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
Robin says
I appreciated your info. I wanted to try mixing paint with calcium carbonate, and, like you, had a hard time finding any. Do I did a little asking around. I want to share what I learned …. Calcium carbonate is BASEBALL LINE CHALK. Our high school coach is giving me some to try. I’ll let you know how it works out
Denise says
I’d love to hear how it works for you Robin… and I’m sure other would be too. Nice high school coach! 🙂
Taylor says
Have you been using the USP Precipitated Heavy or just USP for the CC?
Denise says
The Medisca Calcium Carbonate I use is USP Heavy Precipitated.
Taylor says
Thanks Denise. You are the best!
Denise says
My pleasure Taylor. 🙂
Eva says
You can get the calcium carbonate at pet stores! Its used to sprinkle over crickets that you feed to your reptile.
patricia says
Hi Denise, I tried your calcium carbonate mix but it is rougher than I expected.Does it normally need sanding before I wax it? The coverage is great.
Thanks
Denise says
Patricia, the smoothness may vary depending on the Calcium Carbonate used and how well/thoroughly it is mixed in with the paint. I use the Finest Food Grade CC + a blender which mixes extremely smooth. To get a professional flawless finish, I always give it a light sanding before I wax.
Alex says
Great ideas.
Just wondering if you think that I could do an old wooden floor.
Not the whole thing …just maybe a pattern on top.
Denise says
Yes… just make sure it is sealed properly!
Michele says
Can I spray Modge Podge sealant on finished project instead of waxing? What would be the difference in the finish?
Denise says
I’ve never tried Michele, but I have heard of people using Mod Podge as a furniture seal. I imagine the difference would be a harder shiny topcoat vs a “silky” chalk finish which the wax provides.
beverly pockar says
Is the chalk paint with the chemical Carb added safe for children 1 to3 for a rocking chair?
Denise says
Do you mean Calcium Carbonate Beverly? If so, calcium carbonate is safe.
Lisa says
if i use the number one method how long does the paint last
Denise says
The HMCP Baking Soda Recipe should fine for a few weeks (after it will start thickening up and require mixing and possibly a little added water) but I usually only mix as much as I need. It’s much nicer to use immediately after mixing.
Raeanne says
Hi, so excited I have been using a well known brand, and of course love it, but not the price 🙁 My business being a decorative painter is all about doing my best and giving my customers a piece of furniture they love. SO… I am so excited to have read you info here, thank you so much. I have just rang up my local farming supply place and they have 10 kilos( sorry not sure what that is in lbs) of CC for less than $20..What my question is do you think you could mix a good quality tint and the CC or would you need the volume of paint.
Thanks so much from one black duck
Denise says
I’m excited for you Raeanne, unlimited HMCP options await! I hope I understand your question correctly. You want to tint your own paint and then add the calcium carbonate? If so, I believe that will work perfectly, however I’ve never tried using the farming supply CC. If I’ve misunderstood your question, please leave me another comment or feel free to email. Happy New Year!
donna says
Hi Denise
Is it ok to use a clear varnish on the hmcp instead of the wax?
Denise says
Most definitely Donna, I’ve used wax and polyurethane on my HMCP pieces. Just keep in mind, if you’ve painted your furniture white or a very LIGHT color, purchase a NON-Yellowing varnish/polyurethane (or use wax) so your piece remains it’s original color over time.
donna says
Thanks Denise,
I’m now attempting my 1st project and I’m going for the calcium carbonate chalk paint, I found your page very helpful :0)
Fingers crossed!! X
Denise says
WooHoo! Good luck Donna but I’m sure you won’t need it. Feel free to let me know how it works for you! 🙂
jamey says
Thank you so much for your blog!
I’ve seen the non-sanded grout recipe for DIY CHALKBOARD paint and I was wondering if you knew if the other 3 recipes could be used for chalkBOARDS also? (Thought I saw that you’d painted a chalkboard frame with chalk paint and wanted to know if you also DIYed the chalkboard itself!)
Merry Christmas and thank you again!
Denise says
I’m not sure about the baking soda recipe but the Calcium Carbonate, Grout, and Plaster of Paris can all be used for DIY ChalkBOARD Paint. Calcium Carbonate works the best! Happy Holidays to you to Jamey!
Michael says
Thanks for sharing all of your testing results! If you want an even cheaper source of calcium carbonate, most home brewing stores offer it in bulk for about $4/lb or less. It’s also available online for about the same price as the product you recommended.
Melissa says
I was going to use hmcp to paint a picture frame paneled wall and kitchen cabinets. Any tips? I was hoping to not have to sand 🙂
Denise says
9 out of 10 times no sanding is required Melissa. What type of finish is on your cabinets? If your kitchen cabinets are Melamine or have a super shiny surface, it may be a good idea to sand for best adhesion.
Melissa Long says
Thank you so much Denise!!! My cabinets are natural wood stained with a polyurethane type sealant.
Renee says
Thanks for these useful comments. Just wanted to share that plaster of paris may be a hazard if you sand it and inhale it. Will definitely try option #1!
Marcie says
Do you know if Calcium Carbonate is hazardous if you sand it and inhale it like you said Plaster of Paris is? I noticed while checking out the Plaster of Paris at a craft store that it mentioned Calcium Carbonate on the back…just wondering if that’s dangerous to breath as well. Thanks for your feedback 🙂
Denise says
The Calcium Carbonate that I use for my Homemade Chalkpaint Recipe is food grade and VERY safe Marcie, however I ALWAYS wear a mask when sanding. I may do a little more sanding than the “average” person, but whether I’m sanding raw wood/materials, Homemade CP or ANY Brand Name Paints or Stains, my lungs start to feel heavy if I don’t wear a mask. Safety first… even though it’s a pain in the butt sometimes.
Marcie says
Thanks so much for your response. I have purchased NOW Calcium Carbonate powder to try. What kind of Calcium Carbonate do you use and where do you get it? Just wondering if I can get it in a larger container…mine came in a 12oz bottle. Thanks again…you have been SO helpful 🙂
Denise says
My pleasure Marcie. 🙂 I’ve also used NOWFoods Calcium Carbonate Powder and also Medisca which my local pharmacy orders for me. Any “food-grade” fine powdered Calcium Carbonate will work though… regardless of the brand.
Teresa says
Great info.
Calcium carbonate is at any Health store or organic grocery market like Whole foods.
Charlotte says
Hiya, I’m just wondering, when you do the coats to do sand in between each or just sand at the end? these all look really good, definitely going to try them out 🙂
Denise says
You can do either or Charlotte. I typically sand the last coat of chalk paint at the end… unless I want a “super flawless” non distressed finish.
Niki kirke says
I am using chaux blanc ( white chalk) in my lime mortar for repointing stone walls on a farmhouse in France. I wanted to use chalk paint for the interior, plastered walls. So, could I just use the chaux blanc and Matt emulsion paint for this do you think?
Denise says
Niki, sorry, I’m not familiar with Chaux Blanc. If it’s the same a Calcium Carbonate, mixing it with a matte emulsion may work. Before applying to your walls, I would test it on a small “practice” plastered piece. A stone wall farmhouse in France… sound so enticing to me!
Alisha Merrick says
I found the best source for calcium carbonate!! I had a hard time finding it everywhere too and this random diesel website has it. dudadiesel.com/search.php?query=calcium+carbonate I have painted so many things, as I bought all my furniture for my new house from craigslist, and I’ve barely dented my 5 lb bag. I do mix it in a tiny bit of water to make it mix into the paint more smoothly. Too much water will make the paint too thin and runny, though.
Gianna Langlands says
Very interesting and helpful blog!
I am going to experiment with your number one recipe.
Could not find calcium carbonate, but I could find Calcite in an art shop ($3.85 australian per 500 grams) and have been told it is the same thing. Do you think it is true.?
Thank you very much
Gianna
Denise says
hmmm.. Gianna I’m not sure because I don’t have any experience with Calcite…sorry.
Yvonne says
Oh really…Would you be willing to share that recipe as well, then I know it is good because it is coming from an expert and you would have perfected it to a tee. Thank you for replying to me your tips are greatly appreciated as chalk paint is unavailable in my area.
Denise says
Sure.. I posted a “how-to” tutorial for DIY Tinted Wax where I explain how it’s made and used. There really is no “EXACT” recipe as it depends on how dark you want your wax to be. If you follow the tutorial and still need some help, feel free to email me Yvonne.
Yvonne says
I was wondering if you use the dark wax as well, and if you do what brand? Thank you.
Denise says
Yvonne, I do use dark wax but always make my own https://salvagedinspirations.com/tinting-furniture-wax-with-paint/.
Anna Ibarra says
I have already my CC, from Amazon, it was inexpensive. I however, takes me a while to get the courage to try sometimes. It’s call “afraid to fail” syndrome 😉
Just diving in.
Denise says
Oh Anna… I can relate because I often have “afraid to fail syndrome”! Then I ask myself, what’s the very worse thing that could happen? If it doesn’t turn out … I’ll just re-do it! So glad you’re “just DIVING IN” and I’m routing for you!!
Kristi says
I have a bag of calcium carbonate sand left over from my sons recently deceased bearded dragon. Do you think this this work for the paint recipe?
Denise says
I have not tried this CC myself but I’ve have heard mixed reviews from others that have. The best advice I can give Kristi is mix a small batch and test it out before painting on a project.
Marti Van Voorhis says
Have you tried any of your hmcp recipes on pressed wood/laminate furniture?
Denise says
Yes Marti, however sanding/prep is advised for super glossy surfaces such as laminate or melamines.
Gabrielle says
Hi Denise….really enjoying reading all this stuff – thanks. Got a question on laminates/melamine – how can you sand them?
Denise says
A tip for sanding laminates is to use a fine grit sandpaper 180 and sand lightly to take the gloss off. You can do this by hand or a sander but be careful not to over sand because you don’t want to tear the laminate and expose the particle board underneath. After sanding, a high adhesion primer and then you’re ready to paint!
Donna W says
You can also use liquid sand in place of sandpaper and it will wipe the gloss off so you can paint
Betty Assaf says
I am a potter, and make my own glazes. Calcium Carb or whiting can be purchased at a ceramic or pottery supply place. The larger the quantity, the lower the cost per kilo or pound.
Cheryl says
Can you use this paint on brass. We have a vent free fireplace that is framed in brass look. Would this paint cover brass and would it be heat resistant?
Denise says
You CAN use chalk paint on brass however I don’t know how “heat resistant” it would be. To be safe Cheryl, I would stick with an appointed heat resistant paint. POR-20, Black Velvet, or RUST-OLEUM SPECIALTY are a few to check out.
Jan G. says
i only use Behr paint; will try to ammend with more cal-car tonight… thanks!
Denise says
I’ve used Behr many times with my HMCP recipes and it works beautifully. My pleasure and good luck Jan 🙂
Jan G. says
Denise, love finding this info because a bit frustrated at the moment. i made my first batch of hmcp with a recipe from another site of 1 Tb cal-carb to 1 c of paint. last night i started to paint an end table and it is streaking all over; i had actually sanded the piece before reading to make sure i had good bonding. reading your blog you use a much high quantity of cal-carb. do you think i could just more of the cal-carb and what consistency do i need to look for to make sure it’s correct. btw i bought my cal-carb on amazon and it was free shipping. thanks for being a great rescource!
Denise says
Hi Jan, yes adding more Calcium Carbonate to your recipe should do the trick. After adding more CC, the consistency of your paint should thicken up “slightly” and feel “heavier”. If you’re still having problems, there’s a slight chance it may be your paint. I’ve heard other readers having similar problems with Valspar although I haven’t tested it and have no idea why???
Suzette says
My husband makes his own beer and he sometimes used calcium carbonate . He says you can find it at any beer making supply store.
Mesha says
Have you tried any of the recipes that start with the milk and vinegar process? If so how did you find that to perform?
Thanks!
Denise says
I have not Mesha… is this a DIY Milk Paint process?
Chrissie says
Thank you so much for posting this! I just bought 2 dining sets (buffets too!) and a table to start painting on. I have been online all day seeking the right inspiration. I found it. Then I began my search for the best chalk paint and you resolved it! I am so excited to venture into the world of painted furniture!
Denise says
Being inspired is the BEST feeling! Have fun with your dining sets Chrissie and thanks for dropping by and reading!
Jenn says
I work in a pet shop and we sell Calcium Carbonate powder as a supplement for dogs 🙂 so may be worth a try if the chemist doesn’t have it and you want it NOW! 🙂
Love your work by the way! I’ve tried the grout recipe for chalkboard paint on a kids table but am very keen to try the calcium carbonate chalk paint on a buffet i am about to paint
Karina says
hi… you can save money buying the Calcium Carbonate in stores for animals… horse/farmer stores and so… we have them in denmark.. just like this one….hjallerupmaskinforretning.dk/forside.aspx
Super nice site u got… thank u so much from here..
Karina
marlene says
Thanks Denise!!!Your site is very informative and I love it!!!My bedroom furniture is pine and not much of a finish on it..more natural..I was thinking on lightly sanding it…I was also having trouble finding the calcium carbonate.I also checked out the milk paint that you talked about..Im wondering which would be best to use..chalk? or milk paint?which would be the better choice and would the milk paint maybe yellow more?
Denise says
In my opinion they are both great choices for a “cottage” look and if sealed properly, both are very durable. And no worries… milk paint would not yellow more.
Michelle says
I use the plaster of paris method. I use warm water to mix the plaster and water then mix in the paint. I have done several pieces. I can never seem to get the grit to smooth. I am still working on it. I have tried cold water, mixer, boiling the water. Still gritty. I just sand with a fine grade and turns out perfect after it dries. For a color change I use craft paint to tint (97 cents at walmart).
It stores pretty good in a tightly sealed container.
marlene says
Love your work and i have been googling all morning to try to come up with a good chalk paint recipe…I want to give my bedroom furniture a cottage feel…Im wondering what color white paint you used on those two tables?very nice…also do the minwax furniture wax after awhile turn the white furniture yellow? i noticed some people found painting furniture white and using poly and some wax it turned yellowish?Have this happened to you?
Denise says
Good choice Marlene… DIY Chalk Paint is a GREAT way to give furniture a cottage feel! I painted the 2 tables in Berh’s (740C-2) Cozy Cottage OR CIL’s French White. I can’t exactly remember… but it was definitely one or the other…lol. I’ve never had ANY brand of wax turn yellow on me, but yes, over long periods of time, poly can slightly yellow.
Hilda says
Hi Denise, love your website, just about to start my first project with your homemade chalk paint recipe, however, could not find calcium carbonate in my local stores. My husband just found at Home Depot, chalk for using on baseball diamonds, it’s very soft and fine and comes in various colours (white, black, blue and red). Can I use this and if so would the colour of powder affect the paint colour, thanks so much…
Denise says
Hilda, I would recommend staying away from coloured “chalk-like” products as they will change the original colour of your paint. The Finest “People” Grade Calcium Carbonate (a fine white powder used as a human supplement) will give you a Chalk-Like-Paint comparable to any Brand Name Chalk Paint. This CC can be purchased through a local pharmacy or online. Good luck with your 1st project…exciting!
Shanna says
Did you use the chalk found at home depot? Did it work?
Denise says
Shanna, I’ve never tried the chalk at Home Depot. I’ve only purchased the ChalkBOARD paint from HD… I believe it was the Rustoleum Brand.
SL says
Thanks for the great info! I’ve been wanting to try chalk paint but don’t want to drive for hours just to find some, so I think I’ll try one of these recipes instead. I’ve read that with chalk paint you need to seal it with wax or a clear coat to protect it. Do you need to do this with these recipes too? What did you use?
Denise says
Yes, HMCP recipes DO require a wax or clear top coat. I typically use Minwax Furniture Wax or poly.
Amanda Baker says
You mean poly acrylic or polyurethane?? I’m doing my kitchen cabinets and I have three kids plus daycare kids.
Thank you
Denise says
If you’re comfortable working in oils you can use polyurethane…super durable. However I was referring to a polycrylic; a Minwax, Varathane or General Finish brand are all great. Water based is what most people gravitate to these days. Durable, no fumes, easy clean-up. 🙂
Denise says
FYI…Just ordered 50 lbs calcium carbonate for $6.80 at Azurestandard.com. Can’t wait to get started!
Ann Anderson says
I was just getting ready to paint my first piece of furniture, and was shocked to find out how much the paint cost. Then I found you and your brilliant ideas so I am going to get started and I will let you know how it works out. Can I use coloured paint?
kind regards Ann
Denise says
Yes Ann! With HMCP you can choose ANY colour! Exciting… I’m cheering you on and I’d love to hear how it works out for you!
Bobby Holmes says
I wonder if you could add some of the natural pigments made by Earth Pigments to match up some of the chalk paint colors? earthpigments.com
Denise says
I’m sure that would work beautifully!
Sarah Mckee says
Calcium carbonate is actually just a fancy word for “lime”. You can find powdered lime at any feed and seed type place. I bought a 4lb bag of it for $3.95.
Thanks so much for the idea! Love the mixture it makes and how quickly it dries! 🙂
Linda says
I would be cautious with lime, it’s caustic. Use a mask when sanding any of these but especially with lime. I have used pickling lime as well but not a strong as calcium carbonate or POP.
phil says
So ive just painted a toybox with the plaster of paris method and I think its a disaster. I mixed and mixed yet still ended up with hard, gritty lumps of plaster in the paint. They might smooth off with a sand but how am I supposed to get a smooth top layer?
Also, how long should it takeito dry?
Denise says
Phil.. sorry to hear that! If I see the plaster of paris has clumps right out of the box (possibly from being stored in a humid area) I use a fine sieve to separate the powder. Then I use a blender while mixing it with water. Then I use the blender|AGAIN when mixing in the paint. In all likely hood the “grit” will sand out no problem; as it did with my experience with the baking soda recipe. As for dry time, pending on the paint, usually between 30-60 minutes to touch. I always wait longer before sanding.
Name *Julia says
I want to paint the dresser/ changing table for my newborn daughters nursery. It was purchased at babies r us adn has a “finish” to it. Do I need to remove the finish or just paint over it as is?
Denise says
Julia, if it has a glossy finish, I would give it a light sanding and then paint.
Chris says
Hi,
Do you know if any of these paints can be used for exterior furniture? How will it hold up against the elements?
Great blog!
Denise says
Chris, I have NOT tried using any of these recipes on outdoor furniture so I wouldn’t want to say. My “guess” would be if it was protected properly, it may be ok. I believe ASCP claims to holds up outdoors… but I haven’t even experimented with that yet.
Belinda says
By adding linseed oil to it helps with the exterior elements I believe, going from what I read on other sites with the milk / chalk paint
Kathy says
Thank you, thank you!! I found so many recipes wasn’t sure which one to go with… thanks to you I know !! I’m going to go with the calcium carbonate. I’ll let you know how it turns out
Denise says
I would LOVE to hear how it turns out for you Kathy…have fun!
mendi says
Have you ever tried acrylic craft paint with the plaster? I have had trouble finding small latex paint samples at the hardware store, but have loads of craft paint for projects.
Denise says
As far as I can understand, Latex is a generic term for water-based paints. Many latex paints DO have acrylic in them. I’ve never tried any of these recipes with 100% acrylic craft paints, but my guess is there shouldn’t be a problem. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear your results Mendi!
Martin Fry says
Love your work!
My question from the is; Is the latex paint you use the same as the Emulsion paint we have in the UK. If so, do I use vynal, silk or matt emulsion paint or is it all usable?
Denise says
Yes Martin, latex IS the same as Emulsion. To get the best chalk painted “look”, a matte emulsion paint will work the best.
sharon says
do you put a layer of wax on after paint dries
Denise says
Yes Sharon. You apply the was after the paint has thoroughly dried. I often wait 24hrs before applying my wax.
Loretta says
What kind of wax do you use?
Denise says
Loretta, for these projects I used CeCe Caldwell’s and Minwax Furniture Paste.
Pam says
Ok, I ordered and received the calcium carbonate powder. I am ready to make my paint. However, I don’t understand….1 part dry powder calcium carbonate powder to 2 parts paint…how can you do this ratio if one is a liquid and one is a powder. Thanks! I think I am not getting something.
Denise says
Pam, just ‘pretend’ they are both liquid. For example, for small amounts, I use a bakers measuring cup which is 250ml. I add 2 cups of paint to 1 cup of Calcium Carbonate.
Su says
I have just used the calcium carbonate mix on a small unit I have been having trouble with and it covered it brilliantly! I have used plaster of paris and baking soda and the calcium carbonate mix is far superior…..thanks!!
Denise says
Thanks for leaving your success story Su…LOVE hearing them!