How to Get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint - Easy DIY Fix for Rough Feeling Chalk Paint Furniture
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- I LOVE this easy Fix for Rough Feeling Chalk Paint! Follow these steps for a smooth finish with chalk paint.
Does your chalk painted furniture feel rough or does it look a little blotchy? No problem. Here's the quick and easy steps to get a smooth finish with chalk paint.
This is how I get a smooth feel with chalk paint and the top coat I use for a professional looking soft matte finish.
Using chalk paint is my favorite way to create a beautiful new look on furniture and home decor. It’s easy to apply, cures fast, and can be bought or mixed in any color. Here’s my tips for how to get a smooth finish with chalk paint.
Don’t worry, getting a beautiful, streak-free look with chalk paint is easy. Painting furniture with chalk paint is hard to mess up. Almost anything that goes wrong can be fixed with a little research and/or a few more coats of paint.
0:00 How to Get a Smooth Finish on Chalk Painted Furniture
0:14 Why You Should Use Chalk Paint on Furniture
0:40 How to Fix Rough Feeling Chalk Paint Furniture
2:04 How Many Coats of Chalk Paint to Use
2:50 Clean Off Residue After Wet Sanding Chalk Paint
3:55 The Best Top Coat on Chalk Paint
5:00 How Many Layers of Top Coat to Use
5:35 How to Use a Brown Paper Bag to Fix Top Coat on Furniture
What you need to get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint:
Fine Grit Sanding Sponge (Amazon Ad): amzn.to/3iBb2bz
Clean Damp Rag and Clean Dry Rag
General Finishes Flat Out Flat (Amazon Ad): amzn.to/3pH4Cwu
Nylon Brush
Brown Paper Bag
Find a printable version of the steps to get a smooth finish with chalk paint here: abbottsathome.com/smooth-fini...
Watch this video to see how I make my DIY Chalk Paint: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp3yC...
Find my DIY Chalk Paint Furniture videos here: • DIY Grey Distressed Ch...
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional. I am a DIYer with 20+ years in home remodeling and DIY. Abbotts At Home is not liable in any way for injury or loss resulting from any ideas or information I provide. No single CZcams video can teach you everything you need to know or warn you about everything that might happen. You should always do a lot of research from multiple sources to make sure you are ready to start a project. AND ALWAYS follow manufacturer directions on tools! DIY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
#DIYFurniture #ChalkPaint #FurniturePainting
Find a printable version of the steps to get a smooth finish with chalk paint here: abbottsathome.com/smooth-finish-with-chalk-paint/
Find my DIY Chalk Paint Furniture videos here: czcams.com/video/qyLUp3oo6dk/video.html
The brown paper bad was a GAME CHANGER!!!! Thank you soo very much!! I pray God blesses you DOUBLE!!!❤
Thanks!!! 😊
The brown paper bag tip was good to know, also if you didn’t already know, magic erasers have good finish sanding abilities and have the same abrasiveness as about a 3,000-5,000 grit sandpaper. 🤙
Good tip. I just want to say to be careful with the Magic Eraser. I accidentally scrubbed the finish off a spot on a cabinet pretty quickly with one. :)
Great advice. Thanks. I’m doing this on my chalk paint project.
Good luck. :)
Thanks for this, I am working up the courage to do my first furniture piece with chalk paint, and want it to be really smooth. This gave me some confidence!
You can do it, Tara! And, don't worry too much about getting it perfect. You can always paint it again or strip it and start over. Paint mistakes are pretty easy to fix. :)
Great job! That's exactly what a car painter does with super fine wet sanding.
Thanks! Watching a car get painted would be a cool video. I’ll have to find one. Sounds interesting. 🤓
Really, really helpful. Thanks!
You’re welcome!!!
Thank you for the sanding tips 👏😊
You’re welcome 😊
Great video - thank you!
Glad it helped!
Nice tip, thanks!
Thanks, Pheobe!
Very helpful..thank you!🙂
You're welcome!
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Thank you so much, these are some of the best tips I've seen yet and I am so excited to try it. We are using old furniture and 'flipping' it into custom cabinetry in our DIY master closet and this is my first time using chalk paint. My husband was adamantly against it - he prefers the old tried and true enamel type paints for furniture...but I talked him into it and I am excited to see the final result :-) Kathie
Good luck and have fun with it!!
Excellent explanation of how to get a smooth finish! Thx
Happy to help!!!
Thank you so so much I was about to ruin my paint pou night stand cause I had no idea how I was going to get the lumps out for an even finish. 😅
Happy to help! 😊
I bought a custom piece but really want to make it shinier. Would commercial polish help?
The link doesn’t take me to the General Finishes Flat Out Flat product. I’m glad you showed the can so I can locate it.
Thanks for letting me know. Just fixed it. :)
Hello, thanks for this video! How long after final paint coat so you wet sand? And then how long until you top coat?
Hi! Follow the recommended dry time on the chalk paint you use before you wet sand. You want the paint to be dry. You can top coat 10 minutes after wet sanding and wiping the chalk paint clean. You just need the surface to be clean & dry. :)
Why wet sand (using water and you can add a little soap for lubrications) essentially the water help keep your sandpaper from
Building up and making the sandpaper more consistent, also the water carries the sanding residue away from the area your working.
The dampness provides a lubrication if you will so that you’re not creating too much friction/removing too much paint.
Yep, wet sanding basically turns your fine grit sanding block into a “super fine” grit sanding block
Excellent tutorial and I was going to ask if you wet sand between the two or three chalk paint layers, but I think you answered my question as you said you wet sand AFTER the three coats of chalk paint. Thank you.
Yes, you got that right. I wet sand after the 3 coats. :)
This is great advice…..how do you get rid of ring marks on furniture before painting? Mine keeps coming through…
You need to use a stain-blocking primer before painting to block out tannin and wood knot stains. I like Zinsser 123 PLUS. 👍
Could you use a wipe on poly on top of the chalk paint to give it a glossy finish?
Absolutely, I use it on chalk paint too. 👍
Do you have to use cabinet paint to make your chalk paint to paint cabinets or do you just use wall paint?
Are you trying to paint kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets?? I’ve painted my bathroom cabinets with regular latex or acrylic wall paint that I turned into chalk paint. But kitchen cabinets get so much use and are touched by sticky fingers so often, I’d paint them with actual cabinet paint without turning it into chalk paint. 👍
Hi with the sealer that you used general finishes, did you sand in between coats?
So, it’s best to follow the directions on a product. But, I’ll be honest, if I do multiple coats I usually only sand before and/or after the final coat. It all depends on how it feels and whether or not I can see little dust nibs that need to be removed along the way. 👍
I tried using the wet sand with 320 grit, and a second time with a totally worn out pad no water both times it left the paint super streaky and you could see every brush stroke. It did leave it very smooth but looked terrible. I had to repaint. Suggestion?
Which chalk paint and paint brush are you using?? I apply chalk with a smooth look and no brush marks before wet sanding. The wet sanding in this case just makes the chalk paint feel slick, like store bought furniture. If the chalk paint has texture from brush marks, then you might need to apply it with a better synthetic brush or foam brush. And, it might need a little water mixed in to let you apply a smooth coat.
@@AbbottsAtHome thanks for replying! I use Dixie bell and either their mini or a zibra brush. You can’t see brush strokes when I’m done, but you San see them when I try to smooth sand. Not raised, but more like paint streaks.
@Jessica Postema Is this a dark paint color, maybe? I've used Dixie Bell paint, and I've never had issues with streaky paint after wet sanding. For your project, I think you'll have to stick with dry sanding to get a smooth feel. Lightly sand with extra fine grits or even just a brown paper bag to get a soft feel.
I found this video after sealing my chalk paint. I used charcoal rustoleum chalk paint and their clear matte protective top coat. I did two clear coats and now it looks terrible with tiny dot bumps. The top coat dried white on the edges where I’m guessing it was thicker. Should I sand down with the wet sponge and try a different top coat? Any suggestions? I loved the look before the topcoat and followed what it said. So sad.
I would definitely try wet sanding to see if you can get rid of those tiny bumps and the thick, white spots. You'll have to sand it down anyway to smooth those bumps. So, it's worth wet sanding to see if you can save a step. If you have to apply another layer of top coat, go for a thinner coat. Good luck!! :)
@@AbbottsAtHome thank you so much! I have been trying to decide what to do and just remembered to check back on my comment.
Same. I got brush strokes so I can’t do ombré finish till I sand it and repaint.
I just did the same, so sad. Should I sand back and use black wax instead?
Can I do this after I’ve applied the polycyclic? I have streaks and trying to figure out what to do. It’s a black chalk paint.
Hi! It depends on where the streaks are coming from, the paint or the poly. I think it's worth trying. But if the streaks were on the black chalk paint, you probably need to apply another coat of black chalk paint, be sure to apply it quickly and avoid going back over areas that have started drying (causes streaks). If your chalk paint can be thinned with water, adding a tablespoon of water might slow down the dry time long enough for you to apply a coat without streaks. :)
To avoid your top coat going streaky, add a little of your paint colour into the top coat. No streaks.
Help! I've tried several projects with chalk paint and they all have needed sanding after the paint. My question is if you have to do all the sanding after is it really an advantage to not have to prep before painting if you're just going to have to sand after?
Hi! There are really 2 types of chalk paint. One applies smooth, like normal paint. The other is thicker and always leaves brush marks and a more vintage or shabby chic look. That second is made because a lot of people like that look.
I prefer smoother chalk paint. It sounds like that’s what you like too. The paint I’m using in this video looked smooth before I sanded it. It just felt a little rough. So it only needed a light, wet sand to get a smooth feel.
It sounds like you’re probably using thicker chalk paint that you can’t apply easily without brush marks.
You can probably thin that chalk paint out with a little water to make it spread smooth with a nylon paint brush. Just add a little water at a time, mix, and test until you get a consistency you like.
You can also make your own, easy to apply smooth, chalk paint: czcams.com/video/Mp3yC2sxgBM/video.html
@@AbbottsAtHomeso good to know!!! Thank you!!!!
I used wax but I really don’t know how protective that is I feel like any hit will take off the chalk paint. Is there an alternative I can use ?
You can use regular water-based poly over chalk paint. BUT, not over wax. You'll have to paint over the wax if you want to use poly. :)
Help! I have waxed over myblight color chalk paint with clear wax and it looks terrible! Do I need to start over?
I don't use wax often (primarily because it's a little yellow without adding much durability). I don't think you can remove it. But, you can apply chalk paint over it. Good luck!
I am using chalk paint for the first time. I actually primed my piece with shallac primer so nothing bleeds through. You say chalk paint has good coverage but I have painted the top of this little table four times and still do not have good coverage. I'm wondering why. I brushed it on and then smoothed with a foam roller could that be the problem?
Hi! Yep, foam rollers spread chalk paint thinner than a brush. I always use a nylon paint brush. Which brand are you using? And what color? Red always takes extra coats ( whether latex, oil, or chalk). And white over a dark stain would take longer.
Does the General Finish gradually turn yellow? Thanks
Hi Coni! Nope. At least not yet. But I’ve been using it for a few years. So, I think it’s pretty safe to say no. 👍
@@AbbottsAtHome it says not to use on white chalk paint? But the video looks like it is white? Thanks.
@@judyhustongrounds4262 I had to dig pretty deep to figure out where it says that. I finally found it in the technical data sheet. It actually says to not use any top coat (not just this top coat) on 'white paint'. Then it mentions possible problems caused by tannins and stains and recommends using a specific GF white paint without a top coat.
So, this isn't about 'white chalk paint' specifically. It seems to be mentioning normal white paint. I actually never use a top coat over water-based acrylic or latex paints. They feel fine without them. BUT, I almost always use chalk paint on furniture because it's much easier to get a store-bought look and feel since you can sand it.
You can skip a top coat on chalk paint, but it will be a little harder to clean, if it's on something like a kitchen table. But, I use water-based clear coats on white chalk paint all the time. They have never yellowed on me. Just be sure to not apply too thick of a layer. And, if you are painting an old piece of furniture that might have a stain that is seeping tannins or oils from wood knots, strip it and seal the wood with an oil based primer before painting.
Not sure if that helps you decide what to do. Just go with your gut and decide which way you want to go. :)
I have used different types of chalk paint for painting my furniture and each one leaves it rough, I’ve tried wetting my paint brush, misting the furniture with water I’ve done multiple things to try and smooth out the paint even lightly dry sanding nothing seems to work. I’m going to try this method and if it doesn’t smooth out the paint job I’m giving up on chalk paint for furniture.
Fair enough. Let me know if it works for you. And, if the chalk paint you’re using is so thick that it’s hard to apply smooth, add a little water to the chalk paint to make it easy to apply without brushstrokes. 👍
Should I use the top coat after everything? I've painted a box with 3 layers of chalk paint, and I was thinking of drawing something on the box.. I was thinking with sharpies, cause paint is very expensive.. or maybe I should play it safe and go for stickers?
I’m not sure whether you should draw or use stickers. Depends on how confident you are about getting it right. But, you always need a topcoat over chalk paint. Either a water-based clear coat, a GF topcoat, or a wax. If you want to keep a matte sheen look, try GF flat out flat. It’s really pretty. 😊
@@AbbottsAtHome Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! I'm buying that sanding swamp and a top coat tomorrow :D I've never done anything like this before so I stupidly thought I just needed the chalk paint and that was it 😭🤣
It’s not stupid. We all make mistakes starting out. 😊
Can you use chalk paint instead of sanding and priming
Chalk paint will stick to almost any existing finish on wood. And to glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, etc. Just be sure to clean your old finish with a degreaser, like TSP. You can skip sanding, if the surface is in good repair.
How come the chalk paint is scratching off the headboard I painted two coats onto? I’m using Home Depot’s chalk paint.
My 3 guesses would be that the headboard wasn't properly cleaned, scuff sanded and primed before painting OR that the HD chalk paint dry time instructions between coat weren't followed. If each layer doesn't properly cure before the next coat, the paint can be gummy and easy to dent and scratch for a weeks after painting. Third guess - the coats applied were too thick, which would also leave the paint gummy and easy to dent and scratch for weeks, with certain paints.
How to get such finishing on paper models
Sorry, I haven’t worked with paper models. 👍
I am using annie Sloan chalk paint and i noticed after 3 Coats some of the paint looks streaky. If i use the wet sanding method, can i use wax right after sanding to finish it?
Hi Devin! You can use the wet sanding method to even out the look of annie sloan chalk paint. It should work the same on most chalk paints. Just let it dry before applying the wax. :)
I chalk painted a table using Rustoleum Linen White. I sanded the table, I used Bin Primer and then very carefully painted the top of the table with a roller. I have sanded with 600 grit paper and tried the paper bag. No matter what I do, I can see streaks on the table top. I'm going half mad. The table feels amazing, soft as butter, but in the sunlight I can see streaks. I tried wet sanding and I find the paper just immediately fills up with paint?
Without seeing it, it's hard to say for sure. Was it streaky after using the roller?? If you roll over paint that has already started to dry, it can leave an uneven sheen. Have you tried applying a topcoat yet? A clear coat can even out the sheen, if that's what the problem is. You can try one coat of top coat before deciding whether or not to repaint.
@@AbbottsAtHome I think it's just scratches from the sandpaper. I tried spray painting over it yesterday. it looks a little better. I'll give the topcoat a shot. In my limited experience, I I found painting the chairs and table legs etcetera was easy. I don't think I'd use chalk paint for a table top again. My carpenter boyfriend and I have tried every method under the sun. Did way more prep than people say you need to and It always comes out looking streaky. I tried the paper bag as well...just can't get it to look smooth.
Used 3 coats of kilz primer and 5 coats of behr chalk paint, now it has fine cracks. I haven't even topcoated yet...How do I fix this?
Hi! I’ve never had chalk paint crack. My guess is the KILZ under it may not have completely dried before you used the chalk paint. Or, the finish you were priming over was oily??
Typically you don’t need a primer with chalk paint. If you do use a primer, 1 coat is enough under chalk paint. I’m sorry to say this, but I think you’ll need to strip the furniture then paint again. Let me know if you have another question. Here’s a video showing how to strip paint off furniture m.czcams.com/video/zN8gul3zqbI/video.html
Adding paint too thickly makes it crack. You can make it part of the look, and go for a distressed look as well
What grit of sandpaper did you use?
Aim for around 300 grit. 👍👍
I just painted a fireplace using chalk paint for the first time. I have some spots that are rough/with more paint. I just ordered a sanding brush. Do I have to use a wax? Or is it okay to skip it?
Hi! You don’t have to use wax over chalk paint. Any top coat works. I’ve never used chalk paint on a fireplace. Did you paint the brick with chalk paint or just a wood mantle?
@@AbbottsAtHome I painted the wood mantle and it turned out awesome! I also added a wood applique and painted it with the same chalk paint. I sanded everything following your method and the result is awesome. What was a dull brown fireplace is now a fancy white french provincial fireplace. Thank you so much!
@@moonlighth4515 Fantastic! Sounds beautiful. So happy to help. :)
I was hoping to avoid sanding altogether, which is the reason I was gravitating towards chalk paint.
It’s a light, quick sand. Not hard at all. Only do it if you want a smooth feel. A lot of people prefer the textured look you get with chalk paint. 👍
What is chalk paint?
It's a type of paint that dries harder and cures faster than latex paint. So, it's a popular choice for painting furniture. If you want to give it a try, you can mix your own from latex paint with this video - czcams.com/video/Mp3yC2sxgBM/video.html
It's an ultra-matte paint that allows a lot of artistic looks. It sands down really nice, blends, and works with a ton of other products. It's really versatile and easy to get aged or faux finishes with, so it's popular for furniture painting. People put waxes and topcoats on it to get different effects, too.
Why do you paint with chalk paint? Is it to avoid primer? If not, why do you add a top coat, wouldn't that cancel the chalk paint finish?
Hi! There are so many reasons. I do love that I can skip primer. But I also use chalk paint because it dries faster than latex paint. So you can apply another coat sooner. And, it cures harder, faster too. So, I can put 3 coats or even layered paint finishes using chalk paint and it will pass a fingernail test the next day or sooner. 3 coats of latex paint could take a month or more to pass a fingernail test.
And, because chalk paint dries hard, you can easily distress or sand it for pretty layered paint looks.
Acrylic paints are my second choice for furniture after chalk paint.
I apply a top coat for extra durability and a nice, subtle sheen. 👍
@@AbbottsAtHome Have you ever skipped the topcoat when using chalk paint? Are there durability differences?
@@peta23 You do need some kind of top coat to get the best look. Wax adds a nice look without adding extra durability. A water based poly adds both. :)
I don’t get the point of using chalk paint if it adds so many steps. Because it’s trendy? Is there something superior about it for furniture that I don’t know?
I couldn’t care less about trends. I like it because it dries fast and cures hard. That harder finish is more durable and is ready to put things on within a day or two. Drying fast means I can apply a 2nd coat faster. And, it doesn’t require a primer, it sticks to most finishes without a primer. Almost every paint requires sanding at some point for a smooth finish. And, it provides rich, even color with generally just 2 coats. So, in my experience, chalk paint has less steps and saves time. You just have to know how to use it properly. I think it became trendy because of how easy it makes painting furniture. 😊
YES.. It is a superior product.. It covers wonderfully and the finish is GREAT.. It also dries quickly if you have never tried it you're missing out.
I have alot of experience with latex paint and its an amazing product
Personally i prefer to use eggshell water based paint,has the same finnish as chalk paint with wax or sealant.you still need to sand the wood for chalk paint or it will be streaky and chip easily,its much less work with eggshell paint
Did you ever use it?
This makes my dresser looked scratched 😭
I can try to help. Tell me exactly what you’ve done so far.
@@AbbottsAtHome so far one coat of paint then I sanded it.
It sounds like that coat of paint isn’t smooth. So, when you sand it just sands the ridges that stand up higher. You either need a better brush or, if you already have a nice brush, then your chalk paint might need a little water so that it isn’t so thick. Just add a tablespoon of water at a time, then mix thoroughly to see if it’s thin enough to spread before deciding to add more water.
Some brands of chalk paint are much thicker than others. Some people like a rough, obvious brushstrokes, vintage look with chalk paint. That thick chalk paint works well for that look, but it doesn’t work well for getting a smooth finish. 👍
Thank you! It’s Annie Sloan green Amsterdam and it was a little thick! I’ll add more water!
You’re welcome. Chalk paint is great, but you definitely need to know a few key things to really get a beautiful result with it. Good luck!
Kindly reply .?❤️
Hilarious. The easy way is not to use chalk paint. Chalk paint is crap.
I’ve spent years trying a lot of different stains and types of paints. Chalk paint is still my favorite paint on furniture. 👍
I disagree. Vehemently. Lol
I absolutely love chalk paint. It is far superior to acrylic and latex paint in my experience, especially when it comes to thicker coats, better coverage, easier painting and better colour brightness. I've used both for a long time and always find myself going back to chalk or mineral paint.
Thank you!
You're welcome!