Are you looking to refresh the chalk paint furniture ideas you’ve created and give them a new look? If so, you may be wondering how to paint over chalk paint that has been waxed. In this post, we’ve got you covered on all the tips and tricks to successfully paint over chalk paint topcoated with wax.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step from prepping your waxed piece to applying the new paint. Let’s dive in!
Chalk paint’s been a hit with DIY-ers because it’s so versatile and easy to use. It’s perfect for giving furniture a bit of vintage charm or that modern farmhouse vibe, and you can even make your own chalk paint at home!
You will need to topcoat chalk paint though, because it’s not very durable on its own. One of the topcoat options is wax! Wax works as a protective layer, giving your piece a beautiful matte finish.
But what if you want to update your chalk painted furniture with a new color or style? Well, we’ll look into how to tackle the wax over chalk paint dilemma and give your furniture a fresh new look! You just need to follow a few simple steps, and you’ll get to repainting in no time!
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Supplies Used to Paint Over Chalk Paint That Has Been Waxed
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Check How Long Wax Has Cured
Okay, so you’ve got your chalk painted piece ready to be refreshed with a new coat of paint. The first thing you should do is check how long the wax has been curing on the surface. This is important because if the wax hasn’t had enough time to fully cure, it can cause issues when trying to paint over it.
Now, let’s talk about curing times. Chalk paint and topcoats typically take around 30 days to completely cure and harden. However, wax takes a little longer than that, so you’ll want to make sure it has had ample time before attempting to repaint your furniture.
If it’s been less than 2 months since the wax was applied, you’ll need to remove it before painting. This is because wax can repel paint just like it repels water or other substances.
But what if the wax was applied over 2 months ago? In that case, you may not need to remove it. You’ll need to use a good primer to help the paint adhere to the chalk and wax surface. Even then, we still recommend removing the wax for the best adhesion and results!
How to Remove Wax from Chalk Paint
Again, it would be best if you remove the wax from the surface before painting over chalk paint. Removing the wax helps the new coat of paint to properly adhere to the surface and prevent any potential issues.
To remove wax from chalk paint, start by taking off any existing hardware so you can work on your piece without any hassle. Use mineral spirits and a rag or brush to rub off the wax, and repeat until the wax is completely removed. You’ll be able to feel the difference on the surface once the wax is gone.
Once you’ve removed all the wax, let everything dry completely before moving on to sanding. There may be some residual wax left, as well as possibly some chipped paint, so sanding will help smooth out the surface and prepare it for the new coat of paint.
Scuff up the furniture with 220 grit sandpaper. You don’t have to sand the surface down to bare wood; just enough to create a rough surface for the new paint. If the existing chalk paint easily scratches off though, it’s best to sand off the old paint completely. Don’t forget to vacuum up the dust and give the furniture a quick wipe with a tack cloth!
Prime Furniture for New Paint
So whether you removed the wax or not, it’s important you prime your chalk painted piece before adding a new coat of paint over it. Clear shellac is one of our go-to’s, and it’s one of the effective ways how to stop stains from coming through paint. Not to mention, it helps so well with adhesion.
When using clear shellac, we recommend applying 3 coats and letting it dry for at least an hour between coats. It is also stinky, so do this step outside or in a well ventilated area. After the final coat, I like to let the clear shellac dry overnight, so you can start planning your new paint color and design while you wait for it to dry!
How to Paint Over Chalk Paint
Now that you’ve prepped your furniture and removed any wax or old paint, it’s time to add a fresh coat of paint! When painting over chalk paint, it’s important to choose a high quality paint that will adhere well to the surface.
You’ll also want to consider the color you’re using and how many coats may be necessary for full coverage. If your existing paint is light colored, you may only need 2 coats, but if it’s a darker color, you may need up to 4 coats for full coverage. For a more detailed guide, here’s how to paint over chalk paint!
One of the best paints you can use to paint over chalk paint is Heirloom Traditions Paint. It’s an all-in-one paint, meaning you don’t need to apply a topcoat, and it dries quickly so you can finish your project faster. Check out our honest Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint review for more information and our experience using this paint brand.
But if you choose a paint that does require a topcoat, we recommend using water based polyurethane or polycrylic. It gives a more durable finish and is easier to clean and maintain in the long run. You can either brush on or spray on poly – here’s spray polyurethane vs brush on polyurethane to compare and help you decide which method to use.
So take the time to inspect the wax on your chalk painted furniture before repainting, make sure to properly remove it, prime the surface for the new paint, and choose a high quality paint to apply over the old chalk paint.
Yes, you can paint over chalk paint that has been waxed, but the steps above are important for your new paint job to last until you’re ready to refresh it once again. Now you know how to effortlessly update your chalk painted piece!
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