How to Make Chalk Paint Waterproof

When you first read about how to make chalk paint waterproof, you might think it’s impossible. After all, many types of paint are water-resistant and not waterproof.

However, there are ways to protect your finished piece so that moisture doesn’t ruin its spotless surface.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make chalk paint waterproof using clear wax, varnish, polyurethane spray, polycrylic spray, and glaze.

The main idea behind these techniques is that they protect the finish while it’s drying or after it has dried but hasn’t been fully sealed yet.

1. Clear Wax

When you want to seal and make chalk paint waterproof, clear wax is one of the best products to use.

1. First, apply a coat of wax to the entire surface of the finished piece.
2. Next, let that sit for several hours or even overnight so it can fully dry.
3. Then, you will want to apply a second coat of wax to the entire piece.
4. Let that dry for a waterproof finish.

Clear wax is easy to find at most craft and home improvement stores. It’s also super affordable, so it won’t break the bank to get enough to seal your piece of furniture.

What’s more, you can re-wax your chalk paint as frequently as you like. However, chalk paint should typically be rewaxed once every three years.

2. Varnish

Varnish can be used as a waterproof sealant for a variety of surfaces.

To seal your chalk-painted furniture with varnish, follow the steps below:

1. Start by cleaning the piece thoroughly. You don’t want the dirt or dust that might be on the furniture to ruin the varnish finish.
2. After cleaning, you can apply a coat of the varnish. You can use either a paintbrush or a small roller to apply it.
3. Let that dry for a few hours, and then apply a second coat.
4. Let the second coat dry completely, and your chalk paint furniture should be completely sealed and waterproof.

You can get clear varnish or colored varnish, but make sure to select one that’s specifically for sealing chalk paint.

You may want to purchase a high-quality brand as some of the more budget-friendly brands don’t seal well enough, leaving the paint prone to cracks and moisture.

3. Polyurethane Spray

Using oil-based polyurethane sprays is the most efficient way to make chalk paint waterproof. They’re very durable and inexpensive.

This is a method that is commonly used to also waterproof acrylic & latex paints.

Here’s how to waterproof chalk paint using polyurethane sprays:

1. Start by cleaning the chalk-painted furniture thoroughly.
2. After that, lightly sand the surface. This will help the finish seal to the wood properly.
3. Next, spray the surface with polyurethane. Ideally, you want to do this outside.
4. Let the finish dry for several hours, and then apply a second coat.
5. Let the furniture completely dry before using it. This may take a couple of days, depending on the temperature as well as humidity in your area.

As long as you’re using a high-quality brand, this sealer will last a long time and protect the chalk paint from moisture.

Just make sure to read the instructions carefully and test the spray on a scrap piece of wood before using it on your furniture.

Can Water-Based Polyurethane Be Used Instead?

Water-based polyurethane can make chalk paint resistant to water, mold, and fungi. However, it’s not going to make the paint 100 percent waterproof.

If your goal is to achieve maximum water resistance, oil-based polyurethane will be more efficient.

4. Polycrylic Spray

Polycrylic is a type of finishing sealer that’s similar to polyurethane. However, it’s made with a different chemical formula that makes it a bit less water-resistant.

1. Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. You want to make sure no dirt or debris could ruin the finish and make the sealer less effective.
2. After the furniture is clean, lightly sand the surface. This will help the finish stick to the wood and protect it from moisture.
3. Next, spray the surface with polycrylic. You can do this either indoors or outside.
4. Let the finish dry for several hours, and then apply a second coat.
5. Let the furniture completely dry before using it. This may take a couple of days, depending on the temperature and humidity in your area.

Polycrylic sprays don’t achieve water resistance as much as oil-based polyurethane. However, they dry relatively faster than polyurethane due to their higher water content.

5. Glaze

Glaze can be used to seal and protect unfinished wood surfaces. It can also be used to protect and seal furniture surfaces that are made of unfinished wood.

However, it works best when used as a middle layer between two layers of water-based polyurethane.

1. Start by cleaning the chalk paint’s surface thoroughly.
2. After the surface is clean, lightly sand the surface.
3. Paint the first layer of glaze and wait a few hours until it dries.
4. Next, apply the glaze to the wood using a paintbrush or a small roller.
5. Let the glaze dry for several hours, and then apply a second coat of water-based polyurethane.
6. Let the furniture completely dry before using it.

The reason glaze can’t be used alone is because of the porous nature of chalk paint. The glaze can easily soak into those pores, making it impossible to get desirable water resistance.

Can Chalk Paint Get Wet?

Chalk paint is not waterproof, so it can still get wet under certain circumstances.

Without being sealed, chalk paint could get damaged if it’s frequently exposed to water and doesn’t have enough time to dry completely.

Luckily, chalk paint can be made waterproof, but it’s crucial to know how to do so to ensure that the paint stays in good condition for as long as possible.

Most importantly, the best way to ensure that your paint job turns out the way you want it is by practicing the steps on scrap pieces of furniture first.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make chalk paint waterproof, you can relax and be sure that your DIY project is protected from spills and water.

Although there are different types of sealers available, it’s important to choose the formula that is best for your situation.