We know these chalk paint furniture ideas are beautiful, but you’ll want to make sure they stay that way for as long as possible. That’s why knowing how to seal chalk paint is so important! Chalk paint needs to be sealed to protect it from wear and tear, as well as provide a beautiful finish.
Sealing chalk paint is an easy process – you just need to use the right products and techniques. And we’re learning all about it in this post. Let’s get started!
Chalk paint has become a popular choice for furniture and home decor. If you’re going for the farmhouse chic or rustic style, it’s one of the go-to options. But did you know that chalk paint needs to be sealed?
It’s porous by nature, which means it absorbs everything, from spills and stains to dirt and oils from our hands. You won’t be able to just wipe off any accidents or fingerprints like you can with other paints.
So again, you’ll have to seal it with a topcoat to keep that beautiful finish intact. You can also choose to change up the sheen of your piece, depending on the look you’re going for. Now let’s dive into what sealer to choose for your chalk paint project as well as how to apply it!
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What Is The Best Sealer For Chalk Paint
The best sealer to use on chalk painted furniture is polycrylic. Polycrylic is a water based polyurethane, and it can protect your piece from scratches, stains, and general wear. Plus, you get to keep the true color of your chalk paint without any yellow tint, unlike its oil based counterpart.
Polycrylic dries quickly, and you can choose to apply it by hand, with a paint sprayer, or its spray can version. It also comes in different sheens like matte, gloss, satin, and semi gloss to match your project needs.
How to Seal Chalk Paint with Polycrylic
As mentioned above, polycrylic can be applied in different ways depending on your preferences as well as the size of your project. We’re breaking down the 3 ways to seal chalk paint with polycrylic, so you can choose the method that works best for you.
Applying Polycrylic By Hand
So you’ve decided to seal your chalk paint project by hand. This method is great for smaller pieces and gives you more control over the application, but let’s be real, it can also be a bit tricky. You can apply polycrylic with a brush, but to avoid streaks we recommend using a foam sponge instead. Or just make sure to use one of these best paint brushes for polyurethane!
Before you start applying, mix some of your chalk paint with the polycrylic to tint it. This will help reduce visible streaks and give your piece a more even finish. Then apply thin coats, using long and even strokes.
Don’t go back over an area once you’ve applied the topcoat though! Polycrylic dries quickly, so if you do this, it can create more streaks and mess up your finish. Do 3 coats for maximum protection, letting each one dry completely before adding another.
Applying Polycrylic Spray Can
For a more convenient option, you can also use a polycrylic spray can to seal your chalk paint project. It’s also perfect for those who only do occasional furniture makeovers and don’t want to invest in a paint sprayer just yet. Here’s the best spray polyurethane for a closer look at what polycrylic product to use!
Start by protecting surrounding surfaces and floors from overspray with a drop cloth or plastic sheet. It’s also best to do the spraying in a well ventilated area while wearing a respirator mask and eye protection.
When using the polycrylic spray can, make sure to shake it well for about 2 minutes before applying. Hold the can 6-12 inches away from the surface and apply thin, even coats of the poly by sweeping in a back and forth motion.
We’re still applying 3 coats, letting each one dry for 30 minutes before adding the next. If you want an even smoother finish, lightly sand the surface with 400 grit sandpaper in between coats. After the final coat, let your piece dry for at least 24 hours before using it!
Applying Polycrylic with a Paint Sprayer
But if you do have a paint sprayer, you can use it to seal your chalk painted piece! Before adding the polycrylic into your sprayer, make sure to mix it well first, strain out any clumps, and thin it out with a bit of water. These steps are for a smoother finish and to prevent any clogging in your sprayer.
Once that’s done, you can test your sprayer on a piece of cardboard or scrap wood, so you can check for any potential issues before using it on your furniture. You want to make sure that the polyurethane sprays evenly and smoothly, without any spitting or clogging. If there’s spitting, here’s our post on Wagner Paint Sprayer spitting to learn how to prevent or fix paint sprayer spitting.
Similar to the spray can, protect surrounding areas from overspray, so you don’t get unwanted polycrylic everywhere. Spray 3 coats of polycrylic as well, with drying time in between. Remember to let your piece dry for at least 24 hours before using it and give it around 30 days for full curing. You can follow our more detailed guide on how to spray polyurethane here!
Polycrylic vs Wax to Seal Chalk Paint
While polycrylic or water based polyurethane is the best way to seal chalk paint, wax is also another popular choice. If you’ve looked into wax and want to know how it compares with polycrylic, we’re breaking down the differences between the two!
Generally, wax isn’t as durable as polyurethane. Wax tends to wear off quicker and may need to be reapplied every 6 months or so. On the other hand, polyurethane is a more durable finish that doesn’t need to be reapplied. So if you are looking for a durable and long lasting finish, I recommend using poly instead of wax, especially on high traffic pieces.
Another difference between polycrylic and wax is how you apply them. You have to apply wax by hand, while polyurethane can be applied by hand or sprayed on. This makes polyurethane a more convenient choice for larger projects or for anyone who’d rather not do manual application.
For more of the pros and cons of both poly and wax, check out our wax vs polyurethane comparison post here! Here’s wax for chalk paint as well if you’re interested in learning more about using wax as a chalk paint sealer.
If you’re looking to seal chalk paint, the best sealer for chalk paint you can use is definitely polycrylic. Its durability, clear finish, and ease of application make it the top choice for protecting your chalk painted furniture. So if you have chalk paint makeover plans, have polycrylic ready as your topcoat!
More Chalk Painting Tips
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