Update: I recently filmed a video comparing wax and General Finishes High Performance Top Coat that is comparable to Polycrylic. Check it out.
I have another client reveal to share with you today. This is the second job I have completed for her, and again she brought me a gorgeous family heirloom. She grew up eating at this table. Now, she gets to gather around it with her own little ones and make some new memories.
Like I mentioned, this table has already lived a long life. So, the top was pretty beat up, and its finish was peeling in spots. Normally, I don't sand before painting, but I wanted the paint to go on smoothly since I was using white and it is a table top. I got my orbital sander out and used a medium sandpaper, 80 grit, to smooth it out.
The client selected Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in Old White which I know you see a lot of on my site, but it truly goes with anything. It has so much more depth than your average pure white, and also really helps dark wood shine through when you are distressing.
I went back and forth for a couple of days deciding if I would wax the top of the table or use some sort of poly finish. There is a lot of debate out there on the topic, and I think I read every article I could find. After reading, this post from Jennifer Rizzo, I decided since this is a kitchen table going into a home full of toddlers, that a durable polycrylic sealer with a Satin finish would be the way to go.
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| Here is what I used. |
The polycrylic does give a glossier look than wax would, but I was really happy with its clarity- absolutely no yellowing! I did wax the legs of the table and the combination of sealers really worked well. The piece still looks cohesive, and my anxiety level is way lower knowing my client will be using this table multiple times a day. I think I am still "Team Wax," but for really heavy traffic pieces I would promote using a polycrylic sealer.
My client sent me a pic of her whole family around the table enjoying a big Father's Day Breakfast yesterday. What a joy overload, seeing something like that makes all the hard work worth it.
Are there any other Chalk Paint and Poly fans out there? I would love to know are you "Team Wax" or "Team Poly?"
The table looks great! I am so glad you're happy with your finish choice!
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Deletei just redid a table top for our family of 5 two toddlers under 2 ... i took the warped top off and put new wood on it, painted it with home made chalk paint and seal it with 3 coats of poly.... it has been in use for 2 months and the top still looks as good as 1st day...poly all the way for this granny xx
ReplyDeleteI am getting ready to do my first chalk paint table and want to get away from using placemats every time we sit to eat. Would using poly on top instead of was let me get rid of the darn placemats??
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
DeleteI am sorry to tell you that I wouldn't throw away the placemats. Using a polycrylic finish will definitely give a more forgiving finish for accidents and spills, but to protect the life of your table and finish you should use placemats and trivets to protect from damage.
It is really looking much brighter. I can imagine that table in a room with almost any other color around it. I think the only thing I would do different is use a different shade. However, if that was done, you probably wouldn't get it being as versatile as it is now.
ReplyDeleteI just redid my dining room table this weekend. It was my grandparents' table, then my parents. It had seen better days and was really starting to chip. But, I love that is a family piece. Wish I'd found your site before I started! I have put two coats of wax on it already. Does that mean I can't poly it now? I think I need something else as I have four young kids and this table will get a ton of use.
ReplyDeletejust wondering how your table has held up with wax?
DeleteHi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, once you have waxed the polycrylic will not adhere properly. Don't fret. I waxed my dinning room table top as well and have been happy with the results since I don't use it everyday like a kitchen table. My advice is see how it holds up with the wax. If you don't like the way it wears down the road, paint one more coat on top and then finish with the polycrylic. You can paint right over the wax with no problem.
I haven't tried wax yet, but I've done several pieces now with poly and I love the finish! In fact, I just finished a distressed tray today that I finished with polycrylic. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI used the polycrylic as suggested and it dissolved my chalk paint. What did I do wrong?
ReplyDeleteI used the polycrylic as suggested and it dissolved my chalk paint. What did I do wrong?
ReplyDeleteSame happened with mine!
DeleteI tried Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based as suggested on other blogs. The blogger insisted it never yellowed over white. My piece also looks like it dissolved some of the chalk paint and it was grossly yellowed immediately after drying. So disappointing.
DeleteI used the polycrylic shown on a white dresserror and it yellowed it terribly!
ReplyDeleteHappened to me too!
DeleteI tried Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based as suggested on other blogs. The blogger insisted it never yellowed over white. My piece looks like it dissolved some of the chalk paint and it was grossly yellowed immediately after drying. So disappointing.
DeleteWhat's the best brush? I spent $10 and my first coat is super streaky
ReplyDeleteI used wax and it never cured for some reason so then I took it off using mineral spirits. I then went ahead and repainted and applied polycrylic about 5 times so far... Is it supposed to harden well? I did a fingernail test in one of the corners of the table and it shows where I poked it... Or is it not supposed to harden to the extent that it will prevent scratches?? It's been about 24 hours..
ReplyDeleteThanks you!
I found a clear coating ( Rustoleum brand) sold by Home depot. I got 2 quart cans on sale for $28.00. It is made to go over chalk paint. It did not yellow and I used a cheap art and craft brush to apply. No streaks. I was amazed. I have Finished 3 projects with it and it is very durable. Applied two coats
ReplyDeleteI found a clear coating ( Rustoleum brand) sold by Home depot. I got 2 quart cans on sale for $28.00. It is made to go over chalk paint. It did not yellow and I used a cheap art and craft brush to apply. No streaks. I was amazed. I have Finished 3 projects with it and it is very durable. Applied two coats
ReplyDeleteThe polycrylic can says to sand between applications. Do you have to do that?
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of times, but I didn't like it. So normally I don't. I don't know what Minwax would think about that. ;)
DeleteI know this is an old post, but would love some help!! How do you get an even coat of polycrylic on a long table such as this? I'm running into an issue where if I do long brushstrokes, the poly fades in the middle and creates splotches. However, if I dip my brush and keep applying, it creates a different splotchy look and sometimes pulls at the last brush stroke creating unevenness. What's the best technique for LONG, full coverage brushing? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is a little tricky getting the hang of it. When it dries, the streaks tend to go away. Try not to over work it. Get a healthy amount on the brush and keep spreading it in long strokes. My last tip, is make sure you are using a brush in the "best" category. A cheap brush will give you a headache. And try not to be too hard on yourself, you are working right on top of it. Take a step back and try to few it like an outsider. Handprinted furniture will not be as smooth as a "factory finish," but it really adds character to the piece.
DeleteI'm using a small smooth roller to apply both chalk paint and polycryic. It gives a consistent finish.
DeleteHow long does it take for the splotching to go away? Having this same problem with kitchen cabinets.
DeleteColored timber is the craze right now in both furnishings and units. Actually, chalk color has become all the anger.
ReplyDeleteI was old to wax my chalk painted kitchen cabinets, then 30 days later, apply the polyurethane. But, why do I need to apply the wax at all??
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with painting kitchens. My advice to you would be to check with your local Annie Sloan stockist. They should have some great tips for you. It was my understanding that once you wax, you should not put another sealant on top of it.
DeleteHow long after chalk painting do I need to wait before using a poly?
ReplyDeleteYour paint just needs to be dry to the touch, so probably a couple of hours.
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ReplyDeletePoly wax....
ReplyDeleteI just used Annie Sloan Old White on my black kitchen table. I put three coats on the top to make sure it was well covered. I used polyurethane on the top only. The next day I found bubbles and it looks cracked in some places like the paint was being pulled up. What should I do now? Sand then apply second coat of poly or repaint?
ReplyDeletePolyurethane will yellow your white paint job...hope you meant to say Polycrylic! Good luck ☺
DeleteTerrible yellow streaks if paint not cured. Company recommends 30 days to cure!
DeleteI don't think there's really a 'right' answer. I use both depending on the application. Daily use kitchen table? Absolutely polycrilic or polyurethane and at least 4 coats. I took the advice of a woodworker and used a clear gloss for the first three coats - lightly sanding between each - and used a satin for the top coat. Numerous satin coats tend to make the finish a little cloudy. I really love the finish on this table. I am hoping to find a table like this, it's really a classic beauty.
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ReplyDeletethe information you provide to create a lot of work
ReplyDeleteI liked a lot of interesting content. check my blog
How did you sand after the coats of Polycrylic? I tried putting on a Chateau Grey and when I tried to sand after 1st coat with 220 grit sand paper it scratched the paint.
ReplyDeleteI just chalk painted my dining room table (and I've never chalk painted anything previously) and while everyone on every post said to use the 220 grit, while I was at HD buying sandpaper, I noticed that 320 grit is the one they market as the in between coats sandpaper. So I purchased that one instead. I love the paint color and have no interest in distressing the piece either so I hope it works. It's also supposed to be sanded with a light hand. Good luck☺
DeleteI am so upset! I put two coats of grey chalk paint on my bathroom cabinet's and loved the color. Once I put the Polycrylic on there was lots of brush strokes. It helped a little by sanding it. I am wondering if I should but a second coat of Polycrylic or could I put calk paint on again and try the Polycrylic again?
DeletePolycrylic will always show some brush strokes. Try stepping back and looking at it to see if you can live with it. Sometimes when you are working on a piece it's hard to take a step back and look at it with a normal human eye. The polycryclic gives you better protection, but wax will give a smoother finish.
DeletePolyurethane also comes in a spray can that's the easiest way to not get brushstrokes
ReplyDeleteIm new to chalk painting. List the order of how it's correctly applied. Is it paint, sand, poly (or wax) then sand again?? I want to do it right.
ReplyDeleteI waxed a sign for a client and I was thinking of adding polycrylic to it after for a little shine but not sure if putting it over the wax is ok. I spent a lot of time on the 24x24 sign and don't want to ruin it. Do you know if this is ok or not? Have you ever put wax then polycrylic? TIA
ReplyDeleteYou can’t put a top coat over wax. It won’t adhere. Try buffing the wax with a soft, clean cloth to give it some shine.
ReplyDeleteI am at the final stage of my first annie sloan chalk paint makeover of a kitchen table and 6 chairs! I used french linen on my chairs, table apron and legs, finished with clear and dark wax. And used graphite on the table top. Your have been my guide through this whole process (thank you for your step by step You tube tutorials) so I'm taking your advice and using the minwax polycrylic, but decided to try the matte finish. I have a 1 year old and a 3 year old so it needs the extra protection! :) Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteI used wax on my table top. Within 6mon it had some oil stains. I did 5+ coats on it too. No color stains though. I will redo it someday with a different coating.
ReplyDeleteCould I use a foam roller to apply the poly ? I just redid my kitchen in homemade mineral paint and want it to look smooth as a baby’s butt ;)
ReplyDeleteI tried polycrylic over chalk paint and it had tiny bubbles & streaks. I used a good brush for application. Not happy with this finish at all.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that because chalk paint is water based when you use a water based polycrylic it deactivates the chalk paint. They said to use an oil based sealer. That is the opposite of everything I have ever heard. I haven’t tried it yet, so not sure about it.
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ReplyDelete