When your distressed look morphs into an aged look, it’s time to do something with your chalk paint furniture. It is easy to remove most chalk paints from your wooden furniture.
And they can be removed without using harsh chemicals like those found in paint strippers. Also, you can do it without using much elbow grease.
Chalk paint is arguably the most popular type of paint for DIYers to use when we refurbish a piece of furniture. It doesn’t take a lot of dry time. The paint can be applied on both smooth surfaces and porous surfaces with a variety of paintbrushes. And chalk paint cleans up with warm water and a damp cloth.
Although not as durable as latex paint, you can efficiently and easily remove old chalk paint. This will bring new life to your furniture piece. Let’s get started!
Few Options for Removing Chalk Paint
The best way is an easy way and includes a combination of different methods. So be ready for this fun process.
The first time you engage in any craft project is not going to be as easy as the tenth time. Grab a cup of tea and let’s get started on this painted surface!
Your goal here is to get to the simple essence of your wooden surface so you can apply a different color.
Remember That Every Situation Will Vary
Be ready for your situation to vary a little from these steps. Just realize you can adjust the methods I will go over. Although you don’t ordinarily need to use paint solvents for chalk, situations vary.
Removing several coats of paint from wooden kitchen cabinets will be very different from, let’s say, a coffee table that has a metal surface.
Other very common variables include the type of prep work the previous refinisher did. How many layers of paint does it have. And whether primer, wax or Danish oil was ever used on the piece.
Because of that, you may find it easier to skip or modify one of my steps, and if you do, it’s totally okay.
It’s also okay to have a few mess-ups because everything can be fixed. I will go over a couple of different approaches for you. Remember the goal is to have a smooth surface with no old paint so you can start fresh.
Easiest Way to Remove Chalk Paint from Furniture
Let’s look at the easiest way first. Since chalk paint is porous and water-based, it dissolves easily.
* The first thing to try is to soak a soft cloth in warm to hot water and liberally soak the entire surface and see if the chalky paint loosens and liquifies.
If so, you may be able to remove the bulk of the paint from the entire piece using only the wet cloth.
You might find the need to work inside the details with steel wool or even use gentle pressure with a wire scraper.
In the best case, you will have bare wood at this point and can wipe off the excess water with a clean cloth.
If Primer Has Been Used
* Again, you might need to try different things depending on your particular situation. If primer was used, the paint may come off but the primer will remain.
No problem, once the item is completely dry, apply a new layer of chalk paint over the existing primer.
Note: if the primer has splotches bleeding through, add another layer before you put on the topcoat of chalk.
If the Furniture Has Been Treated with Wax or Linseed Oil
* If the chalk paint has been treated with wax or linseed oil or another type of oil, you may be better off using a heat gun and putty knife.
The same will go if the chalk was applied over regular paint.
It’s a good idea to remove everything down to bare wood, wash down with mineral spirits or paint thinner, followed by warm soapy water.
After this, you will smooth the surface using sandpaper or steel wool by hand or even an electric sander.
Conclusion
There’s a reason that chalk paint is such a popular option for painting furniture. So many of the style trends go perfectly with furniture that has been treated with it.
But, if you change styles, your furniture has suffered a lot of wear, or if you have found a bargain at a thrift store, removing chalk pain is ALMOST as easy as applying it.
Roll up your long sleeves and revitalize your wood furniture. Good Luck!
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