What paint to use to make homemade chalk paint?
Instructions
- Mix water and calcium carbonate into a bowl. Mix until it's well blended.
- Pour the latex paint into a bowl. ...
- Using a stirring stick, blend the mixture to make sure the grain of the calcium carbonate is gone.
- The chalk paint should have a "goopey" consistency that is not too runny.
- Generally with white paint, it will take 3 to 4 coats. ...
What is the best quality chalk paint?
- Water-based and odourless chalk paint is safe to use in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces. ...
- Exceptional coverage power makes it possible to achieve great results with just one coat. ...
- Rust-Oleum chalk paint covers up to 14m²/litre, depending on surface porosity and application method. ...
What are the benefits of using chalk paint?
- No prep needed….most of the time.
- No primer needed….most of the time.
- No sanding needed….most of the time.
- Dries quickly.
- Typically goes further. (1 can will paint multiple things)
- Can be thinned and used in a sprayer.
- Blends easier, and nicer, for artistic painting techniques and applications.
- Distresses easily.
- Easy cleanup.
How to get a smoother finish with chalk paint?
Step by step guide to getting a smooth finish with Chalk Paint®
- Sand the surface of your piece of furniture with medium-grit paper to smooth out any prominent textures.
- Add a little water to your tin of Chalk Paint®.
- Apply the paint with a Flat Brush, working in the same direction as the grain.
- *Optional* When the paint is dry, use fine sandpaper – 600-grit or higher – to buff the finished surface.

Can you make regular paint into chalk paint?
Mix 1 cup of paint with 1/3 cup of cool water and 1/3 cup of plaster of Paris. Stir until smooth. Now you've got your own chalky paint.
Can you turn acrylic paint into chalk paint?
If you do want to make your DIY chalk paint from an acrylic paint base, it is highly recommended that you use calcium carbonate, as Plaster of Paris can harden the mixture — which often makes it unusable. What is this? You should also make sure that the acrylic paint you use is all-purpose acrylic craft paint.
Can you make latex paint into chalk paint?
0:414:07Make Your Own DIY Chalk Paint (Easy Homemade Chalk ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd really is just a great way to add a touch of farmhouse style to any project that you're workingMoreAnd really is just a great way to add a touch of farmhouse style to any project that you're working on to make your own DIY chalk paint you're gonna need plaster of Paris water. And flat latex paint.
Is homemade chalk paint any good?
It is more durable than most store-bought brands. You can make it in any color you like. You control the consistency of the paint. It can be easily modified for paint sprayers.
How do you make simple chalk paint?
Using plaster of paris is a cost-effective way to make homemade chalk paint, and you can find it in most hardware or craft stores. However, there's a trick to getting the consistency right. Use one part plaster of paris to three parts flat or matte latex paint for the best results.
How do you make chalk paint?
1:0611:40How to Chalk Paint Furniture | Beginners Guide to ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe paint dip your brush in the paint. And just go for it nice big strokes back and forth brushMoreThe paint dip your brush in the paint. And just go for it nice big strokes back and forth brush strokes go in every. Direction. Try not to overthink it this is intended to be a handcrafted. Process.
Can you use semi gloss paint to make chalk paint?
*You can use any color of paint, but choose a water-based (latex) flat or eggshell paint (not a glossy finish like satin, semi-gloss, or hi-gloss).
Can you use paint with primer to make chalk paint?
When mixing your chalking ingredient with the paint of your choice, you can use eggshell, satin finish, or paint & primer all-in-one. I've tried them all and they all work.
What does adding baking soda to paint do?
So when you add baking soda to your paint it doesn't react with the paint in any way. It just adds texture, the grains of baking soda in the paint create the texture. Baking powder however reacts with the paint and changes it. As you'll see in pictures below the paint bubbles up, making it thicker.
What are the disadvantages of chalk paint?
CHALK PAINT CONS: Chalk paint is thick and leaves brush marks. (Latex paint will also leave brush marks, but last time I used a spray gun for the latex paint.) You can't have custom colors mixed with Annie Sloan paint, though you are encouraged to mix them yourself.
Is chalk paint acrylic or oil based?
Plus, because of its consistency, chalk paint is less likely to drip than regular paint. Chalk paint is water-based, so you can clean your brushes with soap and water rather than having to use mineral spirits.
What makes chalk paint so special?
Chalk paint stands out from other paints because it requires no preparation like sanding or priming. The paint can be applied to almost any surface, indoors or outdoors: floors, ceilings, walls, furniture, glass, metal, wood, concrete, plaster, and even fabric.
What can I use instead of chalk paint?
Latex Paint – The Best Alternative to Chalk Paint for Furniture. The primer takes only 30 minutes to dry. When you're ready, paint the piece with a roller like THIS one. It will also save time on your entire project and gives you a much smoother finish than painting with a brush.
How do you make chalk paste with acrylic paint?
1:529:39How to Make DIY Chalk Paste | Ikonart Stencil + Coco's Chalky PowderYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i just mix it in a one-to-one ratio with the paint. And then you thicken that up a little bitMoreAnd i just mix it in a one-to-one ratio with the paint. And then you thicken that up a little bit and it helps to prevent bleed underneath the lines of your stencil.
Can you make chalk paint with acrylic paint and plaster of Paris?
You can make chalk paint with acrylic wall paint and plaster of Paris. I use the same recipe to make chalk paint with Latex Wall Paint and 100% Acrylic Wall Paint. In fact, I generally call all wall paint "latex paint" even when it's actually acrylic wall paint.
Can you turn gloss paint into chalk paint?
*You can use any color of paint, but choose a water-based (latex) flat or eggshell paint (not a glossy finish like satin, semi-gloss, or hi-gloss). First, mix together the Plaster of Paris with the water until completely smooth. Then add in the paint and mix well.
What Is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is paint that is thicker than regular paint as a result of the inclusion of a thickening agent such as calcium carbonate. Not to be con...
Why Make Your Own?
There is no denying it – chalk paint can be quite expensive, which makes affordability the number one reason for choosing to make your paint at hom...
What Are the Ingredients in Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint usually has latex paint as a base, and then some form of thickening agent that could be calcium carbonate (chalk), plaster of Paris, or...
Is Homemade Chalk Paint as Good as Store-Bought?
Many people would argue that DIY chalk paint is more durable than paint you might find at the store, but it depends on the chalk paint recipe you u...
What Are the Pros and Cons of Chalk Paint?
The main benefit of chalk paint is that it provides a medium that can help you to achieve a distressed effect when sanded, which is much harder to...
What Is Chalk Paint and Why Use it?
Chalk paint is a special type of paint that allows you to create an antique finish on your surfaces and furniture. It has a base of latex paint but...
What Is the Difference Between Chalk Paint and Regular Paint?
What makes chalk paint different from ordinary paint (such as acrylic or latex paint) is that it is much thicker because it contains an additive th...
What Is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is paint that is thicker than regular paint as a result of the inclusion of a thickening agent such as calcium carbonate. Not to be confused with chalkboard paint, it is used to produce the “distressed” or antique effect you might find on older pieces of furniture, while chalkboard paint creates a surface you can write on with chalk in your living or working space.
What makes chalk paint different from ordinary paint?
What makes chalk paint different from ordinary paint (such as acrylic or latex paint) is that it is much thicker because it contains an additive that changes the consistency of the paint. If you make your own chalk paint using the best chalk paint recipe you can find and adapting it to suit your own needs, you can choose the consistency of the paint, while still achieving the antique look on the item you are painting.
How to make paint thinner?
The method? Add calcium carbonate and talc to the paint. The next step is to mix these ingredients for two to three minutes, using a blender or by hand until the paint reaches the desired consistency. If it is a little thick for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of water at a time and stir thoroughly. Repeat this process until the paint is as thin or thick as you would like.
What is the best paint to use on latex?
Aside from this setback, calcium carbonate is the perfect addition to latex paint for the following reasons: It provides a chalky finish, lasts for a couple of days if sealed properly, has a great consistency, and is quick drying.
How long does it take to make chalk paint?
Making your own chalk paint is not rocket science and it will only take a few minutes to mix all of the ingredients needed to produce long-lasting paint that is highly durable. All you need is latex paint, a thickening agent, and possibly water, depending on which thickening agent you choose to add to the paint.
What is the difference between DIY and ready made chalk paint?
When you take the DIY route, you have a wider spectrum of colors that would be available than compared to ready-made chalk paint.
How to thicken plaster of Paris?
First, mix three parts paint with one part plaster of Paris until smooth. Then simply add water to attain your desired consistency.
What Kind of Paint Should you use to mix with?
You can make chalk paint with different kinds of paints such as satin finish or paint & primer all-in-one, but you will get the best results using a flat latex paint.
How to get chalky texture out of paint?
Ensure that your chalking ingredient (baking soda, plaster of Paris or calcium carbonate) is free of lumps before mixing it into your paint. This will help to achieve a smooth velvety texture. You can remove lumps by vigorously stirring with a whisk or fork, or alternatively you can put the ingredient through a sifter.
What is chalk paint?
Chalk paint is a latex based paint mixed with a fine granular powder.
What is the best ingredient to use in chalk paint?
Calcium Carbonate Recipe. Calcium Carbonate is in fact chalk, so it’s the perfect ingredient to have in your chalk paint.
What does a cheap paint brush do?
A cheap brush will give you a more distressed look compared to a smoother finish that a quality brush will give you . It’s much easier to remove any particles or lumps when paint is wet, so keep a paper towel handy and you can touch up as you work.
What is Plaster of Paris good for?
Plaster of Paris adds an extra hardness to paint so this is a great choice for painting over heavy varnishes or top coats.
Where to store chalk paint?
If you have any leftover chalk paint you should store it in a glass container or jar rather than a plastic container. Using freshly mixed chalk paint will give you better results so try to only prepare as much as you think you need for the project at hand.
How to buff wax over chalk paint?
Buffing wax over chalk paint takes some muscle, so keep rubbing the surface with your t-shirt or towel in a sweeping circular motion. You can add another thin coat of wax to build up protection once first coat is buffed well.
How to make a sanding board?
1 Tablespoon of water with 2-1/2 teaspoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder in a bowl. Mix to a smooth consistency. Add the entire contents of the 2 oz. craft paint bottle into the bowl and mix it well into the water and CCP mixture. Stir until smooth .
What paper towel to use to buff wax?
Blue paper towels called Shop Towels work very well for buffing also. I apply a very thin coats of wax with the looped side of the towel. This helps get the wax into tiny grooves and crevices. I use the smooth side of the towel to start buffing the wax and then the t-shirt to bring up the shine.
What is the best ingredient to use for chalk paint?
Calcium Carbonate is my go-to ingredient when I make chalk paint. I no longer use anything else, except if I am doing a table top, I may add a tablespoon of Plaster of Paris (PoP) so the finish will be very durable.
How do you know if you buffed a towel?
You will know you buffed enough when the rag/towel you are using easily glides over the surface as you rub.
Can you use acrylic paint to make chalk paint?
Acrylic paint sold at the craft store comes in a wide variety of colors, using it is even a more affordable way to make chalk paint in any color you can imagine.
Can you use plaster of Paris paint with acrylic paint?
If you use Plaster of Paris or Non-Sanded Grout, when you mix paint with primers and acrylic in into these ingredients, they can harden making the paint unusable. Calcium Carbonate Powder will not, so use it when making chalk paint with acrylic craft paint.
How do I apply it?
After you've applied two coats of chalk paint (or one for a more distressed look), let the paint dry, then finish off with wax, using a wax brush, let dry, and buff with a cotton cloth. Or, for a more high-gloss look , you can top off your chalk paint with lacquer.
What should I put it on?
"It will stick to most everything," says Sloan. "Obviously, you can paint it on furniture , which is what I’ve become famous for. You can dye fabric with it and that’s really lovely. You can make curtains out of drop cloth, say, and dye them. If you have a faux brass chandelier, you can paint that. That’s one of my favorite things. You know when people have those big brick walls that are kind of orangey and really dated? You could paint that very easily, You can paint glass, on the bottom side, you can paint marble. There are some horrible old marble tables. You can paint those. You can paint plastic, not really cheap plastic, but better quality plastic."
Is chalkboard paint the same as chalkboard paint?
Yes, it's different than chalkBOARD paint —here's what you need to know. No, it's not chalkboard paint, nor a sidewalk chalk substitute with which children can paint in the driveway: chalk paint is a versatile color treatment used by designers on furniture, fabric, and more. Though the substance now has many imitators, ...
Can you use water based paint on vintage furniture?
The water-based product can be applied with no sanding or primer, making it an easy option for vintage pieces. Once the paint is applied, it's topped with a wax to give it its unique sheen.
Who is Hadley Keller?
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram. Hadley Keller Digital Director Hadley Keller is a writer and editor based in New York, covering design, interiors, and culture. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
Can you lighten a color with Sloan's paint?
Sloan's particular paint can also be easily lightened in tone, thanks to her own color formula: "Most colors are made with black in them, so when you add white, you get more gray coming out because black is a very strong color," she explains. So there you have it.
What does wax over chalk paint look like?
You can see what wax on chalk paint looks like on the Blue Chalk Paint with Dark Wax Finish on my vanities.
How much plaster of Paris should I use to make chalk paint?
You can make a cup of chalk paint with just one tablespoon of Plaster of Paris. At least that is how much Plaster of Paris I generally use to make chalk paint.
What is chalk style acrylic paint?
Chalk Style acrylic paints are designed to act and look just like chalk paint. So, there isn’t any difference there.
What sheen paint should I use for chalk paint?
I think homemade chalk paint looks best with the low to medium sheen paints; usually called Matte, Satin, and Eggshell.
What kind of top coat should I use over chalk paint?
I mostly use a matte or satin sheen water-based top coat over chalk paint. It’s easy to apply, dries hard, and is very durable. I like this type of water-based poly top coat because it leaves a smooth feeling, professional looking top coat.
How many colors of chalk paint are there?
Many chalk paint brands only sell 30 or 40 colors. And, you generally have to order them online or drive to an “out of the way” store to find that they only have 12 of those colors in stock.
Why use thicker chalk paint?
Some people like to use thicker chalk paint because it’s easier to get visible brush strokes in the paint, for a vintage paint or distressed paint look.
How to thicken chalk paint?
Thin the chalk paint with small amounts of cool water. Slowly stir the paint while adding the water. Unlike latex paint, which develops a skin when the paint can lid is left open, chalk paint has no such properties. This means that you can thicken it simply by leaving the lid open, then stirring.
How to get chalk paint to look white?
An application of special chalk paint wax protects the finish and gives it a pleasing soap-like feel. Apply the wax with a brush or lint-free cloth. W ipe off excess wax with a fresh lint-free cloth . The wax will look white in the container but it applies clear, so do not worry about its initial appearance.
How to sand down chalk paint?
First, paint a thin coat on the item with a high-quality brush or low-nap foam or velour paint roller. Sand lightly with fine grit #220 sandpaper. Your aim is not to sand through the paint layer (as with the two-color distress technique) but to flatten the brush strokes or stipples. Brush or roll on a second coat, then sand again to a smooth finish.
How to paint furniture with two colors?
Chalk-painted furniture with eye-catching depth is often achieved with the two-color distress technique. Sanding sections of single-layer paint reveals only wood underneath. Yet by laying down two different colors and delicately sanding down key sections of the top paint layer, you will expose that lower color layer, not wood. Using a darker color for the bottom layer will produce maximum depth when contrasted with a lighter top layer.
Why did Annie Sloan create chalk paint?
In 1990, Annie Sloan created Chalk Paint in part because she needed a paint that would dry extremely fast. Even though her company is the only one that makes the product called Chalk Paint, other paint manufacturers have since developed similar chalk-style paint products.
What is chalk paint?
Odorless and naturally free of VOCs, chalk paint is a joy to work with and helps to revive old items or make new ones look fabulously old. Chalk style paint behaves differently from conventional paint since it has a mineral content that places it closer to lime wash than to latex paints. With an extremely fast drying time and the option of a final wax finish, chalk paint tends to operate under its own set of rules. With these tips, though, you can easily create unique refreshed furniture with stunning looks and that signature chalk paint velvet texture.
How to get rid of age on wood?
Instead, think about authentic vintage furniture and the areas that would receive the most wear and tear: 90-degree edges, near handles and pulls, high spots, and horizontal work surfaces. Wrap fine-grit sandpaper such as #220 around a wood block or purchase a foam sanding block. Apply light pressure when sanding these areas, since you can always go back and intensify the distressed areas with more sanding. This looks especially nice on things like candlesticks and dressers.
How long does chalk paint wax take to dry?
The wax needs about 21 days to cure completely. During this time, you should not load or use the furniture. If you are in a hurry, you can also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. When the wax is dry, you will have successfully sealed your chalk paint.
How to protect chalk paint?
These can attack wax and varnish in the long term. Instead, use warm water with a little mild detergent or soap.
How long does it take for lacquer to dry?
By the way, lacquer dries very quickly – after only 48 hours it is completely hardened and the piece of furniture can be used again as usual.
Can you seal chalk paint?
Make sure you use the flat brush for this. It is also possible to seal chalk paint if the you apply the paint is in thin layers with a paint roller. Make sure you stir the paint thoroughly before use.
Can chalk paint be sealed?
Sealing of Chalk Paint. Coatings dry much faster and have a higher durability. They are therefore perfect for sealing chalk paint on surfaces that permanently experience high loads. An example would be a tabletop on which people cook and eat every day, and which therefore, has to withstand daily cleaning. Moreover, if you seal furniture ...
Can you seal chalk paint without sealing?
Without sealing chalk paint, it will be susceptible to soiling, and will not stay as beautiful as on the first day. But what can you can you seal chalk paint with? Basically, there are two options here: Varnish or wax. Which option you should choose depends on these factors: Which finish you want to achieve.
Can you take too much wax?
Do not take too much wax, because then it can happen that the wax layer cannot harden properly or takes much longer than you expect. Work slowly with the wax, and prefer to work smaller areas, one after the other. This way, the wax will not dry before you have completely spread it.