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
debbie relph says
I need black chalk paint.Do I get black latex paint or how do I get this color that I need?
Denise says
With any of these DIY ChalkPaint Recipes, you purchase the paint in whatever color you want, then add the chalking ingredient. Tip – With dark colors, a THOROUGH mixing is required Debbie! Otherwise, you take the chance of white specks showing up after you sand.
N Mayes says
I have a desk that is painted in high gloss paint. Do I need to sand it down first and then using the CC chalk paint method?
Thanks!
Denise says
When working with high gloss items, DIY or brandname chalk paint may or may not adhere 100%. Even Annie Sloan suggests a light sanding on shiny surfaces. It’s best to do a small test area on an inconspicuous part of your desk. Wait for it to dry and then do a fingernail test to see if the paint scrapes off. If so, a light sanding will do the trick.
Eileen Shipman says
I use your recipe with plaster of paris for all my chalk painting. Woks great. However, I am working on my first laminate piece of furniture and the paint isn’t working as usual. Normally the paint dries fairly quickly. This time I gave it 8 hours to dry but the paint isn’t adhering instead it peels away easily. I am unsure how to solve the problem. Can you give me some advice?
Denise says
Eileen, it sounds like a light sanding of your laminate may be required before applying the DIY or brandname chalk paint. This will rough up the surface and give the paint something to grip onto.
Traci says
Would this paint work on veneered kitchen cabinets?
Denise says
YES! Works beautifully on veneer cabinets or furniture.
Becky Pelphrey says
I have printed out your recipe for chalk paint and also read all the reviews I am anxious to paint my bedroom furniture and use the crackle method. Last time I did the crackle finish it was expensive and time consuming. Now I can do it on all my bedroom pieces ’cause I can afford it. Thanks
Sharleen Reeder says
I use Benjamin Moore Premium interior 100% Acryic which I have been told adheres better than latex and less toxic.
Denise says
Hi Sharleen! The first part of your comment has already been posted but I REALLY appreciate you providing your BM paint tip! Also, I fixed your name… darn spellcheck. 😉
Patty says
If I used chalk pint on kitchen cabinets what would you recommend to put over the chalk paint to protect them from everyday use?
Denise says
For a high traffic area I would recommend 3+ coats of a good polyurethane Patty.
anjuli says
I have a laminate dresser (at lease I am hoping that’s what it is based on your wonderful description in a previous post) and end tables that I want to repurpose thanks to very helpful chalk paint post. Really looking forward to it. What wax do you use to finish of the furniture? I don’t want a distress look. Just a clean chalk paint look. Thanks.
Denise says
Hi Anjuli! Any type of clear furniture wax will work with these DIY HMCP recipes. An inexpensive furniture wax that I use frequently is Minwax Furniture Paste. Around $12 at any Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Vero says
I’m excited to try your number one choice. Don’t have any carbonate but Our local pharmacist suggested to use white Tums has 500 g. just like the bottle. I blended them really fine powder and really cheap way to chalk paint with this recipe will let you know how it turns out:)
Elizabeth Ramirez says
Love your instructions. I am new at this type of painting and I am loving it. I am so glad that you are giving instructions in details.
Thanks, Elizabeth
jenny says
hi, im from the UK,is latex paint just normal matt emulsion and what do i ask for when i go into a hardware store for wax please?
Denise says
Yes it is Jenny. 🙂
Jenifer says
I’m sure this is a ridiculous question, but I want to save a mess from happening. What did you mix web (planning on plaster of Paris recipe)? And did you just mix in the paint can?
Denise says
Jenifer, I prefer to use plastic containers to mix my chalk paint because I only mix 1 to 2 cups at a time. You can repurpose yogurt or margarine containers for this. In the container I measure my plaster of paris, add water while mixing well with my old blender, and then once perfectly smooth, add my paint and mix well again.
Candi says
Hi Denise have you tried the new Mud paint from Mudpaint.com? I have heard the finish is extremely smooth and it can be used like chalk paint and no waxing needed but for extra protection they sell a clear coat. I keep hearing that for cleaning purposes this works better and handles cleaning much better. I was wondering if there is a homemade recipe for that…Your thoughts too please!
Denise says
Hi Candi! I’ve heard of Mud Paint but have not tried it yet. If you get the chance to give it a go, I’d love to hear your results. 🙂
Sandra says
I made the plaster of paris chalk paint and painted an Ikea stool which is made of hard plastic similar to Little Tykes. It is scratching off so easily. Is there anything I can do to seal it so it won’t peel?
Denise says
Whether it’s DIY or brandname Chalk Paint, unfortunately, this shiny plastic is one of those scenarios that benefit from a sanding first Sandra. If you seal with several layers of a good poly at this point, it may be okay for the short term, but will most likely end up peeling again. Sorry… I know first hand how frustrating this is after putting in all that work!
Kleintjie says
I want to paint my old wooden kitchen cabinets white. I am worried that if I paint it using chalk paint, that the paint will come off if I clean the cupbards (since it is a kitchen!). Will chalk paint work on kitchen cuopboards or is it not robust enough?
Denise says
Chalk Paint works beautifully on kitchen cupboards. The secret is in the prep (if you have a shiny topcoat on your old wood cabinets sanding may be required) and the topcoat (I recommend polyurethane for high traffic areas like a kitchen).
Chasity says
I loved this post!! I am a beginner at chalk painting and I have a hutch that I want to paint white and distress it. I love the end results of the baking soda mixture, but I am unsure of what paint to buy to mix the baking soda with?
Denise says
Any brand of latex paint will work with the baking soda recipe Chasity. 🙂
Pat Webber says
Have 2 old metal outdoor chairs they have lots of rust but sturdy. If I use chalk paint should I use rustoluim paint first? Of will the home made chalk paint stop the rust?
Denise says
Hi Pat. Any type of chalk paint will not stop the rust. Unfortunately, eventually it will show through if it’s not sanded/removed first. Personally, if I were looking for a matte finish on old metal chairs, I would go with an appropriate outdoor rust proof paint and buy it in a flat finish.
Cissy says
Hi;
Can you use this to paint fabric
Thank you
Denise says
I’ve never tried Cissy but some of my readers have and said it works nicely. You can also buy fabric/textile medium in any craft store and then add it to any paint. This allows you to paint any fabric with great results. 🙂
eva says
Do you mix the Calcium Carbonate with paint or with water and then mix with paint?
Denise says
Eva, I mix the CC directly into the paint with no water. However if you find it’s a little too thick for your liking, you can add a little water tol thin it down.
ramona says
Just mixed the chalk paint using plaster of Paris ..went on great ..I used. Small brush just wondering if I used a sponge brush would it be better ..love all the info given he . Very helpful:-)
Jane says
Have you tried the the recipe with regular patching compound , paint and water. ?? the patching compound found at any hardware store mixed with satin sheen paint and water works great . give it a try … hope it meets your top 1%
linda says
can u use semi gloss latex paint
Denise says
Yes Linda. The finish won’t be quite as chalky/flat though.
Kim B says
I want to chalk paint my Muskoka/Adirondak chair, but afraid of the paint coming off on hands like my grandparent’s chairs did. Will the waxing help that. Is it a good idea to chalk paint outdoor furniture?
Denise says
Kim, chalk paint holds up really well outdoors but I wouldn’t recommend using wax to seal/protect an outdoor piece. Top coating your Muskoka/Adirondak Chair with an outdoor polyurethane will ensure a protective seal and finish against outdoor weather. 🙂
Becky says
For the wax finish have you ever tried “The Original Bee’s Wax in a spray can? I was just wondering if that would give the same result as the soft wax finish with the buffing.
Denise says
I’ve never tried this Becky but if I’m not mistaken (and I very well could be…lol) I think it’s more like a furniture polish rather than a protective wax paste. If anyone else has more info on this, please chime in!
Christina says
Oooo…I almost forgot!!!Your baking soda recipe was not in vain…it sort of had a “concrete” look to it texture wise…Im going to play around with it. Maybe in a charcoal gray on a cheapy outdoor figure. Dry brushed with some white here and there…Geezer this FUN!!!!
Christina says
Has anyone ever tried oil based paints with these recipes?…and any tips on diy crackle medium that works well with chalk paint?
Denise says
Hi Christina! I’ve never tried oil based paints with these recipes but DIY crackle is easy to do. I know of two methods that work nicely. When your chalk paint is semi-dry you can use a blow dryer to add heat which will cause a crackle finish or simply spread some white glue (like the Elmer’s glue schools use) on your furniture before adding a coat of paint. As both coats dry, the glue separates the paint and cracks.
Sonja says
When you say sanding required do you sand it after the paint has dried? How did you distress the two tables with the little striped baskets under? Wax? dark wax?
thanks!
Denise says
Sonja, to get a professional finish, I lightly sand in between each coat I paint. Other furniture painters prefer to just sand on the last coat… personal preference I guess. The two tables with the baskets were distressed using sandpaper and then a clear coat applied. No dark wax was applied.
Tess says
was that a clear coat of wax I am new at this
Denise says
Tess, you can apply a clear coat of wax or poly… just depends on how much durability you need for your furniture. Both topcoats work nicely with these HMCP Recipes. For a polyurethane finish that ‘looks’ more like wax, buy a flat or satin finish rather than a gloss.
Diane says
I apologize if this was previously asked, but I don’t see it –
What is the dry time between coats using Plaster of Paris paint? Same as what’s on the pain can?
Denise says
Depends on the humidity/temperature/coat thickness/etc … but usually it will dry faster than the time indicated on the paint can. In ideal conditions, it usually dries to the touch within about 30-60 minutes Diane.
Jayne says
Is the plaster of paris supposed to be measured dry or wet? 1 used 1 cup of dry plaster of Paris, mixed it with water, then added it to 2 cups of paint? My dresser looks SUPER grainy! You can actually SEE the grit. I usually sand with 1000 grit sandpaper, but even a rougher grit doesn’t help! What did I do wrong?
Denise says
Hi Jayne! The plaster of paris is measured DRY and then I slowly add water to make it smooth as silk before adding it to my paint. From what you’ve described, you’ve used a 2:1 ratio rather than a 3:1 ratio required for this recipe. This could be the reason for the extra grainy texture on your finish. Also, I like to use a 400 grit sandpaper for finishing… may work slightly better than the 1000 for this recipe. 🙂
Diane says
Great info here – thanks! One question – plaster of paris chalk paint – is the water part of the measurement or jus measure the plaster of paris and paint? Hope that makes sense?
Denise says
Diane, the plaster of paris is measured DRY and then enough water should be added to make it a silky smooth texture before adding it into your paint.
Dulcie says
I believe talcum powder is calcium carbonate. Very cheap in dicout chemists or drug stores.
Tammy says
Will the homemade chalk paint work well as a spray paint?
Denise says
Yes it does Tammy! https://salvagedinspirations.com/spraying-diy-chalk-mineral-paint/
DJ says
I was wondering about the dark wax for distressing . Could I add some dark latex wood stain to the clear wax?
Denise says
Yes, dark latex or dark stain will work for tinting your clear wax.. I’ve used both many times. 🙂
Kim says
How did you measure the calcium and paint. Did you do scales or measuring cup
Denise says
I use a plastic measuring cup Kim… the same ones you buy for your baking needs.
Kim says
Thank you!
Maria says
I built a captains storage bed for my granddaughter and I want to do the chalk paint, distress and wax with a darker wax. I also have a recycled headboard I’m putting on it, but that’s been stained and finished before. Do I need to do anything to the bare wood before I paint it, prime it or anything? And, how many coats do you usually do? Thanks,
I think I’ll use the Calcium Carbonate one.
Denise says
Hi Maria…great project for your granddaughter! Pending on the piece I’m working on 2-3 coats is my average. Priming is not necessary on raw wood for these recipes to adhere nicely. And pending on the quality of paint you use; they provide great coverage. Having said that, when I’m painting mahogany, cedar or knots in pine, I like to prime. Why? These woods are prone to bleed through and staining. As an added bones, primer also helps with flashing (evening out the sheen on raw wood) and allows me to use less coats of my DIY ChalkPaint.
Beetle says
Thankyou for a really helpful article Denise. I wondered what latex paint was, as we don’t use that phrase here in the uk. Checked online and it is what we call “emulsion paint” for any uk folk out there who want to try your recipe. Thanks for doing all the experimenting so we don’t have to!
Marthie says
Hi. Thank you. I am not familiar with the name latex paint or emulsion paint, but will try it here in SA. ((-:
Jon says
Thanks for sharing your information and experience.
LIz says
Can you use the calcium carbonate recipe on material. Thanks
Denise says
I’ve never tried Liz but I’ve ‘heard’ it has worked for others who have. 🙂
Tracy says
Had no Plaster of Paris on hand, so I looked around the garage and found joint compound(mud),one of the ingredients in it was calcium carbonate. Tried it and it worked wonderful!! I used about 2 to 4 tablespoons per cup of paint, it mixed up real nice, went on smooth with no priming or sanding. I have used it on mason jars, tin cans, plastic and terra cotta pots, and old wooden veneer cabinets. Sands nice for distressing, sprayed it with the matte clear coat finish and everything is holding up nice, even the pots outside in the rain. Paint has kept nicely in plastic containers going on 3 weeks now. Thought I was missing something, so I got some Plaster of Paris. I mixed it really good before I added it to the paint, but ended up with a bunch of little pea sized clumps, not sure what I did wrong, think I will stick with the mud. Thanks for your article, would have never thought to try the mud without it!!!!
joey ledlie says
Hello Denise, thank you so much for all your help. I would love to give this a go.
Hello Tracy, may I ask how much joint compound you used please ?
Thanks and love, joey
Tracy says
anywhere from 2-4 heaping tablespoonfuls to about 1 cup of paint, just added until I thought it looked like the right consistancy
Missy says
Tracy – did you add water at all?
Missy says
thanks for all the hard work to provide this info – love it!
Judith says
Hello! I was just wondering how long it took for the Paris chalk paint to dry?
Thank you
Denise says
Hi Judith! Brand name and DIY Chalk Paint dries fast but dry time will vary depending on how it’s applied and your environment. But usually, chalky paints dry within 30-60 min of painting.
brad r says
when using the plaster of paris method on a dark color does the plaster of paris make the color lighter. example: if you used a red color will it be more pinkish after mixing in the plaster of paris?
Denise says
No Brad, the color stays true. However, a thorough mixing of the Plaster of Paris/water and then into the paint is super important. If it’s not properly mixed, tiny white POP particles tend to show up in the darker more saturated colors after sanding.
Jesme says
Silly question and pretty sure I know the answer but I have so much paint left overs that I want to be sure…li use flat latex paint correct ? Assuming semi gloss or satin will not work…
Denise says
In a pinch I have used semi and satin paints with the above recipes. It works, however the finish is not as flat/chalky as brand name(s).
Judy says
I’ve heard it matters what type of paint you use – like it can’t have primer in it. Did you use any type of latex paint?
Denise says
Judy, I have used a paint and primer in one and it worked just fine however not my first choice. I prefer chalky finish of the flat/eggshell latex.
Sarah says
Hi,
This process is new to me. I’ve read about waxing at the end of project. Is this something that you do once you are done? Thanks!
Denise says
Yes Sarah. Once your finish painting your piece, and then sand to distress or give it a perfectly smooth finish, that’s when you apply the wax to seal/protect your furniture.
ang says
I had the same question about wax sealing! I’m wondering what type of wax or sealer you use and recommend?
Denise says
Minwax, Annie Sloan or any furniture wax will work nicely. I also like to use Minwax or Varathane poly’s for high traffic items.
Alexia says
Hi Denise:
I am making the chalk paint using plaster of Paris and behrs flat white finish for all of my 7 year old daughter furniture. I want to give it an aged look because she is into the fairies and princesses. I thought about minwax but heard that on white paint it shows dark but then I am torn because she is a child and I don’t want her to ruin the process. any recommendation on what is best for a child’s furniture finish. Thanks and awesome blog…
Denise says
Hi Alexia! I’ve had clients requrest a more durable top coat for their young children’s furniture – yet they still want the matte/distressed finish. What I suggest is a poly topcoat – in a flat or satin sheen. Tough, easy to clean and unlike wax, you will never have to reapply down the road. 🙂
Monica says
Hi, To achieve other colors, do I have to purchase colored latex, or can I mix my own classroom acrylics to the latex? I use Dick Blick acrylics by the bottle.
Denise says
Adding acrylics to the latex should work just fine however I would test before using it on an entire piece or project Monica.
ron says
I used the plaster of paris recipe and it worked out great on a pair of nightstands I purchased at a thrift store.
Cindy says
Hi Denise. Thanks for the great comparisons. I found the CaCO3 at a local health food store, so I’m almost ready to go. But I’m not clear about the measurements. Some other sites are saying 1 cup of latex paint to 2 TBSP of Calcium Carbonate. Your recipe calls for 2-1. So for 1 cup of paint, should I use 1/2 cup of CaCO3?
Denise says
That’s correct Cindy. You can add less if you like. It just won’t be quite as flat/chalky.
SHERYL says
I also use a 600 grit sand paper after every coat to remove brush strokes. it works great!
Kelsey says
Hi! Will any of these allow to use a roller? I’m not crazy about brush strokes! Also, is it okay to apply polyurethane on all of them or do I need something different?
Denise says
Yes and yes Kelsey. I sometimes slightly thin the paint with a little water when trying to avoid brush or roller marks.
Teri says
Hi, I want to order calcium Carbonate, but when I looked on line there are so many different ones. Made of different stone, etc. Did you use the 100% pure or another kind?
Thank you very much for all the information.
Denise says
Teri, there is a link included in this post to the NOW Brand that I always use. 🙂
Theresa says
Hey Denise! I am going to try the plaster of paris recipe to redo all of my furniture. I have seen the brush method and I didn’t like the strokes on the paint surface. Would it be okay to use a roller instead of a brush?
Denise says
Yes, it can also applied with a roller Theresa. To get the proper consistency (no roller or brush marks), I sometimes thin the paint with a little water.