How can I DIY Chalk paint

http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/

1 part Plaster of Paris

3 parts paint (matte)

water

1. Use a quality commercial chalk paint. Or for an awesome, super affordable paint use the above recipe. If you are are going to use the homemade recipe, be prepared toremove lumps from the Plaster of Paris. You can use a sifter or break them up with a chopstick or utensil.

1. Use a quality brush. Don't go cheap on this one. I highly highly recommend Purdy brushes. Keep paint away from the roots of the brush and make sure your bristles stay in the same direction. Clean them WELL with warm water. They should be so clean that the water runs clear through them. Lay them in an open area to dry.

1. Clean your project with TSP (tri-sodium-phosphate) before you paint. This is mainly necessary if you bought your piece from Craigslist, Goodwill, or a garage sale. The TSP is a heavy duty degreaser that quickly removes any gunk that may be caked on your furniture. This stuff is STRONG and you don't need a lot of it. I usually mix one or two tablespoons of TSP in a quart sized bowl of hot water. Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemical water, and use a sponge to clean with. (Use a brisle pad when cleaning with TSP will help degrease your furniture

1. Use a disposable bowl or wide mouthed tupperware to hold the paint. If you use a container with a narrow opening, you're likely to ruin your brush by trying to fit it in the hole with every dip you make. By using a larger paint container, it eliminates the chances for clumps to form on your brush.

1. Paint in the direction of the wood grain. If you are having trouble getting the paint in the deeper pockets of the grain, then paint in different directions but ALWAYS go back over the paint in the direction of the wood grain. This looks most natural and, again, will result in a flawless, smooth, finish. That is, of course, unless you want a more random textured finish, in which case: do whatever you want.

1. Wait until the first coat dries completely before you paint a second coat, distress, or wax. If you paint over a semi-dry layer, the paint will "pull" and create a clumpy texture. Chalk paint generally dries within 20-30 minutes depending on the humidity in the air. While you are waiting, keep your brush from drying out by wrapping it in a sandwich baggy and make sure you keep as much air out as possible. Refrigerate your brush if it will be awhile before returning to paint, and pour paint remaining paint into an airtight container.

1. Thin the paint with water for the second coat. You only need to add about 1-2 tablespoons of water to the paint, and mix thoroughly. This will help the second coat spread easier without wasting too much paint. If you forget to thin the paint, that's no big deal, you just might end up using more of it. Also, thinning with water will not change the color of the finish. If you are finishing a dark piece with a light color, you may find you need a third coat of paint, or that you'd prefer not to thin your second coat.

1. For a distressed look, use 150-220 grit sandpaper over the corners and edges to take off the paint. General rule: sand where the piece would naturally distress over time.

1. For an extra smooth finish and to remove any brush strokes or clumps that formed on your finish, use 400 grit sandpaper lightly over the entire piece. This shouldn't visibly remove any paint, but it will be silky smooth to the touch.