Polyurethane is one of the most common and durable paints. We use polyurethane for its smooth finish and glossy appearance.
On the other hand, chalk paint is also easy to use decorative paint. But like many other paints, these two paints also deteriorate over time.
When the paint chips off or gets damaged, we think about re-painting the surface. But you might be confused about whether you can chalk paint over polyurethane or not.
Well, you have to know whether chalk paint will stick to the polyurethane surface or not. Moreover, knowing about the consequences of chalk paint over polyurethane is also essential.
Can you chalk paint over polyurethane?
You can chalk paint over polyurethane. Chalk paint will adhere to the surface. But if the polyurethane is glossy, chalk paint might not stick to it. Hard and moisture-resistant polyurethane will not let the paint stick to it. So, you have to sand the polyurethane surface before using chalk paint.
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Generally, chalk paint can easily be applied on a polyurethane surface. Because chalk paint is ready to use and dries fast.
Moreover, chalk paint sticks to the polyurethane surface. But if you want to make chalk paint over polyurethane durable, you should sand the polyurethane first.
However, chalk paint can also be of different types. Different chalk paints will have different reactions with polyurethane. So, you should know whether other chalk paint will stick to polyurethane or not.
Waxed chalk paint:
Waxed chalk paint is another type of chalk paint. Waxed chalk paint is used for sheen and extra protection from bumps, pores, and other defects on the paints. So, if you want to use waxed chalk paint on polyurethane, you can do it.
Generally, polyurethane doesn’t need additional protection because this paint is used as a protective topcoat. So, it is not mandatory to protect the polyurethane with another protective waxed chalk paint.
Another essential part is the preparation of the polyurethane surface. Generally, polyurethane is a smooth, hard, and moisture-resistant surface. So, it will prevent paints from sticking to their surface. So, you have to sand the polyurethane before applying another paint.
Then you have to apply a primer according to the paint type. For example, if the waxed chalk paint is water-based, you have to use a compatible water-based primer. Otherwise, the waxed chalk paint will not stick to the polyurethane surface.
In general, waxed chalk paint has adhesive properties that make the paint adhere to polyurethane surfaces. So, you can use waxed chalk paint over polyurethane with proper preparation.
Can I chalk paint over polyurethane without sanding?
You can chalk paint over polyurethane without sanding. But it is not recommended. If you want to use paint over another, you should prepare the underlying surface first.
Many homeowners or DIY project owners want to chalk paint over polyurethane without sanding. Because sanding is pretty hard. So, they directly apply chalk paint over polyurethane. You might see that the paint will stick to the surface. But this adherence is temporary.
The chalk paint will not be durable. After some days, the paint will chip off from the polyurethane surface. So, sanding is one of the most important tasks before chalk painting over polyurethane.
How to chalk paint over polyurethane?
Now that you know you can chalk paint over polyurethane, you might want to know the process. So, let’s see how you can chalk paint over polyurethane.
Cleaning and repairing:
You have to clean the polyurethane surface first. An unclean surface will not be suitable to apply chalk paint. Then you have to repair the surface also. For example, you have to fill the cracks and dents.
Sanding:
Sanding is the most tedious and essential step before painting. Sanding will make the surface suitable for chalk paint. Sanding will also make the chalk paint durable. Otherwise, chalk paint will not stick to the polyurethane surface.
Applying primer:
Then you need to apply a primer to the polyurethane surface. The primer should be according to the paint type.
If the chalk paint is water-based, you should use a water-based primer. But using oil-based primer on the polyurethane is recommended. Primer helps to enhance the quality of the finish.
Applying paint:
Now you can apply paint to the surface. If you use spray chalk paint, it will be easy to use. You can also use a soft brush to apply the paint. If you want multiple coating, you have to wait until the first coat dries.
Sealing the paint:
You should seal the paint since the polyurethane is no longer the topcoat. Though sealing the paint is optional, you can do it to provide additional protection.
What paint will stick to polyurethane?
All paints will not stick to polyurethane. Some paints have adhesive properties. So, you should choose paint wisely.
For example, when you apply polyurethane to a surface, the polyurethane becomes hard. This surface will also be moisture-resistant and smooth. So, it will not be easy to paint on polyurethane.
So, paints will stick to the surface for their additional adhesiveness. Moreover, sanding might help to make the paint adhere to the polyurethane. So, let’s see what paint will stick to polyurethane.
- Oil-based paint
- Acrylic paint
- Chalk paint
- Enamel paint
- Latex paint
- Spray paints
- Milk paint
Can you polyurethane over chalk paint?
You can use polyurethane over chalk paint. Many people use polyurethane as a topcoat for its smooth and moisture-resistant surface. Polyurethane will be hard and durable over chalk paint. So, the chalk paint will be protected. But polyurethane can become yellow over time.
However, polyurethane can be of different types. So, let’s see whether you can use these polyurethanes over chalk paint or not.
Water-based polyurethane:
You can use water-based polyurethane over chalk paint. Generally, polyurethane can be used on most surfaces. So, if you want to use it over chalk paint, you can use it. Water-based polyurethane will stick to the chalk paint surface.
But if you want to make the paint more durable, you can sand the chalk paint surface. Moreover, using a primer before polyurethane will make the durability enhanced.
Spray polyurethane:
Spray polyurethane is also suitable to use over chalk paint. Even spray polyurethane is more easy and quick to use on chalk paint. Moreover, spray polyurethane covers more area without any brush marks.
Moreover, spray polyurethane has adhesive properties. So, it will stick to the chalk paint surface. Polyurethane will provide a matt and beautiful clear finish. Besides, it will give a glossy appearance.
Should you polyurethane over chalk paint?
Yes, you should use polyurethane over chalk paint. Though using polyurethane over chalk paint is not mandatory, using it will provide many benefits. First of all, polyurethane will provide a protective layer over chalk paint.
Generally, polyurethane is a clear coat that will provide a shiny and attractive finish. Moreover, it will make the chalk paint durable. Besides, the polyurethane layer will be hard and moisture-resistant. So, you can save the chalk paint from getting damaged by moisture.
Sometimes, polyurethane over chalk paint leaves a yellow finish or gets yellow over time. So, you can use water-based polyurethane to prevent this problem. Otherwise, using polyurethane over chalk paint will be beneficial.
How do you apply polyurethane to chalk paint?
Now that you know you can apply polyurethane to chalk paint, you might want to know the process. So, let’s see how you can apply polyurethane to chalk paint.
Clean the surface:
First, you have to clean the chalk paint surface well. Otherwise, the polyurethane will not stick to the surface.
Repair the surface:
Sometimes, your chalk paint surface might get damaged with cracks, pores, dents, etc. So, you have to repair the surface or fill it before applying the polyurethane.
Sand the surface:
After that, you should sand the chalk paint surface. This will let the polyurethane adhere to the surface well. You can also apply polyurethane without sanding. But if you want to make the surface hard and durable, you should sand it.
Apply primer and polyurethane:
Then, you can apply a water-based primer to the surface. Primer is optional. But you can use it to enhance the polyurethane quality.
Then you can apply polyurethane. You can either use a brush or a spray polyurethane. Finally, you can seal the surface. But sealing or topcoat over polyurethane is not mandatory since polyurethane is a clear coat.
Final Thoughts
You can use chalk paint over polyurethane. Generally, chalk paint is pretty adhesive. So it will stick to the polyurethane surface. On the other hand, you can apply polyurethane over chalk paint. Polyurethane is compatible with most surfaces. So, you can apply them interchangeably.