If Annie Sloan chalk paint is too expensive, I have a fantastic and easy DIY alternative you can make yourself. Making your own chalk paint at home is incredibly simple and will save you money while giving you a beautiful, vintage-style finish on furniture. Plus, it’s a great way to customize your paint color to match your space! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create your own chalk paint using just three ingredients: calcium carbonate, water, and latex paint.
What You’ll Need:
- Jar or container to store the paint (optional)
- 1/4 cup of Calcium Carbonate (you can find this at a craft store or online)
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 cup of latex paint (your choice of color)
- Mixing bowl
- Stir stick or whisk
- Measuring spoons/cups
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Before You begin: Important
What I love about chalk paint is that you typically don’t need to use a primer beforehand. However, prepping your furniture properly is still key. I recommend giving it a thorough cleaning, and Krud Kutter works really well for that. After cleaning, be sure to wipe everything down with a tack cloth.
A crucial tip: if you’re painting over furniture with a dark mahogany or orange stain, you’ll want to prime first. Even though chalk paint claims to be no-priming, I’ve learned the hard way that deep stains can seep through and turn your fresh white piece pink. Always check for these stains, especially by looking at the inside of drawers or the bottom of the furniture for any traces of old stain drips. It can save you a lot of trouble later!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Start by gathering everything you’ll need. Make sure your workspace is clean and you have enough room to mix everything. You may also want to lay down some newspaper or drop cloth to protect surfaces from spills.
Step 2: Mix the Calcium Carbonate and Water
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of calcium carbonate with 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir well until the calcium carbonate is fully dissolved. This will create a smooth, milky liquid that acts as the binder for your chalk paint. (in the above picture I used paint colour( to be added later)
Tip: If there are any lumps, keep stirring until the mixture is fully smooth.
Step 3: Add Your Latex Paint
Now, pour 1 cup of latex paint into your mixing container. You can use any latex paint you like—whether it’s a sample size or leftover paint from another project. The color is totally up to you!
Step 4: Combine the Two Mixtures
Slowly pour the calcium carbonate mixture into your latex paint, stirring constantly as you go. Keep stirring until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth, with a thick consistency—similar to regular chalk paint you buy in stores.
Step 5: Adjust the Consistency (If Needed)
If the paint seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water (a teaspoon at a time) to thin it out. *tip I find the thicker the consistency the better the coverage. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add a bit more calcium carbonate to thicken it up. Adjust the texture until you’re happy with how it feels. You’ll be surprised at how well it goes on furniture
Step 6: Test the Paint
Before you begin painting your furniture, it’s always a good idea to test the paint on a small piece of wood or an inconspicuous area of the furniture. This will help you make sure the consistency is just right and that you’re happy with the color.
Step 7: Apply the Chalk Paint to Your Furniture
Now comes the fun part! Using a brush or a foam roller, start applying your DIY chalk paint to the furniture in long, smooth strokes. Chalk paint dries quickly, so work in sections and make sure to cover the surface evenly.
Tip: For an even better finish, you can apply two coats of paint, letting the first coat dry completely before applying the second.
Step 8: Let It Dry & Sand (Optional)
Once your first coat has dried, you can lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) for a smooth, distressed look. If you want to achieve that shabby chic vibe, a little sanding around the edges works wonders!
Step 9: Seal the Paint (Optional)
If you want your painted furniture to last longer, you can apply a clear wax or polyurethane to seal the paint. This step helps protect the finish and adds a nice shine.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Newly Painted Furniture!
Once the final layer is dry, step back and admire your work! You now have a beautiful piece of furniture with a custom finish that’s full of personality.
