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HomeFolkArt Home Decor Chalk FolkArt Home Decor Chalk FAQ

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FolkArt Home Decor Chalk

FolkArt Home Decor Chalk FAQ

Can FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint colors be mixed to create new colors or different values of the same color?
Yes, FolkArt Home Decor Chalk mixes easily to create any color you desire. Begin by mixing a small amount of the darker color into the lighter color first. Continue adding the darker color a little at a time until the desired color or value is achieved.
Can FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk be used on outdoor surfaces?

No, FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk is for indoor use only.

Do I need to seal my project? If so, should I use Clear Wax or Varnish?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you seal your project to ensure maximum protection.
Use Wax to achieve a soft, smooth finish with your choice of Clear, Antique or White. Wax should be applied every 6-12 months or as needed for high traffic surfaces. It is for indoor use only. An alternative to Wax is Matte Varnish. Use this on heavily used furniture. It can be used for indoor or outdoor projects.
Do I need to shake or stir FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint before using?
Upon opening the bottle, stir well to fully incorporate the paint. Paint can be used directly from bottle or by pouring a small amount onto a foam plate as a palette.
Does FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint contain latex?
Plaid does not use any natural rubber latex in any of its current paint products. Plaid’s paint products are manufactured using synthetic acrylic resins.
Does FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk paint contain latex?

No, FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk does not contain latex; like all other Plaid’s paint products, they’re manufactured using synthetic acrylic resins.

How do I clean FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint out of my brushes?
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk should be cleaned from your painting tools using soap and warm water immediately after each use.
How do I create a distressed look using FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint?
Creating the distressed look is easy and can be achieved using one color application or a multiple color application. Once the top application of paint is dry, simply begin sanding to distress using medium grit sandpaper.
Sanded or distressed areas are usually found on surface edges where it would appear to have been worn with time. After distressing a one color application, the base surface will appear. After distressing a multiple color application, the previously painted color will appear.
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How do I use the FolkArt Home Decor Crackle?
The FolkArt Home Decor Crackle is used to create crackled effects with the FolkArt Home Decor Chalk.
Directions: Basecoat surface with FolkArt Home Decor Chalk, allow to dry fully. Apply Crackle Medium evenly over surface using a paint brush, being careful not to over stroke. Allow to thoroughly dry. Apply contrasting top coat of FolkArt Home Decor Chalk in one even coat, being careful not to over stroke. As the topcoat dries, the cracking will occur. It is recommended to test this technique on a small sample surface first. Note topcoat must be applied for cracking to occur. Do not use in humid conditions. Clean up while wet with soap and water. Tips: Thinner applications of topcoat create a fine crackle look. Thicker applications of topcoat create a wider, more weathered crackle look. Over-stroking FolkArt Home Decor Crackle and topcoat may create very fine cracks or no cracks. For indoor use only.
How do I use the FolkArt Home Decor Varnish?
The FolkArt Home Decor Varnish is perfect to seal and protect outdoor and heavily used surfaces like table tops. This waterbase, non-toxic varnish has an ultra-matte finish that can also be used on raw wood. For indoor and outdoor use.
Directions: Mix well by rolling bottle on table top. Do not shake! Using a soft bristle brush, apply to dry, clean surface. Allow varnish to dry to the touch between coats, approximately 15 minutes. Clean up while wet with soap and water. Tips: For heavily used items apply 2-3 coats, allowing dry time between coats. When applying FolkArt Home Decor Varnish, hold brush at a 30 degree angle to project surface so varnish flows evenly from brush.
How do I use the FolkArt Home Decor White Wax?
For easiest application of FolkArt Home Décor White Wax, it is recommended to first apply FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax, let dry and buff. Having the layer of Clear Wax on the project surface between the painted finish and the White Wax will allow you more flexibility of moving the White Wax around.
Then apply FolkArt Home Decor White Wax on top of the Clear Wax layer. While White Wax is still wet, quickly wipe excess wax off of surface, leaving a lighter color in intricate details, corners, and worn areas. Let dry overnight, then buff to desired sheen with a clean cloth. Keep waxed surfaces free of moisture and heavy use for 7 days. Clean up while wet with soap and water. For indoor use only.
How do I use the FolkArt Home Decor Wood Layering Block?
If desired, basecoat project using FolkArt Home Decor Chalk. Select two or more paint colors for layering. Pour small amount of first color onto a foam plate.
Dip flat side of FolkArt Home Decor Layering Block into puddle of paint. Gently drag flat side of Layering Block across project surface in long sweeping motions, creating an uneven painted effect. Use very light pressure when dragging the block; only gently skim project surface. Reload block and continue process until project is covered with the worn, uneven painted effect. Drag block across surface in multiple directions to create a more authentic, time-worn look. Allow to dry. Clean block while wet with soap and water and repeat layering process with additional colors until desired look is achieved.
How long does FolkArt Home Decor Chalk take to dry?
On most surfaces, FolkArt Home Decor Chalk dries to the touch very quickly. However, 2 hours of dry time is recommended in between coats.
Note: a hair dryer may be used to speed up drying time on thin coats of paint (a hair dryer used on a very thick coat of paint can cause cracking). It will take 24 hours before FolkArt Home Decor Chalk is fully cured to the surface of your project.
How long does FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk paint take to dry and cure?

Allow a minimum of 2 hours of dry time between coats, depending upon thickness of application. Once dry, FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk will take a minimum of 48 hours before fully cured to the surface.

How long does it take FolkArt Home Decor Wax to dry?
Allow approximately 24 hours drying time once the wax has been applied to your project. After one day your waxed surface is ready to be buffed.
How many types of FolkArt Home Decor Wax are there?
There are three different types of FolkArt Home Decor Wax: Clear Wax, White Wax and Antiquing Wax. All waxes provide a protective velvety smooth finish for your projects.
When properly applied, Clear Wax will protect your surface without adding color. White Wax gives your project a beautiful white washed or faded finish. Antiquing Wax adds a vintage or antiqued, time-worn look with a warm, chocolate brown, color. FolkArt Home Decor Chalk can be added to the waxes to create your own custom-colored waxes.
How much paint coverage does one 8 fl. oz. jar of FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk paint provide?

One 8 fl. oz. jar of paint covers approximately 15 sq. ft.; however, the amount of Texture Chalk applied and porosity of the surface will determine how much coverage can be achieved with each jar of paint.

How much paint coverage will I achieve with one 8 fl. oz. bottle of FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint?
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk will cover 1 to 2 square feet per ounce, depending on thickness of application. One 8 fl. oz. bottle of paint will cover up to 16 square feet.
How resistant to fading is FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint?
Paints are rated on a light-fastness scale that runs from 1 to 5. 1=Excellent 2=Very good 3=Good 4=Fair 5=Poor All FolkArt Home Decor Chalk colors are rated Excellent or Very Good (1 or 2). This paint is made using very high quality pigments, which results in its superior quality.
How shall I clean my brush after applying FolkArt Home Decor Wax?
Clean up is easy with soap and warm water. Work the brush bristles into soap lather then rinse well.
How should I clean my project surfaces after FolkArt Home Decor Wax has been applied?
Wipe project surfaces with a soft cloth moistened with warm water and mild soap to clean. Consumer furniture polishes are also acceptable for regular cleaning of waxed surfaces.
Is it difficult to achieve the distressed look?
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk sands easily without “gumming up” the sandpaper. When sanding, you will notice a fine powder which is easily brushed or wiped away.
When satisfied with the distressed look, wipe project surface with a damp paper towel or tack cloth to remove excess sanding dust.
Is it necessary to seal or varnish a project painted with FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk?

No, it is not necessary to seal or varnish project surfaces painted with FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk; however, for heavily used surfaces such as furniture, we recommend applying two or more coats of FolkArt Home Decor Satin Varnish for added protection and enhanced durability. 

My FolkArt Antiquing Wax is applied too heavy in one area, can I remove it?
While still working on your project before the wax has dried, you can remove areas of dark Antiquing Wax. Simply wet the area with Clear Wax and continue to wipe away the undesired excess.
My FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint has clumps in it! What should I do?
Over time, that is perfectly natural. As air becomes trapped in the top portion of the paint bottle (after it has been opened and paint used) a paint skin may form.
With each paint use, it is best to remove the top skin before stirring the paint.
On what types of surfaces can I use FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk paint?

FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk paint can be applied to many different types of surfaces: wood, terracotta, metal, canvas, paper mache, plaster, ceramic or glass, and even fabric. Note that fabric surfaces painted with FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk are not machine-washable, and glass or ceramic surfaces painted with FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk cannot be washed in the dishwasher; such surfaces should be used as for decorative purposes only and lightly cleaned using a damp cloth only when needed.

The FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint Brush and Wax Brush seem too large for my small project. Is there another option?
Yes! The FolkArt Home Decor Paint & Wax Brush Set is ideal for smaller projects and for getting into small, detailed areas.
The Small Chalk Brush can be used in the same way as the Large Chalk Brush. The Small Wax Brush can be used in the same way as the Large Wax Brush. The Small Wax Brush can also be used as a stencil brush with the FolkArt Home Decor Chalk and FolkArt Home Decor Stencils.
The FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint Brushes seem too small for my extra large project. Is there another option?
Yes! The FolkArt Home Decor Wide Brush is 4in wide and is great for covering large areas quickly. The specialty nylon bristles are designed to create a smooth finish.
What is FolkArt Home Decor Wax?
FolkArt Home Decor Wax is a brushable, waterbase, non-toxic, paraffin-infused wax finish used to seal and protect painted surfaces. Allow paint to fully dry 24 hours before applying wax. Clean brushes while wet with soap and water.
What is FolkArt® Home Decor Chalk?
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk is an acrylic-based paint system that dries within minutes of application to an ultra matte finish. It is ideal for painting furniture and various home decor accessories such as frames, boxes, candle holders, bust statues, lamp bases and floral containers.
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk can be painted in a single layer or multiple layers of color which can then easily be distressed to reveal the original surface or a previous layer of color creating the distressed look which is popular in today’s decorating trends. This paint is for indoor use only.
What is the best application technique to be used when applying FolkArt Home Decor Wax?
Application is simple using a soft bristled brush or a soft, lint-free cloth. The FolkArt Home Decor Wax Brush was specifically designed to be flexible and work wax into the porous, ultra matte paint.
Load the brush with wax, dabbing off any excess. Then apply a thin layer over the project surface in a smooth even application, being careful not to apply too much wax. Allow to dry for approximately 24 hours, then buff to desired sheen using a soft, lint-free cloth. The longer you buff, the higher the sheen.
What is the best technique to use when applying FolkArt Home Decor Antiquing Wax?
For easiest application of FolkArt Home Décor Antiquing Wax, it is recommended to first apply FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax, let dry and buff. Having the layer of Clear Wax on the project surface between the painted finish and the Antiquing Wax will allow you more flexibility of moving the Antiquing Wax around. Then apply FolkArt Home Decor Antiquing Wax on top of the clear wax layer.
While antiquing wax is still wet, quickly wipe excess wax off of surface, leaving a darker color in intricate details, corners, and worn areas. Let dry overnight, then buff to desired sheen with a clean cloth. Keep waxed surfaces free of moisture and heavy use for 7 days. Clean up while wet with soap and water. For indoor use only.
What is the difference between Chalkboard paint and FolkArt Home Decor Chalk?
Chalkboard paint, when applied to a variety of surfaces, will create chalkboards. Sticks of chalk can then be used to write on the chalkboards. FolkArt Home Decor Chalk is an acrylic paint that dries within minutes to an ultra matte finish.
Due to its thick consistency, this paint can be used in one quick and easy application to cover your project with one coat. It is easy to sand for a distressed look and has a beautiful satin finish after the wax is applied.
What is the difference between FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint and FolkArt Acrylic paint?
FolkArt Acrylic paint is formulated as a premium, artist’s quality acrylic paint with superior hide and smooth, creamy consistency perfect for most art techniques such as brush stroke work, blending and highlighting, or stenciling. FolkArt Acrylic paint will dry to a durable matte sheen.
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk is formulated as high quality paint perfect for painting and distressing furniture and thrift store finds, as well as home Decor accessories. It is a heavily pigmented paint that does not require any project preparation such as priming, sanding or stripping. FolkArt Home Decor Chalk provides the DIY enthusiast an ultra matte chalky finish when dry which is easily sanded to distress using medium grit sandpaper. It will not “gum up” sandpaper making it easy to achieve a time-worn look.
What is the FolkArt Home Decor Squeegee/Comb used for?
The Squeegee/Comb is a unique, multi-purpose tool for crafting home decor projects
The squeegee can be used with dimensional paste to create raised stencil effects and the Comb can be used with FolkArt Home Decor Chalk to create combed effects.
What is the paint cure time when working with FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint?
FolkArt Home Décor Chalk paint will dry to the touch almost immediately, however it will take 24 hours before fully cured to the surface.
What should I use to buff the FolkArt Home Decor wax?
When buffing, it is best to use a soft, lint-free cloth.
Fold the cloth into a small section which can be easily held in one hand. If working on a large piece of furniture, you will need to open the buffing cloth and refold it to a clean spot several times.
What types of surfaces can I use FolkArt Home Decor Chalk paint on?
FolkArt Home Decor Chalk can be applied to many different types of surfaces such as finished and unfinished wood, terracotta, metal/tin, canvas, paper mache and plaster.
It can be applied to ceramic and glass surfaces; however, the paint is not dishwasher safe. Fabric surfaces can also be painted using FolkArt Home Decor Chalk, but the surface is not machine-washable. When decorating glass, ceramic and fabric surfaces, your project should be used as a decorative accessory only to be lightly cleaned using a damp cloth when needed.
When will my FolkArt Home Decor waxed surface be cured?
FolkArt Home Decor waxed surfaces will be fully cured in 7 days. Until then, keep waxed surfaces free of moisture and heavy use to allow enough time for the wax to fully cure.
Where can I learn more about FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk?
You can learn more about this product by reading the FolkArt Home Decor Texture Chalk FAQ document.
Why is the FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint Brush unique?
The FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint Brush has a specialty bristle mix and brush shape to help hold the maximum amount of paint, making application quick and easy.
To add texture and depth to your piece, liberally apply paint, stroking brush in multiple directions while applying paint. The look of depth can be further enhanced by using FolkArt Home Decor Waxes. If a smoother finish is desired, apply in one direction using long, even strokes.
Why is the FolkArt Home Decor Wax Brush unique?
The FolkArt Home Decor Wax Brush is perfect for applying wax because the bristles are specially designed to be flexible and work wax into the porous, ultra-matte finish of FolkArt Home Decor Chalk.
The shape of the bristles is perfect for easy wax application on both intricate detailed areas and flat surfaces. For best results, load brush with a small amount of wax, dab off any excess, and using a pushing/circular motion to work the wax into the project. After 24 hours, the wax should be buffed with a clean, lint-free cloth. This Wax Brush is perfectly designed to also be used as a stencil brush.
Will I ever need to reapply FolkArt Home Decor Wax?
On well-used furniture items such as chairs, tables, or dressers, etc., it is a good idea to reapply the finish with a fresh coat of Clear Wax once a year. It is not necessary to reapply wax to decorative or slightly used items.

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