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
MikeZ says
thank you so much for the in-depth shootout of all the methods! my wife has been wanting to do this to a bunch of stuff and i nearly fainted when i saw the price of the commercial chalk paint!
has anyone ever mixed this thinner to be sprayed from a paint gun? i have one and i figure it would make things a lot faster.
Denise says
Hi Mike! I’m happy you and your wife are finding these recipes helpful. π Yes, I do shoot diy chalky paint through my sprayer and it does make for a flawless finish. Spraying with DIY Chalk Paints
MikeZ says
well that pretty much covers it…you’re awesome! thank you so much π
Ann Schneider says
I am using assorted techniques to make faux barnwood. This involves chalk paint, sanding, and applying a solution of vinegar that has been sitting with steel wool to stain the exposed wood.
I tried the baking soda recipe since I already had the ingredients. I did it once a month or so ago, which went fine and the wood looks awesome! I did it again this week, and for some reason the vinegar solution reacted with the paint to make an orangey rust color. I immediately started scrubbing it with dilute dawn. Thankfully I was able to remove the orange, but I also removed the paint.
Just a word to the wise. Not sure what happened (maybe too much baking soda??), but today I’m using plaster of paris!
Jonny Lipford says
What is the expected shelf life of these? I’m sure they differ and will separate like any paint product. I’m an Assistant Manager at a Habitat ReStore in Iowa that has LOTS of latex paint. We get asked for chalk paint all the time and would like to start offering it to folks with the recycled paint that we have here.
Thanks for your article. It was very helpful!
Denise says
Hi Jonny! I’m a huge fan of ReStores and the wonderful you work you guys do! Yes, like any paint product, these recipes do eventually separate. I like to mix my batches fresh each time I paint. But I have stored the plaster of paris and calcium carbonate recipes for a week or two.
Ken says
Hi Denise
Fantastic article, thank you. Just a little confused as paint is “liquid” and calcium carbonate is powder, how may cups of powder should I use per litre (quart) of paint?
Denise says
Hi Ken! I use the same measuring cup for both paint and CC powder. I mix 1 cup at a time. 1 cup paint to 1/2 cup CC. For a litre of paint (1 litre = 4 cups) you can add up to 2 cups of CC. I like my diy version to be really matte/chalky, but you can add less CC and adjust the recipe to whatever your preference is. Hope this helps.
Val says
HI! Thanks for the recipes! Is this paint for outdoor use? Thank yo!
Denise says
Hi Val! Yes, I have used these diy recipes on outdoor projects which you can see here.
Melitta says
Ok I scanned other comments to see if this was asked so forgive me if it was. I’m painting my kitchen cabinets but my question is generic. Can u use satin, eggshell, even semi gloss because in the end you will hav a sheen from the top coat or even using a sheen paint would u still require a top finishing coat? I’m only using chalk paint because I didn’t want to sand; but prob won’t distress the cabinets. I believe kitchen cabinets should hav
slicker finish to wipe down right? Thank you
Nancy Noonan says
Believe it or not, I found calcium carbonate in small(ish) quantities in a beer making supply store. It is used in one step of the beer making process to clarify the beer.
susan says
Calcium Carbonate is same as one form of nutritional calcium so can be found in natural food stores or vitamin stores. Online Swanson has this brand.
Thanks for all the recipes and your work figuring this out and putting online! Can’t wait to try it out.
RavArt says
Calcium cabonate can be found at chemical supply stores, cleaning supplies, pool supplies, big box home improvement stores carry it too. Good luck
Andrea says
I have to say that the calcium carbonate mixture worked like a charm!! My husband and I are first time painters of anything, and we did two dressers that came out beautifully. I even bought ‘oops paint’ from Home Depot, making this project super cheap!
Thanks so much for your post!!!
cathy says
I just finished painting a child’s table and chairs using the calcium carbonate formula. They feel very gritty. Have you ever had that problem? If I want to redo it, should I sand it first?
Denise says
Hi Cathy! I’ve never experienced grittiness using the Calcium Carbonate Recipe, however the grade/quality of CC being used can make a difference. Having said that, it most likely doesn’t need a redo. I would take a high grit sand paper and give it a light sanding. This will knock of any grit and provide a smooth finish.
Patty says
I also had the problem with a gritty finish using calcium carbonate. I ordered my calcium carbonate through Amazon. I have done a piece in the past using baking soda, and had no grittiness at all. So I think I will sand my piece and switch to baking soda to finish it.
Kathleen says
It’s important to request flour grade CC
anna says
HI there,
thanks for the awesome post!
Have you used your mix(es) for any outdoor furniture?
Basically, will the last one hold on a table which is outside (we do not have snow where I live…)
THANKS,
Anna
Denise says
Yes I have Anna!
Stephanie says
Hi I’m doing a kitchen cabinet and will be trying your chalk recipe. What utensil do you use to apply? Paint brush, sponge brush or spurge roller?
Denise says
I like to use a brush and/or roller Stephanie. I’ve never had luck applying chalk style paints with a sponge brush.
Jacqui Edwards says
Thanks so much for this great information… I inherited my mom’s maple hutch! I don’t like the maple, never did. I want to chalk paint it, and maybe distress it a little! Which recipe do you think would work best over the maple wood? Can you paint over the glossy base? Or should I leave that part maple?
Violeta says
Blagodaria ot sarce! Tolkova dalgo tarsih recepta za tebeshir boia.:)
Denise says
Pleasure…glad this helped Violeta! π
Sharon says
Try replacing calcium carbonate with diatomaceous earth. Aka DE. Can be purchased at feed stores. Finely Ground lime stone cheaper than CC. Haven’t tried it myself but can find others online who have gotten results like brand name chalk paint
Rachael Dain says
Thank you so much for your work on this project and article.
I understand one of the big differences with commercial chalk paints is there is no latex and this completely changes the way the paint adheres to a surface. I have been looking for a recipe which doesn’t include latex paint for this reason but have already purchased calcium carbonate to try a project.
Do you notice any unique qualities of latex in these DIY paints (such as being able to peel it up off the surface)? I am assuming the addition of these materials don’t change those latex properties?Also, are you working only with flat paint or have you tried these with eggshell, semi-gloss, or gloss latex paints?
Thanking you in advance,
Rachael
Denise says
Hi Rachael! Yes, to get the chalkiest finish I do prefer using flat or eggshell with the above recipes. As for latex, there is NO latex rubber in any latex paint. These days latex is used as a general term for water based paints.
Gerard says
I purchased a 50 lb. bag of Athletic Field Marker from a hardware store for less than $10. You know, the chalk on a baseball field. It’s calcium carbonate from limestone and crushed marble according to the bag. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.
Em says
I originally found this page after I Googled acrylic home made chalk paint vs latex home made chalk paint, after getting a great deal on a huge can of black latex paint (I’m guessing not many people want black walls in their home, lol!) and was looking to see if you CAN use latex paint to make chalk paint (I use the Plaster of Paris recipe) bc I only use acrylic paint to make my chalk paint. I’ve even adjusted the recipe according to how much, or how little I should say, paint I need to use, and after doing it so long, u can go by sight & not a recipe, I very very rarely need or even have 2 cups of paint that I’d need for one project, so I do adjust it by sight. Anyway, I love making my own, and have only used acrylic (until about an hour from now, anyway!) paint to make it. Hope this helps!
Cindy says
Have you done a test to see if it was the primer in the paint that made the paint thicken up with the non sanded grout recipe? just wondering Thank you
Denise says
No I haven’t Cindy and great question. It may or may not have been a contributing factor.
Renee S. says
I use unsanded grout for my recipe because it won’t cause the thickening that you get with the plaster of paris recipe. Not all paints list primer on the label which I found out after I had ruined a quart of paint trying to make it work with the POP recipe. I used the same paint with unsanded grout with no problem. I have had mine thicken enough to need additional water but never get as grainy as pictured in the article. It’s my go to recipe.
Tracy Kalescky says
I made up a POP recipe and for the first time it was way to watery. Are you saying that is the problem you had and that it was the primer in it? I have painted several pieces and never had this problem. I ended up adding quite a bit more POP to thicken it and it never got to what I have had in the past. I am now worried that it will affect the paint’s adherence and durability. I am using it on kitchen counter chairs so it has to be tough.
Julie says
Yes, that has happened to me twice, it went like cement. After researching further, it seems that if a paint has a primer in it (you don’t always know) it will turn like that. Only with plaster of Paris though, not calcium carbonate, giving another reason why CC is better!
Joann Rosengarten says
Hi Denise. We have decided to chalk paint our kitchen cabinets. Thank you so much for your knowledge!! I am going to order the calcium carbonate on Amazon. Our kitchen is average sized. The container is 1 lb. Any idea if one will be adequate or should I order two? Also, what brushes should I purchase?
Thank you so much! π
Joann
Sarah says
How long do I need to wait to apply the wax?
Also- I used the cc and paint mixture. It came out great but it was really thick to apply and when I touch the paint, tiny white chalk streaks appear.
Is this normal before waxing?
Janet says
Mix calcium carbonate with water and mix well before adding to paint. 4 tbls cc to 1 tbls water to cup of latex paint
Renee Bielling says
I used almost the exact same recipe as this one 4 TBLS CC but 2 TBLS WATER AND 1 CUP PAINT. I TRIED IT WITH 2 TBLS CC AND 1 TBLS WATER TO A CUP OF PAINT AND IT WORKED FINE AS WELL.
Penny says
I am thinking about doing this on my kitchen cabinets, but I’m concerned about how easy they will be to clean (without taking off a layer of paint every time you wipe it). My son did an entertainment center for me with a mixture of paint/sand, and it grabs the dust & dirt. What’s worse, is that it does not clean up well at all. A coat of paint is the only way to make it ‘clean’ again.
Denise says
Hi there Penny! Yes, chalky style paints (diy and brand-name) are porous and if not properly sealed/top coated – will attract dirt, oils etc. When using chalky paints on kitchen cabinets, I suggest proper prep (sanding on gloss surface) so the paint will adhere 100%. Then top coat with a few coats of durable/washable water based poly. Tip – If you’re painting them white or a light color, be sure to use a non-yellowing poly.
Christina says
Hi Denise
I was wondering what types of waxes you use for DIY or brands other than Annie Sloan? Thanks for all the great info!
Denise says
Any brand of furniture wax will work Christina. A few brands I’ve used are CeCe Caldwell, Annie Sloan, Minwax Furniture Paste, TreWax to name a few.
Paula Goldman says
Hi, can you tell me what color white you used on the twin tables? I have never done this but have a little sewing bench table with a top that opens I want to finish like your tables for my “she-shed”. Thanks bunches.
Paula
Denise says
Hi Paula! I used Behr’s Cottage White and I love the she-shed idea! π
Dianna Esquivel says
Have you used this over laminate furniture? If so, do you need to prime it first?
Denise says
Yes I have Dianna, and in most cases – no primer needed. You can see how I painted a laminate dresser here.
Diane arant says
Have you ever tried painting upholstery with this home made chalk paint? I have been researching this and want to try it but most use the expensive name brand chalk paint so I am not sure the latex in the diy chalk paint will work on upholstery?
Thanks
Diane
Denise says
No, I’ve only painted upholstery with brand name chalk paint.
Jacque says
Thanks for sharing. Excellent comparison.
Carolyn says
I get calcium carbonate from my local pet store (our vet gave us a recipe for home-cooked dog food and it’s one of the ingredients!).
Susan Harvey says
Great information, thank you so much for sharing!
Mary Fuller says
Denise, I have a 1990’s pine wood dining room table with 4 chairs that I look at daily and tell myself I can chalk paint this after doing my dressers and loving them so much I didn’t want a doilie covering the tops! However, the top of the table I just refinished last summer so that will stay as is so it’s the table legs and chairs I want to chalk paint. Must I sand these before chalk painting? Yes I can see the shine and it took me 8 coats of stripper to get the top down to wood.
Denise says
Hi Mary! If you’re using chalk paint, a light sanding on the glossy pine dining table legs and chairs should do it. I usually use a between a 150-220 grit sandpaper and wipe the surface down as if I’m wiping down my kitchen counter. This should create enough ‘tooth’ or roughness on your top-coated pine set for the paint to adhere to. Great project btw! π
Vicki Snedeker says
If you want to make a darker paint into chalk paint, wont adding plaster of paris change the color?
Denise says
Hi Vicki. No, the paint color will not change with any of the above recipes.
Shelly Coludrovich says
How long is it possible to store chalk paints? Premix and bottle to sell? Would you need to make the paint a tad bit thinner before storing in order to make sure it lasts longer on the shelf?
Denise says
I’m really not sure Shelly. I always mix these recipes in small batches for individual projects. I’m quite sure the brand name chalk paints have added components that make for a longer shelf life.
Jonnie tiller says
I’ve just painted a little plant stand with chalk paint, my first with this paint. I want to distress it but do I wax it before or after distressing?
Denise says
Hi Jonnie! Distressing chalk paint can be done before or after wax applications – it’s a personal preference. I prefer to distress first, wax after.
Amy says
Calcium carbonate is what weight lifters and gymnasts use on their hands. Look online for weightlifting equipment etc.
Shannon says
Has anyone tried the chalk technique on kitchen cabinets? My son inherited his great grandparents house which had cabinets is grandfather made. He’s wanting to update them and is leaning towards chalk paint to update but keep older charm.
Marcia says
Denise, I am new at chalk paints. My question is can I lacuer the chest after painting.If so then what would be the smoothest formular to use. Thanks
Denise says
Hi Marcia! Yes, you can topcoat with poly, wax, lacquer, shellac etc. Here’s an article on Top Coating Furniture you may find helpful.
Margaret says
So wonderful you have shared your knowledge?
Terri says
Denise, I have been following you on Pinterest for quite awhile and love your blog and pins. (WAYYYYY back before their ‘smart feed’ screwed everything up even. lol)
Thanks so much for this post! Having used only homemade recipes, as I am cheap and don’t have an AS dealer nearby, I actually prefer the baking soda, to all others I have tried. I follow a different recipe tho, with a greater paint to soda ratio and I make sure the soda is dissolved in a little bit of water. I have been pleased both for personal use and my business.
HOWEVER, I have never tried the calcium carbonate, and just ordered that and a few (overpriced, I am sure) AS samples. I am so excited to see how they work and compare for myself. You may be changing my mind!! π
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and stunning works in all of your posts. I am sure I speak for others when I say that we appreciate it!
Denise says
I’m so happy you shared this Terri…thank you! And one you try Annie Sloan (brand name) and the Calcium Carbonate – I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts! x
Chad says
The CC mixture is 2 to 1. So if I’m mixing 8 oz of paint are you saying mix 4 oz of CC with it. Also which Latex paint do u use, Satin or Eggshell
Denise says
This is correct Chad… and eggshell works really nicely for the ‘chalkiest’ finish.
Abby says
Hi! Can I use a glaze to seal the chalk paint when I’m done? Or does it have to be wax?
Denise says
No it doesn’t have to be wax… a glaze works nicely Abby. π
Jaime says
This has been very informative as I am new to chalk painting. I have learned that name brand is very expensive, so thank you for doing the research. Does adding plaster of Paris lighten the color or the original paint?
Denise says
No it does not Jaime π
Paula Soppitt says
Hi,
Is it possible to use calcium hydrate rather than calcium carbonate. I cant find calcium carbonate anywhere in my city. The paint would need to be waterproof, permanent and not come off.
Thanks for your help.
Denise says
I’m not sure Paula… I’m not at all familiar with calcium hydrate.
Kelly says
Yay! So glad I found you! I have been using a well known chalk paint for some time and love the results. But now I want to experiment more by adding more “texture” in the undercoat (hope this makes sense) so when I paint a top coat and then distress I get a nice shabby/chippy/beach weathered look. I went online and the product I found in the States is not sold here in South Africa! So… I was wondering if there is anything I can ADD to my exciting chalk paint to make it thicker, creating the texture I am after. I have tried the recommended “leave the tin open” but I am not getting the results I am after. After reading your recipes, I wonder if adding Baking Soda or Plaster of Paris would do the trick… what do you think?
All the best
Kelly
Kelly
Denise says
Hi Kelly! So glad you found the SI Blog too… welcome! Yes, plaster of paris works beautifully to create texture in paint. And it’s fun to experiment with the amount until you get the results you like. π
AJSchindler says
Just a suggestion for where to find calcium carbonate: try a pottery supply store. I am a ceramic artist and you can find huge bins of all sorts of weird chemicals and minerals including calcium carbonate. And usually it comes in absolutely enormous quantities.
Kat says
Interested I your newsletter .curious as how to seal inside of drawer if clothing is going to be stored ?
Denise says
Kat, there is a box at the very top of the page for your email addy if you like to subscribe. π Many people paint the inside of drawers and once the paint is cured, just use as it. If you’d like to seal, you can use a water based poly or wax. Either way, having it 100% dry and cured will ensure clothes are safe.
Barb says
So, you don’t use water to mix with the calcium carbonate before you mix it into the paint? I’ve read a LOT of recipes, and yours is the only one (so far) that doesn’t call for water first, and seems to have a lot more of the CC than the other ones I’ve seen.
I do appreciate the run down of the various additives for DIY chalk paint, and the accompanying photos are great, thanks for that! I’d already decided on the CC version for my first attempt, and found it easily on Amazon.
Denise says
Hi Barb! The brand of Calcium Carbonate I use is so powdery fine it does NOT require water before adding it into the paint. I like using a 2:1 ratio for my furniture – but these recipes are totally adjustable. You can still achieve a really nice chalky finish by adding a little less. π
Barb says
Just want to let you know, I’ve done two projects since my question, and both turned out great! Thanks for the info you provided.
Denise says
AMAZING Barb!!! π Thanks for taking the time to drop in and share. I really appreciate it and others reading this will too! π
Caryl Taucher says
IL have used your calcium carbonate recipe but found that it was a bit grainy. Is it possible to mix a little water with the calcium carbonate, mixing to a smooth paste before adding the paint.
Denise says
For sure Caryl! Different brands of cc can have different textures. If a little water is needed to smooth it out your calcium carbonate – no worries.
MONana says
So glad you actually tried all of these recipes for chalk paint and gave us detailed reviews!
If you ever come across a recipe for chalk paint that does not have to be sanded for the distressing step, please add it to this blog. I am just absolutely awful at sanding since I have arthritis…okay, before the arthritis I was absolutely awful at sanding. π
Ciindy spalsbury says
Can you add a little poly to the mix to make it more durable
Paulette Hutsell says
Hi. What type of paint do you buy? Flat, satin, or gloss? Or is this completely preference?
Is it easy to mix in colors? I buy ground powder in different colors to make, cosmetics etc. Thanks
Denise says
Flat or eggshell will give the best chalky finish Paulette. And no need to tint – just purchase the water based paint in whatever color you like – then add in one of the above chalking ingredients.
Phil says
Should the latex paint you use have a primer in it? So many are paint plus primer. Does it make adifference when making your own chalk paint?
Denise says
Phil, I’ve used a paint and primer all-in-one with these recipes, but NO, it’s not needed. Regular latex paint in flat/eggshell/matte is perfect for all of the above recipes.
Emily says
Which recipe would you recommend most for whitewashing? I don’t want to distress it afterwards, just whitewash and be done.
Denise says
The CC or PoP works beautifully for whitewashed furniture.
Michelle says
Can you show a picture of what the consistency of the plaster and water should look like before adding the paint? I did what I thought you said but it didn’t look very thick.?
Denise says
Hi Michelle! It doesn’t need to look thick but rather like a melted milk shake – and this isn’t an exact science either. No worries if it’s slightly thicker or a little thinner than milk shake consistency. The REAL key is getting it mixed 100% (smooth with no granules) before adding it into your paint. Hope this helps.
Jeff Goodsell says
Denise,
Did you put a coat of wax over the chalk paint after painting and sanding the furniture? I thought waxing was necessary as part of the process of chalk painting furniture (I have used Annie Sloan before and that requires a coat of wax).
Also, have you ever heard of anyone spraying this paint on? I was wondering if it is possible.
Thank you,
J.
Denise says
Hi Jeff! Yes, it’s best to seal chalk paint (DIY or brandname) because the paint is very porous. I often use wax and/or poly. And yes, you can Spray w Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or Spray w DIY Chalky Paint. I’ve had beautiful results with both. Gorgeous art work btw!!!
Em says
I just picked up a little armoire (pine I believe). It isn’t lacquered/shiny but I think perhaps it might have had something on it at one time. Would a quick hand sanding do for prepping it for painting?
I’m curious if you have done any furniture pieces in light (say white chalk paint or similar) and staining the top dark (or painting). I am looking for inspiration π
Denise says
Hi there Em! Yes, a light hand sanding is ideal for good adhesion with an existing topcoat. I’ve painted and stained many pieces (usually in color(s) rather than white) and you can find LOTS of inspiration on my Painted & Stained Pinterest Board! π
Denise says
Latex paints are water based and use synthetic acrylics/polymers as binders. Any water based paints will work for the above recipes Christine. π