Welcome, furniture enthusiasts! If you’re here, you’re probably looking for the best furniture wax for chalk paint. Look no further because in this post I’ve got you covered with some useful information and product recommendations! Also included is a waxing technique you’re not going to want to miss! But first, let’s jump right in and reveal the answer to the best furniture wax for your chalk-painted pieces!

DIY green apothecary cabinet painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint with a wax top coat using Annie sloan clear and dark wax.

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The Best Furniture Wax for Chalk Painted Furniture

Now, when it comes to choosing a furniture wax, it’s a matter of personal preference. There are a variety of products with different finishes all with their own positive attributes. But since you came here for my take on the best furniture wax for chalk-painted furniture the answer is… hands down… Annie Sloan wax and I feel pretty passionate about this! (Please note I am not affiliated with Annie Sloan and this is not a sponsored post – I’m just a fan!)

Annie Sloan Soft Wax is a highly favored option for DIY furniture enthusiasts. Having experimented with various brands, I still consider AS my go-to pick due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, the product offers both clear and dark wax variants, which I find delightful to mix (I’ll elaborate on this later). Additionally, the wax now comes in black, which I am eager to try. Moreover, it is a user-friendly wax that novice furniture renovators can comfortably work with. Annie Sloan Soft Wax provides a stunning matte finish, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic furniture items like kitchen and coffee tables. But wait, there’s more! Keep reading to discover additional benefits.

Why Annie Sloan Wax is the Best

  1. High-quality ingredients: Annie Sloan wax is made with high-quality ingredients, including beeswax and carnauba wax, which provide a durable and protective finish.
  2. Specifically designed for chalk paint: Annie Sloan wax is designed to work specifically with chalk paint, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
  3. Easy to apply: The wax has a smooth, buttery consistency that makes it easy to apply with a brush or a lint-free cloth.
  4. Versatile finish: Annie Sloan wax can be applied in thin or thick layers to achieve a variety of finishes, including a matte, satin, or glossy finish.
  5. Enhances the color of the paint: The wax deepens and enhances the color of the chalk paint, giving it a rich and vibrant look.
  6. Durable finish: The wax provides a durable finish that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for furniture that gets a lot of use.
  7. Can be buffed to a shine: Once the wax has cured, it can be buffed to a shine using a soft cloth, giving the furniture a smooth and polished look.
  8. No harsh chemicals: Annie Sloan wax is made without harsh chemicals, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
  9. Long-lasting: A little goes a long way with Annie Sloan wax, so one tin can last for many projects.
  10. Made by the inventor of chalk paint: Annie Sloan is the inventor of chalk paint, and her wax is designed to work specifically with her paint, ensuring the best possible results.

And my personal favorite use is combining Annie Sloan clear wax with their dark wax and how these two work together. More on that below.

A full view of the green apothecary with fern plants in some of the drawers.

Honorable Mention Waxes

I will admit, there are other wax brands that deserve some recognition and are worth a try on your future chalk-painted masterpieces. As mentioned above, it’s all a matter of preference and the only way to determine your favorite is to give them a try.

Minwax Paste Wax is another great option. It comes in a variety of colors, including black and white wax, and it provides a protective coating for outdoor use. It’s also excellent for aged effects on antique furniture.

For those who prefer a satin finish, Flat Out Flat from General Finishes is a good option. It’s a water-based topcoat that dries quickly and provides a protective layer without altering the chalk paint color.

Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax is a popular choice for sealing and protecting painted furniture, and it comes in a range of colors to enhance the finish.

green apothecary with lily of the valley and a basket of candles.

Why You Need a Top Coat for Your Piece of Furniture

Now that my number 1 pick for furniture wax is out of the way let’s discuss why your next chalk-painted project needs a top coat.

  • Protection: A top coat, like wax, can provide a layer of protection to your furniture from scratches, water, and other forms of damage.
  • Durability: Applying a top coat can make your furniture more durable and able to withstand wear and tear over time.
  • Color enhancement: Some waxes can enhance the natural color of the wood or the paint finish, making your furniture look richer and more vibrant.
  • Satin or glossy finish: A wax top coat can provide a satin or glossy finish to your furniture, which can add to its overall beauty and appeal.
  • Easy maintenance: Furniture with a wax top coat is easier to clean and maintain, as the wax layer can prevent dirt and grime from settling into the wood or paint.
  • Preserving patina: For vintage or antique furniture, a wax top coat can help to preserve the patina, or natural aging of the wood or paint, which can add character and value to the piece.

Overall, a top coat like wax can provide several benefits to your furniture, including protection, durability, color enhancement, and ease of maintenance.

Annie Sloan clear wax with a brush and cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions on Using Furniture Wax

What is furniture wax?

Furniture wax is a type of protective coating used to add a durable layer of protection to the furniture. It can be made from a variety of materials, including beeswax, carnauba wax, and mineral oil.

Can I use any type of furniture wax on chalk-painted furniture?

While you can technically use any type of furniture wax on chalk-painted furniture, it’s generally recommended to use a wax specifically designed for chalk paint. These waxes are formulated to work with the porous nature of chalk paint and will provide the best results.

How do I apply furniture wax to chalk-painted furniture?

To apply furniture wax to chalk-painted furniture, use a wax brush or lint-free cloth to apply a thin, even layer of wax over the entire surface of the piece. Work in small sections, and be sure to remove any excess wax with a clean cloth.

Do I need to apply a top coat over the furniture wax?

No, you do not need to apply a top coat over furniture wax. The wax itself provides a protective layer over the chalk paint.

Can I use furniture wax on outdoor furniture?

While you can use furniture wax on outdoor furniture, it’s not recommended for long-term use as it will eventually break down due to exposure to the elements. For outdoor furniture, it’s better to use a clear coat or other protective finish.

How long does it take for furniture wax to cure?

The curing time for furniture wax can vary depending on the brand and type of wax you’re using. Generally, it takes 24-48 hours for furniture wax to fully cure.

Can I use furniture wax on other types of painted furniture?

Yes, furniture wax can be used on other types of painted furniture as well. However, it’s important to make sure the paint is fully dry before applying the wax and to use a wax specifically formulated for the type of paint you’re using.

Can I remove furniture wax from chalk-painted furniture?

Yes, furniture wax can be removed from chalk-painted furniture using mineral spirits or another type of wax remover. However, this will also remove any paint underneath the wax, so it’s important to be careful when using these products.

When do I apply a top coat of wax to a piece I have distressed?

The top coat is the last step in your furniture refinishing project so you would distress your piece before adding the wax top coat. See my The Best Paint for Distressing Furniture post for distressing techniques.
sanding a green chest with sand paper

Will wax turn my white-painted furniture yellow?

It is possible that wax can turn white-painted furniture yellow over time. This is because wax has a slight yellow tint and can darken over time as it ages. This effect can be more pronounced in areas that are exposed to sunlight, heat, or humidity.
To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended to use a clear wax specifically designed for use on white-painted furniture. Additionally, you should ensure that the furniture is completely dry before applying the wax, and avoid applying too much wax at once, as excess wax can lead to discoloration. It’s also important to note that wax is not a permanent finish and will need to be reapplied periodically to maintain the protective layer on your furniture.

Where can I find Annie Sloan wax?

Visit this website to find a retailer near you. Or you can buy online from The Purple Painted Lady.

Tips for Applying Furniture Wax

Now, when it comes to applying wax, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always use a lint-free cloth or wax brush to apply a thin layer of wax, working in small sections. Be sure to remove any excess wax with a clean cloth, and let the wax cure for a long time before using the furniture.

When applying wax to furniture, it’s essential to watch out for loose bristles that may become detached from your wax brush. This issue is more common with cheaper wax brushes, as they tend to have inferior build quality compared to higher-end options.

Loose bristles can cause unsightly streaks or clumps on your furniture piece, potentially ruining the finish you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Moreover, if the bristles come loose and remain on the surface, they may create a rough and uneven texture that can be difficult to correct.

To avoid this problem, it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality wax brush that’s built to last. While they may be pricier, they’ll pay off in the long run by providing a smooth and even finish, without the hassle of loose bristles. Additionally, before using any brush, inspect it closely for any loose bristles and remove them before starting to apply wax to your furniture

If you’re using chalk paint wax for the first time, we recommend doing a test on a small area of the furniture piece before committing to the entire area. I will often grab a spare board to practice on. This was especially important with the mixture of Annie Sloan chalk paint I used for my DIY Card Catalog using Green Chalk Paint followed by the combination of clear and dark wax.

top view of vintage wire basket on the green apothecary.

Step-by-step Instructions for using both Annie Sloan Clear and Dark Wax to Achieve an Aged Effect on your Chalk Painted Piece

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Materials you will need:

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the surface of the chalk-painted piece. Ensure that the chalk paint has fully dried before applying wax. If the piece has any rough areas, gently sand it with sandpaper.

Step 2: Remove the covers of the clear wax and dark wax and with two separate plastic spoons scoop a generous heaping of each wax (keeping them separate) onto a disposable plastic plate paper plate or dinner plate covered in foil. Put the lids back on the wax while you work.

Annie Sloan dark was in a can with a brush and some dark wax on a paper plate.

Step 3: Apply clear wax using an Annie Sloan wax brush or a lint-free cloth, and apply a thin layer of clear wax over a section of the piece. Rub the wax in a circular motion to ensure it penetrates the chalk paint then swiftly move on to step 3.

Step 4: While the clear wax is still wet, apply dark wax using a second Annie Sloan wax brush or a lint-free cloth, apply a small amount of dark wax onto the clear wax. The clear wax acts as a buffer to the dark wax giving you more control over how much dark wax deposits on the piece. Work in small sections and apply the dark wax in the direction of the wood grain then with a lint-free cloth wipe the excess dark wax off depositing only what you want on the piece. Once complete, allow the wax to dry for about 24 hours.

Step 5: Buff the combined wax with a clean, lint-free cloth or the Annie Sloan wax brush. Buffing will help to create a smooth and even finish.

That’s it! These steps will give your chalk-painted piece a beautiful aged finish and you will find the dark wax is easy to manipulate when placed on the clear wax. This combination of clear and dark wax is an excellent solution for when your paint finish seems too bright so be sure to add this idea to your furniture refinishing toolbox for a more muted, aged look!

distressed green drawer with white pansies.

Thanks for reading my post, The Best Furniture Wax for Your Chalk Painted Pieces! I hope I’ve helped you make an informed decision on which product to choose. Remember, wax is important for protecting your chalk paint from scratches and moisture. While there are many different products available, my top recommendation is Annie Sloan wax. It’s made with high-quality ingredients, specifically designed for chalk paint, and easy to apply. Plus, it provides a durable and versatile finish that enhances the color of your paint. Happy painting!

For more furniture painting inspiration visit:

a chest of drawers painted black with a hand holding a paint brush with black paint on it.

The Best Black Paint Color for Furniture (6 experts weigh in) Black painted furniture is popular for its versatility, timelessness, and durability. It pairs well with any color scheme and decor style, making it a great option for farmhouse-style homes, traditional homes, modern homes, and everything in between. In this blog post, six furniture flipping experts were interviewed, who shared their top picks for the best black paint colors, and their go-to black paint when working on projects for their customers, as well as some expert tips.

close up of faux wood finish table top.

How To Paint Furniture To Look Like Wood in 3 Simple Steps In this post, learn an easy way to make a faux wood grain table top using chalk paint and antiquing wax. There is no need to strip or stain, and the steps required are simple. I share how to achieve a natural-looking faux wood finish using these techniques, along with the benefits of the project, the required supplies, and a step-by-step guide.

Thanks for visiting for this The Best Furniture Wax for Your Chalk Painted Pieces post! I hope you give Annie Sloan wax a try and let me know what you think!

Keep creating friends!

my signature, a drawing of me holding a coffee cup that says Create.

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