Asked on Apr 09, 2014

Chalk paint question

Michele Eures
by Michele Eures
After trying the CeCe Caldwell chalk paint, and making my own using plaster of paris, I still am not sure what type of finish I should expect with this paint. I seem to always be able to see brush strokes. Is this normal? And how thick should the paint be?
  10 answers
  • Carol Craven Carol Craven on Apr 09, 2014
    II have not tried
  • Carol Craven Carol Craven on Apr 09, 2014
    plaster of paris but I used baking soda cause that's what I had on hand and didn't want to go town. I use the sample jars, $3.00 at Menard's.. Probably have them at Home Depot or Lowes too. I experimented with ratios and found the best was a scant 1/3 cup of baking soda ( sifted) to 1 cup of paint which is 1 sample jar. Been very happy with it. It will be gritty and have to be sanded but sands like a dream. I use stain over it to shabby it up a bit after distressing a little. @1 result is available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.Michele Eures
  • Elaine Simmons Elaine Simmons on Apr 10, 2014
    Maybe it is your brush. It is important to have a really good brush. I used the plaster of paris and had no trouble with brush strokes. There is also a product called Floetrol that helps eliminate brushstrokes.
    • Michele Eures Michele Eures on Apr 10, 2014
      @Elaine Simmons I do remember hearing about Floetrol but haven't tried it. I'll see if that helps. I do use a good Purdy brush. Thanks!
  • Susan Susan on Apr 10, 2014
    I have made my own "chalk" paint and have tried several recipes. The one that works best for me is with Calcium Carbonate Powder. 2/3 paint and 1/3 Calcium Carbonate (mixed with small amount of water to make a thick paste before adding to paint). I do use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Love it! As for the brush strokes, you could try thinning the paint a bit with water. (Also, the type of paint brush you use effects the look. I use either a sponge brush or a good quality synthetic paint brush such as Purdy) It doesn't go on completely smooth like regular paint but is very easy to "sand" with 220(or higher) sand paper. The smoothest finish can be achieved using very fine steel wool. HTH!
    • Michele Eures Michele Eures on Apr 10, 2014
      @Susan Thank you, I'll try the calcium carbonate mix next. The rustic look I've been getting is fine for some projects, but I wanted a smoother finish for a chair I just did and couldn't get that result. Again, thanks.
  • Tee Tee on Apr 10, 2014
    I have only used Anne Sloan chalk on 2 end tables and yes you will get the brush marks that told me that is the way it works, after I put the wax that they sell it was better. But everyone is talking about the chalk paint from Home Depot so I am going to try that one next
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Apr 10, 2014
    This is how I get a smooth finish with chalk paint..I dip the tip or use a spray bottle of water. I lightly mist what I am painting and paint again. Or I dip the very tip of my brush in water and paint. Try
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Apr 10, 2014
    It on a sample piece and see if this works for you. And I have tons of brushes and always use a better brush. I have had them for years.
  • Savvy Chic Michelle Savvy Chic Michelle on Apr 11, 2014
    @Sherrie said it perfect. I usually have a spray bottle on hand. paint the first coat let dry. Sand very lightly. Noting major just a quick go over. Second coat have your spray bottle with you. Start painting and as you go just lightly mist where your painting use a light touch as your finishing stroke for that section. A light hand will stop you from having strokes. Then if necessary finish with a light sanding again. Very light hand. Extra fine sanding block.
  • Debi McCoy Debi McCoy on Apr 12, 2014
    I would suggest using a sponge brush instead of regular paint brush.
  • Heidiweller Heidiweller on Apr 14, 2014
    Calcium carbonate is definitely the best. Your paint will stay smooth and the application is much easier. Mix the cal. Carbonate with cold water, a small amount of water at a time. The mixture should resemble pudding. I use about 3 good size tbls to a sample size of Valspar paint. Mix until smooth