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Chalk Paint "How to" Guide

PREP: One of the many advantages of Wise Owl Paint is eliminating most of the prep work from painting. Some prep work is still necessary to ensure you have a successful project. This includes: cleaning the surface to remove oils, furniture polish residue, and oil based soaps or cleaning products. You may sand out imperfections from the surface if necessary, but most minor scratches will not be visible once painted. If painting a piece made from mahogany, oak, or pine, a clear coat, such as shellac, may be necessary to prevent the tannins in the wood from bleeding through the paint finish.

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PAINT: Thoroughly shake and then stir the paint to redistribute the minerals, Mineral based paints can settle, and the minerals must be reincorporated any length of time, and sitting between uses can contribute to the minerals settling towards the bottom. Once minerals are properly reincorporated you may begin painting.

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BRUSH: Choose a paint brush depending on your desired finish. Natural bristle brushes are best for shabby chic and rustic finishes, due to the dimension lengths. Synthetic brushes such as the Cling On brand, are ideal for a smooth, brush stroke free, and flawless finish. Only dip the tips of the bristles into paint and paint with the grain. Allow ample dry time between coats. Smooth, thin, even coats produce the best finish and reduce time sanding away brush strokes once paint has cured.

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SAND (OPTIONAL): This step is up to you. I always recommend sanding lightly after paint has fully cured, it is recommended to wait 24 hours after paint is dry to begin this process. Use 300+ grit sandpaper or sanding blocks for a smooth surface to prepare for a sealant. At this time, you may also distress if desired, focusing on areas that would become worn over time, detailed areas, and anywhere you wish to create a time-worn finish.

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SEAL: Many sealants can be used with our paint and choosing the correct one depends on desired finish and intended use of the piece. We suggest Wax, Hemp Oil, Glaze, and Poly sealants.

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