How to Remove Chalk Paint From Wood (Guide & Safety Precautions)

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Different kinds of paint have different applications and corresponding effects. Chalk paint is fun to apply, but it’s fairly difficult to remove, especially if you don’t have the right tools and skills.

Therefore, learning how to remove chalk paint from wood properly is advantageous especially when you have applied it in excess. In this guide, our paint experts will detail the steps and process.

Why is Chalk Paint Used on Wood?

Furniture, and even wood floors, applied with chalk paint have a vintage look and feel. In addition, paint coatings applied to furniture can also lead to a distressed look.

However, make sure that the wood’s surface is free from dust prior to the application of this specific paint for a smooth finish. Also, opt for a high-quality brush suitable for chalk paint for an even coat. Here are some advantages of using chalk paint:

This paint can dry up fast
Applying chalk paint is easy to handle
Once applied, this paint will leave the surface with a matte and vintage finish
You can seal chalk paint with several thin layers of top coats

Can You Get Rid of Chalk Paint Easily?

There are different methods to help you get rid of paint, which are as follows:

With Heat

Heat can be used to remove paint from surfaces.

With the Use of Chemical Products

You can remove paint with the use of chemical products such as paint strippers.

Mechanically or Use of Power Tools

You can remove paint mechanically or with the help of fine grit sandpaper and power tools.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Mechanical Method

The mechanical method of removing old paint is done faster especially with an orbital sander. You can get the work done with less labor and less time.

However, it is not recommended to use the mechanical method on soft woods and delicate furniture. It can leave behind scratch marks and ruin the wood.

Mechanical	Thermal	Chemical
Spatula	Torch burner	Rubbing alcohol
Chisel	Special construction hair dryer	Solvents
Sandpaper	Steam iron	Paint thinner
Hard metal brush
Grinder
Drill
Grinder with nozzles

Methods of Removing Chalk Paint from Wood

Learning the ways to remove chalk paint from wood is not rocket science. Here are the methods and their corresponding steps for removing this paint from wood.

Method #1: Paint Stripper

You can use a paint stripper to remove the chalk paint from wood such as kitchen cabinets, wood paneling, and hardwood floors.

Safety Precautions

Choose an environment-friendly paint stripper or paint remover with a biodegradable formula.
Gather and wear protective gear before starting the process. Strippers are formulated to contain chemicals.
Work in a well-spaced and aerated area
Protect surfaces by covering them with plastic sheeting.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here are the tools and supplies you’ll need to remove chalk paints from wood:

Paintbrush
Paint stripper/paint remover
Plastic or metal putty knife
Plastic scraper
Steel wool scrubber pad
Fine grit sandpaper (100 or 120)
Plastic sheet
Face mask
Gloves
Bucket
Soap mixture
Dry lint-free cloth

Step #1: Gather All the Required Tools/Equipment

Gather all the required tools and equipment. Make sure to wear protective equipment before starting the process of chalk paint removal.

Choose a well-ventilated area to work at and line the floor with a plastic sheet to avoid mess.

Step #2: Remove the Old Paint

Remove the majority of the paint by using fine-grain sandpaper [1]. Make sure to sand gently in circular motions.

Step #3: Begin Applying the Paint Stripper

Apply a generous coat of your preferred paint stripper or paint remover on the piece of wood you are working on. We suggest you use a high-quality paint stripper for wood for better results.

You can apply the paint stripper using a paintbrush. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended waiting time.

Generally, it is good to allow the paint stripper on the painted surface for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

Step #4: Clear Out the Paint Using a Paint Scraper of Putty Knife

By this time the chalk paint from wood may have creased and fluffy on the wood surface. You can now clear out the paint using a paint scraper or a plastic putty knife. Make sure to apply enough pressure to remove the majority of the paint on the surface.

Step #5: Wipe Off the Excess Chalk Paint

Using your scrubber pad and a little bit of soap and water mixture, scrub off the excess remaining chalk paint residue. It is alright if you cannot remove all of the chalkboard paint from the surface.

Proceed to remove chalk paint scrap using a scrubber pad and steel wool together with some soapy water. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and repeat the steps if necessary.

Step #6: Sand for a Clean Finish

Allow the furniture to completely dry for approximately 12 to 24 hours. Sand the surface using fine-grade sandpaper to smoothen out the paint marks as a result of scrubbing. Make sure to check that there is no chalk paint on the surface.

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth. You can now proceed to apply your preferred finish such as Danish oil.

Pros and Cons of Using Paint Strippers

Using strippers to remove chalk paint is easy and does not damage the wood. However, it emits toxic fumes and thus you should wear the appropriate safety gear.

Method #2: Sanding

Another method to removing chalk paint is by sanding, one of the natural methods to remove chalk paint especially if you have the luxury of time.

Things to Consider in Removing Chalk Paint by Sanding

Here are a few considerations when using this method to remove chalk paint through sanding:

Always wear protective equipment and clothing
Make sure to seal off all the vents from other items you do not now want to be covered with saw dust.
Work in a well-spaced and aerated area
Replace the coarse grit sandpaper to get a fresh one every time you use it to remove chalk paint.

Materials

Face mask
Gloves
Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
Sandpaper with different grit levels
Power sander
Vacuum cleaner
Clean paper towels

Removal Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to remove chalk paint from wooden surfaces.

Step #1:

Collect all of your tools and do not forget to wear protective garment. Also, make sure that you are working in a well-spaced and aerated area. Make sure to remove any items that are found on the floor that can stand in your way.

Step #2:

Place some turpentine in a container. Get a clean cloth and dip it in turpentine. Using this cloth rub it on the surface with chalk paint. Make sure to remove the paste wax from the wood surface before you begin sanding using coarse sandpaper.

Make sure to get rid of as much old paint as you can then allow the wood surface to air dry.

Step #3:

Using an electric sander set up with coarse grit sandpaper proceed to sand along the grain of the wood. Make sure to remove as much of the remaining paint as you can.

Vacuum any loose dust residue that is left from the process.

Step #4:

Replace the sandpaper with a new one once it gets clogged up with paint. Once the sandpaper has been replaced you can continue to eliminate paint from the wooden surface.

Step #5:

Replace the sandpaper from coarse grit sandpaper with a finer grade one. Use finer grade sandpaper when the thicker layers of paint are thinner and you can now see the wood underneath.

Use fine-grade paper to remove most of the paint from the wood. Sand off as many of the paint as you can.

Step #6:

Remove all the dust as a result of power sanding using a vacuum. Wipe the surface of the wood using a wet towel.

Step #7:

A hand held sandpaper can scrape and remove any paint that has not been removed from hard to reach areas. You can also use soapy water together with wire gauze to remove the paint from these areas.

Step #8:

Proceed to wipe off the wood using a paper towel to reveal areas with more paint that needs attention. Repeat the steps until you have achieved the desired results.

Step #9:

Use another finer-grade sandpaper to sand the entire surface of the wood. Make sure that you achieve an even and smooth surface.

Step #10:

Clean the wood by wiping it with a damp towel to remove any debris. Let the wood to dry after.

Step #11:

You can now apply your preferred finish on the surface.

Pros and Cons of Sanding Wood to Remove Chalk Paint

You can remove the paint easily, especially with the use of an electric sander. However, it can leave behind grooves on the surface if you are not careful. But as an alternative to the traditional sandpapers and electric sanders, you may also consider using a liquid sandpaper.

Method #3: Elbow Grease and Paint Solvent

Another method that uses labor to eliminate paint is the use of some solvent and elbow grease. This kind of paint is water soluble so you can also use warm water for this method.

Materials You’ll Need

Warm water
Scrubbing sponge
Steel wool
Remover solvent
Danish oil
Mineral spirits
Clean paper towels

Removal Instructions

Here are the step-by-step removal instructions for paint from wood surfaces.