How to Remove Chalk Paint From Wood? (3 Methods)

Chalk paint is a water-based paint with a low level of moisture resistance. So, how to remove chalk paint from wood?

To remove chalk paint from wood, use sandpaper, paint-stripping compound, or solvent-based paint remover.

Chalk paint is easy to remove as it doesn’t have protective additives or a glossy finish.

Can You Remove Chalk Paint Without Sanding?

You can remove chalk paint without sanding by using a paint-stripped compound or solvent-based paint remover.

A paint-stripping compound contains additives, such as rubbing alcohol, that will liquefy and remove the paint. They are designed to remove multiple paint coats, so only use them for large surfaces.

However, the paint-stripping compound will damage and discolor the wood if you leave it over the wood for too long.

You must remove the paint-stripping compound residue off the wood with water before re-painting it. So, you must wait until the wood dries before re-painting it.

Is Chalk Paint Easy To Remove?

Chalk paint is easy to remove as it isn’t durable paint, doesn’t have a glossy finish, and doesn’t contain protective additives to make it water-resistant. The paint is water-soluble, meaning it will get removed if exposed to constant water.

Since chalk paint is a flat paint, it doesn’t have a glossy or waterproof topcoat that prevents water penetration. The paint-stripping compound will easily penetrate the paint, liquefy the particles, and remove multiple layers of chalk paint.

The chalk paint formula consists of plasters (or binders), paint solvents (water), and paint pigments. None of these additives create a protective paint finish.

It’s harder to remove sealed chalk paint as the sealer produces a glossy moisture-resistant coating that protects the paint from water, moisture, or scratches. Since the paint-stripping compound can’t penetrate the sealer topcoat, it will take longer for the paint to get removed.

How To Remove Chalk Paint From Wood?

To remove chalk paint from wood, do the following things.

1. Use Sandpaper.
2. Use a Paint-stripping Compound.
3. Use a Solvent-based Paint Remover.
4. Use Vinegar.
5. Use White Spirits.
6. Use Mineral Spirits.
7. Use Nitromors.
8. Use Citristrip.

1. Use Sandpaper

A coarse or medium-grit sandpaper will remove chalk paint from wood and smoothen the wooden surface simultaneously. Simply rub the abrasive side of the sandpaper repeatedly against the wood until the paint comes off.

Don’t use extra fine-grit or fine-grit sandpaper as it isn’t abrasive enough to remove paint off surfaces.

The tools you need for this project are listed below.

• Sandpaper
• A power sander only (for large surfaces such as floors and walls)
• A vacuum or duster
• Rags
• Wood filler

To remove chalk paint with sandpaper, do the following things.

1. Clean the painted surface with a rag to remove dust.
2. Attach the sandpaper (coarse or medium-grit) to the sander. For small surfaces, sand manually.
3. Sand the wooden surface repeatedly — don’t apply pressure while sanding, as you can damage the surface.
4. Inspect the surface every 5 minutes to see if the paint is removed.
5. Remove the dust using a clean rag or vacuum.
6. Re-stain or re-paint the wood if needed.

A sandpaper will remove 2-3 chalk paint coats easily. But, to remove multiple paint coats or if the chalk paint is sealed, you must change the sandpaper regularly as it will get dull (clogged).

2. Use a Paint-stripping Compound

A paint-stripping compound will remove multiple chalk paint coats from wooden surfaces.

The product will penetrate the paint coat, dissolve and break the paint particles’ bond, break the bond between the coating and surface, and liquefy the paint so you can wipe it off.

The tools you need for this project are listed below.

• A chemical-based paint stripper
• A Paintbrush
• Rags
• Mineral spirits
• A paint scraper
• A plastic bag

To remove chalk paint with a paint-stripping compound, do the following things.

1. Clean the painted surface with a clean rag.
2. Apply two coats of paint-stripping compound with a paint scraper. After applying, use the paint scraper to push the compound into the wood.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes for the paint-stripping compound to penetrate the paint coating and dissolve the particles.
4. Scrape the paint off after 15 minutes.
5. If there’s leftover paint, re-apply the compound and scrape it again.
6. Clean the wood with soapy water to remove the paint-stripping compound residue.
7. Leave the wood to dry.

3. Use a Solvent-based Paint Remover

A solvent-based paint remover, such as acetone or rubbing alcohol, will remove unsealed chalk paint.

The solvent-based paint remover can’t remove sealed chalk paint as it can’t penetrate or dissolve the sealer coating.

The tools you need for this project are listed below.

• A waterproof bag
• Paint scraper
• Acetone
• Rags
• A bowl

To remove chalk paint with solvent-based paint remover, do the following things.

1. Clean the painted surface with a rag to remove dirt.
2. Damp a rag with solvent-based paint remover, such as acetone.
3. Use the dampened rag to wipe the painted wood repeatedly for a few minutes.
4. Wait 10-15 minutes or until the paint starts to bubble.
5. Scrape the paint off using a scrapper.
6. Re-apply paint remover to the leftover paint.
7. Clean the wood with soapy water to remove paint remover residue.
8. Allow the wood to dry before re-using it.

Note: Use paint thinner as an alternative to acetone.

4. Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a mild solvent and will remove water-based paints from wood. Simply, apply vinegar over the painted surface, wait a few minutes for the paint to bubble, and scrape it off.

Remove the vinegar residue from the wood as it can discolor it and prevent paint adhesion.

5. Use White Spirits

Use white spirits to remove 1-2 coats of chalk paint from wood. Apply the white spirits over the paint, wait a few minutes, and use steel wool to remove the paint.

White spirits isn’t a strong solvent and can’t remove more than two (2) paint coats or sealed finishes.

6. Use Mineral Spirits

Use mineral spirits to remove or soften multiple sealed chalk paint coats. Damp a rag with mineral spirits, use the dampened rag to wipe the paint finish, wait a few minutes, and scrape the paint off.

Mineral spirits is strong enough to remove water-based and oil-based paints.

Note: Remove the mineral spirits residue as it can damage the wooden surface.

7. Use Nitromors

Nitromors Master Craftsman’s Paint And Varnish Remover will strip multiple coats of chalk paint. Also, this product won’t damage wood and will remove paint fast.

8. Use Citristrip

Citristrip is an industrial-grade cleaning remover that can remove several chalk paint coats.