After spending $45 and a half day drive on a quart of brand name chalk paint, I was determined to find the BEST Homemade Chalk Paint Recipes for a cost efficient alternative.
If you’re interested in mixing your own chalk paint to save yourself time and money, read on because I discovered a bunch of interesting stuff I wasn’t made aware of on other blogs.
I tried four (4) of the most popular Homemade Chalk Paint Recipes and the results surprised me and left me with a hands-down fave! In sharing my experience, I hope it helps you decide which DIY recipe is right for you.
So let’s start my countdown…. 😉
Baking Soda Recipe
2/3 cup Paint
1/3 cup Baking Soda
Mix really well
My least favourite is the baking soda recipe.
When applying this Homemade Chalk Paint, (HMCP) it had a very gritty texture despite a thorough mixing. I could actually see the tiny granulars in the paint as I was applying each coat.
I was worried it wouldn’t sand down properly, but it turned out just fine…. whew! Here’s what it looks like after the final sanding/distressing.
Although Baking Soda Chalk Paint is listed last on my countdown, it’s perfect if you’re trying to achieve an old weathered, distressed “country” looking piece of furniture.
Deana at Alchemy Fine Living has a great video showcasing a dresser painted with the Baking Soda Chalk Paint Recipe.
Baking Soda Chalk Paint Cost – $1.69 for a box of baking soda which can be used for another 5 single chalk paint recipes + cost of latex paint
Time Involved – No time was spent on the purchase because I always have baking soda in my kitchen. 2-3 minutes to mix it thoroughly into the paint.
Application – Grainy look and feel even when mixed thoroughly.
Adhesion & Coverage – Great! No priming or sanding required and great coverage. Good coverage after 2 coats but I applied 3.
Odour – No odour other than the latex paint it’s mixed with.
Clean Up – Cleans up like regular latex. Not as easy as 100% green brand name chalk paint.
Distressing – Requires sanding. Not as effortless as brand name chalk paint (ie distressing with dampened cloth).
Finish – The finished look is chalky but not quite as smooth as brand name chalk paint.
Non-Sanded Grout Recipe
1 cup Paint
2 Tbsp Unsanded Grout
Water to mix Grout
Number 3 on my list is the Unsanded Grout Recipe.
I mixed the grout with the water, then once smooth, added it to the paint. It looked and applied like a brand name chalk paint. It dried fast (within 1/2 hour), and the finish was just as “chalky” as the store bought.
It had a bit of a weird odour…ok…really weird. But because it was applying so beautifully, I wasn’t bothered by it too much.
Fabulous! … so why is it listed No.3 on my list?
This DIY Homemade Grout version started to thicken up while I was applying my first coat…. it turned more like thick icing than paint.
I had to keep mixing it while I was painting and eventually had to add more water because it was too thick. The next day it had really congealed and more water was needed. Take a look… it just kept turning into a thick mess!
Here is the before and after. The table on the left is painted with Baking Soda HMCP and the table on the right is painted with Unsanded Grout HMCP. Can you see a difference?
Unsanded Grout Chalk Paint Cost – $17.99 for a large 10lb bag which will last a zillion single recipes + cost of latex paint
Time Involved – Easy to find Non-Sanded Grout on-line or at any Lowe’s, Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire or any on-line home reno store. Note – Grout comes in different colours. You want to buy white unsanded grout. Why? If you add a coloured grout to your paint, it may alter your paint’s hue. 3-5 minutes to measure and mix it thoroughly into the water and paint.
Application – Fabulous… until it started thickening up. Then time was spent mixing it and adding additional water to obtain the right consistency.
Adhesion & Coverage – Great! No priming or prep required and it had full coverage after 3 coats. The more water I added, the thinner the coverage.
Odour – It had a weird smell. I’d love to explain it to you but I don’t know what to compare it to?
Distressing – Requires sanding. Not as effortless as with a brand name chalk paint (ie rubbing with dampened cloth).
Clean Up – Cleans up like regular latex (brand name chalk paint cleans up much easier)
Finish – The finished look is exactly like a brand name chalk paint. Smooth, chalky and lovely.
Plaster of Paris Recipe
3 parts Paint
1 part Plaster of Paris
Water to mix
My number 2 pick is the Plaster of Paris recipe.
I made a smooth paste with the plaster of paris and water before mixing it into the paint. When mixed well, it was silky smooth and applied just as nicely as brand name chalk paint.
The second day it did thicken a little and appeared a little grainy, but after a thorough mixing it was fine.
The left over paint was stored in a glass pickle jar and used again 2 weeks later.
Plaster of Paris Chalk Paint Cost – $6.oo for a large box which will last for a looong time + cost of latex paint
Time Involved – Easy to find Plaster of Paris on-line or at any Lowes, Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire or craft store. 3-5 minutes to measure and mix it thoroughly into the water and paint.
Application – Fabulous! The consistency was great and it applied like brand name chalk paint.
Adhesion & Coverage – Great! No priming or prep required. Applied 3 coats for compete coverage.
Odour – None other than the latex paint used.
Distressing – Requires sanding. Not as effortless as with a brand name chalk paint (ie rubbing with dampened cloth).
Clean Up – Cleans up like regular latex (brand name chalk paint clean up is much easier)
Finish – The finished look is exactly like a brand name chalk paint. Smooth, chalky and lovely.
I used the Plaster of Paris Chalk Paint Recipe to re-purpose an old sewing table into a little girl’s desk. What do you think?
Calcium Carbonate
2 parts paint
1 part Calcium Carbonate
My hands down #1 choice was the Calcium Carbonate Recipe…which makes good sense since Calcium Carbonate is chalk!
It mixed into the paint easily, had the perfect consistency, coverage was fantastic, dried within 30 minutes, AND left me with a perfect chalky finish. I stored the left over paint in a yogurt container and it kept the same consistency for days. (I did stir it vigorously each time before use.)
The only downfall to my #1 choice was I had a difficult time finding it! Not many stores sell it in powder form and the pill form won’t work even if you grind them up.
My local pharmacy ordered it in for me and I picked it up 4 days later. Since then, I’ve found a good grade Calcium Carbonate On-line and will be ordering from the comfort of my home. 🙂
As I mentioned above, the Plaster of Paris recipe was used to re-purpose the sewing table into a desk, but I used the Calcium Carbonate Chalk Paint to paint the matching chair. Can you tell the difference?
Calcium Carbonate Chalk Paint Cost – $11.99 for a 500g container which I’m almost finished. I’ve painted 1 chair, a large desk (NOT the one shown above) and 2 large chalk board frames. I have enough left over for another small/medium project. Out of all four(4) recipes, Calcium Carbonate is the least economical. However, comparing it to brand name chalk paints, the cost difference is still pennies on the dollar in this recipes favour! + cost of latex paint
Time Involved – Took me 2 weeks to track this stuff down! I searched Shoppers Drug Mart, Health Food Stores, Organic Stores and finally asked at my local pharmacy. Next time, I’ll be ordering it on-line! 3-5 minutes to measure and mix it thoroughly into the paint.
Application – Fabulous…exactly like brand name chalk paints.
Adhesion & Coverage – Great! No priming or prep required and the coverage was fantastic. It dried faster than the Plaster of Paris (within 20 minutes) because no water was added.
Odour – None, other than the latex paint used.
Distressing – Requires sanding. Not as effortless as with a brand name chalk paint (ie rubbing with dampened cloth).
Clean Up – Cleans up like regular latex (brand name chalk paint clean up is much easier)
Finish – The finished look is exactly like a brand name chalk paint. Smooth, chalky and beautiful!
So the Best Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe… Calcium Carbonate!
Although these HMCP recipes are not 100% green, the coverage and finish are VERY comparable to brand name chalk paints. In researching all my options, I also learned Wall Texture, Limestone and Whitening Powder can be used to make chalk paint.
I wish I knew who to give credit to for the above recipes. Whoever originally came up with them… thank-you… absolutely BRILLIANT!!!!
Still undecided which DIY recipe you’re going to try? You can read more HMCP Tips here.
If you have a HMCP experience you’d like to share or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll get right back to you!
Enjoy your day & happy painting.
Denise
Big Bob says
Just a couple of tips. I go to Lowes and Home Depot a lot in the spring and look at their returned paint. I get great colors for chalk paint and it usually costs me $5-$7 gallon or $3-$5 quart. I also get super fine calcium carbonate off of Ebay and it runs about $10 for 5 lbs. Also just an FYI if you use the calcium carbonate make sure you are using the fine powdered. There’s a lot for sale that’s rough and wont give you the finish your looking for.
Denise says
I agree Bob. The quality of the Calcium Carbonate makes a big difference. And I love those oops paints too!
Gabriel says
Great site and post! How about climber’s chaulk? I just looked it up and found a few options, a little cheaper than the Now brand and in larger quantities. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t put any of the coarser versions in a coffee grinder or food processor for a few seconds as well to break them up more. Off to read through more of your site, thanks!
Cindy says
Hi
Didn’t read all the posts, so this may have been said already. Joint compound, which comes in powdered or ready mixed, is mostly made of calcium carbonate. It is cheap and easy to find at your local hardware store. I have used it, but also added ‘glaze’ to extend the drying time, if needed on various projects
Cheers
Cindy
Deborah says
I have found another web site that suggests making chalk paint using cornstarch. Have you ever tried this method, and if so how did it work out?
Denise says
I have heard of this method but I haven’t tried it Deborah.
Katie says
I’m wanting to paint a bedroom set with one of these Chalk paint recipes and I’m somewhat confused, You mentioned in one of your convos that “waxing or top-coating is not advised because eventually, this can lead to chipping etc”. But then in other posts you recommend to “topcoat/protect with wax, poly, shellac or whatever topcoat” preferred.
Since I’ll be doing this project for a child’s bedroom, I really don’t want paint chipping off. What do you recommend?
Denise says
Katie, I believe that comment was in response to a woman who’s paint job was chipping off and she thought waxing would prevent further chipping. I ALWAYS protect my chalk painted pieces with wax or poly because chalk paints are very porous and pick up grease/dirt easily. For a childs bedroom set, it’s certainly all personal preference, but I would protect and seal with a water based poly. Simply because poly is easy to clean, very durable, and will never require a re-application down the road.
Sue says
I have just bought cc from a livestock feed shop. It looks very fine and was AUD$2 per kilo, I hope this is the right stuff
Beth says
I have actually heard of using cc AND plaster of Paris WITH your latex paint! Heard it’s absolutely EXCEPTIONAL! Just thought I’d share this with you all!! HAPPY PAINTING!!! Let me know if you have ever tried this..
Karen says
Hi Denise;
Calcium Carbonate can be purchased from pottery or ceramic supply stores. It is used in making glazes. One can buy it in many different quantities which may come in handy if many projects are planned.
Thanks for the recipe and information. I wasn’t happy about the price of the brand name chalk paint and stumbled across your site.
… Very glad I did. 🙂
Donna Aguon says
Thanks Denise for all your Helpful Hints and tips to chalk painting just reading through all the questions and answers have been a tremendous Blessing and Aide to us first time adventurers!!! :0)
Kellan says
I’m planning on making this to paint the walls in my kids’ play room for them to write on. Is sanding needed for that or is the sanding just to give a distressed look to furniture?
Denise says
Sanding is not needed on a wall Kellan. However, keep in mind, if your wall (or the roller you use) has some texture, the chalkboard wall will not be perfectly smooth.
Melanie Whitehead says
Thanks for this info, regarding calcium carbonate, you canbuy it from climbing shops, although I dont know how much it costs!
Nikki says
DO you have a homemade recipe for the clear and dark wax?
Denise says
Hi Nikki! I do, and you can read more on DIY Dark Wax Here. 🙂
michael says
I was wondeting how to tint the chalk paint to a certain color. Do you have paint color mixed when you buy the latex paint? Just wondering how to tint it for a custom color.
Denise says
Michael, no need to tint. Just buy whatever paint color you’d like to use, and then add the chalky ingredient directly to it. 🙂
Catherine Brasset says
Hello Denise thank you for all that you share!
I would like to know if you can add pigments ( on top of chalk powder )to a colored acrylic paint and how much would be the limit it could absorb ,would you know please ?
Also if it is possible to add/mix both , colors in tubes and pigments to a white acrylic paint .
( Pigments by themselves do not make a deep enough color in a white base because you can’t add too much )
Thank you for any help .)
Denise says
Catherine I’ve never used this method so I’m not sure. I would ‘think’ tinting your paint with pigments would work just fine. If anyone’s tried this and could help out.. feel free to chime in! 🙂
Mandy says
Fantastic!!! ive ordered my CC and am definitely trying this. Ready done cp is just too expensive…
Wish me luck. nad thanks
Amy says
Does it matter if you use a paint with primer in it? And does the cc change/effect the color of the paint? Thank you!
Denise says
The CC will not change the color of your paint Amy. I’ve used paint and primer in one (worked just fine) but matte/flat/eggshell latex is my preference.
Judy says
I used plaster powder and two coats. I think it will need sanding once dry but my daughter wants to actually use chalk to write on the desk. If I give it a wax coat will she be able to do that? Or maybe a layer of water based clear coat?
Denise says
Judy, if you topcoat with ANY product, you will NOT be able to use it as a chalkboard.
Judy says
Thank you! I think it is smooth enough and my daughter loves it so no coating it is. 🙂
Antoinette says
Thank you for sharing these tips, I can’t wait to get started on making the chalk paint, and yes I will be trying out the number one pick. Now…wish me luck on finding it! BTW I do realize you can order it online, I will try some local stores first if they have them, if not I will order on the link you showed us.Thanks again!!
Denise says
Pleasure. 🙂 And you can always try a local pharmacy if you can’t find the correct CC in any local stores Antoinette.
Mathieu says
Hi ! First, thanks for this very interesting post ! I have a few question.
On Annie Sloan website, they claim their paint can be used outside. Is it the same for all of those recepies ? Especially the last one since I’m probably going to use it.
If it can be used outside, should I buy exterior paint or regular interior paint ?
Thank you!
Denise says
Hi Mathieu. I’ve never tried mixing any of the above Chalk/Mineral Paint Recipes with an exterior paint, but I have painted outdoor furniture using regular latex and Calcium Carbonate. You can read more here. 🙂 https://salvagedinspirations.com/painting-outdoor-furniture-with-chalkmineral-paint/
batsheba says
Are you able to write on surfaces with these paint mixtures with chalk? Or is it just a chalky appearance to the paint?
Denise says
Yes, if it’s not sealed – you can write on it with chalk. Best to season your board it before writing on it though.
JudyG says
I used the calcium carbonate for the first time and it dried all gritty and rough. So dissatisfied. What happened do you think?
Denise says
Sorry to hear this Judy. It may be the brand/quality of Calcium Carbonate you are using.
Zoe says
Does it matter what type of paint you use? Could I use acrylic, or does it have to be wall-paint?
Denise says
Latex/Acrylic should work just fine. 🙂
Pattye says
Denise, Thanks for this blog post! I am curious what laytex paint colors you prefer? I’m want an antique, off-white creamy color to the furniture but there are so many different whites. Any suggestions that you can offer would be great.
Denise says
Hi Pattye! Yes, soooo many whites! Most paint brands have a white labeled “Antique White” and it’s a perfect starting point. I like to look at an Antique-White on a fandeck, and then decide if I want to go a little lighter or darker. I also take into consideration if I will be glazing or dark waxing for an antiqued look. Sherwin Williams SW6119 Antique White is really nice! Charming B&B btw!
Findley York says
Definitely giving this a try on my next furniture painting project!
Debbie says
Hi Denise, I tried the plaster a Paris recipe today and although it seemed really creamy in constancy before I added the paint, it started to get what looked like bits of tiny rocks in it? Used a electric mixer to make the paint seems to cover nicely but there are definitely larger pieces of grit in it. What can I do to prevent this from happening next time? Thank you Debbie
Denise says
Debbie, I use warm water to mix the Plaster of Paris prior to adding it to my paint and I find this very helpful in making it nice and smooth.
mARY says
Can not find Calcium Carbonate 500g for $11.99 Could you send me the lInk plz? ThaNKS
Denise says
Hi Mary! Tthere is a blue link that leads directly to the CC I buy online in this blog post under my #1 Calcium Carbonate choice. Price may vary depending on where you live.
Janice Garrett says
So Happy…happy…happy about all your suggestions. I love that we can save soooo much $$$! Thx again for all your help. I’ll let u know how things work out!!
Raegen says
I tried both the calcium carbonate as well as the plaster of Paris recipes and was very happy with both results. Thank you for posting this!
Amanda says
HI Denise, I’ve used the CC recipe on top of finished wood (I didn’t sand). I didn’t use the right concentration of cc to paint, and the chalky finish is rubbing off on my first coat (just the chalk, not the paint). Will this be corrected by a wax top-coat, or do I need to correct the concentration?
Denise says
Hi Amanda! 🙂 After you paint with any of the above recipes, nothing should rub off. The chalky ingredient is mixed thoroughly into the paint and adhere’s to your piece. If it has not adhered properly, waxing or top-coating is not advised because eventually, this can lead to chipping etc. You wouldn’t want to have to re-do all your hard work.
Amanda says
Thanks Denise, looks like I was impatient and didn’t fully let it dry. Now that its dry, Im not having the same issues. Everything is great!
Denise says
Yaaaay!!! I’m so glad to hear that Amanda! 🙂
Humble says
Hello! First of all thank you so much for this great read! Second calcium carbonate is just plain egg shells ground to a fine powder! So if you have been searching all this time,its sitting in your fridge. 🙂
Alaina says
hi! great ideas about the homemade chalk paint! we live in an area that we can’t get chalk paint. I would like to paint my hutch a blueish grey. Will the calcium carbonate that you add to the paint make the shade lighter as the chalk is white? I noticed that the color you used was white anyways. Have you used other colors?
Denise says
Hi Alaina. Yes, I’ve used other colors and the Calcium Carbonate will not change or lighten your paint color.
Alaina says
Okay, thank you! I will try to find some Calcium Carbonate, I think that plaster of paris will be easier to get.
graciela says
in the US, the best way to get the calcium carbonate is online. I think.
Pamela says
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such an excellent, detailed breakdown. I’ll be passing this on along to a gentleman who has been looking at the outrageously priced retail brands. Blessings!
Shelley says
I want to paint leather, which one would be the best?
Denise says
Shelley, I’ve never tried any of the above recipes on fabric or leather however if you read through some of the comments, others have!
Elize Schwartz says
i AM WORKING AT A WELFARE ORGANISATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WITCH IS THE CHI PEST AND EAST WAY TO DO IT . WE ARE RELIABLE ON DONATIONS ONLY .
Denise says
Elize, in comparison to store bought Chalk/Mineral Paints, all these recipes are super inexpensive. However to create the ‘cheapest’ chalky finish, the baking soda or Plaster of Paris are the two most economical.
saraswati says
Hey Denise.. liked this idea of making chalk paint. i m from india and we don’t have this paint available here so ur homemade methods will help me for sure. i just have a few quick questions.
which type of calcium carbonate should i go for ? heavy precipitated? and yes.. what kind of paint to use? is it a normal wall paint? or oil paint?
Denise says
This link for the Calcium Carbonate I use is included in the post (it is human grade supplement not heavy precipitated) and yes, a normal water based wall paint is what you’re looking for. Here in Canada we call it latex paint. Glad you’ve found these recipes helpful! 🙂
graciela says
I have the food grade calcium carbonate, and trying to mix it with latex (water) and it got too grany… should I disolve the cc with water before to mix it with paint
Denise says
When I use my CC w latex, I never need to Graciela. But there would be no harm in adding a little water to your CC and mixing it really well before adding/mixing it into your paint.
Terry says
I would try do the chalk paint be myself as you a discribed, but I don’t know what kind of pain you ad.
Can you give me a hint?
Denise says
Any water based/latex will work Terry.
Debbie says
Wonderful idea Denise but I was wondering if you preferred using Satin paint, flat paint or oil paint the best and which gives you the best look?
Denise says
The flat/matte or eggshell paints give the very best ‘chalky’ effect Debbie. I have used Satin (works fine) but have never used any oil based paints with any of these recipes.
Linda Balzotti says
I am very happy to fall to your site. I am doing an 8in. clock for a class. I can not justify spending $7-$8 a jar for chalky paint (what if I don’t like it). What I would like to do is match the color of the chalky paint with acrylic (Americana)paint with either the carbonate or the baking soda. A full bottle of acrylic paint is $1.19 and I probably won’t use all of one color to base coat the clock. We are using 4 colors of americana decor chalky paint. Can you give me some idea as to how much to mix into the acrylic paint? Do you think I can mix ahead (same day) for my class and put in air tight small containers. Thanks LB
Denise says
Linda, if you’re referring to an 8oz bottle of acrylic craft paint, that equals approximately 1 cup of paint. The Calcium Carbonate recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio paint to CC, so approximately a 1/2 cup of CC. I would start by mixing in a quarter cup of CC (acrylic is sometimes thicker than latex). Gauge the thickness/texture and then add in more if required. You can always add a little water to thin the paint if need be. And yes, you can mix ahead the same day and bring to class in an container. Just give it another really good mixing prior to painting.
Tiffany says
Can I tint my wax polish? I bought the mini wax furniture polish at Home Depot and thought maybe I could add a drop of gray or black to it to make a wax top coat myself? I cannot find colored wax locally.
Denise says
For sure Tiffany. I make my own custom DIY Tinted Furniture Wax all the time!
Sharon Cemensky says
Thank you for All your info, it really helps and I love diyer’s! Makes having a pc so much fun!!!
Ines says
Hi…am a fan of your projects and blog.Have had success in the past with the plaster of Paris mixture.My latest project I did not sand as I thought that the paint would adhere as it did in the past. I used the one to three ratio but added more plaster as I thought it was too thin. I did a second coat and where the metal of my brush or roller scratched the surface, it revealed the original surface.
Denise says
Ines, was the surface a shiny/glossy topcoat. This is often the reason a HMCP or brand name CP has difficulty adhering in areas. If this is the case, a light sanding to create a little “tooth” for the paint to stick to would be beneficial.
Katie says
Hello – fantastic blog, it has really helped me.
(I am about to do my first piece of furniture)
Please can you tell me, when using your #1.. calcium carbonate, do I need to wax the furniture as the final stage?
How do I apply that?
Many thanks
Katie
Denise says
Katie, you can topcoat/protect with wax, poly, shellac or whatever topcoat you prefer to use. Waxing is basically just rubbing a very small amount on, and then rubbing it into the furniture while rubbing any excess off. Think of the Karate Kid… Rub ON – Rub OFF. Work in small areas so the wax doesn’t dry before you have a chance to rub it all in.
Kate says
Hey,
Great tips thanks! I’m new at this and was wondering if you need to sand furniture down before you apply that paint? If you do need to sand down, is there a glue or something you can add to the paint to make it stick to the varnish?
Denise says
For shiny/glossy finishes, I recommend a light sanding. Annie Sloan and/or other brand name chalk paints all recommend a light sanding on slick surfaces too Kate. Milk paint has a bonding agent you can but I’ve never heard of a glue you can add to CP’s.
Rachel says
What type of store bought furniture wax do you recommend? I’m awful at creating my own but I find the Annie Sloan wax to be streaky no matter what I do!
Denise says
CeCe Caldwells wax is very buttery soft and easy to use. Also, if you buy less expensive box store brands ie Minwax, Briwax, Fiddes & Sons, if you find it a little hard to work with, you can always add some Mineral Spirits to soften it up.
Joelle says
Hi. Maybe I am too new to this, but I cannot see the differences in the methods. Especially the baking soda and grout.
Gail says
Thanks for the tips. I’m excited to try. Can you tell me
what you use for the wax topcoat? And what you would use
to tint it with? Thanks again.
Denise says
I really like DIY custom wax so I can create my wax coat to compliment my pieces Gail. https://salvagedinspirations.com/tinting-furniture-wax-with-paint/
Candice Farias says
Denise,
Do you have a Chalk paint recipe using the Calcium carbonate with either a wax or poly sealer mixed right into the paint? also is there a special brand of paint colors of matte/flat/eggshell that will give the chalk paint mixture a move vibrant true color tones? Thank You! 🙂
Denise says
Candice, the wax and/or poly is applied after you paint with the chalkpaint (homemade or brandname). If there is a chalk/mineral paint that has the topcoat mixed into the paint, I’m unaware of it. And any brand of water based paint will work so you can choose the brand/color/tones that you really like.
Jola says
Hi Denis!
I leave in Australia and our paints have a diffrent names. Not shure wich paint to mix with calcium carbonate. paint we r using for painting doors or walls? thanks for help. Jola
Denise says
Jola, yes, it would be the water based paint you use for walls and doors. Here in North America we call it latex paint. Our friends in the UK call it “emulsion” and I believe I’ve heard it referred to as a premium synthetic paint in Australia. Again, if it’s water based, it should work. 🙂
Tina says
In Australia the most common name for latex paint is ‘Acrylic’. Anyway thanks for your generously informative DIY blog.
Denise says
Thanks for the info Tina 🙂
Sue says
Does the finish of the paint you’re mixing matter? Can it be semi-gloss,eggshell, etc. or does it need to be a flat based paint?
Denise says
A flat/eggshell/matte will give the ‘chalkiest’ look Sue.
melissa Davis says
Do not use a paint with priner, you can use low satin, I prefer flat as it is suposed to look chalky and the main is in the wax, you can control if you want shine or not…
melissa Davis says
one of the biggest problems with chalk paint is the right grit. So it has to be all fine grit, the larger the grit, think about it, I see it at shows I do all the time. You move it, slide things on it, it hits the grit and bumps it off. It has to be ad fine as you can get it. So food grade CC is the best. You can get it on ebay or Amazon.
[email protected] says
Thanks for the tips, could you tell me your sealing process, or whatever you do next
Denise says
For high traffic items like tables, chairs, cabinets etc I like to use a Polycrylic (water based). Tor dressers, night tables etc, I like the look of a wax topcoat. Either of these options can be tinted to create an antiqued patina and provide good protection for your painted piece.
Joann says
How do you tint wax? Thanks
Denise says
I use a clear wax and then add small amounts of dark paint or stain Joann. Here’s a more detailed tutorial. https://salvagedinspirations.com/tinting-furniture-wax-with-paint/
Clary Moran says
Hi, when you say you use two parts paint to one part calcium carbonate, how do you mix the calcium carbonate? Do you mix water to the same consistency of the paint? Many thanks. Great site.
Denise says
Because the NOW Brand of Calcium Carbonate I use is powdery fine, I do not need to add any water prior to mixing it into my paint. If I use a measuring cup, I measure 1 cup of paint to 1/2 cup of CC.
Candice Farias says
what brand of Calcium Carbonate do you now use? and where do I order it from? Thank you
Denise says
I use “Now Foods Calcium Carbonate Powder”. I’ve included a link to this brand within the blog post above. 🙂
Federica says
At recipe says 2 parts paint. I part CC.
In your reply note.
you say 2parts CC to 1part paint.
Confused!?
Federica Perovic says
Oops!
I put my glasses on a read your reply again!
One Cup paint.
Half Cup CC
♡
Karen Buck says
Could you please tell me if Calcium Carbonated heavy percipitated will work for making the chaulk paint.
Denise says
Karen, I believe this is an industrial grade of CC and not as “fine” as the Calcium Carbonate product I use. I’m not sure if it would mix into the paint as smooth.
karen buck says
The heavy percipatated cc came from a drug store. Not sure where to purchase it. Our brew it yourself wine store doesn’t carry it. Thank you for your reply.