It’s amazing, this blogworld. Just put the word out that you’re having problems with a product and the right folks show up to help. Denise and Rhonda are two chalk paint stockists, with Color Me French, here in the Atlanta area and they got the word that my sis and I had some wax problems with her table and chairs. I got an email from Denise volunteering to come over and save the day. I had first met these ladies down at Scott Antiques market, where they have a booth set up to sell Annie Sloan chalk paint.
How cool is that? and how sweet are Denise and Rhonda to come over and repaint the top of our orange table?
We got the first-hand scoop on the proper way to apply this cool wax and now we are experts. Not really, but I think I’ve got it now. Somehow in looking online at the how-to’s of chalk paint and wax, I missed the most important part:
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. That’s the secret that I somehow missed. Apparently, putting on the wax is the most challenging part of using chalk paint. But, it’s easy once you know this step.
Denise and Rhonda stopped by with a fresh can of Barcelona Orange and applied it to the top of the table, right over the wax that we had already applied, that was by now completely dry.
You can see the difference in the fresh paint going over the old wax. After it is dry we will then go back with wax again and this time rub it in and off the paint.
Completely covering the old wax surface.
Back to orange paint again.
Denise then demonstrated how to add wax to the painted chairs. She brushed on the wax with the round brush, jabbing it into the surface and covering the whole seat.
Then, she immediately went back and smoothed in the wax into the paint, removing excess as well.
She did that all over the chair, brushing the slats, legs and back. Again, immediately going back with the t-shirt and rubbing the wax in and off the paint.
It will not leave a hazy finish when you do it like this. Then it will be time to buff down the wax.
Cover all the painted surface with wax, rub it in and off, then let dry over night and go back and buff to a slight sheen.
Here is the wax after buffing with a soft T-shirt. That’s it! The correct way to apply wax. Wasn’t that easy, after all?
Amazing what the right method will do. Now you know. Do not leave your wax on the surface, it must be wiped into and off the paint, leaving a smooth wax surface to dry. Nothing hazy about it then.
I am sure I’ll have lots more projects with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It’s fun to work with and creates a beautiful finish!
Don’t forget the BIG Annie Sloan workshop on March 29th, here in Atlanta and you can meet Annie in person! In case you’d like to sign up, go here for all the info! Don’t miss the giveaway below too.
I’m joining my friend, Kate for her Spring Fling Craft party. This is sorta crafty with paint! Don’t miss the fun, be sure and stop by over there and you’ll see tons of fun and inspiring spring projects to get you in the mood for the season. I’ll be up on Tuesday with Spring Door decor and Sarah’s party is next Thursday, with more paint projects.
I somehow missed the rubbing in and the excess off with a rag too. How nice of those ladies to come and show you the finer points of waxing. The set looks great.
I have bought from Rhonda and Denise as well – at the monthly Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta – they have a booth/space in the south building.
Glad you figured it out – I now have 12 or so projects behind me and think I have figured most of the issues out. I think the dark wax is the trickiest – you can overdo it and it looks muddy/messy. With the right application and diligent editing afterwards (over dried clear wax), you can get amazing results – check some of mine out on my blog!
When I used the chalk paint by Annie Sloan, I waxed it with Johnson’s wax and got great results. I used it on a night stand, and it has a nice luster. I am pleased with the results from it.
This is very timely bec. I just painted an interior door with chalk paint last week and am getting ready to apply the wax. I was going to start by rubbing it in with an old t-shirt. What do you think? I must have a round brush?
I haver a project to do with sloan paint and clear wax and was excited but now I am nervous. I am not usually intimidated with painting furniture I do it all the time but this is makeing very concerned.
Great post! I am going to venture into chalk paint soon, so it’s a good thing I read this before I did the same thing haha. I always need EXACT directions or I get confused. Love the blog
What great info! I’m learning more about it every day! ♥
I am so in love with the Barcelona Orange. I bought it a month or so ago but have yet to use it as I’m waiting for just the right piece. What a bold move to do it on an entire dining set but it looks awesome! I love it paired with the black and white chevron rug. Very chic!
How lucky are you to have stockists right at your doorstep?! I use ASCP on many of my pieces that I sell and either have to travel out of town to get it or order online.
Rhoda – thanks so much – I was having the same problem and realize now I too was doing it wrong – thanks for setting me straight! Love that color by the way! Take care, Laura
I never realized there were so many steps to using chalk paint. It really turned out beautiful. I like that you went with the bold orange color. Thanks for sharing how to properly use the Anni Sloan paint.
I think it’s the whole wax on/wax off part that has kept me from trying that Annie Sloan paint …
Now if I only had a Denise & Rhonda nearby …
🙂
Linda
Rhoda I too have been trouble waxing. Furniture. 🙂 Thank you SO very much for this tutorial.
I love the orange color.
I’ll see you for your party next week.
Happy day, happy spring, happy happy everything!
Thank you! I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, the wax always looks blotchy 🙁 I thought I wasn’t buffing it enough, or the right way. I can’t wait for the Annie Sloan conference, I will be going!
Yes, I can attend the Annie Sloan Conference, I hope I run into you and some of the other great blogging gals!
It looks really pretty. What I can’t believe is that she painted that table with the orange paint in that pretty blouse without a smock on!
Hi Rhoda- When you posted that you and your sister had a difficult time with the paint, I wondered if anyone had explained it to you. I’ve used it a lot and love the no priming. But, I did take a class the week I bought all the supplies, it helped. When you get your new place, I’m sure you will go wild with it. Paula
Love the color and that is so cool they came to help you! Good tips 🙂 You fell off my reader for some reason? I was driving today and was like, where’s Rhoda been? I saw your post about your sisters house the other day but I didn’t read it in my reader, just jumped over direct b/c I hadn’t seen your posts! I thought you were taking a break! Did you have google friend connect? Maybe that’s why. Oh well, I resubscribed 🙂
I just recently waxed my first piece. I did watch a video online before I applied it. I remember it said to push the wax into the paint, so that’s what I did. I didn’t have one of the AS round brushes, so I used an old Clinique face scrubbing brush that I had. Worked like a charm!
I recently took a class with a trainer of Annie Sloan…we did not use a brush when applying the wax…just a cloth..we applied the wax…rubbed it off and then went back later and buffed…I am curious to know if the round brush is a product of Annie Sloan…
I would LOVE to make the trip to Atlanta for the workshop!
I recently purchased my first can of ASCP & both waxes: & I have completed 1 chair. I’m pleased with how it looks, but I’m not sure that my waxing technique is correct. Thanks for sharing this post – & the chance to attend the workshop… how awesome would that be?!
I would love to try the Coco color – or maybe the Old White.