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. :) 
Hi Denise, can we use this on a baby crib? How about baby safe water based paint mixed with plaster of Paris? I ask because you say it’s not very ‘green’.
Mamta
Hi, your calcium carbonate is also known as whiting powder and is widely used industrially (I happen to have a 5 gallon pail of it here that I will use for my project), so could be easier and less expensive in this form vs. food product etc. In my world, it is used for it’s super absorbency, sucks the moisture right out of everything, I have even added it to glass cleaner when detailing cars, leave a little film of powder on the glass and wax off when dry, perfect windows every time! Thanks for the great article!
Do you dilute the calcium carbonate with water (ranch dressing consistency) before mixing with the paint? I saw this on a website. Or do you just mix the calcium carbonate directly into the paint?
Hi Val. The CC I use is so fine there is no need to dilute it with water. I just add it right into the paint.
I’m a total newbie to chalk painting. I’m super excited to try my first project after reading your break down! What type of brush do you use?
Any type of brush you are comfortable will work Toni. 🙂
So I’m going to throw this out there, and I am going to try it out since I have it readily available, but Calcium Carbonate =Agricultural Limestone. Garden centers carry it in 50 lb bags for a couple of bucks.
Checking it out, thanks!
I’m new to chalk painting and am excited to try it onabefroom set. Can you use a water based polyacrilyc as a final Finnish? Thanks for Sharing!
you sure can!
I just read whole article said you cant crush, smash or grind regular sidewalk chalk. I just have to know why or else ill have to try for myself. Thanks for answering all of our questions. I think this might be first time ive ever gotten a reply from actually author. Your the best 💘
I just used your recipe for the chalk paint made with plaster of Paris. Ugh….is it normal for the plaster to ball up as you’re painting? I mixed it thoroughly then kept the whisk in my container and would whisk it a little more while working on my project. I’ve never worked with anything like this before. Even tried adding a little more water and a little more paint but still ended up with a grainy mess. I guess I should sand lightly before another coat and I’m not planning on distressing. Used a good quality paint. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Hi Bonnie! No, it’s not supposed to ball up as your painting but it may have a little grain which will disappear after you sand. I would try adding less plaster of paris. This may do the trick. 🙂
I’ve noticed that if you use Valspar satin or high gloss paint…the plaster will ball up. I always use flat.
Just noticed this but only after adding another brand to mix up a color. Otherwise the Valspar satin was okay but I have been adding much less Plaster of Paris than this recipe calls for, like 1 tablespoon per cup of paint and a tablespoon or two of water. Lesson learned – it will be flat from now on!
I am wondering if I could use acrylic enamel paint with the plaster of Paris? Or does HAVE to be latex?
Yes, any water based paint will work Teresa. 🙂
What kind of wax? Will a shoe or leather wax work? What aboit a floor wax?
Amy, I’ve used TreWax which is used on floors and it works great but is more challenging to work with because it’s a hard wax. I would stay away from shoe or leather wax. Minwax, TreWax, Johnson Paste Wax, Rustoleum Furniture Wax or any soft furniture wax like Annie Sloan, Dixie Belle, etc. 🙂
I have seen so many chalk recipe blogs and Pins but no one ever says what kind of paint to use. I got a few gallons of paint at the Habitat for Humanity re-store and made chalk paint with them in glass jars as I needed them. But… it doesn’t look or cover like the name brand chalk paints. I have used a few satin and a few eggshell interior house paints. Is it important to start with a flat paint? I just can’t seem to get the look and feel of chalk paint and I’m not sure why.
Hi Michele! I’ve used Behr, Sherwin Williams, CIL, Ralph Lauren, BM Aura and even Loop Recycled paint to make my DIY Chalk Style Paints. Any water bases/latex paint will work (the flatter the better!) but yes, the quality of the paint will dictate the coverage you get – even after adding in the chalking ingredient.
Great it works with flat paint, I had ready satin or semi=gloss. I cancel my order for chalked paint and added the CC as a replacement. I can’t wait to paint.
Have fun Pamela 🙂
I had a decor shop from 2000-2003. We painted furniture and copied styles from high-end companies. Ann Sloan was just starting to sell her paints here in the US but we thought we would make our own. We used white glue as an additive to give a soft flat look (no sanding needed) and used pastel paint sticks (waxed) for corner highlights. I love reading these posts to see how things have progressed in the past 18 yrs. I am getting ready to redo my personal furniture and am using new techniques I found here. I have moved on to new businesses since but I still miss the experiments and creating that was involved during the ist yrs of “chalk” painting.
This is SO interesting Su! I’ve heard of adding glue but I never even though of pastel paint sticks for blending! Thanks for stopping by and have fun restyling your furniture. It sounds like it’s going to bring back a lot of fun memories for you. 🙂
Very interesting about adding white glue! How much per litre paint?
Thanks for this informative article!!
I’m not sure Catharina. I’ve never added glue.
This is the most helpful article I have found! Thank you for putting it together. I do have one question. What do you finish off with? I know man people use was, but with 3 boys that isn’t an option for our household, so I’m wondering if you have something more durable you use .
Hi Crystal! Glad you find the article helpful. 🙂 You can use a poly finish for high traffic furniture.
Have you used #1 recipe on outdoor vinyl shutters?
CAN YOU USE CHALK PAINT ON BRICK INSIDE THE HOME,?
You sure can!
I found out that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint contains, not only calcium carbonate , but also talc, in a 4-to-1 ratio. I mix 200 g of calcium carbonate powder (from Amazon, $14 for 5#) with 50 g pure talcum powder (.$14 for 2# on eBay) to a quart of latex paint.. I use chalk paint because I like the good coverage, quick drying, and great durability – but I prefer a smoother, non-chalky appearance on my finished furniture. So, I add some water to the paint mixture (especially the second coat), then I lightly sand with a sanding sponge when it’s thoroughly dry. I always put a coat of Minwax on top surfaces (after distressing, if I’m doing that).
How do you get the color when making your own Annie Sloan chalk paint recipe. And when you use the calcium carbonate recipe with the latex paint can you use any color of latex paint ?
Can you tell me what minwax product you used? Thank You
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL POST!
I have some Sunbrella chair cushions I am considering painting. Anyone have any experience, thoughts,or suggestions?
Joni
What kind of wax r u using to deal with?
Do be careful when washing out your equipment, if using the plaster of paris recipe. The plaster can mess up your pipes.
Yes,… thanks Mac. 🙂
Thanks
I’m using the plaster of paris recipe. What consistency do I get the water/POP mixture?
A melted milkshake and/or pancake batter consistency works great. Have fun! 🙂
Can I use one of those recipes for fabric? Anybody tried it?
I used the baking soda recipe and painted my couch 3 days before my daughters baby shower! It turned out fantastic. I was as impressed as my guests at how great it looked! After proper sanding it was as soft as the original fabric before the paint. I’d definitely do it again. It’s been 2 1/2 years and still looks great.
What did you use for the finish after you painted them with the chalk
How did you seal it?
I buy the calcium carbonate at a home brew shop. Can’t remember what they use it for but it’s a lot cheaper.
Calcium carbonate available at my local lawn and garden store – one might try there, if they do not shop online. !00% – do not buy what the organic lime product from big box store – not 100%.
I bought calcium carbonate at a lawn store. It was too dark and dirty looking along with having the texture of gravel. I even had to go to a different state to buy it! I live in South Dakota where the sale of Calcium Carbonate for lawn and garden use is prohibited. I buy my CC on Ebay for $6.00 for a 1 pound package.. I have painted 2 dressesr’s, a nightstand, a shelf, and a chair with the 1 pound.
I am so thankful for the time and work you put into this chalk paint posting. From a newbie chalk paint aficionado.
How has the calcium carbonate paint held up for you over the years now? I’m pretty far away from the nearest *name brand* chalk paint retailer, so I’m debating making my own. It’s a little nerve wracking to think of having it not last for long though. Also, do you still personally use the 2:1 recipe? Thank you!
Hi Leslie! It holds up excellent. Just as well as brand name chalky paints. And yes, I still use then 2:1 recipe but I have added less. Just like any food recipe – it can be changed up. 🙂
Denise, what kind of paint are you mixing with the calcium carbonate recipe? Also the bottle of calcium carbonate on Amazon is 12 oz. Are you adding 24 oz of paint?
Hi Lisa! Any waterbased/latex paint will work nicely. The flatter the sheen – the better. When mixing it’s a 2:1 ratio. I like to use an old kitchen measuring cup. For instance, 1 cup paint to 1/2 cup CC for example.
I did my Kitchen Cabinets with the calcium carbonate recipe, 3 years ago. I finished them with Modern Masters Dead Flat Varnish. They look as fresh as the day ai finished them.
Thanks so much for chiming in with this Ellen! 🙂
Just tried the calcium carbonate recipe. I have only used Annie Sloan prior to this. I really don’t know what I did wrong but it is very difficult to sand. The finish is extremely hard and very hard to get a smooth surface. I used Sherwin Williams flat paint. To get the smooth finish I have to sand most of the paint off. Any help would be great.
I wonder if it’s because you used flat paint and not latex
Hello! First of all thank you for coming up with these easy recipes for chalk paint! I was wondering if you could recommend a finishing wax to use or maybe a diy recipe as well? Thank you!
Thank you SO much for going through all this trouble and experimentation so the rest of us DON’T HAVE TO !
I’m wondering if on these non-brand name chalk recipes where there i sanding required to get the distressed look, if the solution might b to wipe the parts you want to distress when the paint is still wet pr semi wet. Just a thought. I’m really curious as to why brad name chalk paint can be distressed with damp rag. There’s something in there that keeps it from curing completely it seems, I just wonder what that might be, We need a chemist ! LOL
I too would like an answer to this question. Curious
You can definitely distress diy chalky paints with a cloth while the paint is drying – but not once it has 100% dried.
what kind of paint do you suggest for wood projects?
I’ve always preferred oil-based paint on furniture, for better adhesion and durability. Can chalk paint be made with oil-based enamel?
No, I don’t believe so Mark… at least I’ve never heard of it being done before.
There are recipes in other places that tell you to mix the baking soda with water before adding to the paint. I haven’t tried it yet but do you think it would be a better alternative than simply mixing dry baking soda?
There are no hard rules for these recipes Cindy. I didn’t mix the baking soda with water. But if you’re working with a thicker latex paint, mixing the baking soda with a little water first might be beneficial.
I tried both ways today. The mixture with no water covered more completely. I used fresh baking soda , no lumps. I definitely won’t dilute the recipe with water next time.
What type of paint dp you use? A general interior furniture paint or a ‘latex’ interior paint? So confused!!
Hi Peta! A latex interior paint works really well.
Thanks 🙂
Can we use any sheen? Satin, glossy etc? I usually like satin paints.
what color paint was used for these? I am having a tough time finding the perfect white!
Oh, it’s been so long Mary – but I believe it was Behr’s Cottage White that I bought at Home Depot.
I just used ‘Weathered White’ (HDC-NT-21) from Home Depot’s Home Decorators Collection. It’s not too bright white and not too off-white. Love it!
I am starting a chalk paint project and I’m wondering…does the actual paint finish matter? Semi-gloss? Flat? I mess up nearly every DIY project so. I am trying to think of everything! 🙂
Hi Ellen! I’ve used both flat and semi but the flatter/matter the paint, the better/chalkier your results. 🙂
Denise,
When you make this standard comment about different recipes on making your own chalk paint, which is:
Distressing – Requires sanding. Not as effortless as with a brand name chalk paint (ie rubbing with dampened cloth)..
Does this mean a light sanding all over the piece and also where does the ie rubbing w/ damp cloth come into play. Thanks, as this will be my 1st attempt at a piece and want to make sure I understand whole process clearly.
Chere
Hi Chere! The majority of brand name chalky paints are easily distressed using a damp cloth – even after the paint has fully dried. With these diy versions, the paint won’t budge after it’s fully dry. So yes, a light sanding is required to distress the paint.
Calcium carbonate is also known as whiting. I knew about whiting from my stained glass days. We use it to clean the flux off the glass.
Isn’t it garden lime as well
What a gift to find all this info so clearly explained and with photos! Thought that I’d mention that you can find calcium carb at any pottery supplier. Thanks for all your sharing.
Thanks so much for all your great advice and site. . I’ve used your recipe on many items and it has worked wonderfully.. I’m about to start my biggest project – a large china cabinet. I’ve read you can spray chalk paint. Have you ever sprayed with your calcium carbonate recipe?
So happy your loving the diy recipes and YES, I have sprayed with these diy chalky paints.
Thank you so much for this breakdown! I am starting my kitchen table today that gets LOTS of use and abuse. I’m not sure how to seal it with wax, but if I do, will wax hold up or would I need to keep waxing it? (if this is the best will you please point me to those instructions if you have them?) Is there another easy option for a durable finish?
Hi Kristy! Yes, if it’s a kitchen table that is going to be wiped down and cleaned continuously, reapply a wax coat down the road will be necessary. For high traffic items, I prefer to seal with poly which only needs apply once and is super durable and easy to clean. I’ve written a few posts on this topic which you can see here and here. Hope this helps and have fun with your kitchen table project. 🙂
Hi Denise, thanks for sharing!
Regarding the amounts of the recipes, when you say “2 parts paint / 1 part calcium carbonate”, do you measure weight or volume of each one?
thank you!
Volume Tammy… I just use a plastic measuring cup for both the paint and chalking ingredient. 🙂
Hello, do you apply wax to the plaster chalk paint afterwards?
You sure do Sharon. Wax seals the plaster of paris chalky recipe very nicely.
Oh! And do you know if any of these is more durable than any others? I’ve heard that the PP recipe is a little more durable, so I’m planning to mix a little PP in with my CC. Not sure exactly how that could be tested… ? Just a though 😉
Thanks for this great article, Denise! Found it while wandering idly around on Pinterest 😉 Just thought I’d let you know, I get my calcuim carbonate from our local wine/brewing supply store. Mine was 5lbs for about $15.
Hi I plan to use chalk paint with plaster of Paris as I it is available. Will it lighten the paint as I am color matching dark brown or should I get a darker brown
Hi Agie. No it won’t lighten the paint but with darker colors, you really do have to make sure the powder is mixed in 100% otherwise you run the risk of tiny white specks when you sand.
Thank you for taking the time to show this!!! Very helpful as it does get quite expensive for name brands!
Hi thank you so much, I ‘m going to be taking your advice and get some calcium carbonate. I have found a paint from Australia in the colour I want but soooo expensive to ship to UK and in small amounts too.I will get the colour mixed at my local DIY store and give it a go. I am using it on walls as well as furniture. If it works I will be jumping with joy.
thank again for sharing
Jan
Hi Denise I have a large dark brown bonded leather ottoman that is peeling. I have read that you can use chalk paint then wax. Do you know if it will be pliable and do you have any other suggestions . Thanks Agie
Hi Agie! I’ve never tried using diy or brand name chalk paint on leather so I’m not sure. If anyone reading this comment has any suggestions, feel free to chime in. 🙂
Seems like the wax could get on clothing.
Thank you for the receipes. This is awesome. I just bought some green turquoise “Cabinet Paint” from Lowes. and I bought a sage like green. I hated it and wanted to let everyone know that they remixed ihe sago gallon t for me for free!
Hi Susan! No, the wax dries and doesn’t rub off. 🙂
Hi there I think you need to use acrylic paint on leather, I saw this on that interior designer challenge show on BBC 2 in the UK.
I Love you and thankful for the time you spent sharing!!! After reading all the awesome stuff you tried I am thinking about using real chalk since I have a bunch stored up. Hopefully I’ll get back and let you know how it turns out.
I’d love to hear how it turns out Linda! 🙂
I just read whole article said you cant crush, smash or grind regular sidewalk chalk. I just have to know why or else ill have to try for myself. Thanks for answering all of our questions. I think this might be first time ive ever gotten a reply from actually author. Your the best 💘
You’re sweet…thanks Linda! 🙂
Can you use latex paint with the calcium carbonate to make the chalk paint?
Hi Joy! Yes, you can.
What other things could you use to colour the chalks paints you share (thank you). ?
Notice there is no reply to this. I had been thinking about adding colour since it would be more convenient to buy one big container of white and mix up small different coloured batches as required. I haven’t tried yet but I had decided to try mixing small tubes of hobby acrylic paint to white before adding CC . I can’t see any reason why this should not work. Has anyone else tried this?
So long as the paints are both water based, this should work just fine.. mix away. 🙂