Do You Have to Seal Chalk Mineral Paint?
Chalk Mineral Paint helps to meet the needs of homeowners who want to create a vintage look. It is a matte-finish paint that can adhere to surfaces without sanding. It is ideal for use on furniture, but you can apply it on other surfaces as well. Over the years, similar products have entered the market. What distinguishes Chalk Mineral Paint is that it is convenient and easy to use. But do you have to seal Chalk Mineral Paint? Most DIYers will have that question in mind. Keep reading to find out!
What Is a Seal or Topcoat?
Before you learn whether to seal Chalk Mineral Paint, you should understand what a seal coat is. After painting a surface, you can apply a sealer or topcoat to protect the painted surface. A topcoat helps to prevent excessive wear and tear. Sealing the surface can make it waterproof or water-resistant, making it ideal for furniture and other wood surfaces. Most water-based topcoats are made from polyacrylic, or acrylic resin and other resinous polymers.
Why You Should Seal Chalk Paint?
Chalk Mineral Paint has a matte finish, which makes it perfect for enhancing vintage furniture. Although Sealing Chalk Mineral Paint is NOT necessary it will better protect the furniture from damage, staining, and excessive wear. A top coat can improve the feel of the painted item if you do not want the chalky feeling. Use topcoats with a matte finish (Dixie Belle Clear Coat Flat) to maintain the overall aged or vintage look. If you want a glossy finish, you can use Dixie Belle Satin, Gloss, or Gator Hide.
Choosing the Sealer/Topcoat
The top coat you use to seal Chalk Mineral Paint should depend on your desired finish. It should protect your furniture piece from environmental elements. Sealants for Chalk Mineral Paint include waxes and polyacrylic. You should find a topcoat that is compatible with your paint. Test the products before you apply the sealer. The wrong top coat can ruin the overall look. Dixie Belle has designed their top coats and wax to work hand in hand with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint.
When Not to Seal Chalk Paint
While it is usually better to apply a sealant over chalk paint, sometimes you may want to skip the topcoat. Consider the topcoat you use and note that some may not be ideal for your furniture. Chalk Mineral Paint is highly porous, so when you apply polyacrylic any stains, nicotine, or tannins will wick up through the pain and leave discolored spots on the painted surface. If you are unsure of the origin of the furniture piece, to be safe, we recommend using our BOSS which stands for Blocks Odors, Stains, Stops Bleed thru! If you use a wax sealer, you may need to keep reapplying the sealer every few years.
Choosing Finishing Wax
The matte finish and color are the biggest attractions of Chalk Mineral Paint. If you want a vintage look, sealing the paint will change the overall look. A top coat can add a shine that may or may not be desirable. A top coat can add a shine that may not be desirable. Using wax may be the best way to protect your furniture while maintaining the overall look. However, it wears off over time and will need touchups.
Sealing Chalk Mineral Paint can help to protect your furniture, keeping it looking new for longer. Polyacrylic is ideal for high-traffic areas. Glaze can add protection and unique coloring and is ideal for decorative pieces.