The Best Chalk Paint Wax to Protect and Enhance Your Furniture

There’s no better way to protect your latest chalk paint project than by applying a wax seal. Chalk paint wax ensures a smooth finish and beautiful appearance.

But there are so many chalk paint wax brands out there. Which one is the best?

Keep reading for a review of the seven best chalk paint waxes for furniture.

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Buyer Guide for Chalk Paint Wax

Why Use Chalk Paint Wax

Chalk paint wax is an easy way to finish off your furniture restoration project. Chalk paint has a dry, matte finish.

Wax improves this appearance by evening out imperfections and giving a smooth, glazed finish.

Wax also seals and protects your paint job. This is especially important for high-traffic furniture such as dining room tables and chairs.

Wax will ensure that the paint lasts as long as possible without chipping or fading.

Choosing the Right Type of Wax

There are several different kinds of chalk paint wax.

The first difference you may notice is whether the wax is oil-based or beeswax.

Oil-based wax will have a stronger odor, but the finish typically lasts longers. Beeswax smells more pleasant, but you may have to reapply within a year.

Waxes will also differ in color. Most finishing waxes are clear. This is designed to enhance and seal the paint color.

You can also find waxes in darker colors. These colors are meant to be decorative while also providing a seal. This is a great way to add a distressed, antique look to furniture.

Other Products You Might Need

Besides chalk paint wax, you may need a few products to complete your project.

An application brush will allow you to apply wax to your project easily. These brushes are typically round with thick, natural bristles. Most chalk paint brushes are multi-purpose, so that you can paint and apply wax with them.

You can also use cotton rags or deconstructed cotton t-shirts to apply wax.

Using a buffing cloth is a great way to get your desired finish. The more you buff, the more sheen you add!

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How to Apply Chalk Paint Wax

There are two main methods of applying chalk paint wax: with a brush and with a cloth.

By Brush

To apply chalk paint wax by brush, gently dip the brush into the wax. You don’t want to get too much on the brush at once.

Apply the wax to your furniture in small sections. This will allow you to quickly wipe excess wax off as you go.

You can either brush in circular motions or side-to-side with the wood grain. Both of these methods will help the furniture piece absorb the wax finish.

Remove any excess wax with a cotton cloth. Any left-behind build-up can cause yellowing. When removing excess wax, wipe wax gently so as not to cause premature buffing.

Allow the wax to dry completely before applying another coat. This can take up to 24 hours.

By Cloth

Wax can also be applied with a cloth. Using a soft cotton cloth, dip it into the wax. Similar to the brush method, you don’t want too much wax on your cloth.

Rub the cloth onto the furniture in circular motions or side-to-side with the wood grain. As you go, use a separate cloth to remove any excess wax.

Allow the first coat of wax to dry before applying a second layer or darker coat.

Buffing the Wax

Once your desired coats of wax have dried completely, you’re ready to begin buffing. Using a buffing cloth, rub down the entire furniture piece in a circular motion. Consistency is key to preventing uneven spots.

You’ll need to buff the wax harder and more frequently to get a glossy finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to seal chalk paint?

Technically, no, you don’t have to seal chalk paint. But, unsealed chalk paint is much more likely to chip and stain.

Sealing chalk paint will protect your hard work. It also provides a beautiful finish to chalk paint. The wax gives a sheen similar to professionally finished furniture.

2. What’s the difference between wax and polycrylic?

Wax is typically an oil-based finish. Polycrylic is a water-based finish.

Wax is a great choice for finishing chalk paint because it highlights the paint without adding too much gloss. Polycrylic, on the other hand, dries into a slick, glossy finish.

Polycrylic does offer a longer-lasting finish. It’s easy to wipe down, which can be helpful in high-traffic areas.

But wax is a great way to smooth out imperfections and add distressing.

I think, overall, wax is a better finish to chalk paint. Wax highlights the antique style of chalk paint better than polycrylic.

3. Can I use any type of finishing wax with chalk paint?

The great thing about chalk paint is that most finishing waxes work well with it.

Finishing wax is made to be versatile, and seal painted or raw wood.

In fact, going for a general finishing wax is a great way to save money. Waxes that are marketed specifically toward chalk paint tend to have more of a markup.

4. How do I clean chalk paint wax off my brush?

To clean chalk paint wax from your brush, dip the brush into a jar filled with mineral spirits.

Allow the brush to sit in the mineral spirits for about three minutes.

Remove the brush from the solution and shake the excess into the jar. Blot the brush onto a paper towel to remove the rest of the excess mineral spirits.

You will then allow your brush to dry completely before reusing it.

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Wrapping Up the Best Chalk Paint Wax

Using chalk paint wax is a sure way to add a beautiful finish to your furniture project. It highlights details and gives a smooth, professional result.

My top pick overall for the best chalk paint wax is Jolie’s Finishing Wax because of its smooth, easy application. And it’s water-resistant for those high-traffic areas! Check out our other posts for more helpful tips on painting and finishing furniture.