Common Chalk Painting Mistakes To Avoid

If you’re new to the world of chalk painting, you may have heard about the beautiful furniture transformations it can create. However, there are common mistakes that beginners and even experienced DIY-ers may make when using this paint. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most common chalk painting mistakes to avoid.

Knowing how to properly use chalk paint can help you create these stunning chalk paint furniture ideas without any hiccups. So let’s check them out and learn from these missteps!

paint drips on a dresser with text overlay "chalk painting mistakes to avoid"

Chalk paint is a popular choice for furniture makeovers for its soft, powdery texture when dry. This makes it perfect for creating the distressed and vintage look often associated with shabby chic or farmhouse style furniture.

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But just like any other painting technique, there may be steps you have or haven’t done that can affect the end result. It’s important to know that there are ways to use chalk paint properly for the best outcome.

From preparation to application, let’s dive into these chalk paint mistakes that can easily be avoided. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident for your next chalk painting projects and be able to get that dreamy, rustic finish effortlessly.

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Not Sanding Before Chalk Painting

So you’re ready to tackle your first chalk painting project, but you may be wondering if sanding is really necessary. Well, it is! Sanding your furniture before painting helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother finish.

You don’t have to go crazy with sanding, just a light scuffing with 220 grit sandpaper will do the trick. Unless you want to end up with a peeling or easily scratched paint job, make sure not to skip this important step!

sanding furniture with a sander

You can sand by hand or if you’re working with multiple pieces, a power sander should do the job faster. Here are the best sanders for furniture, and you can pair them with these best sandpaper for furniture painting options.

Learn more on what happens if you don’t sand before painting furniture here, plus check out these sanding furniture tips to make sure you’re doing it correctly.

Not Priming Before Using Chalk Paint

Here’s another step that you shouldn’t skip when preparing your furniture for chalk painting – priming. On top of sanding, adding a primer will help the paint stick even better and guarantee a more durable finish.

What makes priming before chalk painting even more important is it prevents bleed through stains from ruining your paint job. Chalk paint is water based and some stains can easily seep through it, especially when you don’t prime with the right type of primer.

spraying primer onto furniture before painting

One of the best primers to stop tannin bleed you can use is clear shellac primer. Shellac is easy to use and quick to dry, and even comes in a spray can version, perfect for a hassle free DIY project. Just apply 2 coats of shellac primer and let it dry overnight for maximum stain blocking ability.

We have more tips on how to stop stains from coming through paint here, and if you’re experiencing this issue, you can learn how to fix paint bleed through in this post.

Applying Thick Coats of Chalk Paint

Now for chalk paint application, you should avoid going in with a thick coat right away. Chalk paint is a thick paint by nature, so before anything else, it will help to mix in some water to thin it out. This will not only make the paint easier to work with but also prevent visible brush marks and texture in the finished product.

thinning chalk paint

Speaking of brush marks, you’ll want to use one of these best chalk paint brushes to lessen the chances of getting brush marks. Applying thin even coats with a high quality chalk paintbrush will really help reduce those brush strokes. Here’s how to fix brush strokes in chalk paint for a more detailed guide if brush strokes are unavoidable

applying chalk paint with a good quality brush

And if you’re really not a fan of the brush texture or want a more professional finish, consider using a paint sprayer to apply chalk paint! Check out these best paint sprayer for chalk paint options to make your chalk painting experience even easier and your final results flawless.

Using Wax On High Traffic Chalk Painted Furniture

So you’ve successfully painted your furniture with chalk paint. You’re not done just yet! Chalk paint is pretty porous, so it’s important to seal it with a topcoat. If your chalk painted piece is in a high traffic area, like a dining table or kitchen cabinets, that’s all the more reason to use a topcoat for added protection against scratches and wear.

Wax is a common topcoat choice for chalk paint, but it’s not really very durable. It can easily wear off over time and also needs regular maintenance to keep your furniture looking its best. Plus, it takes skill and patience to apply wax correctly without leaving any streaks or spots on the paint.

If you’re not up for the challenge, the good news is there are other options! One of the more durable topcoat alternatives is waterbased polyurethane or polycrylic. It’s clear when it dries and won’t give your furniture a yellow or amber tint, unlike the oil based version. Here’s more on the best topcoat for chalk paint so you can use the right one for your project.

pouring waterbased polyurethane into a paint sprayer

We also have a comparison post on wax vs polyurethane here if you still can’t decide which one is right for you. You can read the pros and cons of wax for chalk paint in this post as well! The key here is to make sure you seal your chalk painted furniture with a topcoat, or else your paint job won’t hold up as long as you’d like.

So these are some important things to keep in mind when painting furniture with chalk paint. Don’t skip sanding and priming with the right products, and remember to apply thin coats of chalk paint for a smoother finish.

applying topcoat using a paint sprayer

You can even use a paint sprayer for easier application and more professional results, and top it off with a durable topcoat like polyurethane or polycrylic instead of wax for high traffic pieces. You’re sure to have beautiful, long lasting chalk painted furniture with these tips!

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