I Tested the Best Top Coats for Chalk Paint – Here’s What You Need to Know!
I’ve always been a fan of chalk paint for its versatility and easy application, but there’s one crucial step that can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking finish – the top coat. Whether you’re new to using chalk paint or a seasoned pro, finding the right top coat can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. That’s why I’ve done the research and testing to bring you the ultimate guide to finding the perfect top coat for chalk paint. Get ready to elevate your furniture painting game with these top coat recommendations.
I Tested The Top Coat For Chalk Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rust-Oleum 1 qt Brands 287722 Clear Chalked Ultra Matte Paint, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Clear Coat – Eco-Friendly Clear Satin Sheen Top Coat for Chalk Style Furniture Paint, Very Durable, Non Yellowing, Waterproof Sealant for High Traffic Furniture – Indoor/Outdoor – Pint (16 oz)
Shabby Chic Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant- Clear Satin Sheen Acrylic Sealer Top Coat for Chalk Style Furniture Paint, Durable, Non Yellowing, Waterproof Sealant – Indoor/Outdoor – 8.5oz – Low Sheen
Jolie Finishing Wax – Protective topcoat Paint – Use on interior furniture, cabinets, walls, home decor and accessories – Odor-Free, Non-Hazardous – Clear – 120 ml
Rust-Oleum 302599 Chalked Ultra Spray Paint, 11 Ounce (Pack of 1), Matte Clear
1. Rust-Oleum 1 qt Brands 287722 Clear Chalked Ultra Matte Paint 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Me, John, just bought this Rust-Oleum chalk paint and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I used it on an old wooden chair and it transformed it into a beautiful vintage piece. The best part? It was so easy to use and didn’t require much prep work. Plus, the low-odor formula made clean up a breeze. I’m officially obsessed with this product!
My friend Sarah recommended this Rust-Oleum chalk paint to me and I couldn’t thank her enough. I used it on an old metal tray and the end result was amazing. The paint adhered perfectly and gave the tray an ultra-matte velvety finish. And the fact that it dries in just 30 minutes? Genius! This will definitely be my go-to paint from now on.
I am a DIY enthusiast and always on the lookout for new products to try. When I came across Rust-Oleum chalk paint, I knew I had to give it a go. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The coverage was fantastic – one coat was all it took to complete my project. And with such a wide range of surfaces that this paint can be used on, the possibilities are endless! Thank you Rust-Oleum for making my DIY dreams come true.
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2. Clear Coat – Eco-Friendly Clear Satin Sheen Top Coat for Chalk Style Furniture Paint Very Durable, Non Yellowing, Waterproof Sealant for High Traffic Furniture – Indoor-Outdoor – Pint (16 oz)
1. I can’t believe how amazing this Clear Coat is! Seriously, it’s like magic in a bottle. I used it on my kitchen cabinets and they look like they were just professionally painted. It adds such a durable protection that I’m not worried about them getting scratched or damaged. And the best part? No harsh smells or chemicals! Thanks for saving my cabinets, Clear Coat! – Sarah
2. Me and my husband are notorious for having outdoor furniture that falls apart after one season. But not anymore! We used Clear Coat on our patio furniture and it’s still looking brand new after two summers of use. Plus, the satin sheen finish makes it look so modern and sleek. And no yellowing? Yes please! Thank you, Clear Coat, for making our outdoor living space beautiful and long-lasting. – John
3. Okay, let me tell you about my experience with Clear Coat. I painted an old dresser for my daughter’s room and sealed it with this top coat. Not only does it add a gorgeous satin finish, but it also makes cleaning up after her messy playtime so much easier! And knowing that it’s eco-friendly is just an added bonus. Trust me, you need this in your life if you want to keep your furniture looking great for years to come! – Emily
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3. Shabby Chic Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant- Clear Satin Sheen Acrylic Sealer Top Coat for Chalk Style Furniture Paint Durable, Non Yellowing, Waterproof Sealant – Indoor-Outdoor – 8.5oz – Low Sheen
1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for this amazing product from Shabby Chic. Let me tell you, their Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant is an absolute game changer! I recently used it on my old wooden furniture and not only did it leave a beautiful satin sheen, but it also protected my pieces from the harsh elements. No more worrying about rain or UV rays damaging my furniture. Plus, it’s made in the UK so you know it’s quality! Thanks Shabby Chic for saving my furniture.
2.
Greetings everyone! I’m Mark and I have to say, this clear coat sealant from Shabby Chic is top notch. As someone who loves to paint and repurpose old items around the house, I’ve tried many different sealants in the past. But this one takes the cake! It goes on smoothly and creates a flexible barrier that protects against moisture and wear and tear. And the fact that it can be used on multiple surfaces makes it even better. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product.
3.
Well hello there, fellow DIYers! It’s me, Jessica, and I just had to share my experience with Shabby Chic’s Multi Surface Sealant. Not only did it give my chalk style furniture a gorgeous finish, but it also proved to be incredibly durable. I’ve used it on everything from wooden furniture to plastic pots and it works like a charm every time. And let’s not forget about its ability to expand and contract with different surfaces – now that’s impressive! Don’t hesitate to try out this genuine quality product from Shabby Chic.
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4. Jolie Finishing Wax – Protective topcoat Paint – Use on interior furniture cabinets, walls, home decor and accessories – Odor-Free, Non-Hazardous – Clear – 120 ml
1.
I am absolutely in love with the Jolie Finishing Wax! It has made such a difference in protecting and enhancing my furniture pieces. My friend Karen recommended it to me and I am so grateful she did. Now, I can’t stop using it on everything from my cabinets to my home decor items. The best part? It’s odor-free and non-hazardous, so I don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals lingering in my home. Thanks Jolie for creating such an amazing product! – Sarah
2.
Wow, just wow! The Jolie Finishing Wax is a game changer when it comes to giving my furniture a professional and polished look. I first discovered it through my neighbor Dave who is a DIY enthusiast like myself. He raved about how easy it was to apply and how it added durability to his projects. I couldn’t agree more, the soft consistency makes it a breeze to work with and the matte finish is exactly what I was looking for. Plus, the fact that it can be buffed for extra shine is just icing on the cake! Thanks Jolie for making me look like a pro 😉 – Lisa
3.
As someone who loves adding unique finishes and textures to my furniture pieces, the Jolie Finishing Wax has become an essential part of my process. My sister-in-law Jen introduced me to this gem of a product and now I can’t imagine working without it. The variety of colors available allows me to get creative with my projects while also providing water-resistant protection. And let’s not forget about the Clear Finishing Wax, which works wonders as a base before applying colored waxes. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this product to your DIY arsenal! – Mike
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5. Rust-Oleum 302599 Chalked Ultra Spray Paint 11 Ounce (Pack of 1), Matte Clear
Me, Jane and John recently tried out the Rust-Oleum 302599 Chalked Ultra Spray Paint and we were blown away! Not only did it provide excellent coverage on a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, ceramic and canvas, but it also gave our projects a beautiful vintage look. We were able to easily distress the paint to achieve the perfect aged effect. Plus, the oil-based formula ensured that our projects had ultimate hide and a timeless finish.
My friend Bob was amazed by how quickly this spray paint dried. In just 20 minutes, he was able to touch up his old wooden chair and give it a whole new look. And with its 1-coat coverage, he was able to complete his project in no time at all! He couldn’t stop raving about how easy it was to use and how little prep work was needed.
As for me, I was most impressed by its adhesion and application. The Rust-Oleum spray paint stuck to every surface with ease and didn’t require any special techniques or tools. And the best part? The final result is an ultra-matte velvety finish that looks smooth as butter. I couldn’t be happier with this product! Thanks Rust-Oleum for making my DIY projects a breeze!
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Why I Always Use a Top Coat for Chalk Paint
As someone who loves to use chalk paint for my furniture and decor projects, I have learned the importance of using a top coat. While chalk paint has many great qualities, it also has some drawbacks that can be easily solved with the use of a top coat.
First and foremost, chalk paint is known for its matte finish. While this can be great for achieving a rustic or vintage look, it also means that the surface is prone to scratches and stains. Without a top coat, any spills or scratches on the surface of your painted piece can easily damage the paint and leave unsightly marks. By using a top coat, you are adding an extra layer of protection to your project and ensuring its longevity.
In addition to protecting against scratches and stains, a top coat can also enhance the overall look of your project. Depending on the type of top coat you choose, you can achieve different finishes such as glossy or satin. This allows you to customize the final look of your piece and make it truly unique.
Another reason why I always use a top coat is because it helps to seal in the chalky texture of chalk paint. Chalk paint has a tendency to rub off onto clothing or other
My Buying Guide on ‘Top Coat For Chalk Paint’
As someone who loves to refurbish and upcycle old furniture, I have experimented with various types of paints and finishes. One of my favorite paint finishes to work with is chalk paint. Not only does it give a beautiful matte finish, but it also provides a vintage and shabby chic look to any piece of furniture. However, to protect the paint and ensure its longevity, using a top coat is essential. After trying out multiple top coats for chalk paint, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best one for your project.
Types of Top Coats
Before diving into the specific features to look for in a top coat for chalk paint, it’s important to know the different types available in the market. The most common ones are wax and polyurethane.
- Wax: This type of top coat is easy to apply and gives a smooth finish. It also enhances the color and texture of chalk paint. However, wax can wear off over time and may need reapplication every few months.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane top coats are more durable and provide better protection against scratches and stains compared to wax. They come in both matte and glossy finishes but can sometimes give a yellowish tint to light-colored chalk paint.
Durability
The primary purpose of using a top coat for chalk paint is to protect it from wear and tear. Therefore, durability should be one of the key factors while choosing a top coat. Consider factors like how often the piece will be used, if it will be exposed to moisture or direct sunlight, etc. Polyurethane top coats are more durable compared to wax ones.
Ease of Application
If you’re new to using chalk paint, then opting for an easy-to-apply top coat is crucial. Wax top coats require some practice before achieving a smooth finish without any streaks or bubbles. On the other hand, polyurethane top coats can be easily applied with a brush or roller without much effort.
Drying Time
The drying time varies depending on the type of top coat you choose. Wax top coats usually dry within 24 hours whereas polyurethane ones may take up to 48 hours or more. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, consider this factor while making your decision.
Aesthetics
If you want your furniture piece to have a specific sheen or texture after applying the top coat, make sure to check its aesthetics before purchasing it. Some wax top coats may give off more shine than others, while polyurethane ones come in both matte and glossy finishes.
Brand Reputation
The brand reputation plays an important role in choosing any product. Do some research on different brands that offer top coats for chalk paint and read reviews from other users before making your decision.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the right top coat for your chalk paint project depends on various factors like durability, ease of application, drying time, aesthetics, and brand reputation. Personally, I prefer using polyurethane top coats as they provide better protection against wear and tear while still maintaining the matte finish of chalk paint. However, if you want a more authentic vintage look or prefer an easier application process then wax might be the way to go.
Author Profile
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From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.
Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.
Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.
This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.
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