DIY - Chalk Paint

DIY Chalk Paint

 

Chalk paint is one of my all time favorite ways to refinish furniture or complete an art project. The chalk paint doesn't require sanding* prior to painting, you can use any color you want, it dries fairly quickly and it gives your piece a nice matte finish. 

*Unless you have a piece of furniture that has a lot of damage, then you may want to do some prep work, i.e. sanding and spackle.

 

You can use Plaster of Paris or dry, sand free tile Grout Mix

(if so be careful of colored grout)

 

 

What you'll need:

• A large bowl you won't want to cook with again
• A measuring cup
• A whisk or old hand mixer
• Plaster of Paris
• Water
• Latex Paint

Recipe:

1 Part Plaster of Paris

Water

3 Parts Latex Paint

 

Important Note:  

• Only make as much Chalk Paint as you will use in about a week, it will tend to get grainy and clumpy beyond the one week time frame.
• A little bit goes a long way about 2 cups of paint was enough to refinish a dresser and have a bit left over
• Chalk Paint has a liquid consistency and will tend to be a bit runny, never put a ton of paint on your brush and make sure you brush-out drips before they dry.

Directions: (example will be enough to cover a dresser with two coats)

• Measure out 1 Part - Plaster of Paris (2/3 Cup)

• Mix in enough water to give it a pancake mix consistency

• use an old hand mixer or whisk

• Add 3 Parts - Latex Paint (2 Cups)

• mix until you see bubbles but not clumps

FINISHING:
When finishing furniture you will want to use a wax paste for sealing and protecting your furniture from future damage like water stains, scuffs and scratches. I used Johnson Wax Paste, you may want to use the wax again in 6 months or so if the piece is in heavy use, like a coffee table.