Man, it feels freeing to say that. Everything I know about painting furniture I have learned through trial and error, and also reading other painters’ blogs. From the time I began using chalk paint and similar paints, everything I’ve read and everyone I’ve talked to says wax is the go-to finish. That is until I met Maria Revollo of ML Furniture Decor last weekend at a painting workshop she was hosting to teach her Bermuda Blending technique.
Here are my issues with wax finishes. I know there will be some out there who disagree, and I’m ok with that. I welcome you to share your opinions regarding finishes in the comments below.
- Applying wax is a fairly laborious process, in my opinion. It is an arm work out and a half. I will sometimes finish painting a piece of furniture and then it will sit in my studio for a week or more because I am dreading finishing it with the wax. (I’m sure part of that is due to me having a little bit of a lazy bone. ;))
- No matter how many blogs or FAQ’s I read about applying a wax finish, videos I watch on how to do it right, etc., I’m never totally happy with the finish. I end up with visible streaks or pieces of the cloth I’m using/brush bristles in the finish. This is particularly troublesome with darker paint colors.
- The cure time is NOT realistic for commission projects. Annie Sloan wax suggests a 30-day period to allow the finish to completely cure and harden. I do believe that the finish is very durable once it is fully cured, however, if I am restyling a piece of furniture for a client, I want them to be able to take it home and use it right away. It feels odd to tell them they need to wait 30 days to use their newly painted furniture like normal.
- The TN humidity this summer just won’t let the wax cure! I painted a coffee table for dear friends and the poor people are STILL waiting for that wax to fully cure and harden. Y’all, it has been THREE months!! The last time I was over I confessed my newly-admitted displeasure with wax finishes and offered to apply a different finish for them. It’s just unacceptable.
So now that you know my reasons for giving up on wax finishes, you may be wondering what finishes I DO like to use. There are two I’m beginning to use a lot: Minwax Polycrylic and General Finishes Flat Out Flat.
Polycrylic is easy to apply with a brush, dries quickly, is very durable, and the furniture can be used as normal right away! I use the satin finish so it gives a polished look, but isn’t high gloss. I have used polycrylic before and was happy with the results, but for some reason I felt like I had to use wax as my go-to because that’s what I kept reading in all my research. Maria uses polycrylic on ALL her pieces. I think it’s genius and I am so grateful to her for helping me see the light on this issue. It isn’t that she “preaches” to always use polycrylic, it’s just what she prefers and I decided if it’s good enough for her then it’s good enough for me! Thanks Maria! 😉
My other new favorite finish is Flat Out Flat from General Finishes. The thing about wax that I DO love is the velvety soft finish it provides – no shine unless you buff it. Flat Out Flat gives you that velvety matte look, but immediate durability that can be used right away. No waiting 30 days for it to cure! It is super easy to apply, same technique as polycrylic.
Here is an image with polycrylic on the left and GF Flat Out Flat on the right. (This was a super quick sample I did with no sanding at all so the brushstrokes are major here.) You can see small areas between the two finishes to compare the unfinished result.
I can’t say that I will never use wax again (partly because I still have about half a can of it that is unused and that stuff is too expensive to just throw out!), but for now these two finishes will be my first choices for commission projects. I should probably also clarify that I’m just talking about wax as the final finish. There are lots of fun colored waxes out there that I will definitely still use for accents.
As I said earlier, I am sure there are some of you who love wax and will disagree with my opinions. That’s what makes us all unique and I welcome your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading!
*Note: I do not receive payment from Minwax or General Finishes to mention their products.
11 Comments
I have used Polycrylic many times with great satisfaction. I even used it on the hardwood (plywood) floors I put in our home (with dogs) over a year ago. It has held up great. Not a fan of the wax either.
Wow, Amy! I’m impressed it held up on your floors. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with all your points and especially your comment that wax is expensive. I think branded chalk paint has been very trendy and that sometimes influences people’s decisions to use it. Recently I’ve found artists who make their own paint and produce incredible works – both with furniture and other types of home decor. I use the wax I have left to mix with paint or stain to create distressed or accent effects. Again, cheaper than buying a lot of different colored waxes. I appreciate this post and you’re willingness to express an opinion outside of what’s popular! Thanks!
Interesting idea to mix the paints with the wax. I may have to try that! Thanks for your encouragement!
I use a poly type finish as well. For the antique look that wax provides I now use glazes. Much more durable.
Hi and thank you for the post. One question the GF Flat out Flat is oil based I was wondering if you’ve experienced any yellowing effect to the paint. I’m hoping not. ?
Hi Tammy, General Finishes Flat Out Flat is actually water based. You may be thinking of their High Performance topcoat line which is oil based. I’ve just started using the Flat Out Flat so fingers crossed for no yellowing! Here is a link to the product I’m using: https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-based-top-coats-sanding-sealers/flat-out-flat-self-cross-linking-acrylic-topcoat#.V9Nu6pMrLPA.
I am one of those furniture painters that make their own chalk paint 🙂 I also use Minwax finishing paste wax which seems to cure faster . I also add stain to give an antique look to pieces. I can not afford to use the brand name paints and waxes. I would have to up the prices on what I sell LOL . But just may have to try these two products you mentioned.
Let me know what you think if you do try them!
I have just started using GF products which I love. One question though … I like painted bases with wood tops. The Flat Out Flat seems too dull for the top. Is there a wayto shine that up a bit? I’ve used High Performance as well but it’s shinier than the look I’m trying to achieve. Thanks.
Hi Kathie, the High Performance Topcoat is available in four different sheens – Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss. I would recommend trying the Satin finish for a little bit of shine. Another topcoat I like from General Finishes, especially for large surfaces such as a dining table, is the Gel Topcoat. So much easier to apply and the finish is a hand-rubbed, not too shiny look. I would test that one on a practice surface first to see how you like it. I would love to know which one ends up working for you. Good luck!