Is Chalk Paint Waterproof? (Get All the Details)

Are you interested in using chalk paint on a piece of outdoor furniture or a piece of furniture that is constantly exposed to water? Then you might be wondering, is chalk paint waterproof?

This article will enable you to know more about the water-resistance level of chalk paint and other things about chalk paint that will help you.

Chalk paint is a water-based paint formulated by British artist, Annie Sloan. The chalk here refers to the matte finish of the paint, not the raw product for manufacturing the paint.

Is Chalk Paint Waterproof?

Chalk paint is not waterproof, therefore, it should not be utilized on surfaces that are in constant contact with water. Although it is water-resistant, and so it can still withstand a little splash or spill of water on the surface.

Although chalk paint is not waterproof, that does not imply that it cannot be utilized outdoors. Keep in mind that waterproof is not equal to water-resistant. A water-proof object can be in constant contact with water and not be damaged but a water-resistant object can only resist water to a certain extent.

Types Of Chalk Paint

There are about two different types of chalk paint, chalk spray paint and acrylic chalk paint. However, chalk paint is easy to use in any type because of its self-levelling properties.

1. Chalk Spray Paint

This type of chalk paint dries up faster than regular chalk paint, allowing you to finish up your painting sooner.

chalk spray paint also allows you to touch the crevices and areas of the painting surface that are hard to reach. This is ideal if you’re painting a piece with curved edges, spindles, or carvings.

Also, the chalk spray paint has a smooth and brushless finish and can be applied lightly on surfaces.

How To Apply

Chalk spray paint is easy to apply. To achieve the best texture when using chalk spray paint, you need to consider four factors;

• The cleaning and preparation of the surface.
• Preparing the paint.
• Painting procedure
• Porosity of the surface.

Cleaning And Preparation Of The Surface

Firstly, it is crucial that you clean up the surface thoroughly with soapy water or cleaning alcohol. Avoid any trace of oil or wax in particular because they will mostly leave the paint patchy.

If the surface has been previously painted, it is best to either use a sandpaper or a primer first.

Paint Preparation

Shake the paint thoroughly and vigorously for about a minute. Once you start to hear rattling noises from the ball-bearings, it means the paint is properly mixed.

Painting Procedure

When painting, utilize swift and fast movements to prevent the paint from building up in one area. Move from up to down, then side to side, to ensure that thin even coats are continuously applied.

Porosity Of The Surface

Some surfaces such as wood surfaces absorb more paint than other surfaces. Therefore, if you’re going to be spray painting, check for the porosity of the surface you’re going to paint and if you realise the surface is porous, use a primer to seal the surface before painting.

Advantages Of The Chalk Spray Paint

Excellent Coverage

The chalk spray paint has excellent coverage, it gives an opaque and matte finish. With chalk spray paint, you can reach the nitty-gritty and hidden areas of every surface you need to paint.

Perfect For Smaller Pieces

chalk spray paint is perfect for smaller pieces, especially if you want a super smooth and solid finish. Also, small pieces with intricate details might be difficult to paint with a brush. Considering this, the chalk spray paint will prove effective.

Time Effective And Energy Saving

The chalk spray paint is time effective and does not require labour. All you need to do is decide where you want to paint and start painting, no need for sandpaper or any form of sanding. Also, the vigorous work that comes with brushing is left out.

Disadvantages of Chalk Spray Paint

Ineffective For Large Pieces

Because the chalk spray paint comes in large cans, it is usually ineffective for large pieces. To paint a large piece of furniture, you would need to purchase more chalk spray paint, this can prove to be costlier and above budget.

Gives Off A Strong Odour

The chalk spray paint gives off a strong odour, unlike other regular chalk paints. It is always advisable to use chalk spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area while ensuring that you have a mask on.

2. Acrylic Chalk Paint

In the formulation of most of the acrylic chalk paint, a hundred per cent acrylic base is utilized.

This type of chalk paint allows you to perform a harder touch on the painting surface. It is very much ideal if you want to paint large or hard surfaces.

How To Apply

• Ensure if the painting surface is clean
• Decide if you want to wax
• Choose your brushes.
• Ensure The Painting Surface Is Clean

Ensure the surface on which you’re going to paint is clean. If possible, use a little soap and water and then leave the surface to dry off. Also, make sure there is no form of oil spills on the surface as it might disturb your work and give you an unsatisfying finish.

Decide If You Need To Wax

There is no shortcut to waxing. This is by far the most difficult process of using acrylic chalk paint. If you decide to wax, you would need either a clear or dark wax. Clear wax will seal the painting surface to an almost invisible point, while the dark wax will usually have a more significant effect on both the colour and appearance.

Choose Your Brushes

Pick the best brush for your chalk paint. Usually, a normal paintbrush will do depending on your choice and the painting surface. Ensure the brush itself is dry as water would destroy the effect you want to achieve while painting.

Advantages Of The Acrylic Chalk Paint

The acrylic chalk paint has its advantages over spray chalk paint due to its formulation. Here are a few benefits

Dries Easily

Because of its acrylic base, the acrylic chalk paint dries easily, usually in about twenty-five to forty minutes. This means that the painted surface can be utilized almost immediately after painting as it does not take long to dry up.

Sticks Better

Acrylic-based chalk paints are not as runny as their spray counterpart. As a result of this, they can stick to almost every surface making them the best options for a range of DIYs.

Has No Fumes

The acrylic chalk paint has no fumes or residue, it is, therefore, safe to use indoors and can be easily cleaned up. Also, the lack of residue in it makes it easy to wipe off once it has not dried off.

Effective For Large Pieces

The acrylic chalk paint usually comes in larger cans than the spray chalk paint and this makes it very much effective for large pieces or large painting surfaces. Also, it is cost effective as you do not need to purchase too many to carry out your painting process.

Disadvantages Of Acrylic Chalk Paint

Time Consuming

Applying the acrylic chalk paint on surfaces is more of a manual labour and can therefore be time expending, especially if you’re working on large surfaces.

Lack Of A Better Coverage

Getting to cover up intricate, slanted, and sophisticated areas of a surface with paint can be tasking. This is because brushes can sometimes not reach into these areas. As a result of this, it can be difficult to achieve a matte or opaque finish.

Why Use Chalk Paints?

• There are lots of reasons to use chalk paints. They include,
• Ability to paint without needing a primer
• No need for sanding, most of the time
• Dries up quickly.
• Can be used thickly, or thinned and used in a sprayer, depending on your choice.
• Easier and nicer to blend, especially for artistic painting techniques and applications.
• Easy to clean up.
• Drips less due to its stickiness
• Can be applied to any kind of surface.

Is Chalk Paint Waterproof When Dry?

No. Chalk paint is not waterproof when dry. Although when dry, chalk paint can be difficult to get off with water, this does not make it waterproof.

Chalk paint is water-resistant when dry. This means that it can withstand water to an extent, but constant exposure to water will make it wear off. In fact, exposing a chalk painted surface to constant rain will make the paint wash off quickly.

How Is Chalk Paint Waterproof?

Chalk paint is not waterproof. Although some chalk paint products are water-resistant and usually come with additives that prevent the growth of moulds, this does not make them waterproof.

Waterproof means the chalk paint can’t be damaged by water while water resistance means it can be damaged by a level of water beyond that which it can resist.

For example, splashes of water on a chalk painted surface can be harmless, but constant exposure to rain will wear the paint out quickly.

Do You Need To Seal After Chalk Paint?

No, you don’t need to seal after chalk paint. Sealing your chalk paint will however increase its water resistance.

A sealant is advised if you are going to leave your chalk painted surface exposed to water. Although this will not make it waterproof, it will increase the lifespan of the chalk paint.

Can You Use Chalk Paint In The Rain?

No. You cannot use chalk paint in the rain. Using chalk paint in the rain will wash off the paint and prevent it from sticking to the surface like it should. If however you must use chalk paint in the rain, it is advisable to use a very good sealant so as to prevent the paint from washing off on time.

Conclusion

You do not need to be concerned if you adore the look of chalk paint, but somehow concerned that it won’t be able to hold up water.

If the painted surface is going to be exposed to standing water, for example a bench, or a table top, then it is advisable you use a seal after painting. However, the seal will only help it resist water for a while before the paint wears off as chalk paint is not waterproof.