Asked on Sep 15, 2014

I need some help on making my own chalk paint?

Mama Bird
by Mama Bird
Is there anyone out there who has successfully made chalk paint. I have several (dark wood) pieces of furniture in my home that I want to paint in chalk paint and brighter up some old furniture. Thanks everyone!
Looking to know how to make chalk paint to do on my headboard.
  18 answers
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 15, 2014
    Thank you Hannah....
  • Terry's Flooring Terry's Flooring on Sep 15, 2014
    I would find a flooring store and buy some "Depenable Patch ..It finer than unsanded grout ..You don't have much working time with patch ( about 15 minutes ) Mix up a batch a lttle thinner than a milkshake and add paint ..Keep all measurements the same all the time ..
  • Dee Dee on Sep 15, 2014
    I use a mixture of premixed joint compound and paint. No need for water because it is premixed. the Joint compound is calcium carbonate which I think make the smoothest surface. I used this on the trim in my bathroom, it filled in little dents and came out looking like new. You can also use this as a primer and paint over it with any latex paint.
  • Janet koons Janet koons on Sep 15, 2014
    I hope this lady does not mind that I put her link here. I'm primarily an Annie Sloan gal, but have tried one of her recipes and it turned out fine. http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/
  • Shari Shari on Sep 15, 2014
    Lots of people are making their own chalk paint these days because some of the commercially made chalk paints can be pretty pricey. There are many different recipes using various things for the "chalky" part. I was going to refer you the same link that @Janet koons did. That blogger tried out 4 different homemade chalk paint recipes and rated each one. http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 17, 2014
    Thanks gals for the insight on the chalk paints. Going to try my first batch soon!
  • Julie Crozier Julie Crozier on Sep 17, 2014
    Another alternative - Chalk-tique Kit. Includes an additive that turns any water based paint into a chalk paint. Kit also includes paste wax, paint brush, rags, sandpaper - everything you need for a project. Just add your own paint - any color
  • Shannon Bickerton Shannon Bickerton on Sep 17, 2014
    I have used this on many pieces: 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup plaster of paris Stir well until completely blended Add 3/4 cup paint (any color water based paint i typically use the Behr Primer Plus Ultra and I buy the 8 oz sampel size for just under $4.00) Again still well. I wipe the entire piece down with a slightly damp cloth and apply. No need to sand. I also stir the mixture as I go....just for good measure. I have used Pale honey, whtie, antique white, and a beautiful steel grey/blue color and all have turned out nicely. The KEY is also eye catching hardware. :) Hope this helps! You have gotten some really good information here above as well!
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 17, 2014
    Thanks Shannon! Also I see where someone is clipping. what does mean?
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 17, 2014
    I love that I can just buy the 8oz sample size. Does the Behr primer plus ultra come in 8 oz samples? Going to try my first project this weekend. A baby changing table. What wax do you use?
  • Shannon Bickerton Shannon Bickerton on Sep 18, 2014
    I think I gave you the wrong name it is Behr Premium Plus and it is primer and paint all in one. I am so sorry!!! It does come in the 8oz samples are lots of gorgeous colors! It is also so easy to sand after to give it the shabby/chic look you may be looking for!
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 22, 2014
    Hi there. Does anyone know of have you heard of any additive that can be added to chalk paint right after it's made to keep it fresh and creamy/or not getting hard in the jar? I made my first patch and it's not quite as creamy as it should be. : (
  • Shannon Bickerton Shannon Bickerton on Sep 23, 2014
    hmmmm.....I have not heard of this. I'm sorry!
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Sep 23, 2014
    I bought some Annie Slone paint and it always stays the same coming out of the can every time. Not thick not thin and I never have to add water when I use it time after time. Why does home made chalk paint require adding water every time I use it. I always keep it in a jar with a tight lid? Also I notice that professional chalk paint has a stronger smell in the can, like a paint thinner smell. Do they use an additive?
    • Shari Shari on Sep 23, 2014
      @Mama Bird What are you using for the "chalk" part of your homemade recipe? If you are using plaster of paris or sanded grout, remember those 2 things normally harden when used in other applications. Calcium carbonate is supposed to make the best chalk paint but I've never tried it because at the time I was interested in trying a homemade recipe, I couldn't find it, so I don't know if it gets thick or hardens too. I suspect the ingredient list of what goes into Annie Sloan's chalk paint is a highly guarded secret. I can only imagine how much money she has made from her chalk paint line so I would presume you would never, ever, in a million years, be able to find out what keeps the consistency of it the same.
  • Dee Dee on Sep 24, 2014
    Calcium carbonate is exactly what is in joint compound. If you buy the premade joint compound in the bucket it stays smooth and soft as long as you keep a lid on the container you are using. It also fills in small dents, and goes on wonderful. You can use it as a primer too. Just paint over it with regular old latex. or whatever paint you are using.
  • Mama Bird Mama Bird on Oct 29, 2014
    Hi Gals, Does anyone know what color is close to Annie Sloan Blue. I think hers is Blue Duck or Blue egg or something like that. I saw a gal post on here awhile back that she found a color very close to that. Thanks!