Techniques

How to: Use Chalk Paint® Wax – The Basics

So I get more questions asked about how to wax than probably anything else. So first of all, before you start waxing, paint.

Don’t make a big effort, just every which way without too much pressure. Don’t paint like this! Leave it to dry. A couple of hours will do.

Then you take a brush. I prefer to do it with a Wax Brush. You don’t have to use that. You could use a cloth. I’m getting quite a bit on there and doing large areas. I don’t want to have anything built up.

The wax lightly darkens the paint so you want to go in and just check you haven’t left any bits that are still paler. I take some cotton cloth. This is just old sheets. And I’m just taking the excess off.

I want it to be matt and not shiny. I’m just going to leave it. I’m not going to do anything more. If I want that to be shiny, leave it till tomorrow and then you’ll be able to come in. The wax will be dry, and then you can just polish it like that and it will start shining.

Waxing painted furniture is easy – follow Annie Sloan's top tips for applying Chalk Paint® Wax and able to enjoy a finish that will last and last.

Once you’ve finished painting a piece of furniture with Chalk Paint®, you’re going to want to seal in your paintwork to create a lasting finish. Chalk Paint® is a decorative paint with terrific sticking power – it can be applied to most surfaces – but it does need protection to withstand general wear and tear. If you’re applying paint to a chair or table, a bedside cabinet or chest of drawers, you know you’ll be handling your item regularly and will want to give it a protective coat before using it. Not only will this help prevent unsightly fingermarks, but also allow you to wipe your painted surfaces clean as and when needed.

Enter Chalk Paint® Wax! This quiet hero goes hand in hand with Chalk Paint® to create a strong, durable finish. Using a brush or lint-free cloth, you want to sweep Chalk Paint® Wax over your paintwork. Smoothing it over almost like applying hand cream and wiping off excess as you go. The Wax will be touch dry within a few hours and slowly harden over time, becoming stronger as it cures.

Step by step guide to using Chalk Paint® Wax

  1. Before you start waxing, paint your piece of furniture, working your brush every which way. You don’t want to apply too much pressure. What you’re aiming for is even coverage.
  2. Allow the paint to dry.
  3. Using a Chalk Paint® Wax Brush or a lint-free cloth, apply Chalk Paint® Wax. Work in large areas, sweeping the wax over the paint.
  4. You are aiming to cover every bit of paint. Check that you haven’t missed any sections. Go over them with wax, if so.
  5. Using a lint-free cloth, go over the waxed surface quite lightly in order to remove any excess wax.
  6. *Optional* If you’d like a polished finish, leave your piece overnight and buff the wax the next day with a clean, lint-free cloth.
  7. Whilst Chalk Paint® Wax will be dry within 24 hours, it can take up to 2 weeks to cure (fully harden). You can use the piece during this time, but just with a little caution.

Now you’ve waxed your furniture, you can be confident your paintwork is protected. Any marks can be wiped clean with a damp cloth too. Chalk Paint® Wax offers enough protection for most applications, but if you’d like to protect your flooring, skirting boards or garden furniture, try Chalk Paint® Lacquer instead.

For more tips to get you started, take a look at our Chalk Paint® Fact Sheet. Finally, be sure to visit your local Annie Sloan Stockist to get all the materials you need for your next furniture painting project!

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