What did I do wrong with this chalk paint recipe?

Shannon
by Shannon
I spent HOURS researching home made chalk paint recipes. I have calcium carbonate on order, but wanted to try plaster of Paris while waiting for my amazon delivery. The recipe I used was 1/3 C Plaster of Paris, 1/3 C cool water, 1 C latex paint. I mixed the POP with water and it was thick even before mixing it with the paint! I added it to the paint and quickly got to work. Immediately I had sludge instead of a smooth paint. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong. I'm 0-2 so far and would like to get a win
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 08, 2017

    Heres some recipes for chalk paint that may explain what went wrong. salvaged inspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/

    • Shannon Shannon on Jan 08, 2017

      I went back at it this afternoon using warm water. That helped! the link you shared shows her #1 favorite chalk agent as CC. I ordered it and am hoping it arrives tomorrow.

  • Shannon O- Junkflirt Shannon O- Junkflirt on Jan 08, 2017

    I used to make my own and I would mix about 3 or 4 heaping Tbs into enough water to make a smooth and pour able mix. I also used closer to 2 c paint. I was not an exact measurer but this seemed to work. POP will set up fast so stir quickly and add to paint. For me, I stopped using my own and went exclusively to Annie Sloan. It is expensive but always consistent and worth every penny.

  • Jann Olson Jann Olson on Jan 09, 2017

    I have had great success mixing my own. I do 1 part paint to 1 part plaster of paris. Then I add water to reach the consistency I like. As your using it every now and then you may need to add more water. I painted a bed in the winter and would get tiny bits of dried in the paint. I think because it was cold and I did it in the garage. But they easily sanded off and the bed turned out wonderfully! Hope you have better luck next time!

    • Shannon Shannon on Jan 09, 2017

      Thank you! I'm experimenting today with a few of these suggestions.

  • Jann Olson Jann Olson on Jan 09, 2017

    Also, I have used Annie Sloan and it is great and convenient. A little pricey. Joanne carries and inexpensive brand and I used it on a bench and it worked out great as well.

    • Shannon Shannon on Jan 09, 2017

      Thanks again! Our JoAnn Fabrics doesn't carry any paint, but the hardware store carries some other brand (not Annie Sloan). I am still trying to find Annie Sloan in our smaller ND "city." Fortunately the project I'm working on will have some distressing. I'm going to get through this one, then try different products going forward.

  • Robin Robin on Jan 16, 2017

    Walmart carries Waverly brand chalk paint. Least expensive brand I have found and it is easy to work with, only downside is it is a bit smelly. You can also order it at Walmart.com.


  • Robin Robin on Jan 16, 2017

    Your Hobby Lobby also carries chalk paint.

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 24, 2017

    I use the Waverly brand from Walmart (craft dept) and it is great - highly recommend it too!