Can you fix it? Yes, you can!

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ is really simple to use and terrific transformations can be achieved quickly without the need for too much kit.  

But as with any new skill, when starting out you are bound to find there are some techniques that take a little time to master. 

At Little Gems Interiors we have noticed that there are a few upcycling questions that pop up more frequently than others and so we have gathered them together to help make the process easier for any Chalk Paint™ newbies. 

Why is the paint lifting as I apply the second coat? 

Although Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ becomes touch dry quickly, it’s important to make sure your first coat is fully dry before applying the second coat. If you can't resist and rush in, you will likely find the first layer starts to lift as you apply the second. This will leave you with an uneven finish so it really is worth waiting just a little longer to make sure your project is completely dry before continuing to paint. 

If the paint does start to lift in this way, allow it to dry completely and give it a light sanding before continuing to paint. 

The finish is looking more textured than I wanted. What can I do? 

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ is water based and does thicken up slightly as it comes into contact with the air. The thicker the paint becomes the more textured the finish so we always recommend that you pour a small amount of paint into a tray to use and put the lid back on the rest of the tin to avoid it thickening.  

Once the area that looks more textured than you wanted is fully dry, lightly sand and then repaint. 

Chalk Paint™ can easily be diluted. Just tip a small amount into a tray and very slowly add water until it’s the consistency of double cream. 

Is there anything I can do to speed up the drying process? 

If you are really in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. Make sure you keep the hairdryer an arms-length away from your project as applying direct heat will crack the paint (this is in fact a technique we teach as part of our workshops and can have stunning results, but it can also be annoying if it’s not the finish you were after!). Alternatively place your project in a warm sunny spot to help it to dry. 

I have applied too much wax! What can I do? 

If you have applied too much wax it’s likely that there will be opaque white lumps or streaks on your paint work. It's easiest to fix this problem sooner rather than later and although it may seem like strange advice, the best thing you can do is apply a little more wax. This will make the underlying layer more pliable and easier to remove. Using an absorbent cloth, wipe away the excess wax using a slow, steady movement. As you work, the cloth will soak up the excess wax so make sure you have a spare on hand for when it starts to get clogged up. Once you have removed the excess wax, allow your project to dry overnight. As with all newly waxed furniture it can take up to 30 days to fully cure. 

At Little Gems Interiors we love talking to customers about their upcycling projects and are happy to offer help and advice along the way. 

While chatting to our team at our shop at Assington Barns near the Essex/Suffolk border you can also browse our full range of Annie Sloan products. We are sure you will love out beautiful decorative accessories, soft furnishings, stylish clothes and jewellery too!