Should I sand between coats of chalk paint?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on April 27, 2026
Lightly sanding between coats is a good rule of thumb for achieving a smooth finish on any painted surface, but the chalky nature of chalk paint makes it especially easy. To finish the surface, you'll apply a thin coat of wax to seal the paint and add protection.
Can you sand chalk paint to make it smooth?
You can also lightly sand chalk paint with a fine grit sandpaper or sanding block between coats to get that “like glass” smooth finish with chalk paint. What is this? Use an damp, extra fine grit sanding sponge to get a smooth finish with chalk paint.How many coats of chalk paint should you use?
For most purposes, one to two coats of paint are enough. Chalk Paint® adheres to almost any surface, and there is rarely any need to sand or prime before painting. See 'Dealing with stains coming through Chalk Paint®' for when to prime or sand before painting.Can you do 2 coats of chalk paint?
But because the paint dries really quickly, you don't have a long wait in between coats. If you want your piece more distressed, you may be happy after only two coats. Darker colors have excellent coverage and rarely need more than two coats.How long should you wait between coats of chalk paint?
Annie Sloan, manufacturer of the trademarked Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint®, recommends users wait a full 24 hours between coats of paint to allow for adequate dry time and product performance. So, be ready to watch that first streaky coat of chalk paint dry for a full day before you add a second coat.How To Get a Smooth Paint Finish on Your Furniture
How do you get rid of brush strokes in chalk paint?
how to avoid brush strokes
- Thin any super thick paint by adding water and mixing well. ...
- Keep the brush damp when painting by misting it with water before dipping it in the paint. ...
- When painting furniture, go with thin coats of chalk paint. ...
- Spritz the furniture with water before painting.
Why does my chalk paint look blotchy?
A blotchy appearance can come from either a poor painting job, waxing in sections and not blending the areas in the final phase, or sometimes – over wiping wax off and causing some areas to seem buffed and other areas not.How long does it take chalk paint to cure?
Whilst Chalk Paint® Wax will be dry within 24 hours, it can take up to 2 weeks to cure (fully harden). You can use the piece during this time, but just with a little caution.Can I sand chalk board paint?
The primer should be lightly sanded using 120-150 grit sandpaper. Between coats of chalkboard paint you should use 200-400 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface. This not only helps increase adhesion but promotes a smooth finish product.Is it better to brush or roll chalk paint?
Depending on the size of the object you're painting, you can opt to use a brush, roller, or spray gun to apply chalk paint. How you apply the paint will depend on your applicator of choice: To use chalk paint with a brush: For a smooth, uniform finish, choose a natural-bristle brush with long, flexible bristles.How do I get rid of brush strokes?
How to Minimize Brush Strokes on your Painted Furniture
- Use the Right Brush for your Paint. ...
- Use Good Brush Technique. ...
- Paint in the Same Direction as the Wood Grain. ...
- Lightly sand in between each coat of paint and after the final coat. ...
- Try Rolling On, Laying Off. ...
- Give Yourself Some Grace!
Do you buff between coats of wax on 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.What sandpaper do you use for chalk paint?
Add a little water to your tin of Chalk Paint®. Apply the paint with a Flat Brush, working in the same direction as the grain. *Optional* When the paint is dry, use fine sandpaper – 600-grit or higher – to buff the finished surface.Do you sand after waxing chalk paint?
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!How do you make chalk paint shiny?
Matte or Eggshell Finish (Low Sheen)If you paint with chalk paint, you need to apply wax or another finish after the paint dries. For a modern finish, I do not use clear wax. Waxing is a multi-step process, applying the wax and then later buffing the wax.