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
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
The desk and chair look great! Have you tried using baking powder? I’ve heard a little bit about this technique but my family is gonna throw me out if I do any more paint experiments resulting in a pileup of refinished thrift store finds in the middle of the living room 🤦♀️
Also, out of curiously, have you tried dissolving the baking soda in water before mixing with the paint?
Hi Lindsey! Yes, I have used baking soda and yes you can mix it in water before mixing into your paint. 🙂
You can find calcium carbonate at iHerb.com for less than $7.
Have you tried Sodium Carbonate? It is used in pools and spas as a pH increaser. Sodium Carbonate has a higher pH than Calcium Carbonate.
Hi Joyce. I have not.
Does it matter what kind of paint finish you use? Does it have to be flat or can I use the satin paint I already have on hand?
Hi Becky! You can use ANY sheen on top of these chalkpaints. I’ve used flat, satin and gloss and they all work and look great!
Thanks for the tips! Chalk paint is unbelievably expensive and requires several steps in many projects. I had gone looking for alternative ways to paint getting that same effect. The Plaster of Paris version worked well for me.
Saving money and having a sense of accomplishment is always nice. 😉 Thanks again!
Just out of curiosity since you had difficulty finding calcium carbonate, couldn’t you just buy chalk and grind it up in a blender or food processor?
And thank you for this article it was very helpful
I love all your articles and technique tutorials! I was wondering if it Is possible to make chalk paint for outdoor use? It needs to be water and moisture resistant for on a screened in porch out of direct rain, etc., but subject to humidity and blowing rain at times. Thank you for any assistance!!
Hi Shari! You can use any of these recipes for outdoor use but I would recommend sealing them with an outdoor poly. It’s this type of outdoor polythis type of outdoor poly that will give you the moisture-resistant protection you are looking for.
Hi all! Any recommendations or advice for painting hardwood floor? My kitchen floor has no poly coat left and is quite distressed. I am debating sanding and doing a white wash or using your diy recipe for chalk paint. I do not want a thick layer of solid paint covering the floor boards though. I’m looking for an easy option to cover up many imperfections in the wood by using a trendy shabby chic or farmhouse look. Open to all ideas…
Thank you in advance!
What is the name of the color you used to paint these the desk I have done pop before love this color
Thanks for the great post! I’m going to try the calcium carbonate recipe soon. I don’t know if it’s been said in previous comments, but home brew shops will have calcium carbonate, because it’s used as an acid reducer.
Thanks again for inspiration!
What brands of wax do you recommend for finishing your chalk paint projects? I'”m painting kitchen cabinets and distressing them to look old, thanks!
Hello! Do you recommend one of the recipes for dark colours? I saw mentioned in the comments that maybe the POP recipe isn’t the best for dark colours. Thanks!
Hi Melanie! Yes, my recommendation for dark colors is the finest grade Calcium Carbonate. 🙂
If you have Amazon Prime this is free delivery. Amazon.com sells LD Carlson Calcium Carbonate, 1 lb for $6.88. This is food grade, so it can be used for chalk paint and also to make your own toothpaste.
Hi Denise.
Thank you for the great information.
I tried the plaster of paris three times and could never get the mixture smooth. My water and plaster step was completely dissolved but the moment I put un the paint it turned lumpy and gritty. The consistency did not change with any amount if stirring.
Can you please give me your professional opinion on the situation.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Diann! There were a few times the POP recipe turned out slightly gritty for me too but once the paint was dry and sanded, it was smooth as silk. That said, that doesn’t work for darker colors (because white speck can sometimes show) and lumpy or super thick is not good. I would try another paint brand or POP brand, or one of the other chalky ingredients if the problem persists. Unfortunately, these recipes are not an exact science but once you get it right they work amazing. Hope this helps.
Hi Denise, thank you very much for these tips, they’re great.
I am going to try the calcium carbonate one but I’m wondering if latex paint is the same as acrylic paint? If not, could I use acrylic paint instead?
Thank you very much.
Hi Andrea! Both latex and acrylic are water-based so you can use either or.
VALSPAR SIMPLICITY was $13. for a gallon and NO VOC so it’s perfect for this. I did wet distress as i worked, and LATER the next day with no problem.
can I use this recipe of plaster of paris on transfers ? Thank you
Hi Linda. Yes, you can use transfers on the plaster of paris recipe. 🙂
Just curious as to how thick the paint for recipe #2, Plaster of Paris, should end up. Mine is really thick, almost like painting with paint the consistency of cement. When I put it on it really smooths out and dries nicely. I was just wondering because it is so thick. Please let me know if It sounds like I am doing it right. Thanks so much.
Hi Lori! My consistency wasn’t that thick but I’m glad yours smoothed out and dried nicely. If you like your end results, you’re doing it right! 🙂 If you’d like to thin it out a bit you could try adding a little less plaster of paris or thin the paint with a little water.
So I would mix 2 cups of latex paint and 1 cup of the carbonate? Can I use satin paint and not flat paint? Thanks.
Hi Lori. Yes and yes! 🙂
So there is no water mixed with the calcium cabornate before adding to the paint?
Hi Terri! When I use this brand there is no need to add water because it’s a super fine powder.
Hello there, I own a detergent factory in South Africa and I use calcium carbonate as a polishing agent in one of my products, it is actually dirt cheap. It is also used as a filler to cheapen pva paint. I pay the equivalent of $20 for a 25kg bag. It is also available in different grades, I use 10 micron in my product but I believe 5 micron is also used in pva paint. Perhaps you would find it easily at a detergent or paint manufacturer in your country. Brian.
I am a potter, and calcium carbonate is a very common glaze ingredient. Very cheap. You can buy it bulk at any good ceramics supply store which sells raw glaze materials. It is also called whiting and dolomite. It will vary in actual calcium content, but I am guessing it will work fine. I just got interested in chalk painting, and am thrilled to learn I only need to walk into my studio and dip into my large bin. I am going to try it today and see what happens!
Did it work??
Hi Brian, , i am in Sa. Where could I order the Calcium from.?
how can i save it or keep it in a jar for long times to use it in another time without solidification
Stacy did the field chalk work for you?
Hi Denise, Just subscribed. Found you looking for Chalk paint recipes. I surprisingly never used chalk paints before. I have been upscaling since before was ever a term. But after being stopped in my tracks due to illness I am back creating again. I have known about this technique since the start. Just never tried. So I will Be now. Finally am tackling a project that has been started and stopped for too many years. Wish me Luck! Hopefully will be adding to my ever growing repertoire quickly now that I am getting back to myself, the downtime had the ideas whirling. So I am off to the races now!!🥳
Hi Gayle and WELCOME! So happy you’ve found the #siblog!! I’m wishing you luck and cheering you on from my end and I’d love to hear back… feel free to let me know how it all works out for you. I’m guessing since you have years of experience it will be like second nature to you. x
To make a homemade chalk paint, what type latex paint do you use? Flat, eggshell, satin or what? I’m guessing FLAT? Also what brand latex paint do you prefer OR is your Go To Brand? Thanks.
Hello, I want to paint over paneling and give it the distressed look. Would I add water to the cc recipe so it would brush on easier and leave streaks?
Sure you can. If paint is thick I thin it with a small amount of water OR I’ve also added more water to create a wash… just depends on what look your after.
When you say, “2 parts paint, 1 part CC” – do you mean like “2 cups paint, 1 cup CC”?
Thanks!
Exactly. 🙂
Hi what do you suggest for color, if I made a basic white to store and just add the color as i go. will food coloring work?
No, I wouldn’t suggest that Tamara. For the best results, buy a waterbased/latex paint in the color you like and then add the chalking ingredient. 🙂
I know I’m super late to the conversation, but you can color latex paint with acrylic paint.
They are both waterbased so yes, they can be mixed together.
Hi……Thank you for the information. I am researching for my first project and don’t know the steps to apply it. When you brush it on will you see brush marks? after drying do you sand the whole dresser down lightly? then apply again? My biggest conmen is brush marks. I want it to look smooth and professional looking like your projects….good job by the way!
Hi Julie! It’s hard to say if you’ll see brush marks because so many factors come into play. Temp, paint, brush, how much chalking you add in etc. I do like to lightly sand between each coat (as you said) because it gives a super smooth professional look. 🙂 Also, here’s a post on “How To Paint Without Brush Marks” with a few more ideas that you may find helpful. 🙂
Thank you for the reviews. I was just wondering if you were able to store numbers 3 and 4? And if so how and for how long?
Hi Marsee! Yes, they can be stored for a few weeks but I wouldn’t go any longer than that. I much prefer to mix up a fresh batch each time I start a new project. 🙂
How does chalk paint hold up on outdoor furniture?
Holds up really well Kathleen. You can check out a set I did here.
First – you can find calcium carbonate at your local homebrew stores!
Second – for your #1 recipe, do you mix the calcium carbonate with water first?
Thanks!
No, the CC brand I use is super fine and no water needed. 🙂
At the Home Brew store the CC was $2.99 per pound..
Thanks for your help, I can’t wait to get started!
Lucy, I have one better!! I get 50 pound bags of chalk at ACE Hardware store for only $12.99 a bag. It’s field chalk used for football games. Exactly the same powdered chalk!! I’ll be trying it out tomorrow, I’ll let everyone know how it goes!!
How did the line chalk work out for you?
Calcium carbonate can be purchased from horse feed stores very cheaply usually in 5kg bags
Can you mix with acrylic paint? Or just latex?
Hi Rebecca. Acrylic paint is waterbased so yes, you can use acrylic with the above recipes.
I was wondering if anyone has ever tried joint compound (powder) and flat latex paint?? I have access to this, my son is a painter and finisher. He also has gotten into chalk paint finishing and I thought he could use this as a good quality but economical way of chalk paint finishing. Thank you.
Hi there, I’ve used the dry joint compound with great results! (I add water to the joint compound to make a smooth paste before adding to the paint.
This is great! I don’t want a distressed look, I want a deep blue color over a wooden dresser that has shine onto it. Do I have to sand it at all? If so, should I do it first, in between layers, or just the end? I don’t want the color shiny either, do I need to seal it still? Is there such thing as a matte wax sealer?
Hello, I am wondering what sheen of paint you would recommend for these recipes – gloss, semi, eggshell, flat? I am painting my fan blades this weekend. Thank you so much for your content!
Hi Chris! The flatter/matt the sheen, the better.
I am a ceramic artist and use calcium carb in my glazes. Try a ceramic / potter s materials supplier and you will find it a lot cheaper than anywhere else. I am in the U.K. And buy it in 5kg bags for a few £. I make my chalk paint using it, it’s wonderful😊 suppliers have it online in most countries as we potters are everwhere
I’m also a potter and was just about to leave the same message! Glad I read Jan’s post for positive reinforcement! Eggshell finish paint on the ceiling of one of our rooms is showing EVERY imperfection of the shoddy workmanship Calcium carbonate may also be sold under the names of “Whiting” and “Flint.” Thanks, Denise, for an excellent comparison of the matting agents and for sharing photos your finished projects. Beautiful!
i bought chalk from the stationery shop, broke it up in my mortar and pestle, then whizzed up in my nutribullet. i recommend sieving it. it was easy to do and i have a ready made supply when the urge hits me. it doesnt thicken like p.o.p. and sands really well if needed. just as good as any chalk paint ive bought.
That seems like a lot of plaster of paris for the #2 recipe. Other recipes I’ve seen call for only 2.5 Tbs per cup of paint. Yours would double that. Seems like you might have to thin it quite a bit to be able to work with it?
This works for me but these recipes can be adjusted to fit your needs and whatever paint consistency you’re working with.
I’ve been using this plaster of Paris recipe for years. It’s not thick, covers beautiful, and is extremely durable. One item I painted was a desk that gets a lot of use. There’s not a nick or scratch on it.
You can find calcium carbonate on Amazon. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for the recipes! I am going to try the P.O.P recipe as I have a bag in the garage. Wondering, did you seal the furniture after? If so, what did you use?
Thanks again!
Hi Kat. yes I did seal. A water based poly or any brand of furniture wax works well. 🙂
I used varathane matte with this recipe. Finish is gorgeous and so durable.