Best Primer For Chalk Paint

Before diving into these chalk paint furniture ideas, it’s important to cover the basics. And one of the most important steps when using chalk paint is finding and using the best primer for chalk paint. You have to prime before painting with chalk paint to get the best results.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these primers for chalk paint, which we personally use for our own chalk paint projects. Keep reading to know the tried and tested chalk paint primers!

Chalk paint is known for its charming and rustic look, but chalk paint has a matte and porous texture, which makes it prone to absorbing any stains or imperfections on the surface of your furniture. This is why you need to use a primer!

A primer prepares the surface by creating a smooth and sealed base for your paint to adhere to. It also helps prevent any stains or discoloration from bleeding through your final paint coat. So not only does it improve the overall finish of your project, but it also helps protect it in the long run.

So let’s look into the primers you can use for chalk paint, including what their benefits are and how to apply them before chalk painting furniture. A little extra effort in priming will make a big difference in the final result of your chalk painted piece!

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Best Primers For Chalk Paint

For priming chalk paint, shellac based primers are definitely the way to go. They not only help chalk paint adhere well to the surface, but they also block any bleed through stains. You’ll want to avoid bleed through because it can ruin the final look of your project, especially if you’re going for a light paint color.

Shellac primers are also quick to dry, making them a convenient choice for your chalk painting projects. Plus, they can be sanded easily after just an hour of drying time, without the sandpaper getting all gummy. Sanding after priming and even between applying chalk paint coats is important if you want a smooth finish on your furniture.

Now let’s check out the primer brands we recommend and use for chalk paint furniture makeovers!

Clear Shellac

The first shellac based primer we recommend is clear shellac, which comes in a spray can version. You can use it not only with chalk paint but also with mineral and acrylic paints. The spray version makes it easier to apply and reach nooks and crannies, so you can get an even coat all over your furniture piece.

Clear shellac also has the advantage of drying quickly, usually within an hour. This is perfect for those who want to get their chalk painting project done in a timely manner. And unlike other primers, you don’t have to sand after using clear shellac as it dries to a smooth finish.

One thing to keep in mind when using clear shellac is that it won’t help with coverage or sheen differences on your furniture. However, it does give you the option to distress your chalk paint finish with a clear coat.

Shellac has a strong smell, so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to be safe. And since it comes in spray can, it may cost you more for larger projects since you might need multiple cans. Overspray can also be an issue, so cover the surrounding areas where you’ll be using this primer. Learn more about How to Prevent Overspray When Painting Furniture in this post!

How to Use Clear Shellac

Again, you have to make sure you’re in a well ventilated area and wearing a mask or a respirator to protect yourself from the strong smell of the shellac. It’s also important to keep any open flames or heat sources away as shellac is flammable.

Shake your spray can of clear shellac well before use. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from your furniture piece and start spraying in a back and forth motion, making sure to cover the entire surface.

We recommend 2-3 coats of clear shellac, with hour drying time in between each coat. You can even wait longer for the primer to be more effective. Then let the final coat dry completely after – we usually leave it overnight.

BIN Shellac Primer

If you’re looking for a primer that can handle any type of paint, then BIN Shellac Primer is the way to go. This shellac based primer has superior adhesion and stain blocking power, making it perfect for any project. Here’s our list of the best primers to stop tannin bleed to learn more about the different primers that can help prevent tannin bleeds.

You can apply BIN Shellac Primer in various ways – this thin formula is easy to roll on with a paint roller, or you can use its spray can for more precise application. Its spray can version is actually one of the best spray primer for wood options! You may want to avoid using a paint sprayer with this primer, as its low flash point can lead to combustion.

It also isn’t a clear primer, so if you plan on distressing chalk paint, you may want to consider other options. But it works great for light or white painted furniture or if you don’t plan on distressing the final paint color.

This primer dries to a rough texture, so we recommend sanding the surface after it’s dry to get a smooth finish. But don’t worry about the sandpaper getting gummy – BIN Shellac Primer sands easily into a fine powder.

How to Use BIN Shellac Primer

First things first, when using BIN Shellac Primer, make sure you have proper ventilation and wear a respirator to protect yourself from the strong smell. Similar to the clear shellac, keep any open flames or heat sources away as this primer is highly flammable.

When using a roller, roll the primer onto your furniture piece in even strokes, making sure to cover all surfaces. Have a cheap paint brush handy for any areas that may be difficult to reach with the roller. If using a spray can, hold it 8-10 inches away from your furniture piece and spray in a back and forth motion.

For maximum stain blocking, apply at least 2 coats of BIN Shellac Primer and let it dry overnight before painting over it. Between each coat, let the primer dry for at least an hour – the longer you wait, the more effective it will be.

And you’ll see it dry to a rough texture, so sand it with fine sandpaper after it’s dry to get a smooth finish. As we mentioned above, dried BIN Shellac becomes fine powder, so imperfections are easy to fix. We also let this primer dry overnight before applying chalk paint over it!

After priming, clean BIN Shellac from your roller or brush using a solution of 1 part ammonia and 3 parts water. This will keep your tools in good condition for future use. Just be prepared for the strong smell of ammonia too. Check out this blog post on how to use BIN Shellac primer for a more detailed guide on using this primer.

These are our top recommendations for shellac based primers to use with your chalk painting projects. Whether you choose clear shellac or BIN Shellac Primer, both offer great adhesion and stain blocking capabilities, and you may want to use one over the other depending on your project needs, such as coverage or distressing. Just make sure to use them in a well ventilated area and protect yourself from the strong smells of shellac!

More Painting Furniture Tips

• Best Knot Blocking Primer
• Best Water Based Primers
• Best Bonding Primer for Laminate Furniture
• Best Chalk Paint For Laminate Furniture

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