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
Dianne says
Thank you for this wonderful and easy tutorial! I just painted our bathroom cabinet with the calcium carbonate paint mix and I just LOVE how it turned out. I ordered the calcium carbonite on Amazon – $10 fpr 1 lb. With Prime, I had it within 2 days and was ready to go!
Denise says
So glad your bathroom cabinet with the CC recipe turned out beautiful Dianne!
Pat Gort says
II am in the process of converting my laminate floor to a tile look, using 12”x18” for tile size and the grout lines are 1/2” masking tape over the base application of unsanded grout chalk paint. My attempt to apply another color of regular paint using a rag to get a dry brush effect pulled the base paint off the floor. Could it be it wasn’t dried long enough???
Denise says
Hi Pat! Yes, it could be that it had not dried or cured enough or possibly if the laminate floor is super slick, a light sanding for some ‘tooth’ would be beneficial for the paint to hold onto.
DIY Guy says
Very comprehensive guide.. your pieces look great.
Denise says
Thanks, Ryan! And all the best to you and Cait at your new Burlington location!
Colleen Salter says
Hi Denise, your article was fantastic and just what I was looking for. I have a question though. I was feeding my horses today and I put Dolomite powder into their food. I have a 20kg bag which my minis will never get through. In all their lifetimes.
Can I make call paint from this product. It is super fine and containes calcium carbonate 63% and magnesium carbonate 35%. So it says on the package.
Not sure how it would go have you heard anything about it working or not?
Thanks in advance.
Denise says
Hmmm, I’m not sure Colleen because I’m not familiar with Dolomite powder. If anyone reading this has information, please feel free to chime in! 🙂
Peter says
Have you tried priming the furniture with a universal primer such as Rustoleum Spray Universal Primer. It seems to me to be easier than applying 3 coats of chalk paint by brush. Priming would give you coverage, would block out deep colors and stains in the wood, seal knots and be a great surface to bond your top coat of chalk paint to. It also sands out easily if you want that distressed look. I’ve not tried this myself, but would like to hear from someone who has.
Kohl Cavanah says
I followed your calcium carbonate recipe, it works wonderfully! A more cost effective way to buy it is in bulk. I sifted the CC in a flour sifter first to be on the safe side.
Hayley says
Hi Denise,
I’m wondering what kind of coating you use once you apply the chalk paint and it has dried? Do you use a wax? Thanks!
Hayley says
Also wondering what kind of brush you used, and where you got it from. Thanks for your help! I’m about to take on my first chalk painting project with my husband. Night stands!
Denise says
Hi Hayley! Yes, you can use wax OR poly. Either or work nicely with any of the above recipes.
Beckie says
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I make the plaster Paris recipe. I used 1/3 plaster of Paris, 1/3 water, mixed until smooth. Added 1 cup paint; mixed well. But it started to setup and was a thick grainy mess!
Denise says
That sounds like a lot of water Beckie. I add just enough water to turn the plaster of paris into a thick milkshake consistency and then add it to the paint. So my suggestions would be less water, and you could even try cutting down on the PoP if less water doesn’t work.
CASEY RUSSELL says
Tip : the unsanded grout is much easier to mix when you use Warm to Hot water; an I have found that it will last for weeks and it won’t thicken as quick or as bad if you keep it in an airtight container, & just pour out what you need ; & then I add paint… so is perfect for little projects that you might want paint different colors !
B.Soda Tip : Before you add the paint to the baking soda, add a little bit of water to the B. Soda; an it will be easier to mix and get all the lumps out of it, an u should get a good chalky paste (its just like you do with the unsanded grout)… then I add add in the paint… an even though it’s still gritty, it’s not as gritty ….
I had to play around a lot & discovered these tips; because like you I could not find the calcium carbonate and my Pharmacy said it was going to be like $40.00, but that was years ago an for a food-grade type. An now I think you can get it on like eBay or Amazon for $10-$15 for like a 5lb bag or more…. how long did the calcium calcium Carbonite bag last you… an how lot how many paint jobs were you able to get out of it ?? I’m about to try the Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra-Matte paint in LINEN WHITE; I got a quart for $13.99; so I hope it works well; but if not I’m thinking I can definitely take the plaster of Paris and go over it since it’s the ultra matte wouldn’t you agree ….. ?
🖌🖌🖌But thanks, you have definitely broke down all the homemade recipes into simple & easy terms; that I have found better than any others🖌🖌🖌
THANKS AGAIN,
CASEY
dawn says
The Best,,, the best,,, article regarding diy chalk paint that I have ever read !!! I have been checking out chalk paint recipes for seven years. Well done !! and Thank You. Cheers from Vancouver, BC
Liz says
Hi Denise, I am a huge fan of using oil based paint for cabinets and furniture. I’m just curious what will happen if you use oil based paint in one of these recipes or why you shouldn’t? I know it would be a little more durable. Thanks!
John says
I see for some company use sodium silicate or water glass in their Chalk paint. (Poets paint) for a hard finish. How much should I use?
Denise says
Hi John! I haven’t heard a lot of feedback on the Poet’s Paint brand or using water glass so unfortunately, I couldn’t say.
Janna LaCock says
I woman I know who does beautiful chalk painting told me a trick to reduce sanding. Where ever she wants it to be distressed looking, she puts a very thin coat of Vaseline. When you paint, The areas with Vaseline does not stick. She had a store and gave classes on chalk painting so I trust Her experience. Have you ever tried this?
Denise says
I sure have Janna. It works nicely! https://salvagedinspirations.com/how-to-distress-furniture-with-vaseline/
Deb Goad says
I want to chalk paint my Formica kitchen cabinets – they are faux wood. Will the cc recipe work for this?
Denise says
Hi Deb! Whether you use brand name chalk paint or DIY versions, I would suggest you test a small area before taking on all your cabinet. Formica can be unpredictable.
Cindy says
Hi Deb,
I have done this with chalk paint over high gloss laminated paint. It does work. Before I found chalk paint, I painted the high gloss surface with Kilz , let dry and then painted with a latex paint. That worked, too. Chalk paint is one paint job as opposed to two, so of course, being a busy girl, I use chalk paint now. Best invention since sliced chocolate cake!
Kathy says
Hi Denise
Thank you for this info! I usually use either AS or Chalky paint, but for my next project, I need a specific colour. I purchased the paint today and when I got home, I noticed he had given me Behr latex paint and primer in a flat finish. Do you know if this will still work with the Calcium Carbonate recipe? I asked him for paint and certainly never specified paint and primer. Fighting with Home Depot paint department isn’t on my list of favourite things to do!
Denise says
Hi Kathy! I believe Behr only comes in prime + paint now… it should work just fine. 🙂
Isabella Tenai says
Hi Denise,
This is quite informative especially to a newbie like myself- I am in Kenya. My question is, when i use the chalk paint, (using the CCP recipe) i get a lot of brush strokes showing and not a smooth finish as in yours, what can I do to correct this? Is there a type of brush i should be using? Thank you!
Denise says
A softer/higher quality brush will help for sure. Also, it could be the paint needs a little thinning. Try adding a little water to thin the paint and it should help with any visible brush strokes. 🙂
Cornelia says
In south africa latex paint is impossible to find. Could I use PVA?
Denise says
Hi Cornelia! I just ‘googled’ PVA and I read it’s a primer – not a paint. So I’m going to guess that PVA will not be the best alternative for any of the above recipes. Any water-based wall paint should do the trick though. I just ‘googled’ what brands are available in South Africa, and Warrior or Delux is a water based brand and both should work nicely. Hope that helps. 🙂
Linda Miller says
Thank you for these recipes. I wonder if ‘latex’ paint is known as ‘acrylic’ paint in South Africa? In Australia we don’t have “latex” paint – only oil or acrylic. I mix hydrated lime into my acrylic paint and absolutely love using it. I use it to make proper lime plaster, tadelakt and limewash. Of course it is related both to gypsum and calcium carbonate, but NB more care is required in its handling and it is wise to have vinegar, lemon juice or another skin-friendly acid to wash away any splashes.
Denise says
Hi Linda! Yes, I believe acrylic in South Africa is the equivalent of latex in North America… both water-based. 🙂
Chrissy says
Hi could you please clarify for me if the sanding is done after the last coat and before the sealer ???
Denise says
Yes Chrissy, you can sand inbetween each coat of paint (or just on the very last coat) and THEN apply your topcoat/sealer.
JAM says
Thanks for a useful and in depth article that we were ALL looking for!
Victoria Almeter says
Hi,
Can you clarify for me since the Calcium Carbonate is in powder form and the paint is a liquid the amounts you mix to get the chalk paint?
Your instructions are 1 part CC to 2 part latex paint. In regular measuring a solid is measured differently than a liquid. I don’t want to make any mistakes.
Please get back to me ASAP…I am eager to get started.
Thank you, vicki Almeter
Denise says
Hi Victoria. I use a kitchen measuring cup to measure both the paint and the powder. Whatever you choose to measure with, use the same measuring tool for both.
Katherine says
Hi Denise thanks for this very useful post about chalk paint! I have a tile top center table I want to paint white for a cleaner look. You think the calcium carbonate recipe will adhere well? And you used latex paint correct? I read that it is best to use oil based paint for tiles.. I am confused.. please help?
Sherry Gaillard says
Must I sand after the final coat? I want to use satin finish poly. Just cal me LAZY!
Denise says
Sanding the final coat gives a really smooth professional finish, but it’s totally up to you Sherry. If you’re happy with the look – go ahead and top coat. 🙂
Audra says
I’m opting to go with the plaster of Paris recipe and was wondering what finish I should buy when I choose my paint color?
Denise says
Hi Audra! A flat or eggshell will produce the best (most chalkiest) results for all of the above recipes.
Audra says
Thank you for responding!
Audra says
One more question- what would be a good sealant to go on top of the chalk paint? I’m painting furniture that will be used daily, not accent pieces.
Denise says
For high traffic items I like to use a water based poly but I’ve posted a few articles on the topic which you can see here and here. 🙂
Kat says
Great article thanks for sharing. I am Canadian too, and found Calcium Carbonate powder at Well.ca and it is only 10.99. Well.ca is in Guelph so a local(ish) depending where one lives source. I definitely will try that recipe. The store brand of chalk paint is so pricey.
🙂
Mary Hanby says
I do not want a chalky finish on my painting project but want to make my latex paint into chalk paint. I want a shiny, no distressing satin finish. Will I be able to achieve this if i use my store bought satin paint mixed with the calcium carbonate? I intend to use a waterbase clear poly satin or semi gloss finish as a top coat.
Denise says
Hi Mary! Mixing CC into a semi latex will create a matte/flat paint BUT if you topcoat with a few coats semi-gloss, it will look like a semi-gloss. 🙂
Mary Hanby says
Thank you!
Stacy says
I just wanted to add that I used a semi-gloss paint to mix with my CC and it gave it a nice sheen. Plus I topped it off with a matte/satin spray paint (I’ve also used a satin brush on clear coat) and it gives the perfect sheen.
Patty Vranesic says
I will try using the CC recipe, can’t wait! I’ve used Annie Sloan in the past many times because I have a retailer near by. However, I found Farmhouse Paint, out of Georgia, to be my favorite. I have to order it so it’s not a cheap purchase. But, there is no sanding, prep or priming and no waxing! Excellent brand of chalk paint. Once I buy paint, CC, and wax or poloy will need to do the math. Thank you for your advise!
Lisa says
Thanks for this! The calcium carbonate recipe is my favorite! The calcium carbonate is readily available on amazon – I’ve even gotten it delivered the same day.
– Lisa
Susan says
Hi. I figure that you’re Canadian as you mentioned Shopper’s Drug Mart. If you are in the Toronto Area, Healthy Planet sells Calcium Carbonate. I use 1 cup of paint, 1/3 cup of Calcium Carbonate and 1/3 cup of water. It goes on like butter. Thanks for the great site.
Mary Hanby says
I tried your recipe and it worked very well for me. I thought it would be to runny but it wasn’t. Virtually no mixing required, disolved easily in the water and then stirred in the paint and stirred as i would when opening any can of paint. There was no graininess at all. As you said, went on like butter and am very pleased with the results. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara says
Greetings from Hungary where Chalk paint is not sold….yet!
I find your article absolutely FABULOUS and supersonically detailed. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! Thumbs up!
I also wanted to tell you that I am a fine artists and that I had no idea getting chalk for ‘lay’ people is such a problem. Chalk is a very common matherial in painting technology as it is used to make primers. We usually use chalk “from Bologna”…mos t likely a very fin, high quality kind of chalk. It is also not a very expensive material…well expensive-cheap is all relative, but art materials can be pricy. So next time you need chalk, try at Art Suplies. 🙂
Hug you sister and keep up with your great work…and now I have a list of things I want to paint with your chalk recipy!!!! 🙂
Denise says
Hello Barbara from Hungary…welcome! Thanks for the kindness and all the info. I get a lot of comments from people in various countries and it’s interesting to hear what’s readily available and what’s not. If you get the time and/or chance to try any of these DIY Chalky Recipes, I’d love to hear how you like it. With you’re artistic creativity, I’d love to hear you create. ölelés kanadából 🙂
Bernice Beaupre says
Yours was by far the most detailed and useful information on chalk paint that I have found to date. Thank you so much for your detailed research and easy explanations
Very very helpful.
Denise says
I’m so happy you’ve found this useful Bernice. Happy painting! x
Judy says
Are these paint recipes useful to use as a writing surface? I am hoping on bringing life to an old school chalkboard.
Michelle says
Bless your heart!! Thank you so much for all this information. My Annie was getting too expensive, I’ve been using her for years, I so do love her but it was time for a change and I think I’ll be ok. I just discovered you today!! So exciting!! Again, thank you!!
Teresa Williams says
I am wondering…Calcium Carbonate is used in fish tanks and they carry it in Wal-Mart, Target, and most pet stores….is this the same product? I noticed that the aquarium kind is a bit more grainy but Can’t that be ground in say my coffee grinder?
Denise says
Hi Teresa! I’m not sure if it’s the same type of CC, but I wouldn’t advice grinding ANY CC yourself. There are some commenters that tried it – with not favourable results.
Laura says
I just found this, thank you! If you want to make other colors what do you use? will adding regular craft paint work as the tint?
Denise says
It sure will Laura. And you can pick whatever colour is available in your paint store so long as it is water based paint.
Helen says
Hi Denise, l’m so glad l’ve found you ( please don’t leave me ) today l painted my first piece using chalk paint, l used the plaster of paris receipe and so far l’m really happy with the result. Do l need to do a protective top coat of some sort, l’m hoping to sell this piece and l really want to make sure l’m doing everything right ….Thank you Helen …
Denise says
Hi there Helen! Yes, any type of chalky paint (brand name or diy versions) should be sealed and protected because the paint is porous and picks up dirt/oils easily. Wax or poly is recommended.
Tamara says
Denise, can you use all 4 recipes on fabric? If so, how do I prep the material? Its soiled a bit.
Denise says
Hi Tamara! I’ve never tried using these DIY Chalky Recipes on fabric. I’ve painted fabric though – you can take a peek at here and here if you’re curious.
Shanna Colegrove says
Do use a flat paint or a semi gloss paint? Also do you need some type of sealer on the paint when it’s all dry and sanded the way you like it?
Helen says
Yes …thats what l need to know aswell, l used plaster of paris and know l need to know if it should be sealed in some way …
Denise says
Yes, all chalky type paints should be sealed because they are very porous and pick up dirt/oils very easily. The above recipes can be sealed with wax or poly. 🙂
Lorraine says
Hi, I’m wanting to decorate bottles with chalk paint, but to buy the different colours would be very expensive, which would be the best recipe for glass? Also just wanting to know if latex paint is the same as acrylic or enamel paint here in Australia. Thanks Lorraine
Denise says
Yes, latex, acrylic and or enamel can be used with the above recipes because they are all water based paint. And for painting bottles, the Calcium Carbonate would be my first choice. Have fun Lorraine! 🙂
Sylvain Boucher says
Hi everyone! Calcium carbonate can be easily found in pottery supply store it’s very cheap like 10$ for 5 kg. Here in Canada we have pottery supply house in Ontario and Sial in Quebec.
Angi says
Hi Sylvain, can you tell me more about where to find that calcium carbonate? I live in Montreal, i do not find online the product or the store. Please let me know, I searched everywhere with no success until now.
Maxine says
Easily available on ebay
Cathy says
Hello! I tried using the calcium carbonate with the recipe. The problem I am having is after I use it on the furniture and it is dried I have a grainy feel on top of the furniture. It isn’t a smooth finish. What am I doing wrong?
Denise says
Hi Cathy! I don’t think you are doing anything wrong. It may be the CC is not fine enough (here’s the brand I use), it could be it wasn’t mixed in 100%, or it could be as simple as a light sanding with a 220 grit or higher will knock down the slight grain and you’ll have your smooth finish. 🙂
Maxine says
I lightly sand between coats and final sand with wired/steel wool for an ultimate smooth finish
Kimberly says
I’m looking forward to refinishing a laminate-covered desk I just bought for my daughter. The calcium carbonate recipe is the one I want to try, but I have one question: I know you don’t need to prime when using HMCP, but does that mean I don’t need a bonding agent in the first coat?
Denise says
Hi Kimberly. Bonding Agent is typically used when painting with milk paints. With the above recipes, no prime or bonding agents are required.
ENRIQUE AVILEZ says
HI. LET ME TELL YOU THAT CALCIUM CARBONATE IS KNOWN IN MÉXICO AS “BLANCO DE ESPSÑA”. IT IS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN THE FACTORY MADE GIPSUM. IS MADE OF A MINERAL NAMED DOLOMITE. HOPE THIS INFORMATION BE USEFULL TO YOU, BECAUSE THE CONS IN MÉXICO IS VERY LOW.GREETINGS.ENRIQUE
Lessie says
How much water did you use in the plaster of Paris method? Thank you!
Larkin says
I’m also curious. Thank You!
Denise says
Hi guys! It really depends how much your mixing. Add small amounts at a time and keep mixing until it resembles a melted milk shake consistency – or pancake batter. Once it’s smoothly mixed, add into your paint and mix in thoroughly. Then you’re ready to paint. 🙂
Mary says
Hi, with the calcium carbonate, do you mix it first with water to blend and then add to paint or are you adding it directly to paint then Blending? Thanks for all your help. 🌻
Denise says
Hi Mary! I add the CC directly to the paint and mix well. 🙂
Courtney says
How many coats did you end up using for the calcium carbonate mixture?
Thanks!
Tracey says
Couldn’t you just use the powder chalk used for making chalk lines? It would probably be easier to find.
Vsughn says
I had the same thought. It comes in different colors and I want to use black with black paint to avoid the gray finish. Also thought the standard blue chalk with white latex would yield an interesting shade.
CAROL A JORDAN says
Thanks for this article. I’m going to start small – ottoman legs – to see if I like this finish. For the calcium carbonate recipe, isn’t gardening lime calcium carbonate?
Lana says
Hi Denise,
Great article! Do you know if the color/tint of the unsanded grout affects the paint color?
Thanks for sharing!
Lana
Denise says
Hi Lana! The white unsanded grout did not change the color of my paint but I would recommend staying away from the tinted grout in various colors. Gorgeous pet portraits btw! 🙂
Lana says
Thanks! 🙂
Galen says
You keep saying “i.e. Rubbing with dampened cloth” but I can’t find what you’re taking about? Where is that part of the chalk painting experience?
Denise says
Hi Galen! You can find more information about wet distressing here and here.
Gina says
Hi Denise:
Thank-you for sharing! I hope you are available to reply to my question. Q: May I use an eggshell or semi-gloss finish when adding the latex paint component to the chalk paint formula?
Denise says
Hi Gina! The flatter the paint, the better the finish. Eggshell will produce a more authentic chalky finish over the semi.
Missy Oddo says
Hi Denisse,
I am new to making my own chalk paint and forgive me for sounding so silly to ask this question….. I am confused with measuring it all out. How to figure out 1 part, and 2 parts.
I know its basic geometry but its been a while for me that I was sitting in that classroom!
Any assistance would be great! I am trying to make either the Plaster of Paris or Calcium Carbonate one.
Many thanks!
Missy
Kendra says
“Parts” just means equal amounts. So it is literally any amount. I would guess that it doesn’t mean weight in this case, but the physical amount. I may be wrong about that but the last one was measured in grams and I’m pretty sure powder is much lighter than paint!
Mechelle says
Missy, This just means if you use one cup of plaster of paris you would use two cups of paint if the ratio of POP to Paint was 1:2; 5 cups POP for every 10 cups Paint..and so on.