Step By Step Process Of Sealing Latex Paint On Wood Furniture
You don't generally need an additional sealer when it comes to sealing latex paint on furniture. However, you can easily seal as well as protect the surface area by applying a clear topcoat over a latex-painted surface. Painted furniture that is vulnerable or susceptible to spills as well as wear-and-tear, including tabletops and desks may benefit from a protective sealant. Clear sealants also offer extra protection when it comes to sealing faux-painted walls. Topcoat sealants generally help in withstanding the action or effect of damage from chipping, abrasion, scuffing, alcohol, water, as well as a myriad of other household chemicals.
- Remove The Outlet, Switch Plate Covers, Wall Hangings & Pictures
First of all, pull out the outlet as well as switch plate covers with the help of a screwdriver if you are going to apply top coat sealant to walls. Tape screws to matching covers for ease in securing them after painting. Also, pull out all wall hangings as well as pictures. Apply painter's tape through adjoining surface areas that you are not going to paint. - Sand The Latex-painted Surfaces Gently
Now, place plastic drop cloths over nearby floors, furniture, or other surfaces in order to safeguard them from sealant splatters or spills. Sand the latex-painted surfaces gently, delicately, or softly with the help of fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe down sanded areas using a clean, damp cloth in order to get rid of sanding particles. - Apply A Thin Coat Of Topcoat Sealant To Latex-painted Surfaces
Next, spread a thin coat of topcoat sealant to latex-painted surfaces with the help of a paintbrush. Read & go through the manufacturer's directions for drying time, which is generally a couple of hours. Sand sealed surfaces gently using very fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe down sanded areas with the help of clean, damp cloth in order to get rid of sanding particles. - Apply A Second Coat Of Topcoat Sealant
Spread a second coat of topcoat sealant using a paintbrush. Go through the manufacturer's directions for drying time, which is generally a couple of hours. Sand sealed surfaces gently & delicately using very fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe down sanded areas with the help of clean, damp cloth in order to get rid of sanding particles. - Apply A Third Coat Of Topcoat Sealant
Finally, you need to spread the third coat of topcoat sealant using a paintbrush. Go through the manufacturer's directions for drying time, which is generally 24 hours. Pull out the painter's tape before reattaching the outlet and switch plate covers.
When Do You Need To Seal Painted Furniture?
It is highly possible that you get confused & don't know when you need to seal painted furniture and when you don't need it. However, there are a few basic rules that you must keep in mind, which will help you deal with this problem.
- Any time you paint furniture using chalk paint, it is important to protect the finish with the help of a sealer or topcoat every single time.
- Most of the time you paint furniture using latex paint, in this case, it is necessary to protect the finish with the help of a sealer or topcoat. If you are looking to paint a piece of furniture that is not going to be heavily used, then you can skip the sealer. If you do, then make sure to be extra gentle when using your furniture for the first month. Still, the paint may feel dry to the touch, as it can take at least 30 days to fully harden.
- There are some types of paint that do not need a sealer which may include General Finishes Milk Paint and Fusion Mineral Paint. These paints have some self-sealing properties that do not need a topcoat, however, even these paints can become worn as well as scratched when used on high traffic surfaces, such as tabletops, shelves, and kitchen cabinets. In those cases, using a topcoat will help make sure your paint job lasts for a longer period of time.