How to Make Your Own Chalk Paint

Chalk paint seems to be all the rage these days as decorators look for ways to achieve a professional paint finish with less stress and in even less time. Several big name paint companies have come out with lines of chalk paint, a type of paint finish that is incredibly smooth, flawless, and requires no priming or sanding prior to use. It has a creamy flat finish, and shows no brush strokes when dry. However this style and convenience comes at a price. Expect to pay around $35 a gallon or more for chalk paint. Once you paint a piece or two, you will find yourself heading back for more! This of course can be quite pricey and may make you feel as though chalk paint is luxury you can’t afford. Well think again! With just a few simple ingredients and supplies, you can whip up your own batch of chalk paint and give your own furniture pieces the same flawless finish in half the time. Take a look below at how you can make your own chalk paint and soon be enjoying a stress free painting experience for less!

Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe

Ingredients:
2  cups of paint of your choice. You can choose any color you would like, any brand, just be sure not to use anything glossier than eggshell finish.
1/3 cups of Plaster of Paris. Any brand will do. This will run you around $6 a gallon at your local hardware store. But don’t fret, that gallon will go a long way.
2 Tbsp of room temperature water

Tools:
Bucket
Mixing stick

Directions:
You will flip when you see how easy this is. Once you have gathered all of your supplies, all you need to do is combine them all into a bucket. Using your mixing stick, stir the ingredients well. That’s it! You are now ready to start painting.

It is not recommended that you allow the mixture to sit long. You should try to use it right away so have your intended piece ready. Use your chalk paint just as you would any paint, applying in one to two coats allowing plenty of drying time in between. You do not need to sand or prime before you begin; just wash your piece down gently with a damp cloth. Whether you roll or brush on your paint, you will notice a super smooth finish that is brush stroke free. It will dry incredibly smooth and your color will look soft yet rich. The finish is quite amazing!

When you mix up your own chalk paint, you mix up some serious savings. This recipe is the perfect way to get the same professional and high end results for less. Give this simple recipe a try and you can be painting in no time, enjoying all of the perks chalk paint has to offer. The only difference is, you will be enjoying it for much less.

You can also use this tutorial to make Homemade Chalk Paint Using Calcium Carboante Powder. Once you have made your homemade chalk paint you can follow these 5 tips for perfectly painted furniture, paint a kid’s room wall, or make your own chalkboard.