How to Seal Chalk Paint

How to Seal Chalk Paint? Do it Yourself!

So you got interested in chalk paint and bought a bottle to try it. Then you applied it and then found out it needs sealing.

What do you do? Well, easy – you learn how to seal chalk paint with this guide.

If you’re new to chalk paint and want to know what’s the best way to protect it on surfaces, then keep reading. We’re going over the best ways to seal chalk paint from keyboards-tester and how you can do so with little steps.

Care to learn more about this? Then head down!

Why Seal Chalk Paint?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s explain why chalk paint needs to be sealed.

You’ll find that chalk paint delivers a chalky finish, often similar to matte, but with a more porous texture. This may give you the idea that it needs no sealing, right?

Well, it absolutely needs one. You need to protect the chalk paint from moisture, fingerprints, and sometimes temperature changes. Apart from that, it’s essential to highlight the color and let it look better over time.

That’s why it is essential to seal chalk paint. But you can’t do this with any type of seal. You won’t like to apply something bright and shiny on the matte-like surface. Instead, you need to use something that protects but combines with its porousness.

Here, we are going to explain some of the best ways you can do so. Keep scrolling!

Sealing with Wax

The first and most common method includes wax. It is one of the best options you can use because it leaves a gorgeous finish, offering sheen and highlighting the matte surface.

Wax also gets rid of some of the porousness of chalk paint, making it smoother. And sure enough, it still manages to add extra water resistance and protect it from any type of element.

The problem with wax is how difficult it is to apply. It takes several hours to do so and may take several days to dry completely.

Some waxes may even need several re-applications to seal the paint well enough. And despite all that, it is not the most resistant option against drastic temperature changes.

Here’s how to apply wax on chalk paint:

  1. Grab the wax and a rag or piece of cloth. Damp the cloth on the wax.
  2. Then start applying the wax on the painted surface. Be sure to spread it well enough.
  3. You may need to apply several coats of wax. This usually requires several hours.
  4. Once you apply the first layer and the painted surface is totally covered, you’ll need to wait 24 hours to 3 days for it to cure.

As you see, applying wax isn’t the easiest or fastest method. But it is worth it nonetheless. 

Sealing with Polys

When we say polys, we refer to all those polymers that can be used to seal stuff. For chalk paint, you’ll find polyurethane and polycril. Both are excellent choices.

Polyurethane is a pretty durable option that leaves a slightly shiny surface. Luckily, it doesn’t add any brightness or gets rid of the chalky appearance. For people who want to protect the chalk-painted surface from the elements, polyurethane is always an excellent choice. 

Polycril functions similarly, offering the same type of result but with an extra durability advantage. Because it has a slightly different formulation, polycril can withstand the weight of time without yellowing or losing strength. 

Together, polys are also easy to apply and offer the chance to paint over if needed. As for downsides, they are susceptible to stains and usually require more than one layer to seal the paint completely. 

Here’s how to seal chalk paint with polys:

  1. Grab the bottle or container. Open it and then dip a brush in it.
  2. Use the brush to spread the poly sealer across the surface.
  3. Try to spread it as consistently as possible. Brush repeatedly as needed.
  4. After covering the entire piece, leave it to dry for 3 to 5 hours. Then apply another coat
  5. Finish by leaving the polymer to cure for at least 24 hours. 

Once it cures, then you’re ready to use or appreciate the finish. It should be a shinier matte surface now. 

Sealing with Glaze

Glaze is not the most common way to seal chalk paints, but it is still one of the most interesting options. 

What makes glaze such an excellent choice is the ability to change the color of the chalk paint slightly. You can apply yellow glaze over red for an orangey finish. If you apply a white glaze over black chalk paint, then you can make it greyer. Works the same way for all other color combinations.

Glaze also adds a thick cover to the surface. While it is not as resistant as wax or polymers, it still makes the surface more resilient. At the same time, it adds a unique touch texture that smooths the chalk paint slightly.

But sure enough, not everyone will like it. If you don’t want to change the color of the chalk paint, then this may not be for you.

If you decide to apply it, however, you’ll find that it’s pretty easy. Here’s a brief explanation of how to do so:

  1. Grab the glaze and open it. Then use a rag, a brush, or a sponge to spread it on the surface.
  2. Try to spread it gently and with soft wipes across the surface. 
  3. Make sure the glaze doesn’t accumulate in the same area – spread it well enough.
  4. Then let it dry for a few hours, and you’re done.

If you use the same color of glaze as the chalk paint, then you’ll receive a richer surface. For different colors, you’ll receive a slightly more saturated finish. Whatever you do – it will make the paint more resilient and cuter. 

Sealing with Oils

Last but not least, in our list of sealers, you’ll find oils. There are several types of oils to use for sealing, such as linseed oil and tung oil.

These oils deliver a similar result to wax, leaving a sheen-like surface. But the best advantage of oils is how safe they are. You won’t receive any type of harm from using oils.

At the same time, oils can be applied as many times as you need. And they’re easy to maintain on the chalk paint.

As the drawbacks, you may find oils not leaving a smooth surface. This can be an advantage for those who like a more porous texture. Yet, it may yellow over time – so you may need to re-apply as necessary. 

But overall, oils can be an excellent idea to seal your chalk paint. And they’re straightforward to apply.

Here’s how:

  1. Grab a rag or brush and dip it on the oil.
  2. Start spreading the oil with the brush or rag across the surface. Cover it all.
  3. Oil automatically settles on the surface. You just need to spread it well.
  4. Then you can wait about 5 to 24 hours for it to dry. Some oils may need more time.

Oils will deliver a sheen-like appearance to your chalk paint – and that’s something you’ll love. 

Bottom Line

With our different methods and brief step-by-step processes, you can apply any type of sealant to your chalk paint without issues.

This would be the best way to protect it and add a more interesting look. So, what are you waiting for? Do it now!

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