Chalk paint novice
by
Sian
+4
I bought limestone flour online thinking its the same as calcium carbonate. Surprised it's grey and not white. Will it be ok or will it stay grey?
6 answers
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I don't know if it will change the color of your paint or not but would think it might. Myself, I don't use any of that kind of thing - I found lightweight joint compound to make an excellent chalk paint. It's super cheap and widely available everywhere - at least here in the US it is. I'm not sure if you call it something different there - it's what is used when taping seams in drywall and creating various textures. Basically pre-mixed, ready to go plaster. I've mixed it with everything from semi-gloss floor paint, to satin, to flat and it works beautifully. Best of luck to you!
CinderL
on Jan 08, 2015
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I think it will discolor any light paint. I buy the calcium from the health food store, its a fine white powder and it works better than Plaster of Paris and the joint compound that I tried. I bought mine from The Vitamin Shoppe, its Crystal Calcium, easy dissolve calcium. The brand is www.nutraceutical.com and I think it was 8$?? But it makes beautiful chalk paint with craft paint and flat latex all the way to semi gloss latex, never had a problem. Even with 5 kids wear and tear...
Tania
on Jan 09, 2015
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I prefer the brand Annie Sloan Chalk Paint but having said that, I have tried making my own as well just to compare. I've not tried the Plaster of Paris due to the health risks of breathing the powder into your lungs which is hazardous! I used Calcium Carbonate from the health food store and the paint was lovely and smooth and easy to sand. I also found a recipe that uses cornstarch and it works very well too! Plus it's something that you might already have or if not, you can buy it in the grocery store. It's less expensive than the Ca+ Carbonate. I would only use the limestone flour with darker colors so the grey isn't so noticeable. Heck, you could have fun experimenting if you have old leftover paint around to try! Good luck!!
Sandra Hellewell
on Jan 09, 2015
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The grey will discolor lighter shades. Then again, it is desirable to add a greyish tint to some of the projects. If you will look at old wood it is mostly grey when aged naturally. I would stick with some of the recipes stated above. Joint compound works very well and is so much less expensive than the outrageous prices they charge for the original chalk paint. Hope this helps a bit.
Steve Whitney
on Jan 09, 2015
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I also ordered limestone that has a grayish tint. I did not notice much (if any) change in color. I have since tried Plaster of Paris and prefer it to the limestone or calcium carbonate.
Rusty Sinn
on Jan 11, 2015
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Teri Broberg Thank you so much for your positive input & support re:the health hazard of Plaster of Paris & unsanded grout! I don't think the general public is aware of how dangerous these items are if they end up in your lungs! As a health care professional, trust me when I say, your future good health is worth a lot more than the money you save now making your own chalk paint with these particular additives! Especially when there are alternative additives that are safe! Sian, I hope you find the answers you are looking for and good luck with your paint project!
Sandra Hellewell
on Jan 22, 2015
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