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Can You Paint Over Chalk Paint?

Can You Paint Over Chalk Paint?

When it comes to painting, chalk paint gained popularity amongst DIYers recently.

It embodies a great outlook, but it also has many advantages to offer.

For example, you can use it over any painted surface, but can you paint over chalk paint?

Chalk paint has a smooth matte finish that makes it possible to paint over. Although adding a primer on top of the chalk paint first before painting is not required, it is recommended to ensure the best results.

So, if you are about to paint over a wax-sealed surface, you may have to take a slightly different route. 

Today we will be discussing the possibilities of using different paints on top of chalk paint.

There is also a step-by-step guide for your better understanding. Keep on reading to know more. 

What Is Chalk Paint and What Makes It Different from Other Paints?

Chalk paint was introduced to facilitate DIYers and professionals to attain a quick, easy and reliable finish to any clean surface.

The main characteristic is that they are water-based lacquers with a chalky and matte outcome. Its thick consistency keeps it in place and doesn’t let it drip, unlike other paints. 

This type of paint is best suited to work over cracked surfaces or any previous paintwork.

You have the upper hand here, and you can make it thinner by adding water and then brushing it to achieve various tones.

Chalk paints are very durable once they dry out. It should last longer than other paints. It has a thick, opaque body; thus, you won’t need 2-3 coatings.

If you change your mind and want to redo the chalk paint with other types of paint, that is also a viable option.

Chalk PaintMineral PaintLatex Paint
PreparationLight sandingNoneSanding, Primer
Coverage Coat1-2 Coat1-2 Coat
Drying Time2-4 Hrs12 Hrs4-6 Hrs
FinishTexturedTexturedSmooth
Water-ResistantWith topcoatYesYes
ColorsMany OptionsLimitedMany Options
Non-Wood SurfacesYesYesNo

Can You Paint Over Waxed Chalk Paint?

As we already mentioned, you can paint over any chalk-painted surface, but you need to consider a few things to make it a success.

Chalk finish requires sealant to work best. If any surface is covered with chalk paint and wax sealers, you must strip off the extra layer of wax from the top and then repaint it.

Applying chalk paint

How to Apply Paint Over Chalk Paint?

Before you go on to apply a color coating over chalk paint, it is advised that you look for sealants. You can do it by simply observing it or by using water.

By its appearance, if the surface looks glossy, you must realize that there is a topcoat sealant.

Waxes make the surface waterproof. If you splash a little water on the paint surface and see the droplets sticking out, you should realize a sealant is available.

Let’s look at how to remove the extra coating and apply paint over chalk paint successfully.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Belongings

For a new paint job over any chalk paint, you better have some essential supplies like

  • Sanding blocks or sandpaper
  • Drop cloth
  • Protective gears
  • All-purpose cleaner 
  • Paintbrushes, rollers, etc.
  • Primer
  • Desired Paint

Step 2: Initial Prep

A paint job can be a daunting task and will require adequate ventilation. In the outdoors, you won’t have to worry about circulating air. If you are indoors, you better have protective gear with you. 

Paint tends to spill out; thus, you must use a drop cloth to protect the nearby areas.

Safety gears are a must when you paint. Protective clothes, goggles, masks, and gloves can aid you.

Step 3: Sand the Old Surface

Before you start over, you must use the all-purpose cleaner to counter the grimes on the top layer. Then move on to the sanding process to remove the top coat, in this case, the sealants. 

120 grit sandpapers are very handy. Start by sanding the surface until you remove the smoothness from the top.

You should be able to observe the lacquered coat disappearing if the sanding process is up to the mark.

Step 4: Prime It

You may start the painting process right after step 3, but it is highly recommended to prime it before the coloring task. Priming helps the paint adhere better and gives it a more refined finish. 

Take a primer of your choice and apply it to the parts you want to repaint. You can get a bonding primer, which can level up any imperfections and smoothen the surface for you.

Step 5: Time to Use New Paint

Now that the priming is done, you are good to go. Take any paint of your choice, and it can be spray paint, latex, chalk paint, etc. Take the paint applicators in your hand and start rolling. 

Types Of Paint That Can Be Applied Over Chalk Paint

Most paint needs primer and sanding to adhere to the surface, but not chalk paint!

It has its characteristics and can be used without primer, but it needs to be waxed on top for a pristine finish.

Being a good base for other paints, chalk paint can embrace various paint variations. Some paint will go straight in, and some might need priming to adhere successfully. Check out the common paint types below.

Ordinary Paint or Spray Paint

Regular paints don’t have the holding power like latex paint. Therefore, you will have to prime the surface before adding the regular paint. Priming will help the paint to adhere better to the plain. 

Applying spray paint can be critical. Before putting on spray paint:

  1. Ensure the surface is sanded and buffed correctly so that there are no imperfections.
  2. Apply the primer and let it dry, and then you can use the spraying technique successfully.
  3. Always wear protective gear no matter the type of paint you are using.

Using Chalk Paint Over Chalk Paint

Applying chalk paint over a previously chalk-painted surface has to be the most uncomplicated process. In that case, you won’t need the priming process we talked about in step 4!

You can start painting right away after sanding the old surface and removing the top sealant. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Paint Can Go Over Chalk Paint?

You can apply latex paint, spray paint, and even more chalk paint over a painted surface. The advantage of chalk paint is that it has a matte finish and is smooth; thus, most paints can be applied over it.

Keep in mind that chalk paint must be sealed with wax or Polycrylic products; therefore, the topcoat must be removed before applying different types of paint. 

Is Latex Paint the Same as Chalk Paint?

No! They are not the same, but they share some similarities. For example, they are water-based solutions and tend to nick and stain.

Both these paints require a topcoat finish to be fully functional. Latex paints need clear coats, whereas chalk paint requires wax sealants. 

Do You Need to Prime Over Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint adheres better than any other paint. If you plan to put on more chalk paint over the existing one, you won’t need to prime the surface. Simply use the best brushes for chalk paint to attain a superior finish.

Don’t forget to topcoat it with wax sealants. If you plan to put different types of paint, you can prime it; that should not be an issue.

Can You Use Regular Paint Over Chalk Paint? 

When it comes to chalk paint, they work as an effective base for any other paint. The good thing about it is that it might not need priming before applying other paint over it, depending on the variant you are using.

You will have to use a primer beforehand for normal paint because standard colors do not have binding characteristics like chalk or latex paint. 

Can You Put Chalk Paint Over Other Paint Surfaces?

In general, the majority of the paint offers a repainting option. So you can undoubtedly add chalk paint over it. For an exquisite finish to your paint job, we advise you to sand the surface to remove any imperfections before applying chalk paint.

When using chalk paint, priming the surface is not mandatory because it works as a suitable adhesive. 

Conclusion on painting over chalk

Can you paint over chalk paint? Indeed, you can!

You can also apply any kind of finish over chalk paint. Chalk paints act as an effective base for different paints.

Applying paint over it is a pretty simple task if you abide by the above guidelines. It all depends on the type of paint you are planning to use and whether the chalk paint surface is sealed or not.

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.