Chalk Paint Too White? Here’s What To Do


Chalk paint is a kind of paint that Annie Sloan patented. Since then, other companies have developed paints with a chalky finish. Chalk paint goes on easily and can be used to paint over many surfaces. It produces an old-fashioned look and is used to re-invent many worn pieces of furniture – giving them a new lease on life.

Chalk paint can be used on a variety of surfaces and is easily used in different painting techniques. You have read all the incredible benefits of chalk paint and poured over pictures of completed projects, and you decide to take the plunge.  Suddenly though, you look at your chalk-painted project and decide it doesn’t look right – it is just too white. Disaster! What can be done to fix it?

If you are disappointed by how white your chalk paint is, there are two possible options to alter the shade. You can change the shade of white by waxing the article with either white or dark wax. Alternatively, you can apply a color wash over the bright white to soften the shade.

This article will give you tips on how to tone down the white of your chalk paint to create a different shade of white and achieve the effect you require. You can learn about the effects of waxing and color washing and some tips on using the techniques effectively.  

Bright White Chalk Paint

Bright white chalk paint can be used to create particular effects. Generally, though, people using chalk paint aim to achieve an old-fashioned or more rustic look to their project.  Bright white chalk paint will not give you this appearance, and you will be disappointed with the outcome of your project. So if you are aiming for rustic appeal, avoid choosing bright white paint.

What To Do Once You Have Already Applied The White Paint

Some people become so disheartened when they have applied their white paint, and it looks like a modern finish that they give up on the project. Don’t despair. All is not lost. There are ways to reduce the bright white look of the paint. The two most common methods of altering the appearance are waxing and color washing.

Waxing

Waxing is the application of a topcoat of wax over the paint. There are three options for wax: liquid wax, soft wax, and hard wax. People have preferences, and some prefer different waxes for different finishes or different projects. For example, a project with many curves and grooves will do better with a liquid wax that can get into all the

cracks and gaps.

Different Color Waxes

Wax can be purchased in varying shades. Clear wax does not change the color of the paint and will not alter the paint whiteness. Clear wax is used to protect the finish and improve the durability of the paint. Most crafters prefer to use a clear wax on all their projects before adding any of the other color waxes. 

White wax is applied over clear wax and blends the paint into a softer white, more compatible with a genteelly aged appearance.

The dark wax will darken and deepen the color creating a more antique look. It is vital to remember to apply the dark wax to crevices as these will retain more of the wax. The cracks will appear darker and the open surfaces lighter, resulting in a more natural appearance. If the crevices are not waxed with the dark wax, the overall impression is artificial.

Black wax is seldom used on white paint. It is generally used on dark-colored paint to deepen and enhance the colors.

Waxing Techniques

The paint must be completely dry before waxing.

Liquid wax is usually applied with a brush. Soft wax can be applied with a waxing brush or a soft cloth, and hard wax is always applied with a soft cloth.

It is best to work on only a small area at a time and apply the wax in a circular motion. Use a lint-free plush cloth to wipe off excess wax.

Allow the wax to dry for approximately twenty-four hours before buffing the wax to create a smooth sheen to your project. The wax does not give a glossy appearance but rather the subtle patina seen on old, well-worn furniture.

Waxing Techniques for White And Dark Wax

Apply a layer of clear wax before using white or dark wax.

Allow the clear wax to dry for an hour or two.

Apply the white or dark wax with a wax brush or soft cloth.

Some crafters like to mix dark wax with clear wax to control the color better. Wipe away the white or dark wax to create the impression you want. White wax usually does not produce as dramatic a change and is not often mixed with clear wax.

It is essential that you do not permit the clear wax to dry completely before applying the dark or white wax. If the clear wax layer is too dry, you will struggle to create the effect you want because you will not be able to lighten the dark color to achieve the desired result.

Allow the dark or white wax to dry and then buff.

Using Wax In Different Climates

It is important to note that wax and paint drying times vary with different temperature and humidity levels. If you are in a part of the world with extremely high or low temperature or humidity, it is probably best to paint and wax a small piece of wood to ascertain the best drying times. Wax takes approximately twenty-four hours to dry before it can be buffed. It takes about two weeks to cure the wax fully, so do not expose your project to heat or hot dishes for that period.

How Often Must Wax Be Re-Applied

Wax should be re-applied every nine to twelve months. If you are satisfied with the color of your project, you can just re-apply clear wax. If your feel the color needs to be re-worked, then apply white or dark wax mixed with some clear wax until you are happy with the color.

Color Washing

If you have already painted your item and feel the paint is too white, you can use a color washing technique to create a thin layer over the white. Decide on the shade of white you would like your project to have. Pale grey, cream, green, pink and old white can be used.

The various chalk paint manufacturers have a range of pale colors that should help you achieve the right shade. Alternatively, you can blend the shaded paint with the white paint until you are happy with the mixture. There are no absolutes in creating the palette you want. If you are uncertain, experiment with the color on a spare piece of wood.

Create a mixture of paint and water in a 50:50 ratio.  Use a dry brush and apply a very thin layer over the top of the bright white layer. Do not pick up too much paint on your brush. The brush must remain as dry as possible to make the layer as thin as possible. Apply one thin layer of the mixture to your project and wait for it to dry. If you are still not satisfied with the color, you can apply subsequent layers until you achieve the desired effect. Allow the paint to dry. Use clear wax to preserve the paint.

Conclusion

Chalk paint is a popular paint to create an aged look in painting projects. Novices may make the mistake of choosing a white shade that is too bright or white to achieve the effect they want. This problem can be remedied using white or dark waxes to preserve the article while subtly changing the shade of white.

Color washing is another technique that can be useful in altering the shade of white. These techniques are easy to master as long as care is taken in drying times and application methods. In the application of chalk paint and waxing, it is always best to use many thin layers than one thick layer. Applying the paint and wax in thin layers also allows the crafter more control over the color shades.

Manny Moore

Getting my hands dirty and building a place that me and my small family love is a driving factor for what I do and how I do it. I want to share what I have learned and practiced so that it is just that much easier for everyone to have another tool in their tool belt. Your home should be a place that you love and feel comfortable in and your backyard should be no different.

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