Frequently Asked Questions
Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan
Q. Do I need to sand before painting
with Chalk Paint®?
A. Chalk Paint® decorative paint by
Annie Sloan adheres to almost any surface, indoors and outside - and there’s
rarely any need to sand or prime before painting. Most times simply cleaning
and dusting off the surface will do. However, there may be rare times when you
need to sand first - to remove loose paint, rust, and other surface debris, or
when the surface is very glossy (this includes melamine and laminates). Change
out your piece of sandpaper when it becomes clogged with old paint and other
debris. A fresh sheet makes the task at hand easier to accomplish.
Q. What type of brush should I use
to apply Chalk Paint®?
A. Your brush does not have to be
expensive, but it does need to have certain qualities because working with bad
brushes can be very frustrating. A brush that is made of natural bristle works
best. The bristles should be fairly long and flexible with a little bounce to
allow you to be expressive in your work. Don’t choose brushes with bristles
that are too short since the paint will not flow well, and don’t use a brush
with hard and inflexible bristles, because the paint will look scratchy. Don’t
have a floppy brush either because you will have to work too hard to make the
paint spread.
Annie Sloan’s oval Pure Bristle
Brushes are excellent for applying Chalk Paint® decorative paint. These brushes give you the freedom to paint
expressively, they hold lots of paint, and they are comfortable to hold and
easy to work with.
Q. I am looking for the perfect
color for my project. Do you have any suggestions for mixing colors to get the
color I need?
A. The best way for you to find the
perfect color for your project is to visit your local Annie Sloan Stockist.
Each of our Stockists has been trained in the Annie Sloan Method and they can
guide you with making the perfect color choice. There is also a very
informative chapter on working with paint colors in Annie Sloan’s latest book,
Color Recipes for Painted Furniture and More, including tips for mixing colors
and layering one color over another. This book also contains 40 step-by-step
projects using Chalk Paint® decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax. It is
available from your local Annie Sloan Stockist.
Q. I am painting an unfinished piece
of furniture with Chalk Paint®. Are there any special preparation steps I need
to take?
A. If you are working with new,
untreated wood, you will need to apply clear shellac to any wood knots and open
grains. One or two coats of shellac applied with a cloth pad will block any
tannins that can bleed up through your new layers of Chalk Paint® decorative
paint. This is particularly important on pine, oak, and certain types of
mahogany.
Q. Are Chalk Paint® and Soft Wax
safe for use on baby cribs, etc?
A. Absolutely! Both Chalk Paint®
decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax are safe to use on furniture destined
for baby and child use. However, before putting the item to use, please allow
these materials to harden and cure for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Expectant
mothers should not apply Soft Wax themselves but find someone else to do so
instead.
Q. Are Chalk Paint® and Soft Wax
good choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets?
A. Yes! You can use Chalk Paint®
decorative paint on most wood cabinetry. Chalk Paint® is meant to give
character and interest to cabinetry rather than a perfectly smooth “factory”
finish. Typically there is no need to sand or prime although in areas that
receive a lot of use, like the cutlery drawer, it might be wise. Apply at least
two coats of paint and then two or three coats of Annie Sloan Soft Wax for
protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next.
Soft Wax makes a good bond to the paint for durability. You can easily maintain
your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and
water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax
as needed.
Q. Can I paint my walls with Chalk
Paint®?
A. Chalk Paint® decorative paint can
be used to give both old and new walls depth and interest and even a bit of
texture. Simply apply one or more coats of paint with a brush or roller for
coverage and let dry. You can leave the paint as is, but some people like to
apply a thin coat of Annie Sloan Soft Wax over the paint for a really smart
polished look.
Q. Can I apply Chalk Paint® over a
surface that was previously finished with linseed oil?
A. Linseed oil is a finishing
product that is used to restore wood's natural moisture without covering the
grain. It is typically found on antique or vintage pieces of furniture that
have a stained finish. Unless it has weathered to the point of almost being
gone, the surface may not be receptive to new paint. Clean well and apply one
or two coats of clear shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. Chalk Paint®
decorative paint can then be applied as you would on any other wood surface.
Q. Is Graphite Chalk Paint® a true
black?
A. The Chalk Paint® decorative paint
palette does not include a true black. Graphite Chalk Paint®, which is almost
black, is not a simple, hard color but a mellow, sophisticated one. However,
you can create a darker appearance to the Graphite by first applying a layer of
Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint®. Follow this with one or more coats of Graphite
until you have achieved complete coverage. When the paint is dry, apply one or
two coats of Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax. You can also add a bit of the Aubusson
Blue into the Dark Soft Wax to make an almost black wax.
Q. Can I paint the slate around my fireplace with Chalk Paint®?
Q. Can I paint the slate around my fireplace with Chalk Paint®?
A. Although Chalk Paint® decorative
paint can be applied over many brick, stone, and concrete surfaces, you should
first check with your local government offices to see if it is permissible to
paint around your fireplace. Every county or province in North America,
Australia, or New Zealand has a set of building codes, including codes that may
restrict the application of paint around a firebox, and these codes can vary
for each county or province. For example, some building codes do not allow the
application of any paint product within 13” from the top of the firebox and 9”
on either side.
Q. Can I paint my kitchen
countertops and backsplash with Chalk Paint®?
A. We do not recommend painting
kitchen countertops and backsplashes because Chalk Paint® decorative paint,
even when sealed with a quality sealer such as Annie Sloan Soft Wax or Annie Sloan
Lacquer, will not be 100% non-porous and this can present problems with cross
contamination. The surface may look clean but it may not be deep down into the
finish.
Q. I am painting a previously
stained piece of furniture with Chalk Paint® and a yellow stain has appeared in
my new paint layer. How do I cover it?
A. If you see a yellow or pink stain
coming through the paint on older furniture - typically pieces from the 1930s
and 1940s - apply clear shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. One or two coats
of shellac applied with a cloth pad will stop this happening. There is no need
to remove the stained coat of Chalk Paint® - you can apply the shellac directly
on top. Shellac dries in minutes, and then you can get on with your painting!
Q. Can I paint my furniture from
IKEA with Chalk Paint®?
A. We have had many success stories
from people who have painted their IKEA furniture with Chalk Paint® decorative
paint. We recommend that you ensure the surface is clean before painting. Some
new IKEA pieces may have a bit of an oily film on them for packing and shipping
purposes and this should be removed using a cloth moistened with low-odor
mineral spirits. Next, lightly sand the surface with some fine grit sandpaper
and dust off. Then apply a thin first coat of paint, and allow that coating to
dry about 48 hours to encourage the paint to bond to the surface. After that,
you can continue painting for your desired look.
Q. Now that I have painted a table
for our kitchen with Chalk Paint®, I want to put a durable finish on it that I
can clean frequently. We have kids and we all tend to be kind of rough on
things. What should I use?
A. Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once
hardened and cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. Apply
at least two coats of Chalk Paint® decorative paint and then two or three coats
of Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before
applying the next to get that extra durability you need. You can easily
maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild
soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light
application of wax as needed.
It is important to note that any
protective coating can be susceptible to scratches, stains and watermarks. When
these occurrences happen to a wax coating, they are easily fixed with just a
bit more wax rubbed into the marked area with a soft cloth.
Q. How long will it take for my new
finish to harden and cure?
A. Chalk Paint® decorative paint is
a water-based paint. Water-based paints take approximately 30 days to harden
and cure, a chemical process that takes significantly longer than drying. Annie
Sloan Soft Wax contains solvents that need to completely evaporate before it is
hardened and cured. The curing process for this product may take anywhere from
4 to 6 weeks or longer. All finishes prefer warm, dry conditions during the
curing process. Cold temperatures, high humidity, and application thickness
will extend drying and curing time substantially.
Q. How do I care for my new finish?
A. Furniture painted with Chalk
Paint® decorative paint and finished with Annie Sloan Soft Wax will stand up
very well to everyday wear and tear. Treat your furniture with respect. Allow
your new finish to harden and cure 30 days or longer before placing items that
may scratch the surface. Avoid excessive water and sharp or scratchy objects.
Use coasters under water glasses and placemats on dining tables. Clean with a
soft cloth and avoid all liquid furniture polishes. To clean marks or stains,
use a slightly damp cloth or chamois with a little mild soap. If you need to
use a stronger cleaner, you may have to re-wax the area. Keep away from extreme
temperatures or humidity. Waxes dissolve in alcohol, so using it on bars is not
advisable!
Q. I finished my project with Chalk
Paint® and Soft Wax. Now I’ve changed my mind about the color. Can I paint over
my finish?
A. Of course! One of the key
features about working with Chalk Paint® decorative paint is it’s easy to
change your mind. You can apply another coat or two of Chalk Paint® over your
previous finish, and then seal your new paint layers with a coat or two of Soft
Wax.
Q. I have painted my kitchen chairs
with Chalk Paint® and the paint is not sticking in some areas. What should I
do?
A. A clean surface is important for
any paint project, especially on items from the kitchen. You should sand the
areas where the paint is not sticking to remove the loose paint and then
inspect the surface. Remove any old greasy, waxy or oily residues with a soft
rag moistened with mineral spirits. Then clean with soap and water. Use a
Scotch Brite pad to lightly scrub the surface, and a soft brush to work into
open grain and intricate carvings. Rinse with a clean rag and warm water and
let the piece dry completely. Then reapply your Chalk Paint® decorative paint.
Q. I accidently left the lid off my
can of Chalk Paint® and now there is a skin over the paint. Do I have to throw
my paint away?
A. A skin can form on the top of
Chalk Paint® decorative paint when it is exposed to air for a long period of
time. Simply mix the skin back into the paint, stirring for a couple of minutes
until the paint is smooth again. If the paint becomes too thick, you can thin
it with a small amount of water.
Q. I use a spray furniture polish
when dusting my furniture. I recently tried to paint one of my pieces with
Chalk Paint® and the paint cracked in some spots. How can I fix this?
A. Many spray furniture polishes
contain dimethicone, a silicone used as a film former to protect surfaces. This
can cause cracks to appear in your Chalk Paint® decorative paint layers,
especially along edges. Sand the affected areas with fine grit sandpaper and
then seal the surface, including the remaining paint, with one or two coats of
shellac, a natural non-toxic sealer. Shellac dries in minutes, and then you can
get on with your painting!
Annie
Sloan Soft Wax
Q. Are Chalk Paint® and Soft Wax
safe for use on baby cribs, etc?
A. Absolutely! Both Chalk Paint®
decorative paint and Annie Sloan Soft Wax are safe to use on furniture destined
for baby and child use. However, before putting the item to use, please allow
these materials to harden and cure for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Expectant
mothers should not apply Soft Wax themselves but find someone else to do so
instead. For more information, please reference our Material Safety Data Sheets
that can be found at www.chalkpaint.com.
Q. Are Chalk Paint® and Soft Wax
good choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets?
A. Yes! You can use Chalk Paint®
decorative paint on most wood cabinetry. Chalk Paint® is meant to give
character and interest to cabinetry rather than a perfectly smooth “factory”
finish. Typically there is no need to sand or prime although in areas that
receive a lot of use, like the cutlery drawer, it might be wise. Apply at least
two coats of paint and then two or three coats of Annie Sloan Soft Wax for
protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next.
Soft Wax makes a good bond to the paint for durability. You can easily maintain
your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and
water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax
as needed.
Q. Can Soft Wax be used on outside
projects?
A. No. Annie Sloan Soft Wax should
be used on interior surfaces only. It is not suitable for outdoor use.
Q. What is the best way to apply
Soft Wax?
A. Less is more, so there’s no need
to apply Annie Sloan Soft Wax too thickly. Always apply Soft Wax in thin
layers. The wax needs to be gently spread and pushed into the underlying paint
using a brush or cloth so that it absorbs into the paint (just like hand
cream!). You should immediately remove any and all excess wax with a clean
cloth. Work in small areas at a time and change to a clean cloth frequently as
an old one can become clogged with wax and become ineffective. Let the
remaining thin layer of wax dry a few minutes before buffing. Buff with clean
soft cloths. You may find this task easier if you wait until the following day
to buff.
Q. Now that I have painted a table
for our kitchen with Chalk Paint®, I want to put a durable finish on it that I
can clean frequently. We have kids and we all tend to be kind of rough on
things. What should I use?
A. Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once
hardened and cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. Apply
at least two coats of Chalk Paint® decorative paint and then two or three coats
of Soft Wax for protection, allowing each wax coat to dry 24 hours before
applying the next to get that extra durability you need. You can easily
maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild
soap and water to clean, and refresh every now and again with a light
application of wax as needed.
It is important to note that any
protective coating can be susceptible to scratches, stains and watermarks. When
these occurrences happen to a wax coating, they are easily fixed with just a
bit more wax rubbed into the marked area with a soft cloth.
Q. How long will it take for my new
finish to harden and cure?
A. Chalk Paint® decorative paint is
a water-based paint. Water-based paints take approximately 30 days to harden
and cure, a chemical process that takes significantly longer than drying. Annie
Sloan Soft Wax contains solvents that need to completely evaporate before it is
hardened and cured. The curing process for this product may take anywhere from
4 to 6 weeks or longer. All finishes prefer warm, dry conditions during the
curing process. Cold temperatures, high humidity, and application thickness will
extend drying and curing time substantially.
Q. Can I apply Annie Sloan Lacquer
or another clear protective material over Soft Wax?
A. No. Once Annie Sloan Soft Wax is
applied, no other protective finish can be applied to the project. Attempting
to add Annie Sloan Lacquer, or polyurethane or any other protective material,
over a wax finish is futile.
Q. How do I care for my new finish?
A. Furniture painted with Chalk
Paint® decorative paint and finished with Annie Sloan Soft Wax will stand up
very well to everyday wear and tear. Treat your furniture with respect. Allow
your new finish to harden and cure 30 days or longer before placing items that
may scratch the surface. Avoid excessive water and sharp or scratchy objects.
Use coasters under water glasses and placemats on dining tables. Clean with a
soft cloth and avoid all liquid furniture polishes. To clean marks or stains,
use a slightly damp cloth or chamois with a little mild soap. If you need to
use a stronger cleaner, you may have to re-wax the area. Keep away from extreme
temperatures or humidity. Waxes dissolve in alcohol, so using it on bars is not
advisable!
Q. I placed a water glass on my new
finish and it left a mark. How do I repair this?
A. Annie Sloan Soft Wax offers water
resistance but it is not waterproof. Spills should be wiped up as soon as
possible. If spills remain on the surface, the moisture can penetrate through
the wax coating and leave a mark. These marks should disappear as the moisture
evaporates, but if not you can use a bit of Soft Wax on a soft cloth to rub it
out.
Q. I would like to apply another
layer of Soft Wax for additional protection, but will this cause the wax to
build up, making the surface sticky?
A. Annie Sloan Soft Wax builds up
only if you don’t remove all of the excess wax after each application. Each
time you apply a new coat of wax, the solvents in it dissolve the underlying
wax, making one new mixture. When you remove all of the excess wax you will be
left with the wax that is stuck on the surface. You can effectively remove the
excess wax by wiping it away with a clean cloth. Most likely you will need to
have several cloths on hand as you should switch to a clean one when your old
one becomes clogged with wax.
Q. What can I do if my finish feels
sticky and leaves fingerprints?
A. Failure to remove all of the
excess wax can leave a sticky or smeary finish. Try to remove and buff out the
excess wax using a clean cloth. Have several cloths on hand and change to a
fresh cloth when the old one becomes clogged with wax. If you find this
difficult to do, apply a thin layer of additional wax. The solvents contained
therein will soften the underlying wax, making it easier to remove the excess.
Again, have several clean cloths available. As a last resort, you can remove the
excess wax by wiping over the surface with a cloth dampened with mineral
spirits. Most likely you will need to reapply a coat of wax.
Q. How do I clean my brush after I
have used it to apply Soft Wax?
A. After each use apply a small
amount of no odor mineral spirits to a soft cloth and swirl the brush in it
until the wax is transferred to the cloth.
Annie
Sloan Lacquer
Q. Can I apply Annie Sloan Lacquer
or another clear protective material over Soft Wax?
A. No. Once Annie Sloan Soft Wax is
applied, no other protective finish can be applied to the project. Attempting
to add Annie Sloan Lacquer, or polyurethane or any other protective material,
over a wax finish is futile.
Q. What is the best way to apply Annie
Sloan Lacquer?
A. Apply Annie Sloan Lacquer with a
quality sponge roller and/or brush. Stir this product well before using. It is
best to apply two thin coats for even sheen and greater durability. A small
amount of water (up to 10%) can be added to the Lacquer for the first coat. Let
the first coat dry one to two hours before recoating, and leave the final coat
to dry overnight before walking on it.
Q. Can I seal my outdoor patio with
Annie Sloan Lacquer?
A. No. Annie Sloan Lacquer was
designed for use on interior floors only, and is not suitable for outdoor use.
No comments:
Post a Comment