Chalk Paint Recipes
If you’re an avid DIYer or furniture upcycler, chances are you’ve heard of this type of paint for furniture. Chalk paint is a versatile and popular type of paint that has become a staple for its ability to transform old furniture into beautifully painted pieces. But did you know that there are chalk paint recipes that you can easily make?
Yes, you can easily make your own chalk paint at home using common household ingredients! It is more cost-effective than buying premade chalk paint for your furniture makeovers.
Pre-made chalk paint brands can be quite expensive, especially if you have a big furniture project in mind. Making your own chalk paint using simple ingredients you can find at home significantly cuts down the cost and saves you money.
You also have more flexibility when it comes to colors. By making your own chalk paint, you can easily mix and match colors to create custom shades that suit your project perfectly. This is especially helpful when trying to match a specific color scheme in your home.
Now, when it comes to the foundation for your chalk paint, it is highly recommended to use flat latex paint. Avoid using paint and primer in one paints as it can affect the consistency and performance of your homemade chalk paint.
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Recipe 1: Calcium Carbonate and Water Method
One of the go-to chalk paint recipes is using calcium carbonate powder, which you can easily find online. It’s the recipe I personally use, and you can easily follow it with just a few steps.
In a small container, dissolve 5 tablespoons of calcium carbonate in warm water until it creates a smooth glaze-like consistency. Mix it thoroughly to make sure there are no lumps left and then add it to 1 cup of flat latex paint.
You can adjust the ratios depending on the amount of paint you need.
I personally don’t measure exact amounts and just eyeball it, but make sure to mix well so that the calcium carbonate is evenly distributed in the paint. This mixture can be stored for many months and still work effectively when needed!
Check out this blog post on how I made this homemade chalk paint recipe and see for yourself how easy it is.
Here’s our DIY emerald green bedside table makeover where I used this chalk paint recipe.
Recipe 2: Plaster of Paris Method
Another popular alternative is to use plaster of paris instead of calcium carbonate powder.
This method also gives great results, but the catch is that the homemade chalk paint made with plaster of paris has a shorter workable time compared to the calcium carbonate powder version. The mixture dries quickly, so it’s best to use it within a couple of days.
The recipe is very similar to the one using calcium carbonate powder. Just make a simple substitution by replacing the calcium carbonate powder with plaster of paris. It’s a quick and easy recipe, as plaster of paris is also readily available in most craft stores or online.
The end result will be similar to regular chalk paint but with a shorter shelf life. If you don’t plan on storing any extra paint, plaster of paris is a great option.
Other Chalk Paint Recipe Alternatives
There are other materials you can use in place of calcium carbonate or plaster of paris, such as a specific type of grout or baking soda.
However, I have not personally tried these methods and cannot attest to their effectiveness. It’s always best to do some research and read reviews from other DIYers before trying out a new recipe.
The calcium carbonate powder or the plaster of paris recipes have proven to work very similarly to regular chalk paint. So, you don’t have to use a different recipe unless you want to play around with different materials.
No matter which recipe you go with, just be sure to mix your powder thoroughly with water before adding it to the flat latex paint. And before you start painting, make sure your paint and chalk mixture is well-mixed too.
Personally, I like to mix the paint in a cleaned-out plastic container like a yogurt or sour cream container. These containers are the perfect size and shape to mix your paint in!
Is homemade chalk paint as effective as store-bought chalk paint?
Some people may argue that store-bought chalk paint is more superior compared to homemade chalk paint. However, with the right recipe and technique, you can get the same results as a store-bought product.
If you are new to DIY projects and have no idea about chalk paint, here’s our blog post about what is chalk paint.
Plus, with homemade chalk paint, you have more control over the ingredients and can make adjustments to suit your specific needs.
Pro-tip: Always test a small area of your furniture piece before painting it entirely. This will give you an idea of how the paint will react and if any adjustments need to be made.
Is it safe to use homemade chalk paint?
Yes, homemade chalk paint is safe to use as long as you are using non-toxic ingredients like calcium carbonate and flat latex paint. However, it’s always a good idea to wear a mask and gloves and use proper ventilation when working with any paint.
Can I use homemade chalk paint on any type of surface?
Yes, you can use homemade chalk paint on most surfaces such as wood, metal, plastic, and even fabric. Before you get started though, make sure to prep your furniture properly by following the steps in this helpful guide on prepping furniture for painting.
And don’t forget to give your furniture a good cleaning to get rid of any dirt or grime. Check out our post on cleaning furniture before painting for some tips.
Can I use leftover paint for my homemade chalk paint?
Yes, you can definitely use leftover paint for your homemade chalk paint. It’s a great way to repurpose old and unused paints instead of letting them go to waste. Just make sure that the leftover paint is flat latex paint and not a paint and primer in one.
Making your own chalk paint is a fun and cost-effective way to transform your furniture pieces. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can create your own chalk paint using simple ingredients that are easily accessible.
Whether you prefer the calcium carbonate or plaster of paris method, both will give you amazing results.
Remember to store any leftover homemade chalk paint in an air tight container for future use and always mix well before painting. So next time you’re planning on giving an old piece of furniture a new life, try making your own chalk paint first!
More Chalk Paint Tips
- Top Chalk Paint Brands
- How To Chalk Paint Furniture White
- How To Chalk Paint Furniture
- Is Chalk Paint Durable for Kitchen Table?
- Rustoleum Chalk Spray Paint
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