Firstly, mineral spirits can work great to get the wax off chalk-painted furniture surfaces. Secondly, a new thin layer of wax coating will help remove the old wax. Thirdly, bio stips can successfully separate the wax from the surface of the furniture. Lastly, heating and melting the wax is also a great way to remove wax from chalk-painted furniture.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. To know how to remove wax from chalk painted furniture step-by-step, follow the instructions given in the article!
Key Takeaways
- Applying heat and a new layer of wax causes the old wax to melt, which results in easy removal.
- Using wax removers/strippers will remove the chalk paint along with it; so it’s necessary to apply chalk paint after removing the wax.
- High temperatures and low humidity cause the wax to cure and dry quicker than normal.
4 Quick Methods of Removing Wax from Chalk-Painted Furniture
There are numerous methods for removing wax from chalk-painted furniture. Among them, I’ve listed the 4 most effective and quickest methods for removing wax below. Read it carefully and follow the instructions step by step.
Method 1: Use Mineral Spirits
Wax removal becomes easy by using mineral spirits and turpentines. It’s easier to use on furniture because the furniture surface is not as fragile as other surfaces like plastic or fabric.
To use mineral spirits to remove wax, follow the steps below:
- First, take some mineral spirits in a sprayer or a bowl. You can use petroleum spirits, white spirits, solvent naphtha, and mineral turpentines.
- Then, take a rug/microfiber cloth and dip it into the mineral spirits, or spray a generous amount of mineral spirit on it.
- After that, start rubbing the wax on the chalk-painted furniture. The mineral spirit will cause the wax to break down and rub off with the rug.
- Finally, sand your furniture with 180 grit sandpaper to get rid of the remaining tiny wax particles, and brush your furniture. Now your furniture is ready to be waxed or painted!
Mineral spirits also work well when removing Carnauba wax from plastic surfaces. It provides a shiny and clean finish as well!
| Product Name | Features |
| Mineral Spirit | Low odor and minimal residue Can effectively thin and blend with oil-based paint |
| 180 grit sandpaper | Sticky adhesive backing for secure attachments Superior quality and long-lasting |
| Microfiber cloth | Absorbent and lint-free Scratch-free and ultra-soft texture |
| Cleaning brush | Thick, dense, and soft bristles Comfortable hand grip |
Method 2: Apply a New Layer of Wax
Using wax to remove wax is a genius method that can be applied to chalk-painted furniture as well. There are certain oils in furniture waxes, which can reactivate old wax. Here are the steps:
- First, apply a new and thin layer of wax on top of the previous wax. This way, the old layer will infuse itself with the new wax
- After that, take an absorbent cloth and wipe away the excess wax in a slow and steady motion. Use multiple cloths because the cloths will get clogged from wiping the wax.
You can use this method to remove wax from walls as well. The new layer of wax will help remove the old layer on the wall!
Method 3: Use Bio Strips
Bio strips act as wax removers that are effective in removing wax. On top of that, the fragile furniture surface is also kept safe bio using bio strips.
To use bio strips to remove the wax off chalk-painted furniture, follow these steps:
- Start by stirring the bio strip and applying a thin coat on the wax. Wait for 30 to 45 minutes for the bio strip to start reacting with the wax.
- Then, use a scraper to remove the wax from the furniture. The wax removal can be messy; placing a bag underneath the furniture can help.
- Finally, use a sponge and soapy water to wash the bio-strip residue.
Note that, using a bio strip to remove the wax will remove the chalk paint. So you’ll need to apply chalk paint to that area after removing the wax.
Method 4: Heat the Wax
Wax is prone to heat, as heat can melt wax fast and easily. To use heat for removing wax from your chalk-painted furniture, follow the steps below.
- First, take an iron and heat it by setting it on low-medium heat.
- Then, place a paper towel or a paper bag on the wax and iron the towel/bag. This will heat the wax and melt it, while the paper will absorb the melted wax from the furniture surface.
Do this multiple times and check the paper towel each time. You can stop after the paper towel stops absorbing.
Heat is a great tool to remove wax from various surfaces apart from chalk-painted furniture as well. For example, using heat to clean wax off fabric couches is a safe and easy way for wax removal without fabric damage!
How Long to Wait Before Waxing the Furniture Again?
The duration you need to wait before waxing the furniture again completely depends on the chalk paint. Unless the chalk paint dries up entirely, you cannot apply the wax on your furniture.
Chalk paint usually takes an hour or so to dry up and get ready to be waxed. Although, it can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your location. Note that, it’s only applicable for paints, not wax.
For instance, high humidity can push the drying time to a couple of hours. On the other hand, high temperatures can accelerate the process of drying. That’s why many painters use high temperatures to quickly dry wall paint.
You need to aim for low humidity and high temperatures when drying chalk paint. One pro tip is to dry the chalk-painted furniture under the sun. This will help increase the temperature and dry it quicker.
Additionally, this heat will in turn help the chalk paint to bond with the surface of the furniture, resulting in a nicer finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How Do You Remove Wax Without Removing Paint?
If you want to remove wax without removing paint, use heat. Heating will cause the wax to melt, but it won’t have any effect on the paint. This way, you can easily remove the wax layer without damaging the layer of paint underneath.
How Do You Clean Chalk-Painted Furniture?
Damp a soft cloth with water and wipe the entire surface of the chalk-painted furniture to clean it. To prevent wet spots and damage to the furniture, use a dry cloth and wipe the surface again to soak the excessive water.
Does Oil Remove Wax?
Yes, oil removes wax. Whether it’s baby oil, coconut oil, canola oil, olive oil, etc. Removing wax with oil is especially helpful for sensitive surfaces like the skin.
Endnote
This is the end of this article. Hopefully, you have learned how to remove wax from chalk-painted furniture and apply these methods to solve your problems.
Whatever you’re using to clean the wax off, make sure it doesn’t damage the furniture surface. Also, while using cloths and rugs to clean, always apply gentle pressure. Good luck!
