Problems with homemade chalk paint

Question

Does anyone have any tips on making chalk paint? I've tried it several times and I never get satisfactory results. I combine 1 cup hot water and 1 cup Plaster of Paris and mix until my arm falls off. I then add 3 cups latex paint and mix well. Its always very gritty and never smooth and the texture on the wood is bumpy. I hate to buy it, it is SO expensive. Any tips would be appreciated; I'd love to know what I'm doing wrong.

Ginger Robinson · Answer

I have used that method, but the recipe is 1 cup paint, 1 1/2 tablespoons cool water and 2 1/2 tablespoons plaster of paris. Make sure you mix the water and plaster first and add to paint. the method I like the best is using Calcium Carbonate- 2 parts paint and 1 part Calcium. It's harder to find but I have never had it gritty

Carole · Answer

If you think the problem is in the mixing, get a paint mixing attachment for your drill and mix the paint with that. No need to give yourself RSI from stirring paint. Let the drill do the work.

Shelly Hasti · Answer

My recipe is 1/3 c Plaster of Paris and 1/3 c water. Mix that together thoroughly. Then stir up your paint and add 1 c of paint. Works EVERY time! If you think, towards the end of your project, the chalk paint is getting too thick just add a tiny amount of water to thin it out just a bit!! I LOVE THIS RECIPE!! I half it a lot as well for smaller projects!! Mine is not gritty either. You will want to use a wax after you distress also to calm down the chalkiness!!

Shelly Hasti · Answer

Here is what my pieces look like with my recipe...

Country Design Home · Answer

I think that your ratio of POP to paint is too much? My recipe is 2 TBLSP Plaster of Paris, 2 TBLSP Water and 2 TBLSP Calcium Carbonate. I mix that into a paste and pour into 2 cups of paint. Works beautifully every time.

Neita Young · Answer

I have been using POP to make my chalk paint recently and have not been having the problem you describe. I have been using just room temperature water. I did some checking and learned that the hotter the water the quicker the POP sets up. What I have been using works better if I use it all in one session and don't let it set for a few days--then I get little clumps along the bottom and sides of the container. 
I use this recipe--3 parts paint to 1 part POP, using enough water to make a pourable gravy texture. 
Calcium carbonate works very well also but is much more expensive. I have purchased mine at health food stores and online. It is food grade. 
I hope this helps. I love using chalk paint!

Neita Young · Answer

I never thought of putting it in the fridge--what a great idea if I have leftovers! I hope you enjoy your painting as much as I have!

Fluffette · Answer

I use 2 Tablespoons PoP...2 Tablespoons tap water...2 cups paint. PERFECT! No grit...no lumps....glides on like BUTTAH! Its the same consistency as the plaster used for a plaster leg cast. It really is perfect. I can even use paint with primer in it with no problems. Love love LOVE this combo. Its really easy to half or double too. I call it the TRIPLE 2 METHOD. Yeah...i know....get a life....LOL!!!!

Fluffette · Answer

BTW....I also just use flat white paint (the cheap stuff for like $20 bucks a gallon and add my own paint colorants. SOOOOOOO MUCH CHEEAPER!

Cathleen · Answer

Hi! I think it’s the primer in the paint. Try finding a paint without primer in it.

Problems with homemade chalk paint

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Problems with homemade chalk paint

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