How to use Chalk Paint® Lacquer by Annie Sloan

[@lyndseyanne4022]

My experience was definitely not this fun or easy. Id like to see a video on tips or things that might go wrong. As i was painting my cabinet the paint would drag almost immediately. Very much like using gloss paint on a hot day (it was not a hot day and i used matt). It also bobbled up and i have some cloudy areas too to go with the lines. I was so fed up of getting lint in my wax i thought id go for the safe option but it was an utter nightmare. Not like ive never varnished anything before.

[@TheReclaimedHeirloom]

Thanks Annie! Great tutorial!! 🎨I love using your Clear Matt Lacquer, it gave a nice finish on my last table top project!!! 🎨

[@StudioJanet]

Great product Annie! I have used it on painted slate signs for outdoors, vinyl floorcloths, glass ball painted ornaments and my art canvas paintings! Thank you for always seeming to know what we artists need. Janet x

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Thanks Janet!

[@angaramacrafts8564]

Hi Annie! I purchased the matt finish to put on a child's chair for our new grand baby girl. I painted it white and then stenciled her name on it and added some decorative curves and bees with the colors Henrieta and English Yellow, Annie Sloan paints. So thrilled with the quality! Can't wait to finish it off! (Your paint worked extremely well with mesh stensils!!) Thanks for the great tips!!! ang. 👩‍🦳 Olympia, Wasgington 🇺🇸USA

[@sallysmallwood4859]

Love your lacquers, Annie! Just finished painting and lacquering the window sills in our bedroom, and now am doing the kitchen! Thank you for great products and for making these encouraging, easy-to-follow tutorials.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Thanks so much!

[@susanback4452]

So glad I found you! I was watching an American lady but she didn't exactly tell me what I wanted to know. You did! I'm using chalk paint for the first time and really didn't know what I was doing. I've only recently discovered it. I sanded my first project and it looks awfu, maybe the wax will improve the finish 🤞🏻 I have, however, just started a large chest of drawers and it's going so much better. I'm a carpenters daughter and to NOT prep 'properly' just went against every cell in my body... Lesson learned! Thank you for your crystal clear tutorials. I'm hoping to do the kitchen cabinets in the not to distant future! 😉

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your story. I hope you continue to enjoy working with my paint, and please don't hesitate to contact us or your local Stockist if you have any questions. BTW, I rarely sand until after I've applied a coat of wax ... it just seems to make it easier.

[@susanback4452]

@@AnnieSloanHome oh! I haven't seen anything as yet re sanding after waxing. I'm not best happy with the finish so maybe that's what I should do then. I have very deep paint brush strokes.

[@kelleneellexson1962]

I love the matte finish!

[@janicebradford9780]

I can’t wait to try some of your paint. I can listen to you all day. Lovely voice and even lovelier paint.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Aw, thank you Janice.

[@christinedavid1644]

Hi Annie I meant why are the lacquers not in 1 litre tins like the paints can the tins be bigger ?

[@shreyaaggarwal3464]

Hi Annie , I used the matte lacquer over my chalk painted furniture . However it got completely ruined as the paint curdled when I applied the lacquer . What could have gone wrong 😭

[@diannamckellar7769]

If you use Annie’s high gloss lacquer and it has been more than 24 hours since application, do you have to sand before applying a second coat?

[@michelleforbes7520]

Lovely work Annie. I am thinking about painting my Kitchen units, but they are not solid wood. They are MDF wrapped Vinyl. Pretty standard for alot of Kitchen units I suspect. Can I use chalk paint on them, and if so should they receive any special prep before painting?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Michelle, yes you can! Just be sure to wash them with no harsh chemicals. With MDF and vinyl there's no special measures needed, but as it is a non-porous surface it will take an extra coat to get full coverage, and may take longer to dry between coats.

[@carmencardashian8661]

I wonder if u could mix the lacquer straight into the chalk paint and apply on furniture..it would save time I think..but who knows ..

[@stevieculley9490]

Hi Annie, am a beginner and love what your chalk paint can do, I would like to know can l use chalk paint lacquer on top of clear wax or would have to sand wax off first? Stevie 🙂

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Stevie, it's best not to mix the Wax and Lacquer. If you want to apply Lacquer to a surface that's already been waxed, you would need to either sand it off then reapply, or apply Chalk Paint on top of the Wax and then finish with Lacquer. For best results I would recommend sanding first, then painting, then Lacquering. - Amy W

[@marlenepolicastro4879]

Hi Annie - quick question. I think the Lacquer in the gloss finish would be fantastic in the bowl of my birdbath in the garden, helping me to keep it clean. Is it SAFE for wildlife? Appreciate it!

[@spanishwithhispanichorizons]

thanks. Can you lacquer also with this product acrylic paintings that I want to keep outdoors?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi there! As it's not something we've tested, we wouldn't be able to advise either way.

[@ked4864]

For kitchen cabinets... would the gloss be easier to keep clean than the Matt? I'm thinking of a how cabinets get smudgy around the handles and knobs -- does one finish clean up better than the other?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Whether you choose to finish your cabinets with Matt or Gloss Lacquer, the sheen will have no effect on the Laccquer's durability. When applied properly, both will give you a surface that is easy to maintain.

[@tonyag9218]

Hi there. I am using your chalk paint for cabinets and then your lacquer. I am wondering if I can apply the dark wax to age after applying the lacquer? I had heard you can’t apply the wax on top of the lacquer though so I am trying to figure out how the best way is to distress with these products. I am assuming the lacquer will be more durable and easier to keep up then the wax. Thank you!

[@shibbu1990]

Hello Annie, Love your paint and work. Can we use chalk paint on decolam sheet covered furniture like beds, tables, kitchen cabinets. Thank you.

[@smrithi07]

I used wax on my outdoor furniture and it has started to chip.. can i use lacquer on top of wax now?

[@ioannastalitsa]

Hey Annie! Love your paint. I would like to ask you a question. Im currently painting my kitchen cupboards with olive green chalk paint. I have both wax and matt lacquer and I decided to go with the lacquer for more protection. I applied 2 coats with a roller and clouds appeared on the surface and it doesnt look great. Dont know what i have done wrong. Do you meant to add water in the lacquer?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

What you are experiencing is called 'frosting'. This can occur when the Lacquer is applied too thickly or the paint underneath is not completely dry, and is especially noticeable over darker colours. It's always best to add about 10% water for the first coat of Lacquer; the second coat is applied full strength. Lacquer should always be applied in thin coats. It also helps to stir the product well, both before and during use. We typically recommend applying Gloss Lacquer first over darker colours to avoid any cloudiness and then follow that with Matt if you want a lower sheen. Hopefully this easy fix will work for you: Mix in a little bit of your Olive Chalk Paint® into your Lacquer and apply a fresh coat. Please let us know if you need further assistance. Barb, Global Technical Advisor for Annie Sloan

[@kanashigyal1235]

Hi I’ve noticed that the lacquer gloss on my dresser is pealing , do you know why ?

[@sandrabeach7407]

The lacquer has dragged some of the brown from the wood on the table, can I repaint and lacquer again?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Sandra, sounds like the Lacquer has pulled tannins from the wood or previous finish through. You will need to use a stain blocker on the piece before re-painting and lacquering again.

[@JazzManMilan]

I love your products. What about a hi gloss finish?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Our Chalk Paint® Lacquer can give you a gloss finish.

[@JazzManMilan]

@@AnnieSloanHome can it be buffed to a higher gloss?

[@canolli9602]

Hi Annie I have just finished chalk painting my dining table and I have the lacquer ready to go but my table has decorative carvings that I wanted to use dark wax over them for an aged look can lacquer be used over the wax?

[@marim5492]

Please, I would like to know if I can use this lacquer on top of the chalk paint and wax? Thank you for helping me.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello, we wouldn't recommending using the Chalk Paint Lacquer over a previously waxed surface.

[@dianehuygen1270]

Hi Annie do I wait for the chalk paint to dry before I paint the clear gloss lacquer?

[@woodpaintingbangladesh5773]

Veri Nice

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Thank you so much!

[@elainejones5882]

Hi, can the lacquer be used over the top of dining chairs that have already been waxed with the soft wax? Thank you x

[@AnnieSloanHome]

It can not. The Lacquer, like any other clear protective coating product, will not adhere to wax. If need be, the wax can be removed with mineral spirits.

[@robinlynnestevens]

Anne, great! If I decide to change the color at a later date, can I repaint over the lacquer with latex or chalk paint?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

You can paint over the Lacquer with Chalk Paint® yes :)

[@dlb19595]

I am assuming your Lacquers can also be used on a wood floor? Over water based stain?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Yes Donna, it wold be good for that application!

[@louisesiebesma7234]

Can I add paint to my final lacquer layer

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello Louise, you can add a small amount of paint to the lacquer to tint it.

[@sashademidova4209]

Hi Annie, i want to paint my countertops with chalk paint, is this a good seal for it?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello Sasha, Lacquer is indeed a very strong finish! That said, kitchen countertops can take a great deal of abuse and exposure to water. Care should be taken as painted finishes can't take the same abuse as solid surfaces most widely used for kitchen countertops.

[@lunarticrockstar6084]

Helloo love your video..🧡 i love using chalk paint, and i have been finding a way to seal it without making it look shiny. I used matt sealant, is there a way to keep the integrity of the look when sealing it? Or varnishes and sealants, even flat or matte will still have shine in it? Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello Hershey, A single coat of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax once dry provides protection with a very low luster. You can also burnish the paint by gently polishing with a high grit sand paper (1000 grit) or crumpled brown paper. Give it a try! -Jen at ASI

[@meriemdewilt3042]

Did you use a normal foam roller. Or a special one for laquer.😘

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Meriem! Any old sponge roller will do ;) doesn't have to be special for lacquer.

[@stefanieseaton1801]

In the fact sheet it suggests using shellac as a stain blocker if your piece bleeds through (on the patch test. How long do you have to wait for the shellac to dry before painting the surface and using the lacquer?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Shellac dries pretty quickly. Usually 45 minutes, but keep in mind that temperature and humidity can have an effect on dry times.

[@crazyone41]

Can lacquer go over your wax? I saw a tutorial on here that the painter used it over wax but I thought rule as wax last always

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi there, no do not apply lacquer on top of wax. The Wax is oil based and the Lacquer is water based so they will not sit on top of each other well. If you would like to lacquer a previously waxed surface, you can re-paint it with Chalk Paint and then Lacquer over that.

[@ramfia]

Annie Sloan Hi Annie, what if the wax is fully cured is it also not advised?

[@joyargow]

Hey Annie can I please ask? Why do you apply the varnish every which way? I thought you would always go with the grain? Thank you!

[@AnnieSloanHome]

I find it easier to lay the varnish out smoothly when I brush that way. Sometimes your brush strokes can be quite noticeable when you brush in a more linear direction, but it's totally up to you.

[@gracedimeglio7391]

Hi can you pour some into a cup and add a colour of chalk paint. Also I started using your chalk paint and it’s very thick and does not brush on easily

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Yes, but just add very small amounts of paint or you'll risk compromising the Lacquer. Our paint is designed to be thick yet spread out easily. It's best if you don't overload your brush and move it in varying directions, spreading the paint quickly over the surface. You might find this video quite helpful: www.anniesloan.com/techniques/how-to-use-chalk-paint-by-annie-sloan

[@susanlemieux2451]

I'm trying to create a non-slip surface on a piece of primed masonite (for an angled puzzle board). Would chalk paint with a matte lacquered finish do the job?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello Susan, Depending on the degree of the angle, it could work. I would recommend a little testing on a scrap of wood to be sure. The weight of the puzzle closer to completion would be the only variable I think.

[@sgnorris]

I love the color of the furniture piece. What is the name of it? Thx

[@AnnieSloanHome]

That is our Old Violet colour. We think it's beautiful.

[@terrymoore401]

I used your Matt finish lacquer on an ikea chest of drawers not thinking about absorption and it came out chalky . What to do??? Thank you.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

I'm wondering if you mean milky. You will sometimes get a chalky (whitish) or milky appearance when you either 1) apply the Lacquer in heavy coats, or 2) you apply Matt directly over darker paint colours without applying Gloss first. The fix is easy. Simply repaint and then apply the Lacquer in thin coats and, if going over a dark paint colour, apply Gloss first.

[@milenamiyaful]

I have a question. I just painted my kitchen cabinet with Annie Sloan Paris Grey chalk paint (beautiful color!). Then I finished them off with Annie Sloan lacquer applying 2 thin coats as instructed. I see streaks/lines lasting a few days now. Will this diminish? I'm not sure what I did wrong. Thanks for any help :)

[@AnnieSloanHome]

If your streaks are clear marks in the finish, then it is likely that you applied the Lacquer too thickly. A quick sand to get rid of the marks and a very thin coat of Lacquer should even everything out. If the streaks are an actual discoloration or stain in the finish, then you will need to reapply the paint to cover the stains and reseal.

[@milenamiyaful]

@@AnnieSloanHome Thank you for this! I will certainly give it a quick sanding down. Last question (sorry) but what type of sanding sponge can I use? 220 grit?

[@jacquelinepetersen5759]

Can it be used on acrylic painted canvases?

[@StudioJanet]

I do!!! works great!

[@jacquelinepetersen5759]

@@StudioJanet Do you brush it on with a regular brush or a sponge brush?

[@StudioJanet]

@@jacquelinepetersen5759 I don't like sponge brushes for my paintings. I use a nice flat synthetic brush. I would use a sponge roller on a vinyl floorcloth.

[@StudioJanet]

I love the blue synthetic brushes Annie is using here.

[@jacquelinepetersen5759]

@@StudioJanetThank you so much!!

[@aprilmarks2767]

I have a question I use the chalk paint and I also put wax on top of the chalk paint but I’m not very happy with the outcome do you know if I could put the lacquer on top of the wax or do I have to take the wax off thank you

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi April, I wouldn't advise applying the Lacquer directly on top of the Wax. If you want to do this I suggest re-applying Chalk Paint over the wax first, and then lacquering.

[@EvaMukhija]

Hi Annie I will be doing my first chalk paint project- restoring the look for my dining table. The table has a dark walnut polish and I have chosen Svensk blue and old white for a 2 tone distress look. Now since dining table is an every day use item and I have small kids, so spilling is common, what would you suggest to seal it with?>

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Two or three coats of our Chalk Paint® Wax will give you a wipeable finish for your dining table. Treat your finished piece with extra care while the wax cures. Chalk Paint® Wax typically cures in just 5 to 21 days. Curing is what strengthens the finish and gives it its durability. Be patient! You can use your newly finished piece during the curing process - just treat it gently and with respect! Wipe up spills immediately and avoid placing objects that would scratch or otherwise damage the surface, excess moisture, and harsh cleaners and abrasive pads. A little bit of care and patience during the curing period will reward you with a finish you will enjoy for years to come.

[@EvaMukhija]

Thanks @Annie . So wax is better than the lacquer for surfaces like dining table?

[@balintkoncsag4959]

Hi Annie, Thank you for this tutorials! I would love to paint over the stairs inside the house with your beautiful chalk paints. The stairs are indoor, but since we are stepping on them, I suppose I will need the Lacquer to fix the colour hard, won't I? - I saw another video of yours about the Mahogany look and I love that! I would love to reach that look on the wooden stairs too, but I will need to use Dark Wax for that..... As I read the comments, you are not recommending the Lacquer on the top of the Wax. What shell I do than? Would the waxing be enough to fix the paint? Thank you

[@AnnieSloanHome]

For protecting your paintwork on stairs, you will want to use our Chalk Paint® Lacquer. You are correct in that it cannot be applied over wax, so when you are wanting a more aged or stained look use a paint wash technique instead. Your local Annie Sloan Stockist can guide you on how to do that. You can find your closest Stockist here: www.anniesloan.com/stockists/#/

[@balintkoncsag4959]

Great! Thank you very much for the quick reply and the good advice! :)

[@dorotadurazinska7822]

@@AnnieSloanHome oh I was wondering the same thing I will be painting my kitchen cabinets and already bought dark and clear wax but I think I will do lacquer instead.

[@debeckelberg6083]

Could I use this for my chalk painted countertops?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

That depends on whether your countertops are already sealed with wax. Lacquer can not be applied over wax. If they are sealed with wax you can always repaint with Chalk Paint® and then seal with Lacquer.

[@boezempje]

Hi Annie, I used your Lacquer, but after a few days I noticed that I didn't do a nice job and I see some Lacquer driedup sitting somewhere that it doesn't belong (I spilled a few drops on the floor). How do I get rid of it?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi there, it depends on the floor! it might just scrape off otherwise it may need to be sanded.

[@christinedavid1644]

Hi there Annie why are the lacquers in one litre tins like the paints ?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Christine, the Lacquer tins are actually 750ml.

[@shreyaaggarwal3464]

What sealant should I use for a piece painted in old white . Will lacquer change the colour of white piece?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hello Shreya, Wax is always my sealer of choice, but the Lacquer is a very strong and durable finish as well. Applied correctly, the lacquer will not change the color of your piece.

[@shreyaaggarwal3464]

@@AnnieSloanHome Hi Annie , thanks for answering my query . Are there any specific tips to be kept in mind while applying lacquer . I'm very skeptical of using anything over a white colour as it turns yellow most of the times with a topcoat

[@thebrit6510]

How can you get the aged effect of wax? But with the protection of laquer? I have read that you can’t use laquer over wax. Also how long until you should coat gold leaf with wax? Thanks

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi there, you cannot use Chalk Paint® Lacquer over the Chalk Paint® Wax as the Lacquer is water-based. Is it the Dark Wax you would like to mimic? Consider mixing the Lacquer with a little Chalk Paint® in Honfleur and this will give the brown, aged effect. Once a coat of this, I would also do a normal coat on top for full protection.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

I would also Lacquer or Wax metal leaf straight away to prevent tarnishing.

[@donnajordan4412]

Does this turn white paint yellow?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Chalk Paint® Lacquer is a water-based varnish and won't turn your white paint yellow.

[@kikimpeka719]

Miss Sloan I would like your advice. I am restoring an old dining table and I want to use after I chaulk paint it the clear and dark wax. Can I put lacquer over the wax for more protection on the top of the table or this is not possible ?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Not only is it not possible, it's not necessary. Finishing your newly-painted table with Chalk Paint® Wax will protect your finish, making it durable to everyday wear and tear and easy to keep clean, while at the same time giving a beautiful mellow look.

[@kikimpeka719]

@@AnnieSloanHome thank so much for the advice ❤️

[@woodpaintingbangladesh5773]

Thanks For Comment

[@carolynhammond6556]

I’ve just used your gloss lacquer and it’s come up way too shiny can I use Matt lacquer to dull it down.. I used mainly for the UV protection, living in Sydney!

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Carolyn, yes you can!

[@woodpaintingbangladesh5773]

Thanks For Comment

[@alisondavison3039]

Hi, I love the gold gilding then the dry brush french linen on your website. Could I then use a Matt or a shine lacquer over the top to give it extra durability? It’s for a classic style furniture suite that will get a lot of use. Thank you

[@sloanannie]

Hi Alison, are you referring to Gilding Wax or Gold Leaf? Gold Leaf will work brilliantly with Lacquer over the top, it will slightly dull the finish but will still look gold. If it is Gilding Wax, Gilding Wax is a finishing product (it is a wax), so depending on when the wax was applied, it may or may not work. The Lacquer may move the wax around and remove it. I would suggest using Gilding Wax over the top of dry lacquer. Hope that helps!

[@thebrit6510]

The laquer dulls the shine of gold leaf as I found out tonight. It went from beautiful shiny gold to dull and grey looking gold. I had to re-coat with gold leaf but it doesn’t look as good. Wish I never used the laquer.

[@dollycolon856]

Hi Annie, I did exactly what you said not to do with the paint brush. I pushed down and now it has lots of brush marks. Now that the lacquer is already dry how would I be able to make it smooth?

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Hi Dolly, you can sand the lacquer gently and add another layer. Please note anything applied with a brush will never be completely smooth. Learn to love the brush strokes!

[@dollycolon856]

@@AnnieSloanHome Aw thank you sweetie I appreciate your answers they do help me, have a blessed day.

[@annieo9468]

I understand that light can play games when filming...but almost every tutorial I've watched on this topic (and I've watched a ton)...the finishes always look uneven or patchy. I'd be so incredibly disappointed to have gone through all the steps with prepping, and painting carefully, to achieve the finish I'm looking for, only to botch it up with an undesirable finish. Of waxes or topcoats...which is more 'dependable' for giving an even finish.

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Both of my finishing products - Chalk Paint® Wax and Chalk Paint® Lacquer - are very capable of giving a lovely, even finish. It's all dependent on the condition of the piece and how the paint was applied as well as having the right tools along with a bit of confidence and skill. With a little bit of practice, it's quite easy to master both of these products, and it's always a good idea to test both to see which one you like best. Remember too that most times with my paint there is no need to prep your piece of furniture other than to just dust it off. Then you're ready for the fun part. Enjoy your painting!

[@soccermom1245]

Very poor audio.

[@susancrowe3999]

Clean out your ears. Sounded fine to me.

[@woodpaintingbangladesh5773]

Thanks For Comment

[@inspectorn3058]

Awful

[@kitcherella77]

Hello Annie, I put on the gloss laquer and I saw white shades coming out of the wood,(the colour I've painted was grey) is that something natural and I should go on with a second hand or not? If I don't use the laquer at all what will happen? Thank you

[@Maarishaaskumar]

Hello ma’am! Greetings from India . Absolutely fantastic coaching , I m Gona order the matt one . One more suggestion I need from you - I used sculpture paste on my wooden almirah through stencil.i want to lock that work so it does not fall off . What chemical Should I use to lock it ? Thank you

[@AnnieSloanHome]

Just make sure you've used a good adhesive. Without that, anything else would be futile.