If you’re a fan of do-it-yourself projects and painting, you’ve definitely heard about chalk paints. But, what precisely is chalk paint, and when should it be used? Chalk Paint, a decorative paint noted for its matte, chalky texture, is a popular choice for providing vintage, rustic, or shabby-chic appeal to furniture and home decor. Because of its ability to be distressed, chalk paint is an excellent choice for anyone looking to give their home a unique and vintage feel.
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Can You Use Chalk Paint for Patio Furniture?
You may have previously repainted indoor furniture using chalk, but now you wish to do the same for your outdoor furniture. Is chalk paint up to the task? And how will it fare over time when exposed to the elements?
All Outdoor chalk paints are water-resistant, and some brands contain ingredients that inhibit the growth and re-growth of mold, which is critical if you live in a humid climate. Due to its adaptability, you can paint anything with it, from sheds, plant pots, back doors, and any outdoor furniture. Chalk paint adheres well to most surfaces and does not require priming. Simply ensure that the surface is flat, dry, and clean before painting.
How do you seal chalk paint on metal patio furniture?
While most chalk paints do not require sealing before outdoor usage, for added peace of mind, you can use a multi-purpose chalk sealant that protects your painted piece from both rain and the sun’s UV rays. It functions by contracting and expanding per the surrounding environment.
A soft bristles brush is ideal for applying the sealant. Apply evenly on the item you wish to protect and allow to dry. You should not apply the sealant to outdoor furniture if the weather is wet or the temperature is above 40 �C. The sealant needs at least 24 hours to dry, so ensure to check the nighttime temperatures and weather as well.
Can you use chalk paint on outdoor cushions?
Using chalk paint on your outdoor cushions is a great way to transform them into something new and exciting! You can facelift your cushions with chalk paint if you’re looking for a new look, or you want to spice things up without having to spend money on new cushions.
Are There Any Surfaces You Can’t Use Chalk Paint On?
Chalk paint conforms to a wide range of surfaces without the need for sanding or priming. However, very smooth surfaces will still require light sanding to grip the chalk paint. Nevertheless, you won’t be worried about removing previous coats of paint before getting started.
Are There Any Downsides to Using Chalk Paint for Patio Furniture?
The following are some disadvantages of painting patio furniture with chalk paint:
The Price
Chalk paint is not only slightly more expensive than other types of paints, but it also requires sealing and the use of other special tools. A protective top coat is required for chalk paint to achieve its well-known long-term durability. To apply the topcoat, you’ll need a special waxing brush and a stiff paintbrush due to the thickness of the paint. This means you’ll need to invest in wax or sealant, as well as special brushes.
You Must Wax It
Even though chalk paint is recognized for being long-lasting, the paint alone won’t make your surface as tough as it should be. You’ll need to add a layer of something else. Without waxing, chalk paint is prone to scratching.
Prolonged curing time –
The extremely long curing time is an even bigger disadvantage. While chalk paint feels dry to the touch immediately after application, it takes a very long time to dry between coats. The quick dry time is a big plus because it helps keep the mess down. However, waiting 24 hours between coats is the best way to ensure better bonding and a good finish. This means that it can take days to achieve the perfect color on a piece. And that is before sealing and allowing it to cure.
Easily Chips If Not Waxed
Although applying wax to chalk paint takes some time, you SHOULD do so. It’s a waste of time and effort if you don’t do this step. Because it’s essentially chalk, the paint does eventually chip away.
What Are the Steps to Use Chalk Paint Correctly?
The wonderful thing about chalk paint is that it does not require a steep learning curve or extensive prep work. You can simply dive in:
Step 1 – Select a paintable outdoor piece and get supplies
Choose the piece you’d like to paint and then collect all of the materials you’ll require for the project. It’s a good idea to gather all of your supplies in advance so that you’re ready for anything that could arise while painting. Brushes, chalk paint, wax, and fine-grit sandpaper are among the supplies you’ll need.
Step 2 – Thoroughly clean the furniture.
You do not need to strip your furniture of anything, including old paint or finishes, but you must ensure that it is clean and dry. The simplest option is to use soapy water. Avoid cleaning it with furniture wax! Most furniture polishes contain a wax component that reacts poorly with chalk paint.
If you are a careless painter, you may want to put a drop cloth or an old sheet beneath your furniture item. Don’t worry about it if you’re a neat painter. If you accidentally get chalk paint on your lawn or floor, you can easily remove it using water, a laundry detergent, and some little elbow grease.
Step 3 – Paint your furniture using a brush.
This is where chalk paint shines. You don’t have to be careful to make sure that all of your brush strokes are going in the same direction; you don’t have to make sure that your coverage is even, and you don’t even have to paint every crevice if you don’t want to. Using light brush strokes, concentrate on the vital areas of your furniture.
Step 4 – Gently sand the surface to attain the ideal distressed look.
Use fine-grit sandpaper to avoid scratching the surface. Sandpaper with a coarser grain creates deeper grooves in the furniture. Generally, you’re not sanding down to the wood itself but rather to the finish that lies beneath the topcoat of paint. Sanding off paint depends entirely on personal preference. If you go overboard and sand off an excessive amount of paint, do not fret. You can always repaint the area.
Step 5 – Wipe away any remaining sanding dust.
Use a damp towel to wipe down the furniture after sanding. Ensure that you get rid of all sandpaper dust created from sanding before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6 – Apply the wax.
Because chalk paint lacks the sealer found in most paints, it requires wax to protect the color and prevent water and other debris from penetrating the finish. Before waxing using a separate brush, make sure the paint is totally dry.
Step 7 – Allow drying completely before using your repainted outdoor furniture.
The wax setting time for most outdoor furniture is 2-3 weeks. After this duration, you can enjoy the new look of your restored patio furniture.
Conclusion
Chalk paint may seem expensive, but I can guarantee you that it is worth every penny. The best thing about using chalk paints for patio furniture is that you don’t have to be an expert at applying them to get great results. Simply open your favorite paint can and begin painting.
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