Once you’ve finished painting with Chalk Paint™, there’s one final step that will protect your hard work for years to come: sealing it.

Annie Sloan developed both Chalk Paint™ Wax and Chalk Paint™ Lacquer specifically to work with Chalk Paint™, but they create slightly different finishes. So which should you choose?

The answer depends on the look you want and how your furniture will be used.

Chalk Paint™ Wax vs Lacquer at a Glance

Wax

• Soft, velvety matt finishAnnie Sloan’s signature finish
• Perfect for decorative furniture
• Easy to refresh over time
• Great for distressing and decorative techniques

Lacquer

• Matt or Gloss finish
• More contemporary appearance
• Ideal for high-use furniture
• Extremely durable and water resistant
• Excellent for dining tables and kitchen cabinets

Why Does Chalk Paint™ Need Sealing?

Chalk Paint™ is incredibly durable, but it does need a protective top coat. Sealing your painted furniture helps protect it from everyday wear, makes it easier to clean and enhances the beauty of the paint.

Whether you choose wax or lacquer, both have been designed to protect your finish while allowing the character of Chalk Paint™ to shine through.

Sealing with Chalk Paint™ Wax

Wax is Annie Sloan’s original finishing product and remains the favourite choice for many furniture painters. It creates the beautifully soft, matt finish that Chalk Paint™ is known for.

Apply a thin coat of Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax using a Wax Brush or a lint-free cloth, working it into the paint before wiping away any excess. Once dry, you can buff it gently for a subtle sheen if you wish.

Clear Wax protects your painted finish while keeping the original colour bright and true. Dark, Black and White Wax are decorative waxes, designed to change and enhance the colour and character of your piece. Dark Wax adds warmth and depth, Black Wax creates a dramatic, aged effect, while White Wax gives a soft, chalky, washed finish. Use them on their own or over Clear Wax to control the intensity of the effect.

Choose wax if you want:

• A soft, traditional matt finish
• Furniture that looks naturally aged and characterful
• The option to use Dark, Black or White Wax for decorative effects
• A finish that’s easy to refresh years later

Sealing with Chalk Paint™ Lacquer

If durability is your priority, Chalk Paint™ Lacquer is an excellent choice. Available in Matt and Gloss, it provides a tough, water-resistant finish that’s perfect for busy family homes.

Apply two thin coats with a good-quality brush or foam roller, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Lacquer is ideal for:

• Kitchen cabinets
• Dining tables
• Desks
• Children’s furniture
• High-traffic areas

Which Should You Choose?

There’s no right or wrong answer.

If you love the classic Chalk Paint™ look with a beautifully soft, velvety finish, wax is the perfect choice.

If you’re painting furniture that will be used every day, such as a dining table or kitchen cupboards, lacquer offers extra durability while still allowing the beauty of the paint to show through.

Many Annie Sloan painters use both—wax for decorative furniture and lacquer for pieces that need to withstand daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wax and lacquer together?

No. Choose one or the other. Wax should not be applied over lacquer, and lacquer should not be applied over wax.

Is lacquer more durable than wax?

Yes. Lacquer provides a tougher, more water-resistant finish, making it ideal for heavily used furniture.

Does wax change the colour of Chalk Paint™?

Clear Wax slightly enriches the colour, giving it more depth while maintaining the signature soft matt finish.

Can I use wax on kitchen cabinets?

Absolutely. Wax is suitable for kitchen cabinets and many painted kitchens have been finished this way for decades. Simply wipe up spills promptly and avoid abrasive cleaners. If you expect particularly heavy wear, lacquer is a great alternative.

Which finish looks more traditional?

Wax creates the classic Annie Sloan finish with a soft, velvety appearance. Matt Lacquer has a slightly more contemporary look, while Gloss Lacquer offers a more polished finish.

The Finishing Touch

Whether you choose Chalk Paint™ Wax or Chalk Paint™ Lacquer, you’ll be protecting your painted furniture while enhancing its beauty. If you’re looking for Annie Sloan’s signature soft matt finish, choose wax. If you need maximum durability for busy family life, lacquer is the perfect choice.