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
Tammy Audet says
Home Depot has Garden Lime (Calcium Carbonate) – 6.75 lbs for around 5 bucks! They are pellets, so may have to crush it up a bit, not sure. I’m going to pick some up today and give your recipe a go! Thanks for the tips!
Cheryl says
Hi Denise, Love all of this information on furniture painting. I do use the calcium carbonate recipe and love it. I do buy Benjamin Moore paint and was wondering could I use a less expensive paint? Thanks.
Cheryl
Denise says
Hi Cheryl! Yes, I’ve used Sherwin Williams, CIL, Behr, and even Loop Recycled paint! Any water based/latex paint will work so have fun experimenting and finding which one you like best.
Danielle says
Hi Denise! Love your blog!! I’m a fellow Furniture painter/flipper and for about a year now have been making the plaster of Paris recipe. I do love it but there is a drawback. In anything other than white/off white I see tiny white specks everywhere, especially when I sand to smooth it out. I do whisk everything super well before hand as well as strain with a fine mesh strainer, but that doesn’t help. Have you had this problem? Or had this problem with the calcium carbonate recipe? Ive only tried the POP recipe, I love the cheapness of making my own, but considering going to boutique chalk paints if I can’t resolve this problem. TIA 🙂
Denise says
Hi Danielle! HMCP is more cost effective for sure so I hear what you’re saying. I have had this problem when using the P of P with dark blues, blacks etc. Really dark colors. I much prefer using my favorite brand of CC when mixing dark paints because I don’t have this issue when mixed thoroughly. Maybe try the CC. Not quite as inexpensive as the P of P but still WAY cheaper than brand name. If you’re still not pleased, at least you’ll know you’ve tried all options. 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks so much! Glad to know I’m not alone in seeing those specks. I’ll be sure to try the CC and let you know how it works!
Janet Koons says
Hi. Thanks for your article.
I would like to know how one does get the little specks out of the already mixed Plaster of Paris blend. I have already made the cal.carb. kind and love it, but I have this jug of the former mix that I don’t want to waste and I really would like to get out the little specks (it’s white paint). I also had put the dry form through a strainer, etc.
Thanks if you have any ideas.
Patricia Bell says
Thank you so much for sharing all of this great information! Have been wanting to redo a piece or two but could not justify the cost of the chalk paint. Now I can make my own and will be doing just that! Will be subscribing! Have a great day!
Denise says
Thanks and my pleasure Patricia! Have fun with your project. 🙂
BJ says
Can DIY paint be used on raw wood? Do I need to apply a basecoat of something?
Thanks for your help!
Denise says
Hi BJ! It sure can. However, if you’re using a light paint and it’s a type of wood that bleeds through, a sealer/primer IS recommended.
brenda says
Hi. Thanks so much for the recipe!! Do I sand between coats?
Pam Bodiford says
Denise,
I am painting a table for outside use. Have you ever used exterior paint to make chalk paint? Would you recommend using plaster of Paris or CC?
Thanks, Pam
Denise says
Hi Pam! For outdoor use, I think P of P OR CC will work nicely. However, I’ve never used exterior paint with any of these recipes so I couldn’t say.
Chris says
Hello!
I was wondering if it is necessary to sand chalk paint or could you just paint it and leave as is?
Denise says
Hello Chris! Sanding chalk paint isn’t ‘necessary’, however it does make the finish look much more professional when it is given a light sanding.
Chris says
Ok, thank you for your reply! So, I am assuming using a very light sand paper? What grit do you recommend?
Denise says
When sanding a painted surface, 220 grit or higher is ideal. I sometimes go up to 380 or 400 grit for my final coat.
Connie says
Hi Denise: Do you have any idea what ingredient the name brand chalk paints include that keeps the paint from hardening or getting lumpy?
Denise says
I’m sorry, I don’t know Connie. They do add something but I couldn’t tell you what it is.
Ria Erasmus says
Hi, I am a potter and I use a bit of Epsom salts in my glazes to keep it suspended and smooth. I am going to mix my calcium carbonate recipe tomorrow and will try the Epsom salts in it. Maybe that is the “something” they use in their paints.
Let’s see.
Denise says
Hi Ria! I’d be curious to hear your results!
Zoa Short says
How did it turn out? Would love to know!
Tracy Wright says
Hi I am a bit confused, it was my understanding that chalk paint was made from natural ingredients, if you are adding paint to the mix how can it be natural.
Regards Tracy
Denise says
Hi Tracy! Some brands of Chalky Paints are natural – some are not. If you’re using Chalky Paints for the 100% natural-ness, these recipes are not for you. They do contain latex (water based) paint. However, for anyone looking for budget conscious way to achieve a beautiful chalky finish, the above DIY recipes are a great alternative to pricey brand name versions.
TerriT says
Hi, Denise. Thanks for the fabulous article. Funnily enough, It has given me the idea of how to make my own thick paint for raised stenciling…in any color I want! That is truly awesome.
BTW, I have found calcium carbonate in 50 lb bags delivered free to my doo (!) online for a fraction of the price 3 those tiny containers I could get locally would cost me.
Kate says
OMG can’t believe I found this article. Will definitely subscribe! Thanks so much. Just one question…a commenter above said he got white spots after sanding a dark color. I plan on using a very dark purple. What is your experience using very dark colors?
Denise says
Hi Kate…welcome and thanks for subscribing! 🙂 When using dark colors with any of the above recipes, a thorough mixing is the key. I like to use an old hand blender which mixes my DIY recipes perfectly. Another tip, one of our readers suggested, don’t sand the last coat. Apply and then topcoat. Have fun with your project Kate.
Susan says
Thank you for sharing but I have a question, if you don’t mind! I also use this recipe but always with latex flat paint, have you ever used this recipe with satin or eggshelld finish latex paint? If so does it work out just as well?
Denise says
Yes, it will work Susan but the flatter the paint – the chalkier the finish.
Gus says
Thanks for posting. I was going to pick up some plaster a Paris but I have a lot of un-sanded grout left over that I had no idea what to do with.
Paula in Colorado says
Thanks for the recipe. I looked up the atomic structure of calcium carbonate and found that it’s about 1 atom different than powdered lime (that we use for our lawn and camp toilet). I got a 50 lb bag of powdered lime at Home Depot for $12. They didn’t sell it in smaller bags. If I keep it dry, it lasts forever. I found it mixes well and creates a very smooth chalked paint that is easy to apply and easy to sand. I told the paint department people at HD about it and showed them pictures of my creations. They were impressed and are starting to teach people how to make their own chalked paint using lime. The powdered lime is in the masonary department, not the gardening department.
Kristin says
Paula, I found a product from home depot called hydrated lime and another called chemical lime. Both of these are in the masonry department in 50 lb bags. Are either of these what you used? Thank you!
Amanda Maddox says
I just ordered the calcium carbonate! So I want to be sure I have this correct. 2 parts paint one part cc. So for instance 2 cups of paint and 1 cup cc. It seems like so much powder? How hard was it for you to get it mixed well?
Tammy says
Thanks for the list to make the Chalk Paint. Can you tell me how you applied the paint to the furniture; paint brush etc; cloth and will you tell me from where online did you order the #1 choice of yours! Would truly appreciate it! Thanks again, Tammy
Denise says
Hi Tammy! These pieces were brush painted. There’s also a link (in the blog post in the paragraph under my #1 choice) to the brand of Calcium Carbonate I use. 🙂
Sylvia says
I used the rustolium chalk paint and even after waxing it after it washes off. Does the plaster of paris mix wash off as well?
Denise says
Ohhh nooo! I’ve never had any of these diy recipes wash off Sylvia.
Cathie says
I just brought and used a can of rustolium chalk paint. While it was only $12.95 for a quart can, it was very thin. At least 3 coats, 4 if I wasn’t distressing. Won’t purchases again. I’ve used the plaster of paris recipe often with great results. Professional furniture painter told me name brand chalk paint will normally hold up better in heavily used situations.
Ann says
I want to try this but I want to tint it to a costal blue. Is there a way and what do I need .
Thank you
Denise says
Hi there Ann! No need to tint. Simply buy the paint in the coastal blue color you like and add the chalking ingredient.
Erin Free says
Did you use a special paint brush or roller?
Denise says
Hi Erin! I’ve used cheap dollar store brushes, nice Purdy brushes and even foam rollers. No special brush is required. 🙂
Colin Bayler says
What a great piece. Thanks for doing all the testing in order to find what works best. Just found out about chalk paint and planned on buying it for some wood pieces. Glad I found your article. The brand name product has ridiculous prices. Now I can finish my project at an extremely reasonable cost and do it with the best paint.
Michelle says
I wanted to leave a comment to be helpful to other readers. I have been using the POP recipe and CC recipes for about 2 years now, I have your page bookmarked as a constant reference for my forgetful self, lol. One thing that is very important is when using the Plaster of Paris recipe with darker colored paints after sanding you will get white speckles throughout your project. It is unavoidable, so I would recommend only using POP on light colored projects. Just wanted to warn people of that as I found out the hard way.
Denise says
Thanks for bookmarking 🙂 and sharing Michelle! Great tip. x
Lisa Rader says
Hi,
Do you use a finishing wax or polyurethane after painting?
Denise says
Hi Lisa! Either or depending on the piece. Here’s more info on whether to wax or poly. Hope it’s helpful. 🙂
Sarah Mayer says
Does the plaster or calcium lighten your paint color…I assume it does…but by how much?
Denise says
Hi Sarah! No, I’ve never noticed any color change in any of my projects.
Michele Alessandrini says
I was wondering if anyone has tried corn starch mixed with the latex paint. I appreciate the examples of all the different products that you have tried. I’ve done the plaster of Paris and do like that combination.
Thanks!
Joni Bennett says
found calcium carbonate at garden store. its used for adjusting ph 🙂 painting a kithchen island and dresser and headboard this weekend!!! excited to try it
Kate Smith says
This post was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for sharing for all of us!! BTW, I just ordered a 5 lb bag on Amazon for $12. So excited to try it!! :))
Danie says
Denise,
Thank you for all the work you put in to this. It’s so helpful. I recently bought a bookshelf and was planning on painting it with chalk paint using the plaster of Paris recipe. My question would be do I need to use some kind of sealant on it or is it just painting and done? Thank you!
Denise says
Hi Diane! I’m an advocate of protecting all the work that goes into painting a piece so I like to top coat and protect. Chalk paint is quite porous and tends to easily pick up dirt, oils etc when not sealed. Nice project btw.
Rita says
I want mine a different color, do you buy whatever color you want and then add the baking soda and does it stay on well?
Denise says
Yes Rita. You buy whatever color you like and then add the chalking ingredient of your choice. They all adhere very nicely.
Jessica says
I’m currently in the process of painting a piece and really wanted a different color than the cream that I had. As I sat and pondered ideas, it crossed my mind that I had a ton of gel food coloring on my cabinet
Lisa says
Have you tried the DIY version on fabric?
Denise says
Hi Lisa! No, I haven’t tried any of these DIY chalky paints on fabric yet – but I’d like to. When I do, I’ll be sure to post the results. 🙂
Coral says
Calcium Carbonate is used for home brewing. I was able to find it at a local liquor store that carries home brewing supplies. It wasn’t cheap, but I didn’t want a huge amount. I wanted to give chalky paint a try. I painted a vanity I got from Lowe’s similar to Duck Egg Blue and then added a cream color lightly over the top, then distressed it. Still working on sealing it. I’m not able to get Annie Sloan paint shipped to Alaska without paying a hazardous materials charge. Just the price I pay for living in this beautiful place, so I’m resourceful instead.
Denise says
I’m so glad you’ve found CC in your area Coral! My sister and I took a 7 day Alaskan Cruise out of Vancouver about 8 years ago – GORGEOUS! We visited Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Dawson City (Yukon) and Anchorage (where I couldn’t believe a burger and fries were $18!) and you’re so right BEAUTIFUL! A place/trip I’ll never forget. 🙂
Donna Kolb says
Hello, I bought an unfinished dining set and used milk paint to finish it. Came out Beautiful !! That being said, I used a furniture wax to protect it and it looks so beautiful but that was 3 years ago and I keep a plastic cover on the top because people put hot coffee cups on it, hot plates etc. My question is can I recoat the top with a poly product over the wax? Thank you so much. ….Donna
Denise says
It’s not ideal Donna. Rule of thumb is wax can be applied over poly but not poly over wax. Here is some more info that may be helpful in switching top coats. There’s some great tips in the comments readers have left.
Karen Schroeder says
Hi, I have used your recipe # 2 many times and have used several coats of wax to seal. I have someone who wants to buy a coffee table from me and has a two year old that is learning to walk. i.e. holding on to it to get up, foods etc. She says she has washed her last table ( not chalked ) several times a week. Will this work? Maybe a slightly damp dish cloth with a drop of soap. I use more wax if I have a spot to clean but I am not disinfecting a table for a baby. Any ideas?
Denise says
Hi Karen! Wax is pretty durable and forgiving but harsh disinfecting products are not recommended for cleaning. You’re absolutely right when you say mild soap and water on a soft cloth will remove most of what grubby little hands might leave behind. If eventually the wax wears away from frequent cleaning, another coat can easily be applied.
Kathy says
Thank you! I am giving it a try this afternoon. So tired of paying a high price if I can do it myself or make it myself! I came here to find out about the cleanup of DIY chalkpaint and learned so much from you! Thank you again!
Jill says
Hi, would you please be able to tell me what brand of latex paint and the name of the white paint you used on the pieces you tested for the chalk recipes? I am going nuts looking for the right white to paint my end table and I really love the white you used. Thank you!
Denise says
Hi Jill! Behr’s “Cottage White” in eggshell at HomeDepot. 🙂
Jill says
Thank you Denise! Wow…that’s interesting…Cottage White happens to be the only paint I own. I bought it in the eggshell finish a couple of years ago to paint my first project, which was a shabby, beachy, headbooard I made from a piece of pier I found on Treasure Island, Florida. I didn’t know about chalk paint then, but I prepped very well and the headboard paint job came out really well. The only problem I have with it-now that it has completely cured-is that the color looks way too yellow to me. Maybe using the chalk paint recipe will give me the same beautiful white you have. I will get a sample to try. I have gone white crazy and will get about seven different Behr white variations. Something should work…Haha 🙂
Denise says
I love whites too! 🙂
amy says
I’ve been told not to use paint/primer….can’t hardly find paint anymore with out primer. Is it OK to use?
Denise says
Yes, I’ve used paint+primer all in one and it turned out just fine Amy. Having said this, it’s best to test a small area first. 🙂
Rachael says
Do all off these mixes need to be sealed with a wax or poly? Waxing is such a pain lol and poly is just as bad
Denise says
Hi Rachael! Chalk style paints are porous and may attract dirt and oils easier than other paints. After restyling your piece, the extra step to protect your beautiful work is ideal. 🙂
Linda Palmer says
If mixed with exterior house paint would any of these DIY recipes be waterproof? I need an inexpensive “filler” primer for weathered boards. The topcoat would be full strength exterior house paint. Thank you!
Denise says
Hi there Linda! These diy recipes (or any chalk type paints) are not anymore waterproof than the latex paint you mix them with.
EllieB says
Exterior paint is formulated with elastomers so that it adheres on an exterior surface and can still expand and contract.
I believe it also has something added to it that exterior bugs don’t like and it has a nasty bad odor.
I can’t think of a dire circumstance where I would use exterior paint indoors but … If you’re going to…. DEFINATELY use OUTSIDE in a WELL VENTILATED area. Let dry for up to a week or more prior to bringing indoors.
That being said… I would never do this… again.
Just not a good idea at all.
There’s a multitude of interior paints to choose but if you’re like me… I cross the line and live dangerously once in awhile.
Did it once on a wall after realising I was using exterior paint as the label had paint on it and had to be like a CSI detective to reveal. The house stunk like chemicals for over a month. Don’t want to think about what I inhaled. Lucky it was summer!
Judy ijkandnoel says
This sounds amazing! I will be trying the CC mixture, but this is for chairs which will be used on a daily basis and the old paint is already in bad shape! Heavy sanding needed here? And would wax protect for usage here, or would you go poly?
Denise says
Hi Judy! If the old paint is already in bad shape, sanding sufficiently to remove any flaking or chipping paint is ideal. Your chalk painted chair will only look as good and wear as well as the foundation it’s painted over. As for the topcoat, I would go with what you prefer the look of and/or what is easier for you to apply. When chairs have a seat cushion and/or upholstered seats, I often wax even if they are high traffic chairs.
Zoe says
Great article, can lime be used to replace calcium carbonate.
Denise says
Thanks Zoe! 🙂 And I’m not sure… I’ve never tried using lime.
Lisa B says
Here’s what I used, and it worked great — line chalk!! Yes, the blue powdered chalk you can buy for making chalk plumb lines, comes in a round plastic squeeze bottle, it’s cheap, and I added it to a pale green blue paint sample pint I had, and it turned it the shabby chic turquoise blue I wanted! I just mixed until it had a thicker than paint consistency. I bought my goods at Habitat for Humanity’s Re Store for about Six Bucks total and painted two small dressers!
Stephanie says
i totally copied you… they sell WHITE powdered chalk (for the same chalk plumb line purpose) in the small squeeze bottle at my local hardware store, and I’m going to try it tonight. I’ll let you know how it goes!!
THERESE says
WHAT ARE THE RATIOS OF PAINT TO THE !..THIS IS A GREAT FIND
Julie says
What ratio do you use?
Spencer says
Thanks for this great information, Denise. It was extremely helpful and we elected to go the plaster of paris route. To date, we’ve distress/finished and wax-coated two old Singer sewing machines and the top an old coffee table with ornate metal legs. We also got brave and did our kitchen island (finished with wipe-on poly), and so far all projects turned out great! Now, we’re thinking of going REALLY bold and redoing our kitchen/dining room floor and I just wanted your thoughts on adhesion.
We’re extremely pleased with the adhesion of the chalk paint so far, and only surface sanded the finished wood with 180 grit sandpaper before starting. Our floors are pine and I believe finished with a satin poly. In addition to cleaning well, would you recommend sanding prior to refinishing or just using something like TSP? The floors are not in great shape and much of the finish is gone.
Thanks – my wife and I really enjoy your site!
Denise says
Hi Spencer! Hmmm, I’ve never used DIY chalk paint or brand name on floors, but I know others who have and really liked the results. If I were to paint my floors, I would clean thoroughly (tsp), rinse thoroughly, and then give the pine a light sanding to help with adhesion and durability. Annie Sloan sells a Lacquer for Floors, so sealing with this or a similar product would protect and make for easy cleaning. Hope this helps and I’d LOVE to hear how your floors turn out! This is a project I’d like to try in the future. 🙂
Stephanie says
Did you ever try chalk-painting your floors? How did it go?
Patsy says
What can be placed over chalk paint to give it a shine? Do you have a post on the choices for toppings? thanks,,,,
Denise says
Hi Patsy! A wax can be buffed to a really nice sheen or a high gloss poly will do the trick! Here’s a little more info on deciding whether to Wax or Poly.
Julie McDowell says
I have the best calcium carbonate story. I too couldn’t find it in Vancouver so ordered it online for delivery to our mail box in Washington state.
Driving down there, my hubby said, so what are we picking up today.
Calcium carbonate said I.
How much?
20lbs!
So we are bringing a 20lb bag of white powder across the border???
oops!
Was interesting at the border explaining that I wanted it to add to paint. The border guard was so confused he just waved us through!
Denise says
That is hilarious Julie!!! And congrats on your 20lb bag…that’s A LOT of projects! 🙂
Emily says
Thanks for the very helpful post! I’ve done the $45/ hr long drive myself a couple times, Lol.
I wonder if grinding and sifting the Calc Carb will lessen the need to sand? I will try it and see.
Should be available by the pound on Amazon for decent pricing.
Thanks,
Pam says
I cannot wait to try the #1 choice. BTW, I live in Florida. Calcium Carbonate is what is used in swimming pools. Any pool company (or Walmart for that matter) has it in stock.
Nia Lord says
thanks for the heads up, I’m in florida as well! I was wondering why it sounded so familiar!
Pedram Naimi says
Hi, would any or all of these paints work to make an actual chalk board?
Thanks,
Ped
Dani says
Hi Pedram,
you would need actual ChalkBOARD Paint, which is a different product than Chalk Paint.
They do sell Chalkboard Paint at hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot and also on the Internet, in many different colors. It’s very popular so you shouldn’t have any problem finding what you’re looking for.
Robin says
Hi. I saw an episode of Naturally Danny Seo today where he made chalkboard paint and he used recipe #3 minus the water. I was actually looking for his recipe when I came across this blog. I had the same question as Pedram, whether any of these recipes would make black chalkboard paint (using black paint of course). Danny used the paint on brown paper handled bags to make gift bags and then wrote greeting/sentiments in chalk on the bag.
Gina says
You really did your homework and I so appreciate it you for it AND sharing it with us!
I’m going to ask what’s probably a silly question but can acrylic paint be replaced for latex paint?
Thank you!
Denise says
Yes Gina, any water based paint will work. 🙂
Gina says
Thank you!
adriana says
In mexico where would I buy the CC..?? home depot??
or is there a known name for it … what is it used for so I can track it down ??
in advance thank you .
Shannon says
Oh my gosh! You deserve a tiara!!! I thank God for you writing this post. Though I read this post before purchasing anything, I ordered Pure Powder Calcium Carbonate from Amazon (2bottles) the drove to menards for plaster of Paris (because I am very impatient and my amazon order was a week out.) Fortunately I had NO chalk paint experience, so I was determined and didn’t quit even though my plaster of Paris recipe was in a constant state of sludge. Today my CC arrived. Hallelujah! I can not believe the difference!!! I’ll never go back! There is no comparison. I’m so glad you wrote, “My hands down #1 favorite is CC” because I’m not sure I would have tried it had you not been so enthusiastic. Thank you! I’m so excited to finish my project.
Ann says
All of these projects look great! The exact look I am hoping for in a bedroom.To finish these projects did you apply any kind of wax coating or finishing coating?
Denise says
Hi Ann! You can topcoat with wax or poly. Either one works great!
Tina says
Did you apply a coat of wax on any of the projects?
Terry Miller says
Can you tell me if all of these projects have to be finished by distressing? I don’t really want to distress. Will it still look OK? I am wanting to do my bedroom set.
Denise says
Hi Terry! When using brand name chalk paints or diy versions, projects DO NOT need to be distressed. Go with whatever look you like. 🙂
Royce Lenamond says
Denise,
Thank you for all the information that you provided. I read all the questions that were sent in, and saw nothing about possibly using drywall compound (sheetrock mud) to mix in the paint. Have you tried this, or know of anyone that has? I know it’s made from gypsum, and I’m not sure how that stacks up against the CC.
Any help you can forward will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Denise says
Hi Royce! Hmmm, I haven’t tried using drywall-compound/sheetrock in a diy recipes. I believe sheetrock is ‘somewhat’ similar to Plaster of Paris but more heavy duty – so I’m unsure how it would react in paint.
Pamela white says
When using the calcium carbonate mix what are the measurements of the calcium? Do you mix it with water first? Or just put the powder in the paint? What type of paint do you use? Latex???