Is Chalk Paint Waterproof? (Yes! How To Properly Seal)

While original chalk paint is water resistant object, it’s important to note that they’re not waterproof, they only resist water.  

This means it can withstand some contact with water, but will degrade, peel, or develop mold with constant exposure of chalk painted surface.  

Nevertheless, you can still use original chalk paint on your outdoor furniture and projects—even fabric outdoor surfaces, like lounge chairs or cushions. 

Buy from a paint industry that provide the paint with additives that prohibit mold growth, if possible, and consider finishing painting outdoor furniture with sealant after your acrylic chalk paint or spray chalk paint has dried after painting job.  

To seal chalk paint waterproof or make chalk paint waterproof is more difficult than others like latex paint, but does provide a durable chalk paint finish without sacrificing the chalk paint's matte look. While seal chalk paint waterproof, you can increase the distressed look of waterproof chalk paint with a dark wax, if desired.  

To apply a paint wax sealant, paint it on with a wax brush and wax coat it evenly.  Take care not to apply it too thickly or overlap your brushstrokes, as an excess of paint wax will feel tacky after drying.  

Another downside of wax sealant is that it will require buffing for a smooth and brushless finish appearance after it dries.  Additionally, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to fully cure before you paint furniture. It’s ideal for pieces that won’t get much contact, so steer clear of it for tables, cabinets, and other everyday metal furniture.  

This sealant option is the quickest and easiest: simply spray chalk paint evenly and lightly like latex paints, allow it to dry, apply again, and you're done. Its main drawback is that it's expensive for large projects and won’t provide any additional aging effects.  

To apply a polycrylic sealant, brush it onto your fully dried chalk paint with a quality bristle brush. You don't have to use a second coat of chalk spray paint, but might want to if durability is a concern.  

Polycrylic topcoats of chalk spray paint have the advantages of easy application, an opaque look that turns clear when chalk spray paint dries (making full coverage more straightforward), and a soft finish that complements chalk paint's finish.  

On the list of cons, however, you'll notice some brands turn yellow over time, although this mostly refers to oil-based sealants.  

Finally, you can partially seal your piece with an aging glaze for even more effect. To apply, paint the aging glaze onto any areas where you want more depth and detail, then wipe them away with a wet cloth or damp cloth. Vary your amounts and pressure to get a natural-looking finish.  

The downside of aging glazes is that they don’t fully seal your piece; you’ll still want to apply a topcoat when the glaze has dried.  

Contrary to popular misconceptions, waterproof chalk paint is not the same as chalkboard paint waterproof.  Rather, the “chalk” in its name refers to its ultra-matte, chalky  paint finish that perfectly suits shabby chic or antique pieces.  

The water-based paint is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no thinning or straining prior to application. In fact, chalk paint doesn’t even have to be mixed before you chalkboard paint furniture.  

Chalk Paint was invented by Annie Sloan, British artist in 1990, and her trademarked brand is one of the best-known waterproof paints on the market to this day.  However, other brands have since developed similar formulas of their own.  

Perhaps the greatest benefit of using chalk paint is the fact you don’t absolutely have to prime or lightly sand a piece before you start painting surface with fine grit sandpaper. Its unique formula leaves no drip marks, goes on thick, can be used in a sprayer, and can cover imperfect outdoor surfaces and old finishes with little to no preparation. It can transform painting furniture—indoors or out—as well as curios, lamps, fireplaces, and even floors.  

This is often true of any chalkboard paint finish, but overloading a piece with color can turn your shabby-chic vision into something more suited for a kid’s room.

The opaque and matte finish of chalk paint and chalkboard paint only serves to underscore this effect, so use colors sparingly. 

A good rule of thumb is to choose subtle contrasts. You can also leave some wooden elements, like a stained bar top or small decorative details, to ground your piece and give it that extra bit of sophistication.  

While chalk paint outdoors requires sanding for that aged look crafters love, it is possible to overdo it with more paint.  Consider which areas would weather first if you left the distressing up to time and nature.  High-contact areas and edges, for example, are ideal places for light sanding.  Doing this step correctly will add dimension rather than appearing forced.  

Although a "pop piece" or two coats are acrylic coating certainly acceptable for most rooms, you're better off saving bright patterns or eye-catching contrast for things like pillows, art, or curious you can swap on a whim.  Instead, try a subtler approach with minimal contrast, such as a few light flourishes or a monogram.  

Obviously, this is subjective, but not every component of every project has to be covered with chalk paint. Ask yourself where the most contact will occur, such as the seat of a chair, and consider staining that area instead.  

Lastly, don’t use dark colors as a replacement for actual staining. The color may be the same, but the effect won't: letting the wood's natural grain shine will result in a much more dynamic finished project, and play off the matte-finish of the chalk paint outdoors beautifully.   

Regular chalk paints are a highly versatile option for upcycling and decorating cabinets, decor, and especially furniture—even if you plan on using that chalk spray paint outdoors. Although chalk paint is water-resistant, it isn't waterproof paint.  

Sealing chalk paint with an appropriate sealant will protect your outdoor pieces from rain, wind, UV protection, and frequent use or contact without sacrificing chalk paint's unique matte finish.