Looking for just the right sealant?!
If your familiar with chalk paints you are aware that 90% require wax or a sealant to finish them, or in other words, the waxes keep all the painty goodness in without wiping & chipping off.
There are a few paints out there that do not require sealing, like our One Step paint. But you have to be aware of what the “one step” paints out there are capable of.
They are great for basic finishing (solid colour, no layering, clean look) but if your waiting to use them on hard wearning areas such as tables, cabinets, chairs etc. most of them require you or “suggest” you to add an additional top coat to that piece.
These types of paints have a built in top coat but that top coat only protects to a certain degree. So again, if you want something to really hold up and be tough as nails a good coat of wax on top will always be the best route. That extra bit of sealing on the top of the paint will lock in all that fresh paint and give you the durability you need.
Below is the break downs of our waxes, their properties and how to apply them:
Need a wax?
Let’s start with traditional paste wax. Plaster Paint Paste Wax is a Carnauba wax base, the hardest natural wax known to man. Paste Wax is best used on wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinetry, floors & any wood decor. Paste wax gives a silky smooth, rich finish.
Our paste waxes come in two options, Original Paste & Antiquing. the only differences between these two waxes is the Antiquing wax has an added brown tint to highlight and emphasize your pieces features.
We suggest using one of our Restore Wax Brushes when applying paste wax, these brushes give you great control when applying and get into the little grooves and cracks. Since Paste wax needs to be buffed to activate a seal, you can choose between a neutral buffing cloth or our buffer brush that easily attaches to your drill.
Now that you know a little about the Paste Waxes here’s how to apply it.
Preparation:
1. Make sure piece is dry & lint free.
Application:
1. Use a dry natural bristle brush (preferred brushes below) and apply a very thin coat of Paste Wax.
2. Apply in a circular motion one way, then go back over in the reverse direction.
3. Finish by brushing back flat and do not allow to dry with swirls.
4. Once dry, buff vigorously while applying pressure using buffer brush or dry clean cloth (neutral colour). The best and easiest way to buff is using our buffer brush attached to an electric drill.
5. As you buff and create friction you will see your project change from dull to silky smooth. The finish will be stunning!
Clean up:
1. Water based soap and water clean up.
How about Liquid Wax?
Our next options for waxes is our Liquid option, the liquid waxes are newer to the chalk paint world, but let me tell you, once you try a liquid wax it’s hard use anything but. That being said I do believe there is a time and place to use either product in different applications.
Liquid wax is great for use indoors or outdoors – You can choose from Super Gloss or Matte finish and the best part, No BUFFING required! Used for all furniture pieces & recommended for all metal, plastics, glass, appliances, countertops & most non-porous surfaces.
We find the best way to apply liquid wax is by using our signature bristle brushes, or restore® synthetic.
Signature Brush Restore Synthetic
The Liquid Wax Matte will give you a beautiful satin, vintage look and is perfect for any project but especially great on darker colors. The Liquid Gloss semi gloss leaves a high sheen bringing out the vibrancy to your colors.
Here’s how to prepare & apply:
1. Allow piece to fully dry before apply wax.
2. Make sure piece is dust and lint free.
3. Just open jar and begin application.
Application:
1. Fully saturate your brush with liquid wax. Not using enough wax on your brush can cause the finish to dry splotchy and show brush strokes. That being said make sure your wax isn’t pooling in cracks or dripping, this will cause the wax to dry white.
2. Wax will dry in about 30-35 mins depending on humidity and temperature. Painting and waxing are best done at room temperature or above.
3. Let dry for 35-40 mins for a touchable dry, 24 hours for a full cure.
Clean up:
1. Water based soap and water clean up.
Additional Info:
- Low VOC’s
- A cure time of seven days is highly recommended for items such as counter tops or slick surfaces.
Our last and one of my favourite finishing tools, Magic Seal!!! Oh boy does this wax save a DIYer some serious time. Jewels Magic Seal is a non-sticky water based, NO odor product which truly seems like magic. Perfect for sealing between layers or using as your final sealant – it will create a semi gloss finish.
Here’s how to apply:
Application:
1. Shake and spray can vigorously for one minute.
2. Hold your spray can 6-8 inches away from project surface.
3. Spray your project using several thin coats, instead of one thick coat.
4. Use an even side-to-side motion ending the spray off the piece & beginning the spray off the piece.
5. Allow wax to dry thoroughly for 1-2 hours or until cured. Add second coat if applying to heavily used surfaces.
Additional Notes:
- Great for chairs and grooves on furniture.
- Non yellowing.
AND…
Thats the sum of our current line of waxes and sealants. If you have any further questions about any of these products or how to apply them, please contact us and we will be happy to help. Until next time!!
Always be creating!
Layne and Matt
