Monday, July 30, 2012

My Take On Homemade Chalk Paint


I've been excited to try chalk paint for a while now, after seeing it EVERYWHERE! 

--- Chalk Paint... Not to be confused with ChalkBOARD paint. No, they are not the same!--

 The price, however, was not in the budget! I kept hearing about homemade chalk paint and decided to try it for myself. I've heard good and bad things about it, but honestly I LOVE IT! Which makes me wonder if it has anything to do with which recipe you use, what products you use, and what brand of paint you use also. Who knows! But, if you're interested, I found THIS recipe and loved it!


Homemade Chalk Paint

2 Cups Paint
5 Tbsp. Plaster of Paris
2 Tbsp. Water

 Mix Plaster of Paris into water and stir until combined. Add to paint and stir evenly. (Can add more Plaster of Paris and water mixture if needed.)
  

Note: You can find Plaster of Paris at Home Depot or Lowe's in the paint section. It's in a white, red and black carton and is about $6 for more than enough to last you a looong time! This chalk paint was SUPER easy to work with, didn't get clumpy AT ALL, and mixed perfectly in the paint. Again, I'm not sure how different methods mix or how different brands of paint mix, but I used BEHR and it turned out great.  I LOVE how the finished product looks and feels. To me, latex paint still feels a little gummy when it's dry for a while (until it's fully cured, 2-3 weeks), but this dries completely hardened and feels like it just sticks better.


If you're glazing over chalk paint it's a little more difficult than just regular latex. I say this only because I prefer to use Satin sheen on furniture, which is smoother and easier to glaze over. If you're using flat paints (which I don't recommend), it's probably about the same. Don't get me wrong, it's still easy, you just need to be a little quicker in wiping off the glaze.

I'm sure most of you know this, but if you're not yet familiar with chalk paint, you don't need to spend hours prepping your piece before starting to paint. NO SANDING REQUIRED! That's probably the best part about this stuff!


I hope this gives you a little more info on Chalk paint. I have yet to try the real stuff, although I hear it lasts long and is amazing. But.... I'm still a little hesitant on the price! What about you? Have you tried the real stuff? Or homemade? If so, what are your thoughts?

Linking to:
Miss Mustard Seed

38 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    I've tried the recipe with baking soda. I liked it a lot. I'm like you--I wanted to try out a recipe for it before I shelled out the cash for the real stuff. I think I might try this recipe too for comparison sometime.

    These turned out great! I especially love the one with the chicken wire!

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  2. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    This looks great! How and what did you use to glaze it?

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    1. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      Thank you! I actually didn't glaze this piece. I just distressed the edges and left the paint as is. I wanted it to be white white, so I chose not to glaze :)

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJuly 30, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    I've used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (before I knew there were recipes to make my own). I now use the same recipe posted here and have had success with it. You can make it as thick or thin as you like or as "chalky" as you like with more or less plaster of Paris. I do notice that the AS chalk paint goes on a bit smoother than home made, but, I still use homemade. I like that I can use my leftover latex paint and mix my own colors. I would purchase AS chalk paint again for those special pieces of furniture. It is expensive, but, a little does go a long, long way. The bonus to using chalk paint it the no sanding/priming. Best time saver ever.

    Wondering if you have used the Annie Sloan wax with your home made paint. If so, does it go on the same way and with a good feel?

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    1. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 9:54 AM

      Thank you for your comment! I haven't used the wax yet, although I'm dying to try! I'll post soon if I get to it! :)

      Delete
  4. Three Birds InspiredJuly 30, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    I have used both kinds of chalk paint - the "real" and the homemade. My recipe also uses plaster of Paris and I mix it really well so there are not any clumps, lumps or sandy bits. I waxed mine exactly the same way I waxed my Annie Sloan paint pieces and it worked beautifully. I did notice that my made up stuff does not distress as easily as the ASCP and I think that is a good thing. The home made concoction actually "sticks" harder to the surface than the ASCP. I like using both and will continue to do so. I will admit that the good stuff is what I am using to do my vintage hutch. For shelves, small tables and the like I will use the stuff that I mix up in my kitchen!

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  5. SuperGramJuly 30, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I've never even heard of chalk paint before but I must admit you had me at "no sanding"! Would this be appropriate for kitchen cabinets?

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    1. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 9:56 AM

      I just finished two sets of my mom's bathroom cabinets with this recipe (I added a little more chalk to it) and they turned out great! Make sure to seal over the top of the cabinets though! Kitchen cabinets you always want to seal.

      Delete
  6. sansueyJuly 30, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    I discovered your site via Pinterest. I have a dark entertainment center I have been thinking about painting. This has inspired me to get to it! Thank you!

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  7. UnknownJuly 30, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    This is so stinkin' awesome! I can't wait to try it!!! Would love for you to share at my linky party - http://stringtownhome.blogspot.com...

    Have a great week!
    Your newest follower,
    Heather

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  8. Simply SimplisticatedJuly 31, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    I too have had great success with my own homemade chalk paint and would never spend a small fortune on the "other" brand as i think the proof is in the piece:)Love your transformations!

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  9. AnonymousJuly 31, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    Does it really hold up to wear and tear that well??

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    1. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 9:58 AM

      I think so! :) It sticks to the furniture so much better. Like I said, it dries harder (which might not make sense), but it just seems like it stays better.

      Delete
  10. natasha @ The Secrets of a Southern GirlJuly 31, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Officially no more excuses...off to paint that desk sitting in my garage! Thanks for the chalk paint recipe!!!

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  11. UnknownAugust 7, 2012 at 3:03 AM

    Hi,
    Your decorating services was great. Any ways I just want to ask if is there any possibilities that you could help, gives some tips about how .
    I don’t have any skills about home decors, still I want to try it for me to save money. I was like looking for Mississauga Painters to do the job. Still i don’t know eventually if how would it cost me or save more money than to do it my self.

    Thanks

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  12. KirknesSAugust 7, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  13. UnknownAugust 10, 2012 at 7:48 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  14. Lolly JaneAugust 14, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. UnknownAugust 18, 2012 at 9:10 PM

      Hi! Honestly I'm not sure how Plaster of Paris would hold up in a sprayer, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be good! :) It makes the paint thicker and coarser so I think it would be a nightmare. Every chalk paint piece I've done I've hand painted. Hopefully this helps! :)

      Delete
  15. AnonymousAugust 18, 2012 at 3:42 PM

    I just did the diy version in turquoise in a dresser and want to seal it. Please advise me on what to seal with? Thank you!

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    1. UnknownAugust 18, 2012 at 9:38 PM

      You can seal with just about anything. I used polycrylic on this. Sometime I'll actually try waxing. If your piece is white, do not use polyurathane because it can yellow over time. Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment! :)

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  16. Christie CrevelingAugust 21, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    Are these pieces Just the sides of an old hunky Entertaiment center- Cause we have one ready for the curb- BUT luckily I just saw your blog today and LOVE these... And look forward to trying the paint on them! Thanks! :)

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  17. Christie CrevelingAugust 22, 2012 at 7:53 AM

    Also- how can you add color to the homeade paint recipe??

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    1. UnknownAugust 22, 2012 at 3:51 PM

      Hi Christie! Yes, these pieces are just from an entertainment center! :) So good luck with yours!! We'd LOVE to see pictures when you're finished!

      As far as "how to add color" to the recipe... hopefully I'm understanding this question correctly, but you start out with regular paint (color and brand of your choosing) and add the chalk mixture to the paint. If you mix it in a separate bowl and need to add more paint just add more paint and more chalk mixture also.

      Did that help? Let me know if I didn't understand! :) Thank you for your comments!

      Delete
  18. mamaoffiveboysSeptember 29, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    I am a vintage junkie and reuse all things vintage in my art. I have heard that I could use my paint with fine grout and have a cool chalk paint. Have you ever heard of using grout?
    I love your ideas!

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    1. UnknownMarch 21, 2013 at 5:06 PM

      Hi! Yes I've heard of using grout, but also heard that the Plaster of Paris is smoother. I haven't used the grout personally though, so I can't be sure of that! :)

      Delete
  19. DorisNovember 18, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    I have used both ASCP and what I now call HMCP. My recipe is a little different than yours. More water and plaster of paris. It sands and distresses very well. I know the plus side of chalk paint is the "no Prep" however I still sand and clean when doing heavy use pieces.

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    what is the paint you start off with? Is it a gloss paint or a water based gloss? I really like eggshell paint can i use this? Also i like a smooth finish, can you get this affect using chalkpaint? Thanks for your tips

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    1. UnknownFebruary 15, 2013 at 10:33 PM

      I started off with BEHR paint, satin sheen. It's a latex based paint. I wouldn't recommend using any sheen less than satin because with the plaster of paris in there it flattens the paint so in the end you're left with an eggshell looking sheen. You can get a smooth finish, you just need to make sure you sand in between coats to remove any rough spots! Hope this helps! :)

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  21. SherryFebruary 14, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    With chalk paint, do you wax and then seal, or do you skip the wax?

    Thanks so much!

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    1. UnknownFebruary 15, 2013 at 10:34 PM

      Wax is a form of sealer so I wouldn't do both. With these pieces I just used Polycrylic sealer for my top coat.

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    2. SherryFebruary 16, 2013 at 7:25 AM

      Excellent! Thank you so much for your reply. Much appreciated!

      Delete
  22. ginaApril 1, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    Do you appply this with a brush or roller?

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    1. UnknownApril 19, 2013 at 10:19 PM

      You could do either, although you will probably need to wash out the roller in between coats. I usually use a brush.

      Delete
  23. AnonymousApril 19, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Hello. Need your advice please. Can I chalkpaint with plaster of paris and solvent based paint? Thats the one available for me. Thanks in advance Ivette

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    1. UnknownApril 19, 2013 at 10:20 PM

      I'm not positive, but you should be able to! Maybe do a small test of a little mixture and see how it works!

      Delete
  24. AnonymousApril 20, 2013 at 1:17 AM

    Oh my God, you answer to me!!! I am feeling so happy!! Will try a little bit and will let you know the outcome, many thanks,
    Ivette

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  25. AnonymousJune 20, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    HI,
    I just want to ask the 2cups of paint in your mixture is BEHR paint, satin sheen latex based?Is it interior paint?

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