Affordable DIY Chalk Paint: How To Make Your Own With Baking Soda

Kara S.
by Kara S.
3 Materials
$10
10 Minutes
Easy

I absolutely adore the exquisite finish that chalk paint imparts to any surface. It has become one of my most cherished types of paint. However, it can sometimes be quite costly.

Best mason jars!

Make your own paint and store them in these mason jars that Amazon reviewers swear by!


If you're eager to embark on a DIY chalk paint project but wish to avoid unnecessary expenses, I have an ideal solution for you. In just 5 minutes, I'll share a brilliant 3-ingredient hack that can transform any regular house paint into fabulous chalk paint!

How to make DIY chalk paint with baking soda

1. Gather the Supplies

Before diving into the process, collect all the necessary supplies for your DIY chalk paint project:

  • Baking soda
  • Latex paint (in the color of your choice)
  • Mixing container (plastic or glass)
  • Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or paint stick)
  • Sandpaper (medium to fine grit)
  • Clean cloth or sponge


This recipe will make a little over 1 cup of paint. For a quart of paint, quadruple the amount, but remember that it dries out quickly.

Pour latex paint into a mixing container

2. Measure the Ingredients

Measure out the desired amount of latex paint into your mixing container. For each 1 cup of latex paint, incorporate 1/2 a cup of baking soda.

Add water to the baking soda and paint mixture

Add 3 tablespoons of cold water


Adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on the volume of paint required for your project.


I used a sample size of paint from Home Depot for my desired color but if you have extra paint left over from painting a room or project you can use that!

Mix the ingredients together

3. Mix the Paint and Baking Soda

Thoroughly mix the baking soda and latex paint together using your chosen stirring utensil. Ensure a smooth consistency by eliminating any lumps or clumps. Stir until the baking soda blends seamlessly into the paint.

Applying homemade chalk paint to an end table

4. Apply the DIY Chalk Paint

Using a brush or roller, apply the DIY chalk paint to the prepared surface. Begin with thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Continue applying additional coats until you attain the desired coverage and opacity.


And that's all it takes! This one cup of paint was more than enough to paint my end table and coffee table. After I was done I stored it in a tightly sealed mason jar.


More Clever Baking Soda Tricks

For more ideas, check out this brilliant baking soda sidewalk chalk project.

DIY chalk paint recipe

How to Make Chalk Paint

Here is the finished product! I distressed the finish to get that aged look. I absolutely love it!


Let me know what you'll be painting with this chalk paint hack!

Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 257 questions
  • Mroffpage Mroffpage on Jun 18, 2023

    What if you were to mix the water and the baking soda together first with using warm water to dissolve the mrbestplus soda grittiness and then mixing it into the paint? Just a thought!



  • Sandra Sandra on Nov 19, 2023

    How do you seal it to be waterproof for the table?

  • Bro21879943 Bro21879943 on Dec 23, 2023

    Can the finished painted piece be used like a chalk paint wall to write with chalk on? Clean and use over again?

Comments
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2 of 391 comments
  • Daisy@TX Daisy@TX on Apr 26, 2023

    Thanks.

  • Stefanie Stefanie on May 05, 2023

    What if you were to mix the water and the baking soda together first with using warm water to dissolve the baking soda grittiness and then mixing it into the paint? Just a thought!


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