How to Make Chalk Paint Waterproof? [Step by Step Process]
Chalk paint is a budget-friendly way to give your furniture an eye-catching sublime look. It’s also a cheap means of refurbishing your old furniture! Imagine using chalk paint to transform that old abandoned piece of furniture and afterward looks as good as new!
If you are budget conscious and you wish to save on cost you can also learn to make your DIY chalk paint! This article will guide you on how to make your chalk-painted furniture waterproof.
Is Chalk Paint Waterproof?
Mostly chalk paint is not waterproof when not ‘treated’ by other chemicals. It may give an assumption that it is waterproof since it takes time to fade and eventually come off.
Any waterproof furniture cannot be easily damaged by water. Chalk paint resists water to a certain point but this does not ascertain that it is waterproof. Thus, chalk paint is not waterproof and is inappropriate for surfaces regularly exposed to water.
Exposing the chalk paint surfaces to water progressively erodes the chalk paint. Therefore, it’s essential to consider what you are painting and where you want to place your furniture.
Indoor furniture might not necessarily need to be sealed. On the other hand, outdoor furniture must be sealed as a precautionary measure as they tend to get exposed to water.
Does Chalk Paint Come off with Water?
Chalk paint comes off with water. The rate at which the chalk paint comes off depends on several factors such as the quality of the chalk paint, how many layers are applied, and how often is it in contact with water.
For example, surfaces that are rained on regularly come off easily compared to sheltered surfaces. It is widely used by users of furniture due to its durability and sublime look. Its versatility makes most people resort to using chalk paint on their furniture.
With the ever-increasing number of users of chalk paint as the years go by, multiple users raise concerns over whether chalk paint comes off with water.
Failure to apply a top coat to your chalk-painted surfaces, chalk-painting incompatible surfaces, and using low-quality chalk paint contribute significantly to the water wearing off the paint.
Rainwater wears out low-quality chalk-painted outdoor surfaces over time if you leave them unsealed. What makes chalk paint susceptible to removal when exposed to water over time is its considerably weaker formula than the normal full gloss paint.
Therefore, chalk paint lovers opt for low-cost chalk paint formulas. You should not consider this as the best option as the high-cost chalk paint formula avails numerous benefits.
The most common advantage is that they offer better protection against sun rays that cause the color to fade.
How to make Chalk Paint Waterproof?
It is widely known that chalk paint is not waterproof but is resistant to water. However, you can make it waterproof by using appropriate chalk paint topcoats. There’s a dilemma on which paint seals to use due to their variety available.
The most commonly used chalk paint sealers are water-based poly-acrylics and wax-based sealers. Adding topcoats to your furniture certainly makes it durable, protecting it from scratches and coming off with water.
Both the waxes and water-based poly-acrylics offer essential protection qualities and both have their pros and cons. These products make your chalk-painted surfaces waterproof.
You can waterproof your chalk-painted furniture in several ways. Your choice will predominantly depend on your preference either the quality of the finish or the location of your furniture, indoors or outdoors.
Whichever waterproofing method you select, make sure you give your finish time to dry before use. Alternatively, you can give it time to cure to give it a stronger touch. Here are some of the best waterproofing methods:
Waterproofing Chalk Paint using Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a good example of a coat we can use to coat a chalk-painted surface to make it waterproof. This is because it neither absorbs water nor reacts with chalk. It’s a clear liquid hence it will still maintain the chalk paint outlook.
This approach is effective because it maintains waterproof quality for a long time. This liquid is used about 2-3 hours after chalk paint because it is necessary to paint it on top of a dried chalk paint surface. Two coats of Polyurethane is enough to waterproof the surface.
Polyurethane is tougher than polyacrylic. Its durable formula provides resistance to stain and scratches preserving the quality of color over time. Polyurethane products are either water or oil-based.
Water-based urethanes like Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane dry swiftly and provide a satin finish. Before you begin applying the urethane, moisten a piece of cloth in denatured alcohol and use it to clean the dust from the furniture.
Required Material:
- An oil-based or water-based polyurethane
- A wet or dry sandpaper
- A tack cloth and lint-free cloth
- Mineral spirits
- A brush
Step by Step Process:
- Sand the surface using sandpaper with a higher grit number
- Moisten a clean lint-free cloth in mineral spirits and use it to wipe the dust from the furniture. A tack cloth can also be used to remove the dust.
- For oil-based polyurethanes, thin it with two-thirds polyurethane and one-third mineral spirits. Pour the contents into a glass jar and gently stir the mixture.
- Seal your furniture using a brush to apply even strokes of the mixture on the furniture. Make sure you do not shake the polyurethane can! Shaking the can let in air bubbles that might form bumps on the finished surface. We wouldn’t wish to see bumps form on the finish!
- Continue applying long, even strokes on the furniture until it’s evenly coated. Use a brush to smoothen any formed drips.
- 24 hours after applying the sealer, use the polyurethane in the can to apply the first coat of finish.
- Use the brush to evenly spread the varnish over the whole surface. Make sure to spot any drips.
- Leave the surface to dry. It takes about 12 hours to fully dry.
- Before applying the second coat, clean the surface using wet sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a moist cloth. Afterward, dry it with a clean cloth.
- Follow the earlier steps when applying the second coat. Apply the second coat 24-48 hours after the first.
Waterproofing Chalk Paint using Polycrylic
This is another excellent paint coat that works the same as Polyurethane but this is water-based. It is an effective coat as it seals the paint completely and consequently prevents any damages that may be caused by water on the paint.
We use it about 3 hours after chalk paint as it is a protective finish applied after the chalk painting is done and it maintains the original chalk paint property over a long period.
Three coats are necessary to make the paint more durable and the durability can last up to several years.
Polycrylic products such as Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish are water-based and more durable than clear wax-based products. Water can easily damage the paintwork however so it is important to completely seal the furniture before we begin waterproofing.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Varathane Water-Based Crystal-Clear Ultimate Polyurethane | Interior Wood Protection | Fast Dry Time | Easy Clean Up | Semi-Gloss | Quart | 2 Pack | Check Price On Amazon |
Required Material:
- Brush or roller
- Waterproof wood glue
- Aquarium grade silicone sealer
Step by Step Process:
- We begin by properly stirring the content before use. Continue stirring as it is used. Stirring removes chunks and gives a thoroughly mixed coat.
- Use the brush or roller to apply the coat. Polish evenly and make sure every part is well coated. Dilute with water to make it ease the polish.
- Leave it to dry. Drying takes 1 to 2 hours.
- Repeat the process to give it a second coat. This will make it more durable.
- Allow it to dry for about 1 to 2 hours. You can also leave it to cure.
Waterproofing Chalk Paint using Wax
Wax-based products are among the choices for waterproof furniture surfaces. Wax is applied 2-3 hours after chalk paint because the latter must be dry so that we can paint the wax carefully.
The best wax product to use is Minwax paste finishing wax. It comes in both clear and dark wax varieties and is readily available at a low cost.
It is a solid wax that enhances the richness of color in any piece of furniture, however dark paste wax is more effective than clear wax for waterproofing the furniture.
This method is effective because wax can seep through layers of wood and offers a great finish.
Also, paste wax is effective because it does not contain any chemicals that will harm the wood on the furniture. Only two coats are required for efficient waterproofing and the original chalk paint property is retained for a while.
Required Material:
- Lint-free cloths
- Furniture soap that is oil-based and a feather duster.
Step by Step Process:
- Carefully wipe the wax using the rag, cloth, or on small sections.
- Next, gently polish the chalk-painted surface with the wax. Make sure the whole surface is waxed including the crevices. Polishing beautifies the surface and helps get rid of the excess wax.
- Give it time to dry. It will only feel touch dry as it needs time to cure to have a stronger finish. Curing takes approximately 5 days to 2 weeks depending on your climate.
Final Words:
Using sealers or topcoats to waterproof furniture is a burning issue among chalk paint users. It is necessary to waterproof your chalk-painted furniture because waterproofing products protect the furniture from water damage.
It also helps one avoid constant repainting of furniture. There are several approaches for making chalk paint waterproof, it all depends on the dealer’s choice.
Each method has different properties thus depending on the type of furniture one has and how frequently it is used, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are important considerations.
