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Chalk paint is a type of decorative paint, specifically designed for use on furniture. It was designed by Annie Sloan in 1990, and it completely revolutionized the way of painting furniture, because chalk paint is incredibly easy and quick to use.
It doesn’t require any preparation, and it can be used on almost any surface, both indoors and outdoors. So it’s a pretty useful and convenient way of painting different household items, struggle-free.
However, just like most types of paint, chalk paint doesn’t last forever. You will likely have to re-paint the surface after a few years, but if you seal it with a top coating, the paint will be a lot more durable, and won’t get ruined as fast.
#1 Best Overall
- Use on a variety of interior surfaces like wood, metal, ceramic, canvas and easily distress to create a vintage look
- Low-odor/VOC formula allows for easy clean up with soap and water
- Dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and covers up to 150 sq. ft.; one-coat coverage allows projects to be completed easily
- Excellent adhesion and easy application with minimal prep
- Protective topcoat that dries to an ultra-matte velvety, smooth finish
Although it isn’t necessary to seal chalk paint, it’s highly recommended, as it will protect the paint so that it lasts longer, while looking its best.
That being said, there are people that prefer not to add a top coat to seal the chalk paint.
One of the main reasons for this is that chalk paint has a unique and distinctive matte chalky finish, which many people favor for decorative purposes.
And very often, if you seal the chalk paint, this finish will be replaced by that of the top coating.
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Rank #2
- Eco-Friendly, Low VOC: Crafted with an ultra-low VOC formula, our 4oz clear coat keeps your creative space fresh and inviting. Enjoy sealing your projects without worrying about harsh smells or chemicals.
- Excellent Durability: The 4oz clear coat seals and protects your painted furniture with strong, lasting coverage. Ideal for small DIY crafts or touch-ups, it keeps your creations beautiful and resilient.
- Satin Sheen Finish: Achieve a beautiful satin finish that enhances your painted wood furniture, giving it a modern, professional look. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects.
- Easy Application Sealant: The 4oz size is perfect for small projects, offering easy application on furniture, wood, and more. Bring your creative vision to life effortlessly.
- Non-Yellowing Formula: Our clear coat maintains its clarity, ensuring your painted surfaces stay vibrant and true to color. It won't turn yellow over time, making it ideal for bright whites and all shades.
At the end of the day, there are different benefits for not sealing or sealing your chalk paint, so it depends on your own needs and personal preferences! Here are some pros and cons to sealing the chalk paint:
PROS:
- It will add a layer of protection over the chalk paint, helping it last a lot longer
- It will allow the painted furniture to be suitable for everyday use, as it will be protected from wear and tear
- It will be resistant to weather conditions, and can therefore be used outdoors without any problems
- It might add a new glossier finish to the paint, which some people prefer
CONS:
- It might lose its unique matte chalky finish, which many people love about chalk paint
- Adding a top coating will take more time and money
- You will no longer get natural wear and tear look over time (some people love the appeal of this)
Basically, if you’re using the chalk paint solely for decorative purposes, and the furniture is barely going to be used, we recommend leaving it bare.
But if you want the furniture to still be functional, and for it to be used regularly, then we highly recommend sealing the paint so that it is protected, and so that it can weather the constant wear and tear without fading away.
Should I use wax or polyurethane over chalk paint?
There are many different ways in which you can seal chalk paint and a few different products that are commonly used for the job. Two of the most popular products used for sealing chalk paint are chalk and polyurethane.
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- EASY TO USE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS: Whether you’re new to DIY or a pro, Rust-Oleum Chalked makes painting easy and enjoyable. Minimal prep required means you can jump right into your project confidently and focus on creativity—not complicated steps
- IDEAL FOR FURNITURE REFRESHES: Chalked is perfect for updating nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and more. It adheres to wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and more—turning everyday pieces into stylish, custom accents with ease
- EASY SPRAY APPLICATION: Chalked Spray Paint allows for easy application, no brushes needed. Get your projects done quicker with superior 12 sq. ft. coverage per can. The oil-based formula provides a timeless look quickly and easily
- FAST-DRYING, ONE-COAT COVERAGE: Most surfaces need only one coat, and it dries to the touch in just 20 minutes. That means less waiting and more doing—perfect for weekend projects, last-minute updates, or spontaneous creative sessions
- SMOOTH-TO-TOUCH MATTE FINISH: Chalked delivers a soft, ultra-matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, boho, or classic, this smooth, velvety texture adds a refined, trendy-yet-timeless touch to any project
Chalk tends to be the first product people recommend, and it is the most commonly used. However, polyurethane is becoming increasingly more common, and many recommend it over the use of wax.
So which one should you use? Should you be using either of them over chalk paint? Both wax and polyurethane are fine to be used over chalk paint and are the standard options for sealing the chalk paint.
There are arguments that back up the use of wax, and others that back up the use of polyurethane, but ultimately the decision is down to you. To help you out, let’s look at both options in more detail, along with some pros and cons.
Wax over chalk paint:
The wax used for sealing chalk paint comes as a semi-solid paste, which you can then apply onto the painted furniture with the use of a cloth or a soft bristle brush, before buffing it out.
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Rank #4
- Nice combination: each package comes with 1 piece of 7 oz/ 200 g clear finishing wax and 1 piece of wax paint brush, which are nice combination for painting or waxing interior furniture, walls, home decor and accessories
- Multipurpose wax: the clear chalk paint wax can polish, renew, nourish and protect all wood types, imparting a rich, deep glow to both finished and unfinished wood; Also the paint wax can bring life back to worn, dull metal and provide a protective topcoat for milk-painted and clear-painted surfaces, multipurpose wax for you to use in daily life
- Different applications: furniture finishing wax with paint brush can be applied on interior furniture, cabinets, walls, home and more, just rub in and you can get a shine protection from moisture
- How to use: rub a small amount of wood furniture wax with a wax paint brush onto surface in a circular motion, the glow of the wood will shine as if from within, please allow the polish to sit and penetrate for a few minutes if the wood is dry and undernourished, then buff any excess from the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cotton cloth
- Nice material: soft furniture finishing wax is odor-proof and safe, water-resistant and convenient to use; Wax paint brush is consisted of synthetic bristles and wood handle, comfortable to hold, convenient to hang on hooks because of the hanging hole design
It leaves a soft and matte sheen finish, which is not too different from the chalk paint finish, which is why it is many people’s first option.
It also comes available in many different colors, so you can further personalize the finish, to get the furniture looking just like you want it.
PROS:
- A soft matte sheen finish
- Available in different colors for personalization
- Good at repelling water
- Good protection against moderate wear and tear
- Can be used over other top coatings, such as polyurethane
CONS:
- It is heat sensitive
- It takes quite some time and effort to apply
- It fades away faster than other options, so regularly used furniture will need new coatings of wax every so often
Polyurethane over chalk paint:
The polyurethane used for sealing chalk paint comes as an oil-based clear liquid, which is either sprayed onto the furniture or applied with a soft brush.
It provides the best protection, out of all of the options, and is by far the most durable and effective against weather conditions.
Best Value
- Durable Protection: Seals and protects interior furniture, cabinetry, and home decor. Suitable for painted, stained, or raw wood surfaces.
- User-Friendly Application: Odor-free, non-hazardous, and non-yellowing. Apply 1–2 coats with a wax brush or soft, lint-free cloth. Allow 8 hours of dry time between coats.
- Excellent Coverage: A little goes a long way. Available in both 500ml and 120ml sizes to suit projects large and small. One 500ml can covers approximately 300–450 sq. ft.
- Beautiful Matte Finish: Dries to a soft, matte finish and can be buffed to achieve a subtle sheen.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for a variety of decorative finishes. Can be layered with colored waxes (white, brown, or black) to enhance texture and dimension.
This is why it is usually recommended for furniture that is used regularly or that is prone to suffering from wear and tear. It leaves a glossy or satin finish.
PROS:
- Affordable and accessible
- The most durable option, for long-lasting protection
- Excellent at repelling water
- Excellent protection against regular wear and tear
CONS:
- The finish is very different from that of chalk paint
- It requires a long time to dry off
- It often needs multiple coatings (which adds to the expense)
- Can turn yellow over time
We recommend you choose between wax or polyurethane according to the use you are planning on giving to your chalk-painted furniture.
If it’s more decorative, use the wax. If it’s more practical and will be regularly used, use polyurethane for a higher degree of protection!
Although at the end of the day, you can use whichever you prefer!
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