French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
The best way to remove the wax is to scrub the piece of furniture with a slightly abrasive sponge and mineral spirits. The mineral spirits will break down the wax and as you scrub the wax will start to pull away from the paint .
Mix a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar to make a natural abrasive cleaner. Dampen a soft cotton cloth with the solution and gently wipe the wax off in the direction of the wood grain.
Yes, you can sand it after the wax has been applied! It makes the piece super smooth. And, there you have it! My step by step instructions on how to create a super smooth finish (without brush strokes) using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint !
Once you apply the wax with the round brush, then go back and rub it in and off the surface of the paint with a soft t-shirt rag. The wax needs to be wiped into the paint and then you let it dry. Then you go back and buff with a soft t-shirt fabric. That’s the secret that I somehow missed.
Dampen a soft rag with mineral spirits and rub the surface. Mineral spirits dissolves paste wax but won’t harm cured polyurethane varnish. Alternatively, use naphtha or turpentine. Keep the surface of the rag fresh by turning the rag around or exchanging it for a clean one.
Cleaning waxed surfaces – vinegar dissolves the wax , and should not be used to clean waxed furniture. However, vinegar is a reliable option for removing an old coat of wax from a surface. Thus, vinegar should never be used to clean stone. A mix of mild dish detergent and warm water ought to do the trick.
Many online forums recommend using an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipe-down to remove wax . Wax is an oily, slick substance, so it should be removed with a degreaser. Yes, isopropyl alcohol has some degreasing and cleaning properties, but a degreaser is a more complete option.
The Fix: Mineral Spirits. Let the bag sit for several minutes, long enough to harden the wax . Then, dislodge the hardened wax with a blunt-edged kitchen spoon; sharp objects and vinyl don’t mix. If the wax leaves any discoloration, saturate a cotton ball with mineral spirits, then use it to wipe away the stain.
Annie Sloan Soft Wax , once cured, provides a durable finish that is easy to maintain. After painting, apply two or three coats of wax , allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next, to get the extra durability you need.
What happens if you don’t wax chalk paint ? Chalk – painted furniture may not need sealing at all if it’s a piece that is rarely used, such as a sideboard in the corner of the room that holds champagne flutes and other items that you don’t necessarily use every day.
If you’ve never tried staining wood with Annie Sloan’s line of Soft Waxes you’re missing out! This versatile soft wax comes in four different colors: Clear, White, Black and Brown. Say “goodbye” to those drippy, liquid stains , Annie Sloan Soft Wax is “messy free”! You can clean your wax brush with warm soapy water.
Why does my Chalk Paint Look Streaky Chalk paint can sometimes look blotchy or streaky when it dries. There are a few reasons why this might happen. If your chalk paint is too dry, it is harder to apply smoothly. You can add a bit of water and stir it in to make the chalk paint easier to apply.
It’s important to give your entire furniture piece a nice thin coat of clear wax before you attempt any dark wax . Dark wax will absorb into the chalk paint and can immedately tint your painted finish darker than you might desire. After applying the clear wax , buff it out to a shine.
The wax takes 24 hours to dry and another two weeks or so to cure. After the first 24 hours is when we recommend that you buff it to give a really soft, semi-gloss finish.