DIY Chalk Paint Recipe:

Interested in making your own Chalk Paint? It’s super easy, and you only needs 3 ingredients and a little mixing. I’ve been using this recipe for years and I love it.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Plaster of Paris
• Cold water
• Latex Paint

First, Mix 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris with 1/3 cup of cold water. Your looking for a milk like consistency. Mix, mix, mix! Get out all the lumps.

Second, Add about 1 1/2 cups of latex paint with a satin finish, (any brand or color) to your Plaster of Paris mixture. Stir it all together and your ready to go.

Store your new Chalk Paint in an air tight container or mason jar.

More helpful DIY Chalk Paint tips:

• One pint (16 oz) of paint is enough to apply two coats on a four-drawer dresser.
• Make enough paint for one or two projects at most. If you store homemade chalk paint for more than a week it will probably get lumpy. If that happens, you may still be able to fix it by adding some cold water to your paint and stirring it well.
• While painting, stir your paint occasionally.
• You can roll or brush homemade chalk paint but I don’t recommend using it with a paint sprayer as the residual powder may block your spray.
• Before painting, lightly sand and clean your piece really well. In most cases you don’t need to prime, but if you have a bleeding problem (previous finish residues showing through your paint) you will need to apply an oil-based primer first. To avoid this frustrating experience, test your paint on a small area first and wait for it to dry before painting the entire piece.

Thank Yall, Have fun, make something beautiful!

Erin

Edited to Add:
I know there was some concern that using plaster of Paris could cause the paint to crack and flake off over time.

We have used this recipe for years. We have personally never had a piece crack or flake, and we have never received such a complaint from any of our clients.

1. The amount of plaster we use is not enough to alter the quality of the paint.
2. The key to prevent cracking and flaking is a good foundation, (properly prepping you piece of furniture).
3. Sealing your piece correctly is very important.
4. Proper car of your painted piece is essential.
5. The amount of water we use during the process helps to ensure a smooth even finish.
   If you experience any cracking or flaking with this recipe on your piece over time you simply may not be applying your paint correctly (two thick) or possibly did not do (or are not doing) one of the 5 things I talked about above.
   We go into great detail about all of it in our Furniture Painting Basics Class!

Make sure to follow all safety precautions when mixing the chalk paint. Wear eye protection, gloves, and a mask while handling the plaster. Always follow the safety precautions on the packaging for any materials you use.