Chalk Paint™ - Finishing Your Project

Finishing Your Project – FAQs

What is the best way to apply Soft Wax?

Annie Sloan Soft Wax is the perfect complement for Chalk Paint™. In fact, we’d say it’s an essential partner! It adds durability, deepens the colors, and gives a very slight sheen. It’s really easy to get sensational results.

As a rough guide, you will need one 500ml tin of wax for every 3 – 4 quarts of paint – of course, this will vary depending on how many coats of wax you use to cover a piece. And it’s always best to have a little wax left over for touching up. With the lid tightly on, it will last indefinitely.

Less is more, so there’s no need to apply the wax too thickly. When the paint is dry, brush on a thin coat of Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax, gently spreading the wax so it absorbs into the paint. Work in manageable sections and remove the excess wax with a clean absorbent cloth as you go. 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 before buffing. This process can take as little as 10 – 20 minutes, but 2 hours or even overnight can sometimes be best. You will know when the wax is dry when the surface no longer feels cool or damp to the touch. Buff with soft cotton cloths. Buffing lightly will produce a satin sheen, while more vigorous buffing can produce a higher sheen or even a gloss.

Always apply Clear Soft Wax before applying any Dark Soft Wax. For an aged effect, push Dark Soft Wax into crevices, and wipe it back with some clear wax to achieve your perfect result.

Soft Wax will be dry to the touch very quickly but take longer to harden or “cure.” The “curing” process can take 5 – 21 days depending on temperature and application thickness.

For a demonstration on how Annie Sloan applies Soft Wax, visit her YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/AnnieSloanOfficial and watch her Chalk Paint™ Tutorials Nos. 1 and 2.

I need a durable finish for my kitchen table that I can clean frequently. Our kids tend to be rough on things. What should I use?

Annie Sloan Soft Wax, once cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. After painting, apply two or three coats of wax, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next, to get the extra durability you need. You can easily maintain your finish by simply wiping the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, and refresh every now and again with a light application of wax. When scratches, stains, and watermarks happen to your wax finish, they are easily repaired with just a bit more wax rubbed into the marked area with a soft cloth.

I finished my project and now I’ve changed my mind about the colour. Can I paint over Soft Wax?

One of the key features about working with Chalk Paint™ and Annie Sloan Soft Wax 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 additional wax.

Can Soft Wax be used on outdoor projects?

Annie Sloan Soft Wax should be used on interior projects only. It is not suitable for outdoor use.

What is the best way to apply Annie Sloan Lacquer?

Annie Sloan Lacquer is a water-based varnish that is particularly good on interior wood and concrete floors that have been painted with Chalk Paint™.

Annie Sloan Lacquer should be applied with a quality sponge roller and/or brush. Stir well before using and during use. Apply two thin coats for even sheen and 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.

As a rough guide, one litre of Annie Sloan Lacquer covers approximately 100 – 125 square feet, but this will vary according to the absorbency of the floor. It is not suitable for areas of high water such as bathrooms.

When dry, it gives a beautiful matte finish with a slight sheen for added strength.

Are Chalk Paint™ and Soft Wax good choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets?

Yes! You can use Chalk Paint™ on most wood cabinetry. 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 coat to dry completely 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.