How to Apply Chalking Like a Pro

As with all home repairs, getting good results with chalking begins with thorough preparation.  Start by making sure all old chalking and loose paint are removed.  Sand or scrape as necessary to remove all traces of the old chalking.  Then sand to ensure the area is smooth.

Next, wash the area down with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) and dry it thoroughly.  Never apply chalking unless the surface is dry.  If in doubt, use a dry cloth and a hairdryer, and a little patience.

When shopping for chalking, it is almost always better to opt for a top quality chalking.  Use of a bargain chalking often leads to poor results and disappointment.

Applications

Around water, such as sinks and tubs, and for most exterior applications, use a silicone-based chalking. Otherwise, the best all round choice is acrylic latex.  It is less messy, odorless and cleanup is with warm soapy water. 

If chalking is used where surfaces are to be painted, again, paintable acrylic latex is the best choice.  

Where painting is not applicable or an option, most chalking is available in clear and a range of colors.  Unless a decorator color is essential, or it is necessary to cover an unattractive joint, the best default is to use a clear chalking.

Painter’s Tape

The difference between a good job and a so-so job is how the chalking is finished.  Is it smooth and even, or is it bumpy and varying in width? 

Much of the difference is whether preparation included using painter’s tape.  Sounds unusual, but it works.  Apply painter’s tape to both sides of the joint to be chalked.  Leave about 1/8-inch on both sides of the seam or join.  Make certain the tape is straight and pressed firmly to the surface.

Apply Chalking

Now for the chalking.  For most applications, cut the tip on the tube of chalking to make as small an opening as possible.  The amount applied can be increased by going more slowly.  But an opening that is too large may result in too much being applied with no effective means of reducing the flow. 

Apply a bead of chalking that just covers the seam or join between the strips of painter’s tape.  Continue to apply the bead as evenly as possible.  This may take a bit of practice.  Move along as steadily as possible, until reaching a junction point. 

Next, wet a finger or thumb and gently wipe along the line of chalk.  Apply even pressure.  The result will be a smooth finish. 

Once the chalk has set for a few minutes, carefully remove the painter’s tape.  Make sure the chalking has firmed up a bit, but is still slightly wet.  This will ensure smooth edges.

Reduce The Mess

A pad of paper towel placed under the tip of the chalking tube will catch those unavoidable drips.  Better the drips land on the paper towel than elsewhere. 

If a chalking applicator ‘gun’ is used, always disengage the pressure shaft when not applying the chalking.  This will reduce drips from the tip.

Keep a clean wet cloth handy when applying latex or acrylic latex chalking.  Wiping hands often and cleaning up spills will contribute to a neat, clean job. 

For silicone chalking, paper towel will clean up drips and can be disposed of in old grocery bags, preventing the silicone chalking from transferring to hands, clothing and other surfaces.

Types of Chalking

Chalking comes in various types and qualities.  Each has a purpose.  The five most common types of chalking are silicone, latex, acrylic, acrylic-latex and butyl.

Silicone chalking can be used for interior or exterior purposes.  It’s a preferred choice for moisture applications, such as around bathtubs, shower enclosures and sinks.

Silicone has pros and cons.  The pros: it remains flexible for years, has excellent adhesion on clean surfaces, and has a life span of more than 20 years, depending on quality, and comes in a range of decorator colors.   The cons: it’s messy to work with, clean up is a challenge and it does not accept paint well.

Latex chalking is primarily for interior applications.  The pros:  it is easy to work with, cleans up easily with warm soapy water, is readily paintable and easy to paint over, is available in a range of decorator colors, and is ideal for chalking around door and window casings, baseboards and other interior trim work.  The cons: it does not stand up to exterior applications, and has a life of less than 10 years. 

Acrylic chalk can be used for interior or exterior applications.  The pros: it is odorless, will remain flexible and durable for years despite temperature extremes, is easy to work with, and cleans up with soap and warm water.  The cons: it lasts less than 10 years and does not accept paint well.

Acrylic latex chalk is a hybrid combining the easy application and cleanup characteristics of latex with the versatility, durability and flexibility of acrylic.  It can be used for both interior as well as exterior applications. See the preceding pros and cons for acrylic and latex chalks.

Butyl chalk was designed for exterior applications.  It is used by professionals to repair brick, concrete, concrete block, stone, flashings and chimneys.  The pros: provides a strong reliable seal, will last up to 10 years, and comes in a range of basic colors.  The cons: it is very messy to work with even for experienced professionals, is extremely difficult to clean up or remove, requires an extended drying time, and has high shrinkage.

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 Copyright © 2009 H. James Osborne   All Rights Reserved