Chalk paint is widely used to achieve a matt and velvety finish on the workpiece.
But can you put polyurethane over chalk paint to improve its durability?
Yes, you can put polyurethane over chalk paint to enhance its durability and abrasion resistance. Generally, water-based polyurethane is recommended for best results on chalk paint. Furthermore, if the application demands the matt finish of chalk paint, it is advised to use satin finish polyurethane over a glossy finish.
We tested this out by applying water-based and oil-based polyurethane over chalk paint and compiled our findings in this article.
You might wonder if you should put polyurethane on top of chalk paint to make it last longer.
Polyurethane can shield the wood surface from water, scratches, or sunlight. This can be good for high-traffic areas or outdoor projects.
But, when polyurethane is applied over chalk paint, it gives it a glossy look which is the opposite of the matte finish chalk paint provides.
So applying poly over chalk paint should depend on the end result you are looking for.
Before you put polyurethane on, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and has no dust or dirt.
If the surface is dirty or oily, the polyurethane won’t stick well and will look bad.
Use a wet cloth to wipe off any dirt or dust on the surface.
If the surface is very dirty or oily, you may need to use some soap to clean it well.
After you clean the surface, wait until it is dry before you do anything else.
You can find two kinds of polyurethane in stores: oil-based or water-based. They have different pros and cons.
Think about what you want your surface to look like, how fast you want it to dry, and how easy you want it to be to use.
Water-based polyurethane is good because it dries fast, smells less, and is easy to wash off with soap and water.
Oil-based polyurethane is good because it lasts longer and looks smoother.
But oil-based polyurethane can make chalk paint peel or turn yellow sometimes, so it’s better to use water-based polyurethane over chalk paint.
Once you’ve chosen your polyurethane, it’s time to apply the first coat.
Polyurethane is a thick coating that can be difficult to apply as it produces various issues such as bubble formation, brush marks, etc.
Applying polyurethane without bubble formation requires good process control and the right equipment.
Similarly, to avoid brush marks in polyurethane, use a good-quality brush and apply thin coats.
You can also make wipe-on polyurethane and apply it with a rag to avoid brush marks.
Apart from that, you can also use a roller to apply polyurethane or spray it on the workpiece.
Make sure to apply the polyurethane in the direction of the wood grain, starting at one end of the surface and working your way to the other.
Be careful not to apply too much polyurethane, as this can lead to drips, bubbles, or a thick and uneven finish.
It’s better to apply several thin coats of polyurethane than one thick coat.
When the first coat is dry, use fine sandpaper to make the surface smooth and get rid of any bumps.
Don’t sand too much, or you might ruin the paint underneath.
After you sand the surface, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any dust or dirt.
This will make the surface ready for the next coat of polyurethane.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to apply additional coats of polyurethane until you’ve achieved the desired level of protection and finish.
The number of coats of polyurethane and the time between each coat depends on the type of polyurethane and the coating thickness.
Make sure to sand the surface lightly between each coat and wipe it down thoroughly before applying the next.
Polyurethane is a clear, strong coating that takes a long time to dry and a lot of work to put over chalk paint.
But it has some benefits that make it good for some chalk paint projects.
Chalk paint can get scratched, stained, or damaged easily.
For example, if you paint a table or a counter with chalk paint, they can get wet, dirty, or scratched often.
Putting polyurethane over the chalk paint can help keep the painted surface safe from these problems and make it look new for longer.
Polyurethane is a hard and strong coating that can handle a lot of use, making it good for busy places or surfaces that are touched or used a lot.
For example, if you paint a wood floor with chalk paint, putting polyurethane over it can help keep the painted surface from
You need to wait for chalk paint to dry well before you put polyurethane on it.
If you put polyurethane on wet or not dry chalk paint, it can make the polyurethane peel or bubble.
Most paint manufacturers recommend waiting at least 24 hours before putting a topcoat, but some things can make the paint dry slower.
If it’s very humid or cold, the paint will dry slower.
In these situations, you should wait longer before you put polyurethane over chalk paint.
A good practice is to wait at least 48 hours before you apply a polyurethane coat.
If you have put a lot of chalk paint, you should wait longer before you put polyurethane.
A thick coat of paint takes longer to dry and harden, so it’s better to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before you put polyurethane over chalk paint.
If you don’t know if the chalk paint is dry, you can touch it with your finger.
If the paint feels cold or your finger makes a mark, it’s not dry. In this case, you should wait more before you put polyurethane.
| Parameter | Polyurethane | Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Appearance | Gloss, satin, or matte finish | Soft sheen, enhances texture |
| Application | More effort, sanding, multiple coats | Easy application with soft cloth |
| Maintenance | Easier to clean, more resistant to water and stains | Easy reapplication as needed |
If you want to protect chalk paint, you can use polyurethane or wax.
They have different pros and cons, so you need to think about what you need for your project.
Polyurethane is very strong and can handle a lot of use. It is good for busy places like floors and tables.
Wax is not as strong as polyurethane and may need to be put on again more often.
Polyurethane can be oil-based or water-based, and it can make a shiny, smooth, or flat finish.
Wax usually makes a soft shine and can make the chalk paint look more textured.
The choice between polyurethane and wax depends on how you want your surface to look.
Putting polyurethane on takes more time and work than wax.
You need to sand the surface to make it stick well, and you may need to put on more than one coat for a strong finish.
Wax is easy to put on with a cloth and needs no special tools or steps.
Both polyurethane and wax need some care to keep the finish nice.
Polyurethane is easier to clean and care for, as it keeps out water and stains.
But if the finish gets damaged, it may need more work to fix or put on again.
Wax can be put on again easily as needed to make the finish fresh.
When you put polyurethane on well, it can make your painted surface last longer by keeping out water, dirt, and other things that can make the paint go bad over time.
Putting polyurethane over chalk-painted outdoor furniture will keep the painted surface safe from the weather, like rain, sun, and wind, and make the painted furniture last longer.
Polyurethane can make your painted surface shiny or flat, depending on what kind of polyurethane you use.
This can make your painted surface look better and more done.
For example, if you paint a piece of furniture with chalk paint and want to make it shiny, putting polyurethane over the chalk paint can make it look shiny and smooth.
Polyurethane makes a smooth, hard surface that is easy to clean and keep.
It keeps off dirt, dust, and other things that can make your painted surface look dirty or old.
For example, if you paint a kitchen wall with chalk paint, putting polyurethane over it can make it easier to clean up any food spills or stains that may happen.
Using polyurethane over chalk paint can be a good idea when a durable, long-lasting protective finish is required.
Polyurethane provides excellent protection against scratches, stains, and water damage, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic surfaces like tabletops, floors, and cabinets.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that polyurethane can alter the look and feel of chalk paint.
If you prefer the matte, velvety finish of chalk paint, polyurethane may not be the best choice.
No, it’s not recommended to apply wax over polyurethane on chalk paint, as the wax won’t adhere well to the polyurethane. Instead, choose either wax or polyurethane to protect your chalk paint surface.
Yes, you can use polyurethane on outdoor chalk paint projects as it provides good resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and abrasion. Apart from that, it can also protect the paint from fading under sunlight.
No, it’s not recommended to apply polyurethane over wet chalk paint as it can trap moisture and lead to an uneven, cloudy finish. Ensure that the chalk paint is fully dry and cured before applying polyurethane.
