Chalk paint can be your best friend if you’re trying to give a DIY project a distressed vintage look or upcycle an old piece of furniture. But sometimes, the reality doesn’t match up with our expectations, or as the piece ages, the old chalk paint might begin to discolor.
If your chalk paint finish is not up to scratch, this guide is here to show you how to remove chalk paint from all kinds of surfaces so you can get painting and revive any item!
With the right tools and a decent amount of effort, remaining chalk paint can be removed easily.
However, if the wood surface you are painting is more porous, you may have a harder time remove chalk paint, so it’s important to know how to get rid of chalk paint before you begin a project.
The best way to remove paint will depend on the wood surface you are removing it from and the type of as much old paint you’re trying to remove.
Runs and drips on your project can easily be wiped away with just water, and lots of water alongside white spirit can be helpful in breaking it down to remove chalk paint easily.
Other methods, such as using chemicals, sanding, or heat guns, are also effective but can be incredibly dangerous if done wrong.
What Can Be Used to Remove Chalk Paints?
There are several options out there if you’re looking for a reliable, accessible, and easy way to remove unwanted chalk paint.
Before using any chemicals or equipment, check the surface you will be using them on will not be damaged and that you are wearing the correct safety gear, such as protective clothing, goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
How To Remove Chalk Paint: DIY Guide For Common Surfaces
Removing Chalk Paint From Wood, Wooden Walls & Floors
You will need:
- 1If you are planning to use any chemical products, put on your protective equipment, such as goggles, gloves, and respirator.
- 2First, try to remove the chalk paint with water and a scrubbing sponge. On some wooden surfaces, this may be all you need to remove most of the paint. If it’s a little more stubborn or the wood has a deep grain, try adding a small amount of paint thinner to your water.
Regularly replace the water and wash your sponge to prevent paint buildup. Do not use water that is too warm, or it may cause the wood to warp. - 3If this doesn’t remove all of the chalk paint, continue going over the surface of the wood with steel wool and warm water. This will also sand the surface of your wood, leaving it nice and smooth for the next coat of paint. Take care not to damage the wood by scrubbing too hard.
- 4Next, clean and sand the wooden surface. Wipe down with mineral spirit or chalk paint thinner and leave to dry. Next, finish however you like, either with oil and then wax or a new coat of chalk paint.
- 5Oil, such as Danish oil, along with wax or varnish, will protect the wood and give it a nice shine.
Removing Chalk Paint From Glass (Jars etc.)
You will need:
- 1Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to remove chalk paint from. Using a straight razor or razor scraper tool, angle the blade to 45° and push against the paint.
It should scrape away quite easily. If you’re removing a large amount of paint from glass, it will take less time if you use a wall scraper instead of a razor blade.
Removing Chalk Paint From Concrete (Concrete Walls And Floors)
You will need:
- 1Concrete is one of the trickiest surfaces to remove chalk paint from as it is very porous.
First, clean your surface well with soap and water, and use a brush to remove any debris or dust. You can also clean it with a solution of water and trisodium phosphate, or TSP, which may be more effective, but you will need to wear gloves before handling.
Work either the soap and water or TSP into the concrete with a long-handled brush. Wash with more water and leave to dry thoroughly. - 2Next, scrape any peeling paint with a putty knife before using a paint stripper on the surface. Cover thickly and leave it on for around six to eight hours. Remember to use protective eyewear, gloves, and a respirator before using chemicals. Make sure all skin is covered too.
- 3Using a scraper or wire brush, remove the paint stripper, and with it, the paint residue. For a large area of concrete, it will be more effective and quicker to use a pressure washer set at 3,000 psi. Repeat until all paint is removed.
Remove Chalk Paint From Metal
You will need:
- 1First, clean the area you will be removing the chalk paint from with soap and water.
- 2Then use a cloth to rub a solvent such as rubbing alcohol across the surface. If the area is not smooth and has any grooves, use a paint stripper instead.
Before applying any chemicals, check they will not damage the surface and put on protective gear. Do not scrub metal with steel wool, as this may scratch it.
Remove Chalk Paint From Furniture
How you remove chalk paint from wood piece of furniture will depend on what the furniture is made of.
See above for information on removing paint from wooden or metal furniture.
Remove Chalk Paint From Clothes
You will need:
- 1If the paint on your clothes is still wet, begin by using a spoon or the blunt edge of a knife to scrape off the paint.
- 2Put the clothes affected with chalk paint stains under the tap and run warm water over it from the back of the cloth. Then use the paper towels to soap up what paint you can.
- 3If a stain remains, apply laundry detergent, liquid soap, or stain remover or paint remover. Scrub with a brush or damp rag, then wash in the washing machine as normal.
Removing Chalk Paint FAQs
Why did my chalk paint wax turn yellow?
Chalk paint wax can turn yellow from the tannins in a wooden surface, exposure to the sun, or from not priming your surface before applying the paint.
Can you paint over chalk paint instead of removing it?
You can paint directly over chalk paint as long as any wax applied over the paint has been removed first. This can be done with mineral spirit on a rag.
Conclusion
Chalk paint can help you achieve the chic vintage distressed look of your dreams, and fortunately, if you don’t end up liking your final result, it’s not too tricky to remove your chalk paint and try again.