Chalk Painted Furniture Waxing Basics

When it comes to finishing off your latest furniture project you probably already know that you need to protect it with a final layer of your favorite coating. There are several options for finishes from polyurethane to finishing waxes and everything in between. For us chalk painters however, most of us have come to know and love our finishing waxes to create a beautiful satin luster finish.

How to Apply Furniture Wax over Chalk Painted Furniture

Grab your favorite waxing brush such as the Wooster Brush shown above (actually a stencil brush but I use it to wax) or one of my latest finds, this large waxing brush from Amazon. Of course, if budget allows for it you can opt to purchase a higher end waxing brush from Annie Sloan. Apply a thin uniform layer of wax to the surface. Work your brush in all the grooves and crevices of the pieces, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly and smoothly in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire piece of furniture in one sitting and make sure to blend all areas together for the best results.

After you’ve worked the wax in using the wax brush, use a clean white cloth to rub the wax in an wipe off any excess. Let the wax sit overnight or until completely dry and no longer tacky to the touch.

Buffing Furniture Wax

Once the wax is completely dry, grab a clean white cloth once again or a buffing brush to buff and polish your furniture. Buffing can be done in circular motions just as you did when you applied your wax or you can use longer strokes to move from one side to the other. Experiment with the different techniques to see which gives you the effect you like most.

Waxing Brush Versus Cloth Method

I’ve waxed my chalk painted furniture pieces with both a buffing brush and just a simple soft white cloth. A white cloth works fairly well and can yield perfectly acceptable results. Having said that, you do have to keep buying the cloths over and over again, they do tend to streak if you aren’t careful and can be messy to work with.

A buffing brush is typically more comfortable to hold and cleaner since you hold it by a base handle that isn’t covered in the wax. The brushes are made from soft natural bristles which is great for buffing and doesn’t leave scratches or streaks behind. I recommend getting two buffing brushes for your projects: one for clear wax and one for dark wax if you work with dark waxes as well.

My Waxing Product Recommendations

I’ve used several different products and all have their strong points. If you aren’t sure where to start, below is a list of the products I would recommend giving a try.

Waxing Brushes

• Annie Sloan Original Waxing Brush
• Wooster Brush 1895 1-1/2 Thick Stencil Brush, Size 10(read my full review)

Buffing Brushes

• Ultimate Buffing Brush
• Liberon Wax Polishing Brush

Furniture Wax

• Annie Sloan Soft Wax – Clear
• Annie Sloan Soft Wax – Dark
• Minwax Regular Finishing Wax, 1-Pound (read my full review)
• Minwax Special Dark Paste Finishing Wax (read my full review)

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6 Comments

1. 

   Julie Jordan Scott

   May 8, 2014 at 7:54 pm

   This is such a helpful post. I have just started experimenting with chalk paint so every little bit, every little idea, helps.

   Reply
   • 

     Misty Spears

     May 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

     That’s great Julie. I absolutely love working with it and the effect it has on furniture…plus no priming and who doesn’t love that!?

     Reply
2. 

   Laurel Regan

   May 8, 2014 at 8:47 pm

   Thanks for sharing your tutorial and recommendations – very helpful!

   Reply
   • 

     Misty Spears

     May 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

     You’re welcome Laurel. Thanks so much for stopping by.

     Reply
3. 

   Edie

   May 10, 2014 at 3:41 pm

   What an interesting concept. Would love to give it a try sometime. I appreciate your attention to detail.

   Reply
   • 

     Misty Spears

     May 10, 2014 at 4:48 pm

     Any time Edie! Glad to have you here.

     Reply