Chalk paint is one of the most popular DIY projects around. It can be applied to just about anything and it’s easy to clean up, which makes it a great project for children. But what if you have marble? Is chalk paint-safe on marble? In this article, we will answer this question as well as give you the advantages and disadvantages of using chalk paint on your marble.
It is possible to use chalk paint on marble surfaces as chalk paints adhere to marble surfaces very well. It is able to use chalk paint to make your marble fire-resistant. This is why chalk paint is one of the best paints for marble fireplaces, countertops, and barbecue areas.
However, using chalk paint on marble will come with one main caveat of taking very long hours for the paint to dry and completely cure. Also, not all chalk paints will come with a protective topcoat. So you will have to use protective sealants like waxes on its surface after painting.
In the remaining parts of this article, I will go over the details on the pros and cons of using chalk paint on your marble surfaces, how to use chalk paint to paint your marble surfaces, and a few tips and tricks on how to ensure the application is successful.
Pros Of Using Chalk Paint On Marble
1. A Little Bit Of Chalk Paint Goes A Long Way
Chalk paint is generally a very think paint so very little amounts go a very long way which saves you money in the long run because you don’t need much to get started with your DIY project and one purchase can last you many many projects.
Because of this quality, when applying the chalk paint on your marble surface you are able to cover a wide area of the surface without quickly running out of paint.
The coverage is also wonderful because it goes on smoothly and evenly with very little to no brush strokes or streaks which can often happen when using other paints like latex.
2. Chalk Paint Will Offer Your Marble A Natural Matte Finish
Chalk paint will offer your marble a natural matte finish. The chalk paint gives off the illusion of being more durable than other paints because of its subtle matte look.
This is because the chalk paint is made up of very fine particles of chalk which gives it a durable finish for your marble surface.
The best part is because the resulting finish is a clean matte surface it is able to easily obscure all present blemishes on the surface of the marble prior to its painting.
Chalk paint has a matte finish while most other types of paints have a sheen to them so your marble will not look too glossy but instead more natural-looking which some people prefer.
So if you have a marble surface whether countertop, table, or vanity and you would want to give it a matte finish, you should use chalk paint.
3. You Do Not Need A Primer To Use Chalk Paint On Marble
Marble can be very tricky to prepare if you would want to paint it. In some cases, you would have to sand the entire surface of the marble with rough sandpaper.
The problem with this is that it takes a lot of time and effort to do, plus the dust created from the process would be harmful if inhaled so you need proper ventilation for this job.
This leaves most people wondering what they should use as an alternative primer before applying chalk paint on their marble surface. Fortunately, there isn’t one! Using chalk paint doesn’t require the use of any primer on the surface of the marble first before its application.
This is because chalk Paint can easily adhere to your marble surface or any other surface whether solid, porous, absorbent, or not without a special primer surfacer being needed first.
What’s even better than that is when we say “any” surfaces I mean just about anything including wood, metal, ceramic tile, or concrete.
4. Chalk Paints Come With A Protective Topcoat Sealant
Some chalk paint leather from Rustoleum’s Chalk Paint comes with a protective topcoat sealant that will protect the chalk paint from chipping, staining, water, dirt, and other elements.
The protective topcoat sealant is what gives the paint its chalky finish that not only looks but also feels like it’s been chalked on.
In essence, Rustoleum’s Chalk Paint provides high-quality protection for your surfaces while giving them an authentic look to boot – then when compared to those from Annie Sloan/
You can use this type of paint on any surface as long as you apply it properly according to their instructions. Make sure to carefully peruse the application instructions before using them.
For example, chalk paints that have the protective topcoat sealant are great for painting marble fireplaces. More on this in the next point!
5. Chalk Paints Can Withstand Heat
Chalk paints are also durable and can withstand a lot of heat. This is why chalk paint on the marble fireplace looks so nice.
Chalk paint is able to resist heat because it is formulated to prevent any kind of damage to your surface. This means you can feel confident about painting on marble surfaces that see a lot of direct or indirect heat with chalk paints!
If you want to protect the finish that your newly painted surface has, use the appropriate sealant according to their instructions.
As mentioned before, some of these chalk paints will come with a protective sealant but those that do not come with the protective ingredients can be protected using wax polishes.
6. Chalk Paints Come In A Wide Variety Of Colours
A final pro about applying chalk paint on your marble surface is that there are many colors available so if this project does not go exactly how you want, you can try again with a different color until you achieve your desired effect.
With many colors to choose from, there is no limit on how much fun you will have painting your marble surfaces and the endless array of self-expression you will be able to enjoy.
Another awesome thing about using chalk paint is that it is very easy to apply so you will be able to carry out a lot of DIY projects all by yourself or with your kids even if you’re all not handle.
So have fun painting, repainting, changing, and exploring as many colors as possible.
The Cons Of Using Chalk Paint On Marble
1. Marble Paint May Take Some Time To Dry
One of the main disadvantages of using chalk paint is that unlike latex-based paints it needs more time to dry. After you have applied your chalk paint, you will need about 24 hours for it to dry.
Having said that drying time will generally vary depending on the type of chalk paint, the humidity level, and even what you have painted.
For example, if you are painting a kitchen marble countertop then it will take longer to dry than if you were painting your stairs or some outdoor marble furniture.
2. You Will Always Need Multiple Paint Application To Achieve A Smooth Surface
The other disadvantage of using chalk paint on marble is that the coverage may not be as good because this type of paint can soak into surfaces a bit more than latex paints.
This means you are going to need another coat or two in order to cover up all those visible areas where the previous layer did not take hold.
To get a smooth, even surface you will need to do two or three coats of chalk paint and in some cases, you might have to sand between each chalk paint application to be able to achieve the best of the best smoothness.
This can take some time and the longer it takes for each layer to dry the less likely they are going to cover up that marble texture underneath.
So just keep in mind your timeline when deciding how many layers you are willing to put on your marble surfaces.
How To Paint Marble Surface Using Chalk Paint
Step 1
- Clean the surface of your marble with a damp rag and dry it.
Step 2
- Make sure that you do not get any water in any crevices or pores on the surface of your marble as this will interfere with the viscosity of the chalk paint application.
Step 3
- Apply even strokes across the surface with chalk paint using a large putty knife, sponge roller, or brush depending on how much coverage is needed.
- Allow each layer to dry before applying another coat until the desired level has been achieved.
Step 4
- Cover up all those visible areas where previous layers did not take hold by reapplying more chalk paint over them and allow for drying time between coats so that they can better adhere to one another instead of just sitting atop each other like pancakes without syrup!
Here’s a video on how to paint marble surfaces using chalk paint
Tips And Tricks On Using Chalk Paint On Marble Surfaces
- Apply layers evenly with a roller or brush and allow drying time between coats.
- Use a primer if the surface is not smooth before applying chalk paint, as this will help to achieve desired coverage quickly.
- Experiment with different types of chalk paints for different effects. For example, matte chalks may work better on surfaces that are more textured and have natural seams in them like marble because they can hide some of these flaws while providing an even protective layer (to prevent scratching) over the entire surface.
- Apply thin layers so you don’t end up doing too much at once.
- You can dilute chalk paint with a clear sealer or water.
- If you are using a brush, clean it every few strokes to prevent getting paint from one area onto another undesired area of the surface and smudging everything else.
