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
Allison says
Hi. Great post! I am going to be trying out the Plaster of Paris recipe tomorrow. I wanted to ask, what is the name of the paint color you used to paint the two tables and chair? I love the color! The paint mixture looks a little darker compared to the finished piece. Does the Plaster of Paris lighten the paint color?
Denise says
Allison, I painted these last year but I believe the paint color is Behrs Cottage White #1813. Lesson learned… I’ve been asked many times and I now know to write the colors I’ve used directly into my blog posts so I don’t forget..lol! Plaster of Paris should NOT lighten or change your paint color.
Carol says
I have a patio table with a glass top. The base is a coated metal, which is now chipped due to weather and being outdoors all year. Will I need to sand or rough up the base before painting or just clean it with vinegar?How well would these recipes hold up on outdoor furniture?
Denise says
Carol, if your table is chipped (which may lead to flaking/adhering problems) I would recommend a cleaning/sanding before painting. I’ve never painted patio furniture with a Homemade Chalky-Recipe or a Brand Name Chalk Paint for that matter, but chalk paint is known to be outdoor durable. When I have painted outdoor furniture, I followed these steps (youtube.com/watch?v=H3w0AxmaKF8) and used a outdoor spray paint which made the job quick and easy. 🙂
Veronica Lindley says
Denise could I use Hydrated Lime. I have not made it yet but I am certainly going to try as it is $60 a litre here in Australia. Cant wait to try as i love painting up old furniture. Regards Veronica.
Denise says
Hello Veronica in Australia! I’ve never used Hydrated Lime so I’m not sure. $60 sounds pricey though. If you give it a go, feel free to leave a comment how it worked. I’m sure others (including myself) would be curious to know!
cindy says
I love the chalk paint concept. Im a bit confused tho.some sites say flat latex while oth ers say the sample jars from lowes that are I think a semi gloss.can u help me ?? Thank you
Denise says
I’ve never used the sample jars from Lowes. But I have used different brand name paints in a semi-gloss to make the above recipes. A semi-gloss works but to get the “chalkiest” result, a flat latex works the very best!
Linda says
Do you apply wax to finish.
Thank you for sharing your recipes, I’ll try the recipe with plaster of paris
Denise says
Yes Linda… I’ve applied wax and I’ve applied poly to these HMCP Recipes… you can use either.
Linda says
Thank you!
PigglyWiggly says
If you have some older paint, some of the smaller paint stores will tint it darker for you for a few dollars. I don’t know if the big box stores will tint paint that wasn’t theirs. I just had my local store change a tan color into a great yellow and she only charged me 50 cents! Fun!
Denise says
Wow… what a great idea! That’s re-using and up-cycling at it’s best… brilliant!
Shana says
Hi Denise,
I bought the calcium carbonate that you recommended, and mixed it as your recipe calls for with latex paint (2-1/latex paint to calcium carbonate), but it still brushed on with a lot of streaks like latex does. So I added more calcium carbonate (basically the whole bottle), above and beyond what you said it should call for, and it is still streaked. I’m going to have to apply a second coat to my entire table. However, now, I’m just considering buying Annie Sloan and being done with it. Have you had to do apply two coats? Does yours come out streaky like Latex with only one coat?
Denise says
Hi there Shana! Yes, whether I use Annie Sloan, HMCP, or ANY other Name Brand Chalk-Mineral Paint, more than 1 coat is required to get an opaque/professional finish. It’s also very normal to see brush strokes on your first coat.
Elaine Cobb says
What is the best brush to use? I was in an Annie Sloan paint store and they were using a round brush that has the bristles tapered. What do you use? BTW I love all the posts. I’m anxious to get started on 2 projects but have to wait for warm weather as I have to do them in my garage. Thanks for all the great info!
Denise says
I don’t own “that” brush that Annie Sloan or other Brand name CP’s recommend. I may purchase one in the future because I’ve heard they are nice to work with, but it’s not a necessity to get a fabulous finish. I’ve applied HMCP with Dollar Store brushes (which are cheap and stiff) and I’ve also used “better quality brushes” (Purdy etc). Just use ANY type of brush you feel comfortable using Elaine. 🙂
vicki paul says
Hey Denise your recipes are totally awesome. I too have spent a fortune on annie slone paint and the colors are limited but had been apprehensive about making up recipes I had seen online. Stumbled upon your site and you now have a fan and follower in myself. I got my CC from the local seed and feed because I didn’t want to wait on the time it took to order on line. Just to make sure it was fine enough I ran it through my blender which can be set to make a fine powder, like baby powder,it was perfect and a LOT cheaper. So in the end is about the same cost as the baking soda recipe!! Now my paint choices are limetless for which I want to say… thank you thank you thank you!!!!
Denise says
Brilliant using your blender… a blender really does help make the HomeMade Chalky Paint Recipes as smooth as the name brands! And yes, unlimited choices for a fraction of the cost! Thanks for reading and following Vicki. 🙂
mh says
would Bon Ami work as a substitute for Calcium carbonate?
it’s limestone, feldspar, soda ash, and baking soda plus some natuaral cleaning agents: corn and coconut
thanks for your considered opinion,
m
Denise says
Sorry, but I’m not familiar with Bon Ami so I’m not sure if it could be used as a substitute for Calcium Carbonate.
Jody says
Hi Denise,
I love your advice, but I do have one question. We are redoing the Jenny Lind crib our kids used for our unborn granddaughter. Do you think we need the polyurethane to seal it and protect her in case she thinks it looks yummy?
Denise says
Congratulations and excellent question Jody! Yes I would seal the crib to provide a durable finish. As the baby gets older, toys, teeth, and other objects will certainly come into contact with this crib. 😉 Any finish such as varnish, lacquer or polyurethane is non-toxic after it has cured. Here’s an article on the difference between cure time and dry time https://salvagedinspirations.com/paint-dry-and-paint-cure/ and here is a forum post you might also find interesting. woodworking.com/forum/archive/index.php?t-2718.html
Melissa says
Hi,
I made the calcium carbonate chalk paint for the first time. It was very easy to make, however, after I painted my beautiful dresser it was very rough and gritty. I waxed it and it is still rough. Any idea why this happened and can I fix it? please let me know. Thanks!!
Denise says
Melissa, it’s possible it may be the brand of Calcium Carbonate or insufficient mixing. Grade “A” Fine people grade supplement CC mixed into the paint with a blender or paint mixer works really well. If you continue to have any problems, feel free to email me.
Tracy says
What type of wax? Is waxing necessary? And how do you think this would hold up on a dining table used by four toddlers? Curious to know what will happen when being cleaned up on a regular basis? Thanks for the great info!
Denise says
Hi Tracy! Any brand of furniture wax will work just fine however wax does wear away with constant wiping and will need re-applying every so often. With 4 energetic toddlers, it may be more practical to seal\top-coat with a polyurethane. This will provide a hard durable surface and you won’t need to worry about re-sealing for many many years!
Jeanette says
Can you use multi purpose polyfilla to make chalk paint?? If so what quantities would you recommend
Denise says
I’ve never tried using Polyfilla so I’m not sure how that would work or the quantities that would be needed Jeanette. Sorry!
Karrie says
Great site! great posts and very helpful! I found the calcium carbonate powder on wine and beer making sites, as well as on ebay for a much more reasonable cost and size- 5lb for $4.99. Just to help out!!
Elaine Young says
I mixed up some HMCP using some Ace Hardware brand paint, food grade CC from Amazon. I used a paint mixer attachment for my drill to mix thoroughly. At first it went onto the dresser I was painting very smoothly but after a little while it became rather grainy. I know I added a bit too much CC so would that be the problem? Any help would be appreciated since I want to give the dresser a second coat.
Denise says
Elaine, if a bit too much Calcium Carbonate was added, it is possible it will start thickening up and become slightly grainy. If you add small amount of water and mix really well, that should solve the issue.
elaine young says
Thanks, Denise! I will try that.
Denise says
My pleasure…feel free to let me know how it works out for you! 🙂
Jean says
As a senior on a fixed income I am unable to afford calcium carbonate from the pharmacy but wanted to try your recipe. After doing more research on the web, I decided to try garden lime ( only came in a 50 lb bag for $11).So,4 oz of cc and 8 oz of paint has covered two small projects and they look good.
I haven’t seen any Annie Sloan work, except in pictures, so don’t have a close up comparison but I’m happy with my results and I guess that’s all that really matters.
What lime I don’t use for painting will fertilize my garden.
Thanks for your website which gives such great tips.Advice needed as I am having trouble waxing with a brush as I have difficulty seeing where the clear wax has been applied, do I wipe it off immediately or let it dry for 30 mins?
HELP
Denise says
Thank you for leaving this comment Jean because I know many people are curious if garden lime works or not…this is encouraging! As for applying wax, it’s wax on and wax off right away. Work in small sections. Rub a small amount of wax into your piece (with a brush or rag) and then immediately rub the excess off while giving it a little buff. Move onto the next section. Once your entire piece has been waxed, let it dry for 24 hours and then apply another coat the same way you applied the first. 🙂 So happy your projects look good!
Gwen says
I just mixed up some of the non sanded grout chalk paint and painted a china cabinet. I had to add quite a bit of water when mixing, as the paint kept thickening. Once it was at a pancake mixture, I stopped adding more water, but it would thicken up, then get runnier again if I stirred it up or even just dabbed the brush into it. Is this normal?
Denise says
Hmmm, you’ve stumped me Gwen. I’m not sure why it would get runny when stirred? When I used the grout it did keep thickening up on me. When I added water is was fine though. It’s possible the brand of grout makes some difference but I haven’t experimented with enough brands to know this for sure.
Amanda says
Hello Denise,
I just finished a chair project using the POP method of chalk paint. I want to than you for your information and I would like to upload the before and after pics , if you are interested.
Thank you,
Amanda
Denise says
YES Amanda! I LOVE seeing before and afters! In fact, I have a few before and after furniture transformations which have been emailed to me already. Once I get a few more, I’d love to designate a page to “Reader Before & After HMCP Projects”!
Nancy says
I just learned about chalk pain last night and ohhhh, my brain has fireworks! Tonight I purchased a round dining table for $20 to refurb and “practice.” Wondering if you have ever used 2 different colors on the same project. Do you have a favorite recipe of 2 colors together? Also wondering what color white your used on the chair and tables you painted. Thank you so much for your insight and giving nature of your talent.
Denise says
I’m excited for you Nancy! Yes, I have used 2 colors on my projects and my favorite Chalky Finish Recipe is the Calcium Carbonate HMCP. If I’m recalling correctly, the white used on the tables and chair is Behrs Cottage White 1813.
Virginia Davis says
Thanks for doing all that reasearch! I found Calcium Carbonate for $4.99/lb at a home beer brewing supply store here in Minneapolis. Can’t wait to mix some chalk paint tomorrow morning!
ejohanni says
Great article. Thanks for doing this study. Not sure if you have checked this lead out or tried it, but rock climbers use calcium carbonate for their hands. It comes in block form, but also loose, fine powder. This is what I am familiar with and think it would be a could cost effective way to use calcium carbonate.
Jackie says
I plan on using a dark color to make chalk paint. After adding the calcium carbonate, will it lighten the color at all?
Denise says
No Jackie, the calcium carbonate should NOT lighten your paint color.
Sandra O Callaghan says
Hate auto correct that should read emulsion , satin, or what lol
Sandra O Callaghan says
Can you tell me which type of paint please, emulsion, station or what. thanks a mill for an excellent post!
Denise says
Sandra, emulsion paint in the UK is the same as our latex paint in North America so YES, emulsion paint is what you use for these recipes. 🙂
Becca says
I’m new to this area of crafting, im so excited to start working with some antique furniture we recently brought home. Thank you for all the info.
Trisha says
Many thanks for your reply, bet you can guess who is going to be busy tonight. I have lots of ideas in my head, I’m going to try some tonight, I’ll will let you know what the kids think. Cheers
Denise says
Pleasure Trisha and I’d love to hear how it turns out and what the kids think! Cheers
Trisha says
Comment
Hi, I make lots of black chalk boards for kids, and have just stumbled across your site. Using the calcium carbonate method can I make different coloured boards for the kids to draw on? (obviously for them to use a darker chalk on)I’m sure the kids will love this concept of brighter colours to work on.
Denise says
Yes, you can use this recipe to make different colored chalkboards! Before the kids write on it, just make sure to season it. You can find out how to season a chalkboard here ~ https://salvagedinspirations.com/how-to-season-a-new-chalkboard/
Have fun Trisha.. I’m sure the kids are going to LOVE it!
David Cracraft says
Denise,for the one part Plaster of Paris, is that part dry or wet? I made a qt.of paint and used 1 part plaster mixed with water and 3 parts paint. Seemed kind of runny, but it painted okay, just waiting for it to dry now.:)
Denise says
David, it’s one part Plaster of Paris in DRY powdered form. Glad it painted okay for you though!
Jacolyn Clevenger says
How much water would you add to use the plaster of paris through a sprayer?
Denise says
I haven’t tried any of these Homemade CP Recipes through my sprayer Jacolyn. When I do, I’m going to water it down just “enough” to spray evenly. All sprayers are different. Testing the spray on a piece of cardboard/wood/wall etc is mandatory (even with non-chalky-paint) before spraying your furniture so adjust the thinning to what feels right for your spray-gun. I’d love to hear how it works out for you! 🙂
Cece says
TODAY I USED THE PLASTER OF PARIS, LATEX PAINT AND I WANTED TO MAKE A BLUEISH GREY, OR GRYISH BLUE SO I ADDED ACRALIC PAINT(2 oz. bottle you get at MICHAELS) USING WHITE AND BLACK TO MAKE THE GREY AND ADDED DARK BLUE. COLOR WAS GREAT BUT TEXTURE IS OFF TO THICK. I NEED TO KNOW,
HOW MUCH PLASTEROF PARIS AND LATEX PAINT AND IF YOU ADD WATER IF YOUR GOING TO PUT IN ACRALIC PAINTS?
Please help me, my husband said I’M making a mess because he used to be a PAINTER. IM IN TROUBLE
Denise says
I’ve always purchased my paint in the color I was going to use for the Homemade CP Recipes CeCe. I’ve never added acrylic craft paints. Sorry, I have no experience with this but maybe someone else reading this comment may be able to help.
Leesha Fischer says
Denise, thanks for sharing your expertise with us. I am about to try my first piece using the Plaster of Paris recipe. How do I know how much water to add? Thanks!
Denise says
If you’re making a cups worth of HMCP, add a tablespoon of water at a time. Keep adding additional tablespoon and thoroughly mixing your P of P with the water until it looks like a smooth pancake batter. Then add it into your latex paint and mix thoroughly once again.
Katie says
Thankyou so much for this. I have been up cycling for a while but only just started painting items. I have been using Autentico chalk paint – which is about £19 a pot in the Uk. As I have just begun I want to experiment with colour which isn’t really possible at such a cost. So I thankyou for your article, I am definitely going to try no.1 out, looking on amazon as we speak 🙂
Pop on to my Instagram to see any projects coming up with the help of your wonderful diy chalk paint tip: #ashabbylittleadventure
Elizabeth says
Denise, I just painted a coffee table (to be converted to bed-end bench) using two shades of Behr paint tinted to match the paint chart from the “brand name chalk paint” and the plaster of paris method. I purchased the paint samples (aoubt $3 each) and there is more than enough left to do a good sized project. Thanks so much for the inspiration! How long I have to wait for the paint to “cure” before I wax the project?
Denise says
Ooooh, you’re inspiring me because I’ve wanted to try this very same project since last summer Elizabeth! I like to wait at least 24 hours before waxing.
Angela says
What type of wax? How does it work?
Denise says
You can use any brand of furniture wax and there are plenty to choose from Angela. I often use Minwax Furniture Paste and it cost around $11-$12 and will last numerous projects. How it works ~ you work in small sections and rub it into your finish to provide a protective finish. Rub off the excess and wait 24 hours for it to dry before applying your 2nd coat. Wax gives a really nice looking finish (you can even buff it into a shine) but does require re-applying after some time.
Pauli says
Thanks so much for sharing these ideas and your practical experiences. I have the non-sanded grout so I am thinking of trying it out. However, once dried, does the end product still smell? that’s my only concern. I have a quick project to do to sell and want to use what I have since I won’t be making much money on the chair anyway. thanks for your feedback on this! Pauli
Denise says
No Pauli, it should not have an odor once dried. 🙂
Pauli says
Okay, I tried the non-sanded grout because I had it and had zero odor. However, some leftover is a stainless steel bowl (covered) smelled horrible after a few days. Almost like an ammonia smell. So, I did experience that smell but through that leftover away. I painted a huge bed for my daughter in black CP again using the grout method. the only thing that I forgot is that adding the white to the black paint made it a bit lighter so it was like a very dark gray. Turned out great!
Stacey says
Thank you for your hard work to find a perfect recipe of CP. I use the Plaster of Paris recipe and have had great success. What type of latex paint do you prefer? Flat, Satin, etc?
Thank you,
Stacey
Denise says
For the above recipes, I prefer a Flat/Eggshell Paint… this gives it a very matte chalky look.
paula says
How can you put colour in chalk paint what do you add..
Denise says
Paula, you purchase a paint already tinted to the color you like. Then you can add any of the above chalking ingredients to make your HMCP.
Virginia says
I’ve been using artist’s gesso watered down and coloured with artist acrylics.
Elaine says
Just wanted to give you a link for the same cal carb for less. When I checked which one you used I thought of Swanson Vitamins, they can be cheaper then Amazon. Swanson does flat rate ship or free off and on too. swansonvitamins.com/now-foods-calcium-carbonate-12-oz-pwdr
Denise says
Thank you Elaine!
julio says
All techniques sound facinating! I would like to try this on some repurposed furniture. What do you use for a top coat or do you just let the paint finish take care of that?
Denise says
Wax is a favorite choice for chalk paint but a polyurethane can also works very nicely Julio. Any sort of top coat/sealer you would use on “regular” painted furniture will work nicely.
Elise says
Hi Denise, My first attempt at chalk paint is going to be on my kitchen cabinets. Do I need to apply a degreasing agent first?
Thanks! Elise
Denise says
Elise, for kitchen cabinets; I would give them a thorough cleaning. If you decide to use TSP or another degreasing agent (which may not be necessary…often times a good wipe down with hot water or water and vinegar is sufficient) just ensure the residue of the cleaner is all rinsed off before painting. All the best…hope they turn out gorgeous! 🙂
Jayme says
If you are going to clean cabinets…if they are really greasy and gunky use odorless mineral spirits.
cherie says
Has anyone ever used diatomaceous earth as an additive to make chalk paint? Just curious…the consistancy seems like it could work and I know it’s cheap and available.
Karin says
I made the calcium carbonate CP using dog show chalk (used to fluff up dogs during showing) and the paint turned out great.
I read that calcium carbonate is the same as “ag lime” and that can be purchased (in the midwest) at any grain elevator for little to nothing in price. I may give that a try when my supply of dog show chalk is exhausted … or I may order another tub of the chalk I have as it is easily accessible and fairly priced.
Thank you for the great recipe!
Karin says
PS- I forgot to add that I added a bit of “Floetrol” as a bit of “insurance” against brush strokes and roller marks and I was equally pleased with it as well. (I purchased mine at Menard’s for under $7 a bottle.)
Judy says
I tried the Plaster of Paris recipe yesterday and it turned out beautiful! I also ordered a tub of Calcium Carbonate from my local pharmacy and received that as well. I am going to try the Cal Carb recipe and try that out this weekend and see which one I prefer. Did you mix the calcium carb with warm water at all to liquify it before adding it to the paint? I did that with the Plaster of Paris and it was very smooth. Thank you for all the information you have provided us with, it’s very much appreciated! 🙂
Denise says
Judy my pleasure, and I’m so glad to hear you’re happy with the Plaster of Paris results! These HMCP recipes really do provide a beautiful finish! When using the Calcium Carbonate, NO water is required. Just mix it (thoroughly) directly into the paint.
carol says
I LOVE THIS.I MADE IT TODAY WITH PLASTER OF PARIS AND SEALS AM GREEN LATE PAINT. I DID IT ON A MIRROR FRAME.JUST TO GET AWAY FROM MAKING WREATHS.I HAD POINT ED IT FIRST WITH BRONZE COLOR PAINT THEN THE GREEN 2 COATS.IT IS BEAUTIFUL. I SANDED AND GLUE GUNED SOME OF STONES CLEAR COLOR . BEAUTIFUL. I WOULD LIKE TO AS ALL OF YOU A QUESTION:HAS ANY ONE TRIED DOING 1 COLOR FIRST THEN THE SECOND COATS A DIFFERENT.SO COLOR? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. BUT LOVE THE PLASTER OF PARIS.THANKS CAROL
Andrea says
Hi, is calcium carbonate the same as calcium powder reptile feed?
Denise says
Andrea, there are so many uses and “grades” of Calcium Carbonate ie: for livestock, agricultural lime, construction, plastics and ceramics just to name a few. The Calcium Carbonate I use is the FINEST Grade Calcium Carbonate which is a human supplement. I know it may be tempting to purchase a ‘less expensive CC’ alternative, however from many of the comments left on this blog, results may or may not be favorable when using it in a HMCP Recipe.
Doni says
Calcium carbonate is the same thing as whiting. They sell whiting at most paint stores.
Neil says
I took a quick look for online sources for calcium carbonate. Your link gets 12 ounces for $7.27 through Amazon, but if you look a little farther for “Calcium Carbonate – Limestone Powder – Rock Dust – Great Soil Amendment and Fertilizer with Endless Uses” you can get 10 POUNDS for $15.50, also through Amazon!
sue says
I bought this from my hardware store. it mixed and went on smoothly, but was a real headache to sand!! the 2nd batch I mixed up, I put in small batches and blended in my bullet blender and then added it to the paint. much easier to sand and looks great.
Charlotte Hamilton says
Thank you so very much Denise for taking the time to do the comparisons, taking the pictures, and posting your results. I am an “old furniture crafter” coming out of retirement (just can’t get it out of your blood, once you start)!!. I have been looking at all the new trends. Once I hit your site I jumped for joy!! You are a true sweetheart!!. When I crafted, I was like you, I would share any “special” things I used with anyone who was interested. People would ask me why I just gave away my “secrets” so easily. I always responded with “What goes around, comes around!” Us true artists, crafters, etc. are a different lot. We love what we do, we love sharing, we are proud of our accomplishments, and we don’t view our fellow crafters as competition. We all work together to make it easy, better, less expensive, etc. for all of us!! Thanks again, Denise, I can’t hardly wait till I am once again kneed deep in saw dust and covered with paint splatters! May the good Lord Bless and keep you!!
Denise says
You’ve touched my heart with your kind words Charlotte! I’m constantly learning, growing and being inspired by readers like you; so it’s always a pleasure to share. And it’s so nice to ‘hear’ your enthusiasm about “once again being knee deep in saw dust and covered with paint splatters”… a TRUE artist!!… who I’m sure could teach me a thing or two! 😉
Allyson Morris says
Hi there, I got my CC from ebay and I mixed it with Sherwin Williams satin paint, but my mixture is very thick and it dries grainy. Not sure what happened and I haven’t sanded it down yet but wondering if anyone has had the same experience. In my first batch I even mixed a little water with it to thin it a bit, still grainy and rough when it dies. I did a 2:1 ratio as well. I have a dresser I and a clawfoot tub to paint as well and don’t want to have to ‘re-do’ them if the HMCP doesn’t work out……
Denise says
A possible reason for the above results may be the type/brand of Calcium Carbonate being used (recipe requires the FINEST Grade CC which is powdery and used as a human supplement) or the CC may not have been mixed in thoroughly enough. If you’re still having problems Allyson, feel free to email me so we can figure it out for you. ~Denise
Sandra O'Callaghan says
What would happen if I used emulsion paint please?
crystal's junkin downtown says
I want to make this to resale so for it to be stored to reuse which is best please help?
Denise says
Crystal, in ideal conditions these recipes can be stored for a few weeks but I recommend mixing a “fresh” batch each time you paint a new piece.