Ruqayyah Snyder
There are many different recipes for making chalk paint, and it can be a great way to save money and use up leftover paint. One popular recipe uses calcium carbonate powder, which can be mixed with acrylic paint to create a fine powder with no lumps. This recipe is inexpensive and can be used for small projects like painting a mirror. Another recipe uses plaster of Paris, which is mixed with water and then combined with latex paint. This recipe is ideal for larger projects as it creates a thicker paint. Other ingredients that can be used include unsanded grout, talc, and Marilyn's Chalk Paint Powder, which is an Australian product that can be added to any acrylic paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Flat finish or eggshell finish |
| Additives | Talc, Calcium Carbonate, Plaster of Paris, unsanded grout |
| Tools | Paintbrush, roller, paint sprayer, mixer |
| Wax | Annie Sloan's Dark Wax, paste wax, soft wax, beeswax furniture polish, clear wax |
| Cost | Affordable |
| Paint consistency | Thick, creamy, super adhesive |
| Paint colour | Any |
| Number of coats | One to three |
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What You'll Learn
Using chalk powder
If you're looking to make chalk paint with chalk powder, there are a few different recipes you can follow. One popular option is to use BB Frosch paint transformer powder, which can be mixed with normal acrylic paints to create chalk paint. This allows you to choose your desired colour while achieving a finish that is just as high-quality as commercial chalk paints.
Another option is to use calcium carbonate powder, which can be mixed with water before being combined with latex paint. This recipe is inexpensive and creates a smooth finish, although it may require more effort to mix compared to commercial alternatives.
For a thicker, creamier, and more adhesive chalk paint, you can try using Marilyn's Chalk Paint Powder, an Australian product that can be added to any acrylic paint. This powder yields a super-matte and durable finish, making it ideal for various creative projects.
When mixing your own chalk paint, it's important to ensure that the powder is thoroughly combined with the water and paint to avoid a lumpy consistency. You can also experiment with different types of paint, such as eggshell finish, to find the recipe that best suits your needs.
Additionally, you can use a food processor or spice grinder to create a finer chalk powder, which will result in a more professional-looking finish. Always be cautious when grinding chalk, as it's important to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the chalk dust.
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Adding calcium carbonate
The beauty of making chalk paint with calcium carbonate is that you can use any matt emulsion paint, and it will adhere to the furniture without the need for any prep work. You will need to seal the paint with a clear wax, and it will likely dry lighter than the original colour.
You can buy calcium carbonate in bags, and it will last for years. This method is a great way to save money and get specific paint colours in chalk paint form. You can use acrylic paint with calcium carbonate, but not with plaster of Paris or unsanded grout.
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Blending colours
Blending chalk paint colours is a delicate balance of paint, water, and the right amount of pressure with your paintbrush. The key to blending is to make the colours melt together seamlessly. Here are some tips for achieving a flawless blend:
Choose Similar Colours
Start with colours that are close to each other on the colour wheel. The more the colours contrast, the harder it will be to blend them successfully. For example, blending different shades of grey will be much easier than blending black and white.
Prepare Your Base Coat
Apply one to two coats of your base colour and let it dry overnight. A proper dry time of about 12 hours is essential to ensure that all the water has evaporated from the paint. While a heat gun or blow dryer can speed up this process, it is best to let it air dry. If the base coat is not fully dry, blending paint and water on top can cause it to break down and pull away from the surface.
Work in Small Sections
Focus on small areas at a time to reduce mistakes and stress. Painting a large piece of furniture? Paint one door or drawer at a time instead of the entire piece in one go.
Use the Right Brush and Brush Strokes
Use a high-quality, smooth brush for blending. An inexpensive, dense, or coarse natural brush will not give you the desired results. Practice different brush strokes and pressures to see what works best. Use soft, gentle strokes and let the paintbrush do the work.
Thin Your Paint
Since chalk paint is water-based, it can easily be thinned out with tiny amounts of lukewarm water. Slowly stir while adding the water to achieve a well-mixed, thin consistency.
Use a Misting Bottle
Use a misting bottle instead of a regular spray bottle as standard spray bottles deliver heavier droplets that can leave watermarks.
Add Colour Gradually
Use a small amount of colour and water to keep your paint moveable. Start with a tiny amount of your dark or light colour and gradually build up as needed.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Blending chalk paint colours takes time and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try out different colour combinations and brush techniques. Remember, you can always walk away if you're not sure and let your paint dry—you may be pleasantly surprised by how much better it looks once it's dried!
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Sealing with wax
Sealing chalk paint is essential to prevent stains. While wax is a popular option, some prefer using varnish or lacquer.
Chalk Paint® Wax is a popular choice for sealing chalk paint. It deepens the colour of the paint, creating a matte finish. It also protects against fingermarks and stains, and is water-repellent. You can apply Chalk Paint® Wax with a brush or a lint-free cloth, sweeping it over the paintwork and removing any excess wax as you go. The wax will be touch-dry within a few hours but will slowly harden over time, becoming stronger as it cures. It can take up to 2 weeks for the wax to fully cure.
If you prefer a polished finish, you can leave the wax overnight and buff it the next day with a clean, lint-free cloth. You can also achieve a shiny look by buffing the wax the day after waxing.
While wax is a popular option for sealing chalk paint, some people may find the process of applying it labour-intensive. Additionally, for projects that require more protection, a polyacrylic varnish or lacquer may be a better choice. These alternatives provide stronger protection for flooring, skirting boards, and outdoor furniture.
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Using leftover paint
To create your chalk paint, you can mix your leftover paint with various ingredients. One popular option is to use plaster of Paris, which results in a durable paint. Combine the plaster of Paris with cool water—not cold—and stir until it reaches the consistency of skim milk. Then, add your latex paint and mix until completely combined. You can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water if the paint is too thick.
Another option is to use calcium carbonate powder, which is inexpensive and available in small or large amounts. It mixes well with acrylic paint and will not turn the paint into sludge. Simply mix the calcium carbonate powder with water and then add your acrylic paint, stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency.
If you're using dark colours like black or navy, be aware that white specks may appear after the paint dries, which could be due to the plaster of Paris. To avoid this, you can try adding more water or fresh paint of a similar colour to adjust the consistency.
Additionally, you can use talc in your chalk paint recipe, especially if you're using paint with a slight gloss, such as eggshell finish. Talc acts as a matting and anti-cracking agent, helping to reduce the shine.
Remember to mix only the amount of paint you need for your project, as chalk paint tends to thicken or get lumpy if stored for too long. Always store any leftover paint in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
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Frequently asked questions
Chalk paint is a type of paint that can be used to create a chalky or matte finish on surfaces. It is often used in furniture painting and other decorative painting projects.
Making your own chalk paint gives you greater control over the colour, consistency, and finish of the paint. It can also be a more affordable option, allowing you to use leftover paint and purchase only the required amount of paint powder.
You can create chalk paint by mixing chalk paint powder with any acrylic paint. Marilyn's Chalk Paint Powder is a popular option in Australia, and 60 grams of the powder can be mixed with 500 ml of paint.
Combine the desired amount of chalk paint powder with water first, and then add the acrylic paint. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of water and powder to achieve your preferred thickness.
Apply the chalk paint with a paintbrush, roller, or paint sprayer. Depending on the project, you may need one to three coats of paint. After the paint dries, seal it with wax or a clear sealant to protect the surface and add a sheen. You can use sandpaper to distress the paint for a vintage look before sealing.
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