Chalk paint is water-based and has a rustic vintage look. However, it has poor (weak) surface coverage. So, how many coats of chalk paint do you need?
You need 2-3 coats of chalk paint for proper coverage. On low-traffic (decor) surfaces, you need 2 coats. For high-traffic (busy) surfaces, you need 3 coats.
However, chalk paint isn’t durable, and you must seal it with wax or a sealant (polyurethane). If you don’t, the paint will get washed off if exposed to constant water or traffic.
Why Does it Matter?
The number of coats matters because it determines the type of finish. If you don’t apply enough coats, the paint coverage will be poor, and the finish will be weak. The minimum number of coats is 1.
On the other hand, if you apply too many coats, the finish won’t dry and will turn sticky. That’s because too many coats will slow the evaporation (or dry time) and keep the coats wet for longer. Since the coating is wet for longer, dust and filth will settle over it, causing bumps once it dries. The maximum number of coats is 4.
The number of coats also determines the color shade and durability. Fewer coats will give you a lighter color shade since there will be fewer paint pigments on the surface. Too many coats will give you a deeper (darker) color shade since there will be too many pigments on the surface.
While chalk paint isn’t durable regardless, fewer coats will always provide a weak finish. The paint will chip off with minimal contact if the finish is weak or not durable. Manufacturers like Annie Sloan recommends applying 2-3 coats for proper coverage, durability, and a good finish.
You Need Another Coat If:
Inspect the finish to know if you need another coat of chalk paint. For example, if the finish has a lighter shade than needed, you need another coat. Though chalk is thick, the color or pigments don’t fully set with one coating.
Also, if the coating hasn’t properly covered a surface, you must add more coats. Chalk paint doesn’t have good coverage, so you always need to add more coats.
You can also check the manufacturer’s instructions or user’s guide. Different brands have different requirements, so read the manufacturer’s instructions to know the maximum/minimum number of coats.
The number of coats also depends on the surface type. For low-traffic (or decor) surfaces, 2 coats are enough. That’s because the low-traffic surfaces aren’t exposed to water or traffic as much and won’t get washed off. For high-traffic surfaces, you need 3 coats of chalk paint and 2 coats of sealant.
Chalk Paint Dry Time Between Coats
It takes chalk paint 30 minutes to dry between coats. This gives the coating enough time to harden and strengthen to support another coating.
For the paint to dry, the solvent (water or oil) must evaporate from the coating. Since chalk paint is water-based, it will dry faster because its solvent (water) evaporates fast.
If you re-coat too soon, the finish will turn sticky and remain wet for several days (or weeks). That’s because if you apply another coat too soon, the evaporation process is stopped (or reduced), so it will take longer for the solvent to evaporate. This increases the drying time of the paint.
So, if you apply multiple coats, you must wait until each coat dries (30 minutes) before applying the next one. The dry time also depends on the room temperature, coat thickness, and humidity levels.
Related Read: Chalk Paint Dry Time
Different Surfaces
Cabinets
For cabinets, you need 2 coats of chalk paint for proper coverage and protection. That’s because cabinets aren’t high-traffic surfaces and don’t need much protection.
However, you must use a semi-gloss sheen or seal it with water-based polyurethane to protect the paint from dirt, grease, or dust.
Furniture
To paint wood furniture, apply 3 coats of chalk paint. That’s because furniture is exposed to high-traffic and constant touching, so you need more coats for better protection.
But, if you want a distressed finish, apply 2 coats only. To get a distressed finish, you must sand the paint. Since you will be sanding, you don’t need too many coats.
Dark Wood
To paint dark wood, apply 3-4 thin coats of chalk paint. You need more coats over a dark surface to cover and prevent the dark color from bleed-through the finish. Optionally, you can apply two coats of primer too.
Countertops
For countertops, you need 2-3 coats of chalk paint and 2 coats of sealant. That’s because countertops are exposed to constant water and traffic and need a durable finish.
Final Words
In summary, you must apply 2-3 coats of chalk paint. The number of coats depends on the surface type; high-traffic surfaces need more coats, while low-traffic surfaces need fewer coats.
Since chalk paint isn’t durable, you must seal it with a sealant or wax.
