I’ve been asked quite a few times to write a post on How To Create a Smooth Finish Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Â Here goes!
- Wipe piece clean. Â I typically take a paper towel and go over a piece to get rid of cobwebs, etc. Â I use a Mr. Clean sponge to get off any stuck on grime, glue or residue. Â I’m telling you, these sponges are miracle workers! Â
- If a piece is missing any veneer or is deeply scratched, apply wood filler and let dry. Sand off wood filler and repeat the process until surface is smooth. Related Posts: Refinishing – Not Restoring – A Vintage Wood Top; Â Fixing a Wood Top with Elmer’s Wood Filler; Wood Filler is a Friend – How To Change Drawer Pulls; Safety First and an Empire Chest in the Works
- Mix your paint. Â If the Annie Sloan chalk paint has been sitting around awhile in your workroom, add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) into the paint and mix. Â
- Apply the paint. Â Annie Sloan uses her round brush to apply the paint in a more haphazard way to create texture. For a smooth finish, I apply my paint using a Wooster short handled brush with slanted bristles. Â Apply the paint evenly in one direction for the first coat. Â Related Video: Part I: How to Apply First Coat
- Apply the second coat in the opposite direction from the first. Â It is very important to make sure your paint is not too thick when you apply your second coat. Â You may need to add a splash more water into the paint to keep it thin. Related Video: Florence Tables Part II
- Let dry. Â Go over entire piece with 400 grit sandpaper before applying wax. Â I wrap my sandpaper around a sanding sponge and work it over the piece in a circular motion. Â It will create scratch marks but don’t worry. Â Keep at it until the marks disappear. Â Note:Â You will find yourself and your work area covered in chalk paint dust after sanding. I recommend doing the sanding outside and wear a mask. Â I actually have a leaf blower that I use to blow off the dust. Â You can also wipe it off with a lightly dampened paper towel.
- While sanding, (if desired) distress your piece. Â You may need to use 150 grit to distress back in places. Related Posts: To Distress or Not to Distress How-To: Â How to Distress Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Tutorial; How to Wet Distress Chalk Paint. Â Related Video: How To Sand Back and Distress Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- Using Annie Sloan clear wax, take either your wax brush (I highly recommend the Annie Sloan wax brush) or a clean old t-shirt or cloth and apply the wax. Â I apply it in a circular motion. Â Don’t goop it on – take your time and add section at a time. Â Dab your brush into the wax, apply and repeat. Related Posts: All About Waxes: My Tips and Tricks; How to Apply Annie Sloan Wax (Clear and Dark) Over Chalk Paint
image via Annie Sloan
- Take a cloth (I use Target washcloths that are a few dollars a pack) and rub lightly in a circular motion to take off the excess wax.
- If applying dark wax, apply it now and wipe off excess using clear wax. Â Keep at it until desired effect. Â Related Video:Â Annie Sloan Wax Tutorial: How to Apply Wax Over Chalk Paint
- After the wax has cured overnight, repeat the process of Step 9. Â You can rub it harder as it will buff your piece and give it a nice sheen.
- If you desire an even smoother finish, there is one more step. Â After the wax has cured, take 400 or higher grit sandpaper or greater, wrap it around a sanding sponge and go over piece in a circular motion. Â Wipe off the excess debris as you go. Â Yes, you can sand it after the wax has been applied! Â It really makes the piece super smooth. Â I typically leave it as-is after doing this, but you can add another coat of clear wax if desired.
And, there you have it! Â My step by step instructions on how to create a smooth finish using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!