Mod Podge is extremely versatile and can be used for multiple different things. One of the things Mod Podge is used for is sealing painted objects. It is extremely durable and is water resistant. If you are painting with chalk paint, chances are you’ve thought about using Mod Podge to seal it with a protective coating.
So, will Mod Podge seal chalk paint? Yes! Mod Podge makes a good sealant for chalk paint. It provides a chalky, smooth finish to any project with chalk paint. You can choose whether you want a matte or glossy finish, allowing the Mod Podge to enhance your finished product.
Mod Podge is not the only option for sealing chalk paint, and it might not even be the best. There are other options such as wax and polycrylic. Sealing chalk paint isn’t necessary, but it can have benefits for your project.
What is the Best Sealer for Chalk Paint?
Other than Mod Podge, a wax sealer is going to be the best option for your chalk paint. The finish you get from wax is completely unmatched by any other sealant you will get your hands on. The sheen and luster that wax leaves behind is absolutely beautiful.
I recommend using Walspar Sealing Wax to seal your chalk paint. It’s amazing because it still gives it a super chalky finish.
Another thing that makes wax so great is the smooth touch that is left behind. This makes it ideal for painted furniture, such as a chair or dresser. You won’t need to worry about the paint scratching off when you place things on top of the dresser or when people sit in the chair.
Wax also has the ability to resist water. This means the paint underneath will be completely protected should your object come in contact with water. It is not waterproof, though, so it can’t be exposed to water for long periods of time.
You also don’t have to worry about wax turning yellow over time. The coat will always stay clear and durable, no matter how much time passes. Even though wax is the best option for chalk paint, there are some downfalls that you need to be aware of.
First, wax takes some extra work to apply and buff onto the surface. This means it will be more time consuming than some other types of sealer. Second, it’s also not easy to paint over, so keep this in mind and choose a color that you won’t want to change.
Can You Use Polycrylic to Seal Chalk Paint?
Polycrylic is a great way to seal chalk paint. It is also going to be the best alternative to wax. There are multiple finishes you can choose from starting with matte and ending with shiny. There are also different ways to apply polycrylic. They have a spray can or a liquid that you can brush or roll on.
Like wax, polycrylic is very durable. It is much easier and faster to apply to the surface than wax, which is appealing. The main thing to worry about with polycrylic is even though it is water-based, it has the tendency to yellow after a long period of time. This can impact how your final product looks down the road.
Unlike wax, however, you can paint over polycrylic. This might be a better option for you if you find yourself wanting to change the color of your items regularly. You might also experience visible brush strokes with polycrylic, but you can avoid this by using a roller.
A problem you might run into with polycrylic is that it has the ability to pull tannins from in the wood through the paint. This will create yellow or pink spots in your paint that you won’t be able to make go away. These spots can be incredibly frustrating after working so hard on your project.
This will be most common when you use white or very light-colored paint. It isn’t expected to happen every time, but it is a problem to be aware of.
How to Seal Chalk Paint
How you seal the chalk paint will depend on what you are using. If you are going to use Mod Podge, wait for the chalk paint to dry before applying. Mod Podge dries quickly, so you will need to work fast.
Apply one coat and let it dry, then add another coat if desired. Make sure you use enough Mod Podge to prevent bubbles and wrinkles from forming.
If you are going to seal with wax, wait for the paint to dry completely. With a wax brush or lint-free cloth, you can apply your wax to the surface. It is best to work in large areas and sweep the wax across the paint. You want to cover every last part of the surface with wax to seal properly.
When you are finished, go back over with a lint-free cloth to remove excess wax. This will prevent the surface from feeling sticky. If you want a finish that looks polished, let the wax sit overnight and buff the surface the next day with a lint-free cloth.
If you are going to seal the chalk paint with polycrylic, you are going to want to use a synthetic paint brush with long, slow movements. This will prevent visible brushstrokes on the surface. After you finish applying the first coat, let it dry for about two hours. You can then apply a second coat. Repeat the process for a third coat.
What Happens If You Don’t Seal Chalk Paint?
If you don’t seal chalk paint, it will experience wear and tear faster than if you put a sealant on it. The chalk paint is going to be more susceptible to scratches and scuffs. Chalk paint doesn’t need a sealant to be protected, so not much will happen if you don’t seal it.
Most people will choose to not seal their chalk paint because it can alter the color and make it darker. If this is something you want to avoid, it is recommended to avoid sealing your paint. It is also advised against sealing chalk paint if you are adding any writing to it.
How Long Should Chalk Paint Dry Before Sealing?
There is no magic number for how long you should wait for your chalk paint to dry before sealing, but there is a strong recommendation. While the paint will usually feel dry to the touch within an hour, it is always a good idea to allow extra drying time.
For the best results, it is highly recommended to wait 24 hours between each coat of chalk paint. This means you should also wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry before you add a sealant to it. Waiting will ensure that you don’t accidentally mess up the paint while adding the sealant.
Final Thoughts
Mod Podge is a great supply to have in your cabinet. It can be used for multiple different projects, including sealing chalk paint. Mod Podge applies easily and dries quickly, so it is a solid option to choose, especially if you don’t have anything that might be better.
The best thing to seal chalk paint with is wax. You will get a beautiful sheen that is not comparable to any other sealant. Another great option is polycrylic. Both of these sealants are durable and will add some protection to your paint job.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your chalk paint is properly sealed. Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!