is by using a spray can. This method is perfect for those who only have occasional furniture projects and don’t want to invest in an expensive paint sprayer. It’s super easy to use too!
As always, clean your furniture piece before applying the spray. This is for a smooth finish without any dirt or dust particles interfering. You should also protect surrounding surfaces and floors from overspray with a drop cloth or plastic sheet.
Don’t forget to wear a respirator mask and eye protection when using the spray can. Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area as well to avoid inhaling too many fumes.
Before starting, give the can a good shake for about 2 minutes to mix the contents properly. Then hold it 6-12 inches away from the surface and apply thin, even coats by moving in a sweeping motion. Let each coat dry for at least 30 minutes.
If you want an even smoother finish, lightly sand the surface with 400 grit sandpaper in between coats. Three coats should do the trick for maximum durability, and after the final coat, give your furniture 24 hours to dry before using it.
Applying polycrylic over chalk paint with paint sprayer
If you do have a paint sprayer and already used it to spray chalk paint, you can go ahead and use it for spraying polycrylic too. The process is pretty similar, but you’ll have to prepare the polycrylic first. This includes mixing it thoroughly, putting it through a filter to catch any clumps, and thinning it out for a smoother finish.
Before spraying, it’s also important to test your sprayer on a piece of cardboard or scrap wood. You want it to spray evenly and smoothly before using it on your project. If you do it directly on your furniture piece, you risk ruining it and having to start all over.
Apply 3 coats of polycrylic for maximum durability, making sure to let each coat fully dry before moving on. Drying time can depend on factors like temperature and humidity, but it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before using your furniture. For full curing, you’ll need to wait about 30 days.
Get more information on how to spray waterbased polyurethane with a paint sprayer here. And for more detailed instructions on how to apply polycrylic to painted furniture, check out my blog post covering helpful tips and tricks.
Once again, yes, you can totally use polycrylic over chalk paint! And you can do this in different ways depending on your preference and the tools you have available.
Whether you choose to apply polycrylic by hand, with a polycrylic spray can, or with a paint sprayer, make sure to follow the instructions and tips we’ve provided. Don’t be afraid to experiment as well – you may learn a new technique that works better for you!
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