Chalkworthy`s FAQ

!
!
!
1. What'is'Chalkworthy™'Antiquing'paint?'
!
Chalkworthy™!is!specialized!furniture!&!home!décor!paint,!that!dries!in!a!beautiful!
soft,!chalky/matte!finish.!Its!rich,!thick!formula!adheres!to!almost!any!indoor!or!
outdoor!surface.!There!is!little!to!no!prep!work!required,!as!in!most!cases,!there!is!
no!need!to!sand!or!prime!before!painting!!For!most!projects,!1F2!coats!will!provide!
full!coverage.!Gorgeous!results!have!never!been!so!fun!and!simple!!
!
Another!great!aspect!to!Chalkworthy™!is!that!it!is!a!“kind”!paint.!It!is!waterFbased,!
with!minimal!odor,!and!contains!extremely!low!volatile!organic!compounds!(VOCs).!!
!
I"don’t"want"my"piece"to"be"distressed"or"antiqued."Will"Chalkworthy™"work"for"
me?"
"
Absolutely!!Chalkworthy™!accommodates!any!design!aesthetic.!Just!paint!and!finish!
to!your!preference!!Your!color!choices!and!application!techniques!will!influence!
what!the!design!style!of!your!project.!
!
2. What'surfaces'can'Chalkworthy™'be'applied'over?!
!
Chalkworthy™!adheres!to!almost!any!indoor!or!outdoor!surface,!i.e.!wood,!paint,!
stone,!brick,!concrete,!metal,!terracotta,!low!pile!fabric,!etc.!
!
Due!to!its!versatility,!you!can:!!
!
• Transform!furniture,!walls,!décor!&!fabric!with!ease.!
• Resurface!concrete,!wood,!and!porous!stone!flooring.!
• Refresh!outdoor!furniture!(Note:!Do!not!seal!with!the!Soft!Waxes!on!outdoor!
surfaces.)!
• Revitalize!upholstery.!
!
Whether!our!paint!helps!you!to!rescue!vintage!finds,!reFlove!old!cupboards,!or!make!
fun!patterns!over!drab!fabric,!you!will!surround!yourself!with!special!pieces!that!are!
a!unique!reflection!of!you!!
!
!
!
3. What'is'the'prep'work?!
!
For!most!projects,!the!only!prep!work!involved!is!a!simple!cleaning!and!dusting!of!
the!surface!!
!
However,!there!may!be!rare!occasions!where!you!do!need!to!sand!first.!For!example,!
you!may!need!to!sand!your!piece!to!remove!chipping!paint,!rust,!or!any!other!
surface!imperfections,!or!when!the!surface!is!slick/glossy!(this!includes!melamine!
and!laminates).!You!may!also!choose!to!use!a!liquid!deFglosser!in!combination!with!
sanding!on!very!slick!surfaces.!
!
For!pieces!that!require!a!deeper!cleaning!prior!to!painting,!like!old!furniture!or!
cabinets,!we!recommend!using!odorless!Mineral!Spirits.!After!wiping!down!your!
piece!with!Mineral!Spirits,!be!sure!to!allow!them!to!completely!evaporate!prior!to!
painting.!!
!
For!unfinished/untreated!wood:!be!sure!to!apply!clear!shellac!to!any!open!grains!
and!wood!knots.!Applying!1F2!coats!of!shellac!will!block!any!tannins!from!bleeding!
through!your!Chalkworthy™!painted!surface.!
!
!
4. How'do'I'care'for'my'finish?!
!
Use!a!soft!cloth!dampened!with!water!+!mild!soap!to!remove!any!marks!or!stains!on!
your!finish.!Do!NOT!use!any!liquid!furniture!polishes!or!cleaners!with!harsh!
chemicals.!!!
!
Projects!finished!with!Chalkworthy™!Antiquing!Paint!&!Soft!Wax!are!very!durable!
against!everyday!wear!and!tear,!but!remember!to!treat!your!pieces!with!
consideration.!Avoid!excessive/trapped!water!and!protect!your!finish!from!extreme!
temperatures!or!humidity.!Please!allow!your!new!finish!to!harden!and!cure!before!
placing!items!onto!the!surface!that!may!scratch!or!mar!the!finish.!!
!
WaterFbased!paints!(like!Chalkworthy™)!typically!take!approximately!3!weeks!to!
fully!harden!and!cure.!So,!although!your!project!will!be!dry!to!the!touch!within!
hours,!it!is!important!to!remember!the!finish!is!still!sensitive!during!this!cure!time.!
The!Soft!Wax!is!also!hardening!and!curing!during!this!time.!Variations!in!
temperature,!humidity!and!application!thickness!may!affect!the!drying!and!curing!
time.!
!
!
5. What'type'of'brush'do'I'use?!
!
Chalkworthy’s™!Paint!and!Wax!bristle!brushes!are!perfect!for!applying!both!the!
Antiquing!Paint!and!Soft!Wax.!Our!brushes!allow!you!to!paint!with!a!beautiful!depth!
and!texture,!are!simple!to!work,!and!hold!a!lot!of!paint!!!
!
If!you!choose!to!use!a!different!paintbrush!to!apply!the!antiquing!paint,!we!
recommend!using!a!brush!with!long,!flexible!natural!bristles.!If!the!bristles!are!too!
short!or!hard,!the!paint!can!look!scratchy!and!will!not!flow!well.!Consequently,!if!you!
choose!a!brush!that!is!too!flimsy,!it!can!be!difficult!to!spread!the!paint.!
!
!
How"to"avoid"brushstrokes:#
!
We!love!the!authentic!look!and!depth!that!bristle!brushes!create.!However,!if!you!
would!like!to!create!a!super!smooth!finish,!you!can!use!a!flat!brush!or!sponge!roller!
to!apply!the!paint.!(Note:!You!can!get!a!smoother!finish!by!diluting!your!paint!with!a!
little!bit!of!water.)!Additionally,!you!may!wish!to!sand!the!surface!prior!to!waxing!
with!fine!grit!sandpaper.!!
*If!you!are!a!professional!or!experienced!painter,!you!may!also!apply!Chalkworthy™!
with!a!HVLP!paint!sprayer,!but!be!sure!to!dilute!the!paint!with!water!to!get!the!
accurate!viscosity.!
!
!
How"do"I"clean"my"brushes?"
!
Clean!your!paint!brushes!with!water!immediately!after!use.!Clean!your!wax!brushes!
with!warm!water!and!grease!cutting!soap.!Be!sure!to!clean!while!the!wax!is!still!
fresh!on!the!brush.!If!your!wax!has!been!left!to!dry!on!the!bristles!and!has!hardened,!
soak!the!bristles!in!odorless!mineral!spirits!to!dissolve!the!wax!(approx.!5!minutes).!
Then,!wash!the!brush!thoroughly.!Be!sure!to!allow!the!mineral!spirits!to!evaporate!
before!throwing!out!the!container.!!
!
!
6. Why'is'the'soft'wax'important'and'how'do'you'apply'it?!
!
Our!Soft!Wax!has!been!specially!formulated!to!enhance!and!add!water!protection!for!
Chalkworthy™!Antiquing!Paint!projects.!
!
Impressively,!Chalkworthy™!paint!and!wax!products!may!be!mixed!together!to!
create!a!tinted!wax.!Just!mix!to!a!paste!and!then!apply!or!highlight!to!your!
preference!!
!
!
How"do"you"apply"the"Clear"Soft"Wax?'
'
Use!a!wax!brush!or!soft!cloth!and!apply!Clear!Wax!in!a!loose!circular!motion!over!
your!antiquing!paint!and!then!in!the!direction!of!any!wood!grain!or!brush!strokes.!A!
wax!brush!will!leave!the!smoothest/even!finish.!Do!not!apply!too!much!wax,!as!this!
will!cause!the!surface!to!feel!“tacky.”!!!
!
*Tip:!Dab!your!wax!brush!on!the!lid!of!the!can!to!remove!excess!wax.!A!little!bit!of!
wax!goes!a!long!way!–!it’s!like!lotion!for!your!furniture!!
!
If!there!is!still!excess!wax,!wipe!it!off!with!a!lint!free!rag!or!old!undershirt.!Do!not!
scrub!or!work!in!a!small!concentrated!area!as!this!may!cause!the!paint!to!rub!
off.!You!want!to!remove!the!wax!gently,!evenly,!and!in!the!same!direction!as!your!
painted!brush!strokes!or!wood!grain.!Allow!to!dry!at!least!1!hour.!If!you!desire!a!
higher!sheen,!buff!with!a!clean!soft!cloth,!brush,!or!use!#0000!steel!wool.!If!the!wax!
seems!difficult!to!buff,!allow!more!dry!time.!If!sheen!is!uneven,!go!over!lightly!with!
straight,!even!strokes!using!#0000!steel!wool.!
!
*Do!not!seal!outdoor!surfaces!with!wax.!The!outdoor!heat/temperature!variations!
may!reactivate!the!wax!and!make!the!surface!tacky.!
!
"
How"do"you"apply"the"Black"or"Burnt"Umber"Soft"Wax?"
"
For!a!darker,!full!coverage!distressed!look,!you!may!choose!to!apply!your!Black!or!
Burnt!Umber!Wax!directly!over!your!Chalkworthy™!as!the!dark!tint!will!absorb!into!
your!antiquing!paint!application.!
!
For!a!subtler!distressed!look,!or!if!you!only!want!the!Black!or!Burnt!Umber!Wax!to!
accentuate!some!cracks,!detailing,!or!crevices!but!not!heavily!soak!into!the!entire!
surface,!you!will!want!to!first!apply!the!Chalkworthy™!Clear!Soft!Wax.!By!first!
applying!the!Clear!Soft!Wax,!you!add!protection!and!help!prevent!the!stain!in!the!
dark!wax!from!directly!penetrating!the!Chalkworthy™!antiquing!paint.!This!allows!
you!to!feather!or!blend!more!strategically!and!is!the!more!typical!choice.!!
!
Apply!the!Black!or!Burnt!Umber!Wax!just!like!the!Clear!Wax!application!described!
above.!But!be!sure!to!work!your!dark!wax!into!any!brush!textures,!furniture!
detailing,!molding!or!recessed!areas!to!create!a!pronounced!aged!look.!You!can!also!
add!dark!wax!to!isolated!areas!using!a!smaller!artist!brush.!
!
!
My"wax"is"tacky"and"will"not"dry,"WHY?"
"
Tacky!wax!that!doesn’t!seem!to!dry!is!a!sure!sign!you!have!too!much!wax!!One!of!the!
most!common!errors!is!applying!too!much!wax!and!not!wiping!off!the!excess.!Be!
sure!you!are!simply!wiping!the!excess!and!not!actually!buffing!your!piece!during!
this!step.!Very!thin!and!uniform!coats!are!best.!
!
If!you!have!a!tacky!piece,!first!take!a!clean!cloth!or!rag!and!lightly!rub!on!one!area!of!
your!piece!for!20!seconds.!!Feel!and!see!if!any!of!the!tackiness!has!disappeared.!
Sometimes!the!tackiness!can!be!removed!with!this!type!of!thorough!rubbing!
method.!However,!if!the!tackiness!is!still!there,!you!may!apply!a!fresh!coat!of!Clear!
Wax!and!this!time!be!sure!to!remove!the!excess.!When!you!apply!a!fresh!coat!of!wax,!
it!activates!the!top!layer!of!the!previous!tacky!application.!Another!option!of!
removing!the!tackiness,!is!to!use!a!little!mineral!spirits!to!clean!off!the!wax!build!up.!!
!
!
!
!
7. What'are'the'common'application'techniques?!
!
"The"Standard"“Vintage"Look”:"
!
Apply!1F2!coats!of!Chalkworthy™!Antiquing!Paint!depending!on!
your!project!or!until!you!reach!full!coverage.!Once!dry,!apply!
Chalkworthy™!Clear!Soft!Wax!with!a!brush!or!lintFfree!cloth,!
working!the!wax!into!the!paint!and!removing!any!excess!as!you!
go.!If!you!would!like!to!further!distress!your!worn!look,!lightly!
use!fine!or!medium!grit!sandpaper!on!the!edges,!corners,!and!
molding!until!under!layers!or!surfaces!are!apparent.!!
!
Still!want!to!take!your!distressing!further?!Try!our!Chalkworthy™!Black!or!Burnt!
Umber!Soft!Waxes.!Or!you!can!mix!our!White!Linen!paint!with!our!Clear!Soft!Wax!to!
a!paste;!this!will!create!a!light!dusty!wax!tint!that!contrasts!nicely!over!darkly!
painted!surfaces.!Work!these!tinted!waxes!into!any!brush!textures,!furniture!
detailing,!molding,!or!recessed!areas!creating!a!pronounced!aged!look!!If!you!want!
this!to!be!subtle,!then!apply!while!your!first!Clear!Wax!layer!is!still!“wet”!or!only!
apply!in!particular!areas!of!high!detail.!
!
Smooth & Modern:
Smooth or remove any prominent textures with medium-grit
sandpaper. Lightly water down your Chalkworthy™ Antiquing
paint. Then, in long even strokes, apply paint in the same
direction as the grain until you reach full coverage. This will give
you a smooth finish. Apply 2 diluted coats for full coverage.
*Optional: Once dry, use a fine #600 grit sandpaper or higher to smooth or buff the
surface. Lastly, apply Chalkworthy™ Clear Soft Wax with a brush or lint-free cloth,
working the wax into the paint and removing any excess as you go. The wax should
be applied in long, even strokes. Sealing with the Soft Wax will help protect all
your creative reinventions!
“Multi-Tone” Distressing:
Choose two of our colors that you feel will contrast
nicely. Apply 1-2 coats of a base color, such as Cast
Iron. Once the base color is dry, apply the second color to
your coverage preference. For example, you may apply the
second color, such as White Linen, more densely, only
showing hints of the under color. Or, you may expressively
brush on light accents of the second color.
Once dry, apply Chalkworthy™ Clear Soft Wax with a brush or lint-free cloth,
working the wax into the paint and removing any excess as you go. If you would
like to further your distressed worn look, lightly use fine or medium grit sandpaper
on the edges, corners, and molding until under layers or surfaces are apparent.
Still want to take your distressing further? Try our Chalkworthy™ Black or Burnt
Umber Soft Waxes. Or- you may mix our white Linen paint with our Clear Soft Wax
to create a light dusty wax tint that contrast nicely over darkly painted
surfaces. Work these tinted waxes into any brush textures, furniture detailing,
molding, or recessed areas creating a pronounced aged look! If you want this to be
subtle then apply while your first Clear Wax layer is still “wet” or only apply in
particular areas of high detail.
The “Years of Use” Chippy Look:
Apply 1-2 coats of antiquing paint. Wait until each coat is dry
to the touch before moving on to the next step. Apply more
coats of nicely contrasting colors over your base color if you
want a “multi-tone” chippy look. Apply petroleum jelly over
areas you would like for paint to resist or “chip.” Then, apply
your final thick coat of paint directly over the entire surface,
including the petroleum jelly. While the paint is wet, apply heat over the entire
area with a hair dryer to help create the look of distressed cracks. The areas above
the petroleum jelly will crack more visibly. Chip off the paint to your style
preference using any tool available i.e.: putty knife.
Still want to take your distressing further? Try our Chalkworthy™ Black or Burnt
Umber Soft Waxes. Or, you may mix our White Linen paint with our Clear Soft Wax
to a paste; this will create a light dusty wax tint that contrast nicely over darkly
painted surfaces. Work these tinted waxes into any brush textures, furniture
detailing, molding, or recessed areas creating a pronounced aged look!
If you want this to be subtle then apply while your first Clear Wax layer is still
“wet” or only apply in particular areas of high detail. Lastly, apply Chalkworthy™
Clear Soft Wax with a brush or lint-free cloth, working the wax into the paint and
removing any excess as you go.
Upholstery Makeover:
Pick a non-shedding, low pile fabric or upholstery to paint. Use a spray bottle to
dampen fabric until fabric is damp but not dripping wet. Pour about 20% water
directly into your paint and mix and apply in thin coats. The thicker the fabric,
multiple thinner layers may need to be applied. Allow your thin coats to dry so
that it is dry to the touch between each layer you apply. Use #300 grit or finer
sand paper if any fabric fuzzies or small paint clumps need smoothing. Re-apply
more thin paint coats if needed or until surface is fully coated.
*Important: This is NOT a dye, so the paint will alter your final result causing your
fabric to feel slightly firmer but still functional and flexible – it will have the
feeling similar to vinyl.
Test on a small hidden area of your upholstery or fabric if you are curious of the
final outcome. If you choose to smooth your surface down with sand paper, be sure
to wipe any sanding debris and dust off before applying your wax sealer. Lastly,
apply Chalkworthy™ Clear Soft Wax with a brush or lint-free cloth, working the
wax into the paint and removing any excess as you go.
Outdoor Furniture:
Apply Chalkworthy™ to your outside decor, i.e. metal, concrete, terracotta, or
matte plastic. Best results if kept dry, otherwise paints will distress naturally. Do
NOT add wax to outdoor surfaces.
Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets:
Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint applies beautifully over most wood cabinetry. Be
sure to thoroughly clean, especially in areas that receive a lot of use (like the
utensil drawer). We recommend sanding to provide the strongest adhesion—kitchen
and bathroom cabinets are often high-traffic areas. Wipe away all sanding dust and
apply at least 2 coats of Chalkworthy™. Then apply 2-3 coats of Soft Wax for
protection and durability. Allow each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the
next as this will create the strongest bond. Clean your finish with soft cloth
dampened with water and mild soap. Refresh your wax seal with a light
application as needed.
*For melamine or laminate cabinets: De-gloss the glossy/slick surface with a fine
grit sandpaper and/or liquid de-glosser. Wipe away all dust particles. Apply a thin
first coat of paint and allow to dry 48 hours to promote optimal bonding. Then,
paint 1-2 more coats of Chalkworthy™. Once dry, apply 2-3 coats of Soft Wax for
protection and durability. Allow each wax coat to dry 24 hours before applying the
next.
Floors:
Chalkworthy™ can be used to refresh wood, concrete, ceramic tile, or porous
flooring. Paint solid or apply as a wash. Get creative by applying a multi-toned
rustic affect or paint in patterns!
Use a brush to paint the edges of the floor and apply paint with a sponge roller or
brush. Apply a thin first coat and allow to dry. We recommend allowing 24 hours of
dry time to encourage optimal adhesion. Then, follow up with another coat of
paint if desired. Once the flooring is painted and dried, finish with a water-based
high-traffic sealer.
*If you are painting over wood with knots, you may need to first apply 2 coats of
shellac. The tannins in wood with knots or stains may bleed through the paint if
not treated first with Shellac. If you already applied your first coat of
Chalkworthy™ and then notice a stain bleeding through, not to worry! Simply apply
the Shellac at this point, let dry, and then repaint with Chalkworthy™.
When cleaning Chalkworthy™ painted floors, do not use excessive water or harsh
cleaners like bleach.
Chalkworthy™ is not recommended for areas of high water use (such as a bathroom
floor).
Faux wood floors:
From Linoleum to “Barn Wood” with paint! A detailed how-to is coming soon!
Making a wash:
To make a “wash” – First pour some Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint into a cup or
bowl. Then make a line on your cup or bowl to note how high the paint was in it,
that way, if you need to make more you will have an accurate measurement.
Next, begin to add water one teaspoon at a time, and again, remember to note
the amount you add. The mixture of water and paint should begin to thin
out. There is no exact recipe or rule; develop the thinness of your paint wash
based on your preference. A little goes a long way in regards to coverage. For
example, for a medium sized dresser, approximately ½ cup of paint + 3-4
teaspoons of water is all that would be needed for a wash.
To apply, use the tips of your brush. We like to use a cheap chip brush when
applying washes as it leaves a rustic streaky texture. Brush the wash on in straight
and clean lines. Apply in small sections and immediately wipe off any excess.
During the wiping off process, avoid “blotch marks” by wiping off in even
pressured stokes from side to side. Never wipe in circles. Replace your rag if it
becomes to saturated. Let dry and then wax as normal.
Chalkboard finish:
Every Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint color can be used to create a Chalkboard
finish, but for a traditional blackboard look, apply Cast Iron. Paint 3 - 4 coats and
let each coat dry in between the next. Do NOT wax. Once all coats are applied, let
the paint cure for at least 24 hours before writing with chalk. We suggest first
rounding the tip of a new piece of chalk prior to writing on your chalkboard so the
corner is not too sharp. Do not use Chalkmarkers as they may become permanent
to the surface. Traditional chalk pieces preform best.
For clean up: Use a wet/damp cloth. Please note, the first time you clean your
Chalkworthy™ chalkboard finish- you may see a small amount of residual color.
Mixing Chalkworthy™ colors:
Get creative and make your own custom shade! Any of our Chalkworthy Antiquing
Paints can be mixed with each other to create a new hue. Try adding White Linen
to create a lighter paler tint of any color or Cast Iron to create a darker shade. Mix
our paints to your preference!
Making your piece as smooth as glass/ how to buff with steel wool:
After you have applied your clear wax, removed the excess wax from your entire
piece, and the surface has totally dried, buff with one steel wool grade #000
pad. Gently wipe your piece in the same direction as the grain of your brush
strokes. Buff for a few light swipes and then feel the surface to gage how smooth
it is. Buff to your desired preference. If you buff too vigorously or for too many
passes, you may begin to remove paint. One steel wool pad will easily buff an
entire dresser.
8. Can'you'paint'over'or'refine'Chalkworthy™?!
!
Absolutely! One of the many benefits of Chalkworthy™ is how easy it is to refine
and customize.
*If NO wax has been applied over your Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint™: Simply
repaint with another Chalkworthy™ color or any other paint product of your
choosing.
*If wax has been applied: If the wax is cured (meaning it was applied at least 3
weeks prior) then you may paint directly over the cured wax with any
Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint color.
If the wax is fresh, you will need to remove the wax using minerals spirits. Moisten
a lint-free cloth or rag with mineral spirits and wipe your piece in the direction of
your paintbrush strokes. Do not aggressively scrub or focus on one spot. Replace
your rag if it becomes saturated. After wax removal, the surface should feel matte
like it did before the wax was applied. Once the wax removal is complete, you
may repaint with another Chalkworthy™ Antiquing Paint color or any other paint
product of your choosing.
How to repair a mark or blemish:
If you notice a blemish in your wax finish, not to worry! Simply use a bit of Clear
Soft Wax on a soft cloth to rub out the mark.