Customer Reviews for DecoArt Americana Decor 8 oz. Ultra Matte Varnish

Turned my chalk paint yellow and peeled the paint.

I had used this paint in white in the past and reviewed it. After I reviewed it, I read a lot of reviews that the “original” Chalk Paint was so much better. For this next chair, I found a seller for the “original” chalk paint and bought a white, and the suggested was, and the expensive brush that was supposed to make it go on so much better ( EXPENSIVE). I decided to use the “original” on this chair and also do the color in Americana Decor Chalky Finish Serene. I did not really see much difference in the white Americana Décor Chalky Finish that I used on another chair and the “original” chalk paint. I didn’t see any better coverage or smoother finish. Maybe it’s because I don’t really know how to use chalk paint but I could see brush stroked on both. In fact, the blue (Americana Decor Chalky Finish Serene) looks better to me. You don’t have to do any prep for either other than just a wash down to get dirt and grime off. I also like the way the Americana Decor Ultra Matte Varnish goes on better than using the “original” wax. It gives a really nice finish and is so easy to apply. Used it on the seat. It’s so much more convenient to be able to go to Home Depot, get what I need and get home and to work. I really like the Americana Décor products that I’ve used and will probably use a lot more.

My new obsession !! What a easy great way to paint! No mess Easy to use, dry fast.

Great product. Made a really nice finish and easy to use!

It did not cover at all.it was like putting a clear coat finish on my furniture

Nice paint

Was sooo easy to apply. Went on very evenly.

It’s extremely frustrating when you put time and effort into a project and a product ruins your hard work. I used the relic chalky finish paint for my project and the color was great prior to putting on this varnish. As the varnish started drying I noticed some of the drawers were starting to yellow. Don’t use this product. I have to repaint everything.

i really enjoy using the Americana chalky paint and was looking forward to the ultra matte varnish. well... my project in sections has spotted yellow. If you are looking for a chalky feel for your completed project than this is the feel for you. i was expecting a bit of a smoother feel even though it is a matte varnish. so with that being said the name is true to the product. Ultra matte. my complaint is the yellowing spots such as someone took a marker and made small circles.

Really enjoyed using the Americana Decor Chalk Paint for a project but the Ultra Matte Varnish did not dry clear as indicated in the description.

I used the Americana Decor black chalk paint on a dresser, after using Zinnser Pro Choice oil-based primer. And yes, I know you aren't suppose to need a primer with chalk paint, but I didn't find that the case when I used another brand of white chalk paint. Being new to black chalk paint, I tried different finishing coats on 3 different dresser drawers to see which I liked best. I did one in wax, one with this ultra matte varnish applying it with a high quality paint brush, and one applying this matte finish with a sponge applicator. The wax application took off the chalk paint in many areas, so that wasn't a good choice. The paint brush and sponge applicator both showed every stroke when dried, and looked terrible. So what did I do? Started over and used one coat of Behr Marque Satin finish interior paint, and it looked great. I suspect I have done something wrong along the way in using the Americana Decor chalk paint and matte varnish, but I can't figure out what it is because they provide very few instructions on the jar or at their web site. Most paints supply you with minimum and maximum temperatures and humidity ranges, preferred application methods and drying and recoat times.

The wide opening of the jar makes it easy to get to in order to apply the varnish and this is useful for varnishing large projects. This varnish is great for adding protection without the shine.