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…. π
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. π
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
Lucia says
Hi I’m new to chalk paint and to home made paint. Can I just ask…. does making home made paint mean diluting store bought paint with some of the suggested ingredients to make it go further and save money that way? I was looking for an actual recipe for home made paint but I realise that’s probably impossible to do. Keep me right… lol
Denise says
Lucia, these DIY chalk paint recipes don’t dilute and/or make store bought paint go any further. They’re a cost efficient alternative for a brand name chalk-painted finish – without paying brand name prices.
Denise Carrico says
I was wondering what do you use in place of the Annie Slone clear wax/dark wax if you don’t have any on hand and does it turn out just as nice than using her wax? Thanks
Denise says
Denise, I’ve used the cost effective Minwax Furniture Paste, CeCe Caldwell’s Wax and a few other brands in place of Annie Sloan. Honestly, once a piece is waxed and buffed, I challenge anyone to tell the difference! Where these waxes do differ is in the application. More costly ’boutique’ waxes are buttery soft and easy to apply where as less expensive brands have a harder consistency which some folks find more of a challenge to spread. Here’s a great tip on how to make harder waxes buttery soft.
myrna beydler says
do I need to seal paint if using it for a chalkboard to write on?
Denise says
Myrna, no need to seal it if you’re using it as a chalkboard. However, it’s a really good idea to season your chalkboard before using so you don’t end up with ghosting.
denise says
HI!
I am so new to this DIY stuff and ready to make my own chalk paint to paint an ugly, old side table. This may be a dumb question, but how much is 2 part paint and 1 part CC??
Thanks,
Denise B.
Denise says
It depends on what measuring tool you use Denise. I like to mix using baking measuring cups. So for example, I’d mix 2 cups of paint with 1 cup of CC. 2:1 ratio.
Karen says
I notice most of the recipes call for mixing a cup at a time, but I’m painting a fairly large, heavy wooden cabinet/stand for a 55 gallon aquarium, so it’s going to take more than a few cups. In your experience, should I only mix up one or two cups at a time, or will I get better uniformity if I mix up an entire quart in a larger container and just thin it if it starts to set?
Denise says
I much prefer mixing smaller batches Karen but it’s up to you. You can mix a quart and then thin if necessary.
Debbie says
With home made chalk paint do you have to seal it with something like you do with the origanal chalk paint?
Denise says
Yes Debbie. Wax or poly seal any DIY version beautifully!
Randy says
Just found your blog – great info. Do you know if chalk paint made with CC can be used in Wagner Paint Sprayer (Flexio 590). Will thinning the chalk paint make it ineffective?
Denise says
Randy, you can thin chalk paint (brand name or DIY versions) just as you would any normal latex paint. It doesn’t make the chalk paint ineffective. As for spraying your CC version with a Wagner, I couldn’t say because I’ve never tried. I didn’t have any luck spraying latex through my Wagner (although it wasnt’ the Flexio 590) but that doesn’t mean you won’t have better luck. I’d test on a wall or board before shooting your project. π
Olivia says
What sort of paint do I need to add the chalk to? Just a usual inside emulsion paint, acrylics etc…? And is homemade chalk paint usable for outdoors projects?
Denise says
Hi Olivia! Yes and Yes! π
P says
If using the plaster of Paris recipe will the water dilute the color of the paint?
Denise says
No it will not. Painters will occasional thin paint with water for better leveling but color remains the same.
Carolyn says
cornstarch is great, and no, it doesn’t thicken the paint like it does with gravy, because the paint is not hot. Unlike standard flour, which can thicken cold water, cornstarch doesn’t and it is super-fine powder and very cheap/
Linda Gorrell says
Carolyn have you made the chalk paint using corn starch if so how did it turn out and how much c s to paint do you use ty
Cindy A says
Hi! Thank you for sharing! Question: Do you apply wax to any of your furniture, and if you have what are the results?
Denise says
I apply wax to many of my pieces and the results are gorgeous Cindy. ChalkPaints (brand name or DIY versions) are very porous and take to wax nicely. You can control the sheen by buffing more or less.
amanda says
Love your blog !! I am curious if I can mix a latex paint and Anne Sloan chalk paint instead of using plaster of paris?
Denise says
I’ve done it! I don’t like leaving small amounts of left over paint so I’ll often mix and match. The thing with mixing Annie Sloan with latex is you ‘dilute’ the chalkiness. The finish won’t be as matte/flat as 100% Chalk Paint.
Teresa says
In this article, what was the name of the Behr paint color you used for the chalk paint? I always have a hard time deciding on a white, but this one is beautiful!
Thanks!
Denise says
I believe it was Behr’s Cottage White Teresa. π
Eva says
Hi, great blog! You may have already been asked this but; I bought flat latex paint and just noticed that it’s paint and primer in one. Will that matter? Thanks! Eva
Denise says
I’ve used a paint and primer in one and it’s worked just fine Eva.
Elizabeth says
Do you prime after sanding? I bought the Zinsser oil based primer before I found this recipe and I wasn’t sure if I still need to do that step. Additionally I have heard that sometimes the poly turns the pain a yellowish color. Is there anything to prevent that from happening?
Denise says
I don’t prime after sanding unless I’m working with a wood that bleeds. If I’m painting in a light color and tannin may bleed through, I will use a shellac based primer to hide all staining. In regards to poly turning yellow, yes this can happen on light painted surfaces but you can now buy non-yellowing poly at any hardware/paint store.
Paul Baylis says
I’m a pro painter and have honestly never used a chalk paint before. I am drawn because of the apparently excellent levelling capabilities. My question is: If using a semi-gloss or low-sheen paint, will the addition of calcium carbonate reduce the sheen. I’m assuming it will, but can this effect be minimized maybe by adding less CC?
Denise says
Paul, the addition of CC (or any of the above chalking ingredients) will adjust the sheen and give it a more chalky/flat look. This can be adjusted by how much of the chalking ingredient you add. However, the chalking ingredient does not help/improve the paints leveling capabilities. The leveling capabilities are dependent on the brand/quality of paint you use for these recipes.
Paulette says
Can I paint fabric with the plaster of Paris recipe
Denise says
I’ve never tried painting fabric with any of these DIY recipes. If you give it a try Paulette, I’d love to hear your results!
tina says
hi denise, i have a old pot elephant whose colour i dont like anymore. i was wondering if you think i would be able to chalk paint it and maybe add some accent colour to it so it wouldnt be all one colour. thanks
Denise says
I don’t see why not Tina! If your old pot elephant has a really shiny surface, just give it a light sanding.
Fabiola Garcia says
I buy the cc from Amazon, but is the limestone one. After reading your post I think that I`m not using the correct cc. It leaves a granny texture that I have to sand with every coat. Also I see that you don`t add water. The recipe I have includes water. In my next project I will use the recipe you have here. Thanks
Bobbe says
Could you chalk paint kitchen cabinets if you poly over them
Denise says
Yes Bobbe!
Rachel Noyes says
I made the plaster of Paris mix a few months ago without trouble but am attempting it again for some bedside tables. The mixture immediately becomes so thick and clumpy. I added more water but I am left with a gritty mess that needs to be stirred constantly or it seperates in the can and I end up painting with water. What am I doing wrong? Should I be adding more paint and not more water?
Denise says
Hmmm… not sure Rachel. Could it be the environment you’re working in – possibly hot and/or humid. Also better results may be achieved by adding a little less Plaster of Paris to the paint. I stir my paints while working with them… and if they thicken, adding a little water usually does the trick.
Gail says
Can craft acrylic paints be used ? Thank you
Denise says
Yes it can Gail…water based.
Missy says
I thought I’d end having to order Calcium Carbonate online but I actually found NOW brand powder at SPROUTS, one of the health-oriented grocery stores in the area. I think it was around $8.99 for the jar. I can’t wait to start painting!! : )
Cristina says
Hi, I’m Cristina from Romania. I have a question about the paint, since in my country the only latex paint I can find is not really for wood, but rather more for painting walls. Is that ok?
Denise says
Hello Cristina! π I’m not familiar with your paints in Romania, but it sounds like it’s the same as the latex here in North America. We also use our latex paints to paint walls.
Katie says
Cristina, I am living in Romania too! Were you able to find the calcium carbonate here? Where? I am new to the area and do not speak Romanian, so any info on where to buy these products would be greatly appreciated!
Ani says
Denise, Im from Argentina! π Thanks for your blog! Im trying to translate most of the words and materials that i cant find here. When i distress my furniture I paint with latex or acrilic then using a cloth mix wax with judea vetun and to topcout polyurethane varnish water satin texture.
In your pictures, did you put wax on top?
Ive been reading all the comments, and I wonder what do you mean by “poly”. Someone asked if its OK for high traffic kitchen finish. For example if I prepare the CC paint, how do you suggest to clean that furniture?
Sorry for my english, i hope you can understand me.
Denise says
Hi Ani from Argentina! π Yes, I waxed these pieces but I also use poly (aka polyurethane or polycrylic) on my chalk painted pieces too…usually on higher traffic items like dining tables. To clean my furniture I use TSP ( Trisodium Phosphate) and water if it’s filthy/greasy etc or sometimes just warm water mixed with vinegar.
Viktoria says
I used the baking soda chalk paint mix with the latex paint and after I painted all over a piece of furniture it was peeling like crazy. Does the baking soda recipe not adhere to furniture with possible oil based finish already on it? Will the plaster of paris recipe adhere to furniture with oil stain already on compared to the baking soda mix? Thanks!
Denise says
Viktoria, if the baking soda recipe did not adhere the plaster of paris will not adhere either. It sounds like the surface you are trying to paint will require a light sanding so the paint has something to cling to prior to using brand name or DIY chalk paints.
Cheryl says
So many people are painting white. But what white?? There are so many shades. I eventually want to do my kitchen cabinets. What shade would you recommend. Thanks..
Denise says
Color is such a personal choice Cheryl. Whites can have red, yellow or green undertones, so they can really have a different effect depending on the amount of light and surrounding colors in a room. I always like to use my fandeckand play with the different colors to see what I like. Also, I find asking questions and getting advice from the associates at my paint store is VERY helpful.
Cindy says
getting ready to chalk paint salvaged coffee tables which have a thin layer of poly on them. Will they need sanding or can chalk paint be painted directly to them and what types of brushes do you use for the paint? thx
Denise says
I use Purdy brushes but I’ve also used dollar store brushes… any paint brush you feel comfortable using will work Cindy. If the topcoat is not shiny/glossy, you probably don’t need to sand. But when I’m unsure, I always lean on the side of caution and give it a light sanding with 220 grit. I give it a quick sanding (as if I’m wiping down a kitchen counter). π
Elaine McDaniel says
Hello I am going to try one of your recipes for chalk paint..probably #1..but I would like to know if you recommend a was to put on top that you use? thanks Elaine
Denise says
Depending on the piece, I topcoat with a wax or poly Elaine. π
Analize Viljoen says
Is latex paint the only type of paint you can use to make chalk paint, or can you also use a good quality PVA?
Denise says
A water based paint is what works with the above recipes Analize.
Cretia says
Thank you so much it has really helped and so informative. I will start mixing this week as knowing what and how has delayed the project!
christen says
can you tell me exact measurements for the CC method? Thank you!
Denise says
I like to mix mine in small amounts so I’m always working with fresh DIY Chalk Paint. I mix 1 cup paint to 1/2 cup Calcium Carbonate.
mary says
HI Denise, yes as the others have all said… thank you so much! Very informative and much more helpful than I have seen so far. I am just wondering just how fine the cc should be? like icing sugar? Thank you!
Denise says
Yes Mary, at least as fine as icing sugar but more powdery loose in consistency…hope that makes sense! π
Lis says
OMG! I am so happy I came across your blog – thank you so much for taking the time to share all your knowledge with us. I have been dying to try a HMCP recipe but couldn’t find the CC. My wonderful sister brought along a bag of it when she came to visit and now I am all set to try my first project – well, once school is over!!! π
Thanks again,
Lis
Heather says
I have Annie Sloan wax. Is that OK to use on the HMCP recipe?
Denise says
Yes, I use it all the time!
Heather says
Most of the paints I see are paint/primer mixes. Is this OK to use?
Denise says
I’ve used Behr’s paint and primer all-in-one and it worked just fine Heather.
pleasant acrylic says
Really nice article. Got more knowledge by reading your article.
Betsy says
You are great to have done all this work for us! I’m doing an old, wood school. No Sanding, no Stripping?? Just start painting??
Denise says
Betsy, for a large project like a school, I suggest painting a ‘test’ area before tackling the entire thing. But yes, so long as there is no glossy/shiny topcoat on the boards, no sanding or stripping should be required. π
cynthia says
Can you use Powdered Lime for the calcium carbonate? It is the same thing. It is sold in the garden centers..
Denise says
I’ve never tried Cynthia but I’ve heard mixed reviews. I’m not sure if it’s fine enough.
Fran Bxiby says
can the poly be applied over the waxed surface? And are the small bottles of acrylic paints at the hobby stores the same thing as laytex paint?
Denise says
Fran, you can make diy chalk/mineral paint from those acrylic paints…they are water based. For my topcoats, I choose between poly or wax because you can’t apply poly over a wax.
Ann says
I am interested in painting a cement bird is chalk paint the way to go? What kind of paint do you suggest for outdoor items? Like your recipes…thank you.
Denise says
Yes, a chalk paint would work on a cement bird. Depending on the elements and it’s exposure to them, you might want to look into sealing it Ann.
Lynn says
Denise, great information. I know that the original chalk paint calls for the painted piece to be waxed. Do you use a wax after you are finished?
Denise says
Yes Lynn. Most of my chalk painted pieces are waxed. If they are high traffic items (ie kitchen table) I use poly.
Nicole says
What product do you like to use for wax?
Denise says
I like to use Minwax Furniture Paste, Annie Sloan, CeCe Caldwell.
Nicole says
Thanks for this great information! I have a few questions: How long can you keep the mixed paint before it is not good for use anymore? I’m especially wondering for your 1 and 2 picks (plaster of paris and calcium carbonate). How much do you normally mix at once for a normal sized furniture project? And, when you say “mix 2 parts to 1 part”, since one is liquid and one is solid, do you just measure using, say, a cup measurement, or a weight measurement? Thank you!
Denise says
I use a measuring cup to measure both the paint and the CC or PoP. I prefer mixing 1 to 2 cups of DIY chalk/mineral paint at a time because with all the projects I do; I don’t have the room to store leftovers. If sealed properly, it will store well for a good month… maybe longer.
Alex says
Hi Denise, thank you so much for these chalk paint recipes! I cannot wait to start my projects. I’m going to use plaster of paris, how much water do I add to the plaster? Do I make the mix thickish (like paint) or a watery consistency?
Denise says
I like to add in water little by little until the water and plaster of paris mixture has a “melted-milk-shake” consistency. Then I mix it into my paint.
jess says
Hi, I was thinking of chalk painting my old hand me down kitchen table- is doing this advisable for something that gets a lot of use like a kitchen table and is the carbonate recipe safe (ie kids at the table for meals and homework)?
thanks for trying all of the recipes out!
Denise says
Yes Jess, it’s safe. And to make your table more durable for all the kid-friendly-traffic it will be getting, poly rather than wax.
Myriam says
hello Denise, Thank you for your advice. Do you Know if the paint would resist on a everyday kitchen table, if not what do you think would protect it? Thank you
Myriam
France
Denise says
Hello Myriam from France! π Chalk paint is porous and needs to be sealed. For high traffic pieces or cabinets my preference is a poly rather than wax
Juliana says
Love your recipes. However, although calcium carbonate has been easy to find here in New Zealand (at the equine centre!) mixing it in is so hard. Your recipe says 3-5mins, but after half an hour, mine is still gritty. I’ve stirred, shaken, used the electric drill with a stirrer. Still gritty. Added more paint so now 3:1, a little water, more mixing . Still feels c
Finely gritty between my fingers.
What next??? I need help!
Denise says
The only thing I can suggest Juliana is trying people-grade extra fine Calcium Carbonate. I’ve never had any problems with my CC being at all gritty and I never mix mine with water.
Denise says
What type of paint? Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss or gloss?
I can’t wait to try this!
Denise says
Denise, the more matte/flat the paint is, the more chalky your finish will be. Flat, matte and eggshell works beautifully.
Regina says
Great! I was about to ask the same question about the type of finish! π Thank you!
karen says
Hi Denise,
I have come across a couple of sites that recommend cornstarch but it doesn’t seem widely used. Since foodgrade CC powder can be hard to get it sounds like a good alternative because of its very fine powdery consistency. Any feedback on this? Have you tried it or heard good things about this version?
Thanks.
Denise says
I haven’t tried using cornstarch. Cornstarch is mostly used for thickening up gravy, soups and stews so I would assume it may thicken up the paint also. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear your results Karen.
June says
Can you recommend another type of paint I can use instead of latex
Thankyou
Denise says
June, I believe in the UK you guys call it emulsion paint rather than latex. π
DENISE says
I have never done any chalk painting and am getting ready for my first try but could no afford the “name brand”. I so appreciate your information. I just purchased Calcium Carbonate off of Ebay …. 4 lbs for $9.00. The label says
Calcium Carbonate (Limestone)
Calcium 38.0%
Calsium Oxide 53%
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent 95%
Is this the right product? It seems much less expensive than the NOW brand for human consumption. What I purchased appears to be a very fine powder.
Thanks for any feedback
Denise says
Hi there Denise! I’ve never used anything other than 100% CC so I’m not sure what the results will be. I really like the NOW Brand CC because it’s 100% pure calcium carbonate… no other ingredients. It’s the finest powder and all natural.
Tracey says
Hi all. I had a terrible experience, twice, with a 5 lb. bag of the calcium carbonate that contained limestone. It came out very gritty. I tried the first bag, they sent me a second bag, and it wasn’t any better. I got my money back and have been using the NOW brand as well with much success. Hope this helps too!
Denise says
Thanks for sharing this Tracey! You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve been asked. π
Judy says
How can you buy calcium carbonate without limestone? Limestone *is* calcium carbonate…CaCO3! Maybe the difference is how finely they grind it?
Alaska4 says
You mentioned that it took you a little while to find the best type of calcium carbonate, so I was wondering if you had any tips for the best type or if it even matters?
Denise says
Yes, I always use the NOW Brand Calcium Carbonate and there is a link in the post if you’re interested in checking it out. π
Kelly Mennenoh says
Does the calcium carbonate in any way lighten the color of the paint you use?
Denise says
No Kelly, the latex paint will stay the same color.
Debbie says
Your blog is fantastic, thank you so very much for sharing. There is a girl up the road with a beautiful little shop , Antiques, clothing, lovely furniture, I just love going in there. “Magnolia” is the shop name and she has recently been making her own chalk paint and the furniture is beautiful. I thought you had to put chalk in it. in paint. She has two little side tables come in pale pink.
I’m so tempted, how do you get the pastel colours?
Thank you again
Debbie, from Brighton ON
Denise says
Hi Debbie! You can purchase whatever color latex paint you like (works best with flat/matte/eggshell sheen) and then add your chalking ingredient. The color choices are unlimited. π
ron says
Just a tip to let everyone know. Do Not use gloss or semi gloss paints it hardens in three minutes, turns into a gloppy mess an epic fail.