Asked on Jun 21, 2019

Is homemade chalk paint as good as store bought?

Judy
by Judy

I will be using a lot of chalk paint on my next project. I am thinking of making my own but was wondering about the quality as opposed to store bought. Any opinions? Also, which recipe is better, the one using baking soda or the one using plaster of paris?

  5 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jun 21, 2019

    I don't think so. Hard to keep consistent. I use Rustoleum brand chalk paint and top coat. Very affordable and can be mixed in any color

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jun 21, 2019

    Hi Judy, I have used a lot of brands of paint (I blog about furniture painting) and I have to say that the homemade ones never seem to hold up long term. (you also have to be cautious with some of the ingredients like plaster of paris). There are many good ones on the market now. The only major difference is that Annie Sloan chalk paint (the original one) had no latex in it. It adheres amazing well to most everything. The store brand (Rustoleum, Behr, etc...) are latex paints with chalk added to them so not a true chalk paint. Hope that helps a bit. Good luck!

  • I agree... I made it once and I felt like the chalk didn't show up on the finished product quite as well as it would have on store-bought chalk board paint.

  • Judy Judy on Jun 21, 2019

    Thanks so much for the information. I will buy my chalk paint from the store.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Jun 30, 2020

    I really like the chalky finish (chalk paint) by DecoArt. I’ve used it in lots of projects and it’s pretty affordable.