Thank you!
Please see my full disclosure HERE). Hi there, great article but now Im lost with many different tabs up one which product to choose. I feel like Im second guessing everything. The very ingredient that gives chalk and milk paints their velvety look and powdery feel works against them in the durability department. There are other great topcoat options like tung oil and linseed oil. Hi Marla, The Varathane Waterbased Poly is the best way to go and you can pick from different sheen colors. Best Satin Clear Coat Click here for reviews and the current price. So if your table isnt super glossy, you can put the water-based poly over it without any sanding. ), Faux Stain with Latex Paint (7 Different Color Options), The Absolute Best Paint for Cabinets 24 Brands Blind-Tested & Reviewed, Faux Driftwood Finish for a Weathered Wood Look, How to Make IKEA Furniture Look Expensive with Paint, How to Turn Acrylic Paint into Fabric Paint, How to Sand Furniture in Less Than 5 Minutes. The back of the can might say to sand between coats with a high grit sandpaper. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CURRENT PRICE FOR THE BEST CLEAR COAT FOR PAINTED WOOD FURNITURE. Read more here. You might test an inconspicuous part of the table to see how it looks before doing the whole thing. It also comes in a satin and matte finish so you get the same sheen as furniture wax. See the reviews and the current price here: Varathane Water-Based Spray Clear Coat for Wood. Minwaxs Water-based Polycrylic Top Coat is a commonly used clear coat for furniture refinishing. However, if you use chalky paint, it will need a sealer over the entire surface of the piece.
I love that it seals acrylic paint just as well as it seals chalk paint or latex. Based on this article I bought and used the Crystalac I love it! If not enough wax is not properly buffed onto the surface, it can be easily penetrated with water and the surface will be ruined if a cold drink is left on the surface. When youre done, just throw away the foam brush. I put a few drops of 7th generation dish soap (from Target) with water in a spray bottle and thats my cleaner for furniture I have painted. It has to be buffed on the surface with a special brush or rag and not too much can be used.
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. I have had a bad experience with scratching the surface so I dont recommend sanding in between coats. It dries quickly and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. It can be tricky to find a sealer with absolutely no toxic fumes but you will always find fewer VOCs with water-based polyurethanes like Varathanes Waterbased Polyurathanes or General Finishes Water-based Sealers. Building a pine/oak item for my grandkids to use in the kitchen and my daughter wants it painted, but safe and very durable (will have food/drink on it, so lots of clean-up). In the same way, a topcoat (or clear coat) acts as an insurance policy against the potential damage caused by the daily use of everyday life. While wood treatments like will also bring out the woods natural color, they dont provide any protection. Crystalacs Water-based topcoat was a close second but the price is almost twice as much. This chest will be heavily used by children and need the ultimate protection. It dries really fast so do two quick coats on just the knot holes and then paint as normal. The best sealer for chalk paint is General Finishes Top Coat which does an outstanding job of preserving the look, feel, and color of chalk paint. *. 
Fortunately, there are lots of good alternatives to wax on the market. Outdoor paints are always a must to withstand extreme weather conditions but for extra protection on an outdoor surface, use a good exterior topcoat is helpful. The only reason it was not the best chalk paint topcoat is because the price is higher than our top pick but its by far our best choice as the best clear coat for white paint. Ive already primed with a water-based latex and am leaning towards adding a clear coat on top of whatever water-based semi-gloss or matte latex paint she chooses and am wondering whats the difference between your top choice Varathane Water-based Polyurethane and their Water-based Topcoat? Im so impressed! We have used the varathane Nano varnish in matte on our stairs and unfortunately with every scratch it turned white (looks awful ) so we are hoping to avoid such experience again. This even goes for latex-painted furniture pieces. It also works really well as a sealant for chalk or milk paint as it wont yellow over time and is easy to use. As the vintage look of bare wood has become more and more popular so has the need to protect its finish without hiding the woods natural color. When Im not spending time with my family, you will find me redoing furniture in the garage or watering plants in my greenhouse. Instead, it wipes cleanly and easily from the topcoat! Varathanes had the best results by far click here for the current price. Karin, Your email address will not be published. Oil-based products have a strong odor and can take longer to dry. Thank you so much for sharing! The instructions on the can say to sand in between but dont do that. Thank you! Karin. Both the General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat and Varathanes Water-based Polyurethane had absolutely no drinking glass rings. But fortunately, if you apply a clear coat, your flawless finish will be preserved and protected for years to come! The CrystaLac topcoat can also be sprayed onto any surface, even metal, and dries quickly. A good sealant is an insurance policy to keep a furniture piece in good condition. This clear acrylic layer gives the piece a shield against scratches, water rings from drinking glasses, and just dirt in general. But I prefer using a wood sealant like Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane because it goes on smoother, never yellows like a polyacrylic varnish and is much more durable. I am looking for a super inexpensive solution that looks nice and that I can do myself. Hello! UPDATE ON THE BEST EXTERIOR CLEAR COAT: One year after painting my metal door and sealing it with Varathanes Water-Based Spar Varnish, it still looks exactly the same even after being pressure washed and the extremes of Texas weather. And I fully agree about sanding. The paper bag is enough to rough up the surface so the clear coat sticks to the stain but it doesnt leave any scratches in the stain. Download your FREE step-by-step printable checklist that shows you the exact process Ive used on dozens of furniture pieces while saving you time and money! What should I use? The good news is that there are some great alternatives to wax on chalk-painted furniture. I am wanting to apply a new clear coat. These are natural top coat alternatives to poly topcoats but I wanted to test products that are not only protective against damage but water infiltration. Hey Rachel! There were also no brush strokes in the finish! Just like clear coating painted furniture, be sure to let the stain dry for at least 48 hours and sand very lightly. The best outdoor wood sealer is Varathanes Water-Based Spar Urethane (Exterior Sealant). Thanks in advance for your assistance. Especially on projects using new wood, the wood color can look pretty muted but added even a single coat of sealer can give you a little bit more contrast to better see the natural grain of the wood. Thank you and let me know if you have any more questions Carrie! By adding extra polyacrylic, it seemed to minimize streaking significantly! Based on your experience, I changed the review above but I know that isnt a big help to you. I didnt know that. Also, the wax and special bush are another cost consideration when picking the best chalk paint clear coat. All seven topcoats are good products but I found our top three clear coats all performed with better results than Polycrylic in terms of durability and water permeability. I hope this help! I want to use latex paint , glaze and top coat . When I was learning how to seal painted wood furniture, I sanded between coats and it completely ruined the finish. Im referring to the Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane mentioned in your The All-Around Best Clear Coat for Painted Wood Furniture section vs. the Varathane Water-Based Topcoat identified in the Overall Best Paint Sealer for Wood paragraph. Sheen refers to the amount of shine on a piece of furniture ranging from high gloss, gloss, semigloss, satin, and then matte for the least shine. (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){
But most of the time, youll want to be able to set a drink on a piece of furniture. However now he has painted (with Fusion again) an antique dresser and wardrobe. Enter myfree resource libraryfor my latest files, printables, and templates! If your chalk-painted piece will not come into contact with any spills, or drinking glasses and you arent worried about the finish rubbing off on your hands, you dont have to seal it. We of course want a topcoat that wont yellow over time as these are very light paint colors. I used your guide to repaint some furniture white & used the water based poly coat. Varathanes Waterbased Polyurethane in Flat, Best Clear Coat for White Paint: CrystaLac Super Premium Clear Top Coat.
Donna, I am SO sorry to hear this. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A DIYer, encourager, and tenacious problem solver determined to help you transform your house into a home. IMPORTANT TIP: If you are thinking about using chalk paint on kitchen cabinets, best sure to check out this post: The Ultimate Guide to Painting Cabinets Like A Pro. It doesnt give you quite as much time as its interior polyurethane version. Each group consists of hundreds of professional furniture painters. We love that it has a very consistent, velvety matte finish that had no streaks or bubbles. You will read that Mineral Spirits will remove it but I have not found that to be the case. Many faux finishes use glaze and special techniques to highlight different features of the furniture. Unlike latex-painted or stained projects, chalk-painted furniture needs a protective finish unless you know a drinking glass will never be set on it. Any furniture piece can benefit from a protective finish but especially those that get a lot of use on a daily basis will be better safeguarded from damage, fingerprints, water stains, and smudges. You can find the rest of my furniture refinishing and DIY videos by clicking here: Renovated Faith, YouTube. Am I right that you suggest Verathane water based polyurethane as a good top coat over a mineral paint like Fusion? Welcome to Renovated Faith, where I share about DIY projects, my faith and everything in between! 
It actually made my coffee table top an eggplant color. Sometimes you want to seal bare wood to preserve the look of the natural wood but also to provide it with a protective finish. I told him I think it needs some kind of a topcoat as although the coverage looks really good I just dont care for the overall finish. Water-based clear coats are easy to clean up, are low odor and the finish is much less likely to change over time. Giving the surface a longer dry time will ensure even better results for the final finish. Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope this helps! Clean-up is easy with water-based clear coats as you can rinse your paintbrush with warm water. You want to apply several light coats to get the most durable finish. Hey Alice, Thats a great question. Not only is there a learning curve but it is time-consuming to apply the wax. Good luck with your furniture painting project and Id love to answer any questions you have in the comment section below. Chalk paint is not known for its durability and it is not waterproof, so it needs some kind of coating to provide a harder surface and to seal in the paint. Hey Margaret! A good rule of thumb is that nothing will stick to wax except primer. -Karin, Hi Karen thank you so much for the wonderful blog. Great question. This clear coat is great for interior products including furniture, cabinets, trim, or any other pieces of wood. Many reviewers have used it in a paint sprayer with no problem and have even used it without sanding between coats. (The Best Sealer for Chalk Paint if you want a lower-cost version(and who doesnt! Depending on the finish, sometimes the only solution is to completely refinish the whole surface. That chalky, matte texture has more gripping ability than a few other paints. And even worse, have you added a protective finish to painted wood that left streaks or haziness on your beautiful finish? Karin, thank you for your lightning quick reply!! Varathanes Water-based Polyurethane is a fabulous product that was easy to apply. This clear coat is highly resistant to moisture and alcohol so it is great for use on any surface that demands a hard, tough, protective finish. Also, oil-based clear coats require cleaning your brushes with mineral spirits. Spray clear coats seem like they are incredibly convenient and if you are working on a craft project, they are. Most good exterior sealants will provide protection from extreme heat and cold. Also, for max protection, use 3 coats of clear coat.
But No Worries! I would use the Water-based Varathane Polyurethane on both. Gel stains are thicker and more protective so you can get away without a clear coat for lightly used pieces. Several furniture painters have trouble with polycrylic streaking or forming stripes on the surface. As someone who has painted dozens of different furniture pieces, Ive learned that not all topcoats are created equal and that different surfaces need different protective finishes. (If you are already painting a picture frame or small project with spray paint, then spray topcoats are a great option). We have a chest that has been sanded and stained but we are unclear as to how we should finish it. Sand very lightly in between and follow the dry time recommended on the can. I have a question: What do you think about painting indoor wood steps (our staircase) in black chalkpaint and then using polycrylic (maybe satin finish) as a sealer? However, General Finishs High-Performance Top Coat in Flat Finish (click here for the current price) was picked as the best chalk paint topcoat and sealer because it preserves the look, feel and color while increasing the durability of milk paint and chalk paint even with one coat. The official name is Varathane Water-based Polyurethane. Let me know if I can answer any other questions Lou! Want to transform a furniture piece but dont know where to begin? Its great for wood decks and any other exterior surface.
If a chalk-painted piece without wax or a top coat comes into contact with water, the paint can actually re-liquefy! I only use affiliate links on products I use and love. Later, well discuss the best chalk paint top coat as opposed to waxing! Also, it does not make the painted surface harder (because its wax) and it has to be reapplied every 6 months. I love that this sealer has almost no odor making it perfect to use indoors when refinishing furniture projects making it a great chalk paint clear coat (Click here for more reviews on the best sealer for chalk paint). best clear coat for painted wood furniture (CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT PRICE), Click Here To See My Best Furniture Before and After Reveals, The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested & Reviewed), The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested and Reviewed), Varathane Water-based Polyurethane (See reviews here. Blessings, Karin. If you want a quality finish you need to do the prep. ): Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane in Matte This is also an amazing clear sealant for chalk-painted furniture! The more gloss a surface has the more it will show imperfections in the surface so a matte sheen is much more forgiving than a semi-gloss. You can go from a gloss to matte in just one coat of a seal coat in matte or satin without repainting your furniture piece. Let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks for the great review
Whether you are looking for the best top coat for chalk paint or even for latex paint or stain, this is a good general rule of thumb: BOTTOM LINE: If your painted wooden furniture piece will come into regular contact with water, food, or little fingerprints, you need a topcoat for the ultimate protection! Dark paint colors are especially susceptible to showing smudges and dust so I use a clear coat on those to provide protection. After finding out their favorite clear coats, I narrowed down their favorites to the top 8. However, if you have chalk-painted cabinets, you will need some sort of protective finish to make them durable enough for high-traffic areas. Fortunately, there is now a flat sheen available here making it another great option as a chalk paint clear coat: Varathanes Waterbased Polyurethane in Flat. (See how chalk paint did in my testing: The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested and Reviewed).
So I painted a piece of furniture(night stand for bedroom set) I wanted to top coat it with a chalk paint top coat. So glad you tested the top coats , it helped me make my choice !! At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. Oil-based polyurethanes are great when it comes to having a waterproof surface as they both left no glass rings on the surface of each sample. If we were to just stain the steps (which would be nice) there is alot of sanding that needs to be doneAlot! The top has child and cat scratches but none through to the stain. The Varathane water-based poly is on my breakfast table over a dark stain. When you sand it seems to push into the wood.
Karin. Would you own a home without insuring it? I like how well it has protected the door from fading in its full sun exposure. Karin. The best top coat is the one that you cant tell is there. We have a matching dining table, Buffett and China hutch that he refinished 40 years ago. I love how in depth your articles are. Any of the top three choices would work beautifully on milk paint but if you like a super matte finish, this one is your best bet for use on milk paint whether it is General Finishes Milk Paint or Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint! This General Finishes Top Coat provides maximum durability and is very waterproof. Any thoughts?
Its easy to clear coat over latex or chalk-painted furniture with a few simple tips! For the best protective finish for stained wood, Id pick General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat. This blog is about transformation. The best part is how smooth this product goes on any surface.
I wouldnt recommend painting kitchen cabinets with chalk paint as I discuss in my post: A Better Alternative to Chalk Paint. I am refinishing my dinning room table and chairs. Just be sure to not shake the can (only stir) to reduce air bubbles. There is no real way around it you have to sand.