How to Make Your Own Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is taking the craft world by storm.  Individuals everywhere are using it to transform old pieces of furniture into beautiful works of art.  It's fun to do, easy to use & takes out the sanding & priming steps on furniture makeovers.

The only downfall with chalk paint is it's price.  It can be a very expensive product to buy.  A couple weeks ago I decided it was time to transform my black furniture in my family room to a more updated color.  I knew I wanted to use chalk paint for this project but didn't fully understand how much chalk paint was until I went to the craft store looking for it.  After a lot of research, trial and error & stained fingers I've finally come up with a mixture that works perfectly  and is a fraction of the cost.

What You Will Need:

• Paint
• Plaster of Paris(Powder)
• Water
• Two Empty Container for Mixture
• Furniture Wax
• Paint Brush
• Vaseline
• Sandpaper
• Rag

The Mixture:

To make the chalk paint mixture you will first need to take your two empty containers.  Mix 2 TB Plaster of Paris to 2 TB of water.  In your other container pour 2 cups of paint. ( I used Duck Egg Blue satin acrylic paint)  Mix your Plaster of Paris mixture until it is completely mixed without any lumps.  Once it is smooth combine your paint mixture with your Plaster of Paris mixture.  Once everything is mixed you are ready to paint your project.

The Painting Process:

When painting with your DIY chalk paint you will need to first paint the edges around your piece of furniture whatever color you would like them distressed as.  For example, you could paint the edges of a nightstand black so when you and your finished piece black shows through.

After you have painted your edges wipe Vaseline on all the edges you have just painted to make the sanding process much easier.

Once that is done it's time to paint your project.  Paint your furniture with a coat of paint, let it sit for at least 3 hours and then paint another coat.  Continue to do that until you reach the appropriate color you are going for.

Once your piece of furniture is completely dry, sand around the edges and parts you painted black underneath.  This will give your furniture a more rustic look.

Lastly, take your furniture wax and a rag.  Rub the wax all over your furniture to give it a finished look.

Creating with DIY chalk paint is a lot of fun & seriously is a little addicting.  I can't wait to use my mixture of chalk paint on my entertainment center in my family room.  Watch for future posts on my transformation process.