If you're serious about furniture flipping and want to have a quicker turnaround, I highly recommend making your own chalk paint recipe that you can use as a primer!
DIY Chalk Paint Recipe Primer for Furniture Projects
Have you seen this sofa table makeover ? I painted it using my homemade diy chalk paint recipe primer as a base coat. I've never been a huge fan of waxing chalk paint, so I found a better way to keep from having to wax and buff.
This table had a slick finish on the top and the bottom shelf. I sanded those, but I didn’t want to sand those legs, that is why I chose to make my own chalk paint and use it as a primer. Many people left comments and wrote me emails asking what my recipe is. I never measure when I cook or when I paint. So, I made a point of mixing some paint and actually measured the Plaster of Paris
and the water.
DIY Chalk Paint Recipe
I always mix my Plaster of Paris with water before I add it to my paint. Typically, I use a plastic container of some sort--anything that's handy!
This is the magic formula for my DIY Chalk Paint Recipe.
- 1 Cup latex paint
- 2 TBS Plaster of Paris
- 4 tsp water
things to remember when making diy chalk paint:
Mix plaster and water till it’s smooth with no lumps. Pour your mixture into approximately 1 cup of latex paint. This is not brain surgery folks. If you get your paste too thin, add a little more plaster, too thick? add a little water.
Lightly sand your painted piece after the DIY chalky paint dries--before you add your top coat (just as you would with premium chalk paint) Your experience may vary depending on the consistency of the paint YOU are using.
I have been known to save leftovers for up to two weeks in a container with a lid. You may need to add a little water after storing this chalky paint.
Chalky Paint Projects
I have used this paste in all kinds of paint. The ONLY paint it didn’t work with is a primer. It thickened up immediately. Now, when I say it didn’t work…. I did still use it. So, it did work, but it was more difficult to paint.
For those of you who dislike prep work on furniture pieces, I recommend trying this paint method. Because it’s such a flat paint it makes a perfect primer.
Say you’re painting a piece red, no need to buy a special primer, make your own primer with the same paint you’ll be using as your topcoat! You can finish it off however you see fit, with wax, or latex paint. I have even used wipe-on poly to seal this paint. Need more details? See my tutorial on this Red Sewing Cabinet Side Table.
I heard lots of chatter about Turtle Wax, MinWax, and even Johnson’s Floor Wax. I’m sure it’s all a personal preference that has a lot to do with your budget.
Finish Max Sprays Homemade Paint
I spray 99% of my chalky paint primer projects with a HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer
for a flawless finish.
Do you mix your own chalk paint? Do you have a frugal way of sealing your pieces?
gail
Click here to see a chalk paint comparison I did with other ingredients such as calcium carbonate and more.
Check out these other projects I've done with DIY Chalky paint
Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!
Maggie
Have you tried this with acrylic paint? I'm a beginner working on small projects and that is what I've got on hand.
Gail Wilson
Maggie,
It doesn't work with acrylic paint. Generally acrylic paint is flat enough already, especially for a small project.
good luck!
gail
Lori
you guys just reminded me that I need to paint and seal what I call my Flintstone rocking chair that I have. It used to sit on my porch but since I have moved to Nebraska it has to sit out in the elements and I need to paint it and top coat it with marine polyurethane. The problem is deciding on one color!! Most likely it will become blue. Thank you for your posts. They have helped me and I have enjoyed reading them. I may even tackle the end tables and coffee table I inherited from my folks. I would have to settle on a color first and that is a hard choice there are so many pretty colors out there.
Sheila
Hello!
I have been using a formula with plaster of Paris for a while now and every piece I have used it on has held up exceptionally well and is very durable!! I just wish I would have known about it before I repainted my kitchen cabinets because I would have used it in a heart beat! Thanks for all your tips, I really enjoy reading your posts!
Gail Wilson
Sheila,
Thanks for stopping by and telling me how well this paint technique works for you! I love the flat sheen of a good DIY chalk paint!
gail
Kim
I'm confused about "sealing". Can you use polycrylic over latex paint? I painted my porch rockers and would like to be able to make them more durable. The guy in the paint dept. at Lowe's said no but it sounds like maybe I can use it. I LOVE reading your posts!
Gail Wilson
I have successfully used polycrylic over latex (or my diy chalky paint made with latex) many times. I think that polycrylic is not weather proof. The only thing I would recommend for outdoor sealing is marine varnish. Wood is just not made to withstand the elements over time.
If your porch rockers are under a roof, I think that polycrylic would be helpful to extend their life.
thanks for being a friend of My Repurposed Life! I truly appreciate you!
gail
Lindsey
First I want to say I love that you actually reply to all the comments or at least a lot of them, I didn’t read all of them. I’ve seen a lot of chalk paint recipes and most of them are the same, most people say you can’t mix paint and primer with PoP but you just add more water than most people. I had mixed some in a sample of valspar and found out later it had primer in it, it got thick very fast but now I know I just needed to add water. I’m about to repaint a changing table and I wanted the best primer using what I have on hand.
I’m so glad I found your blog now.
Lindsey
First I want to say I love that you actually reply to all the comments or at least a lot of them, I didn’t read all of them. I’ve seen a lot of chalk paint recipes and most of them are the same, most people say you can’t mix paint and primer with PoP but you just add less water than most people. I had mixed some in a sample of valspar and it got hard really fast. I wonder if the formula of the paint you use works better with PoP.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Lindsey! I really try to stay on top of comments, especially those that ask questions. All the paint I use is paint and primer in one. I rarely measure anymore because I've used this formula so many times.
I think the key is to mix the POP with water really well so that there aren't any clumps. Then add the paint to that mixture. I generally spray mine with the Finish Max which means I probably dilute it a little to go through the sprayer (as well as straining it)
All paint is different that's why it's really difficult to get the exact result every time.
wishing you lots of luck and productivity!
gail
Pat Mues
I am repairing and repainting 18th century woodwork with chips and scrapes. Would this paint mixed with plaster act as a filler to help smooth out the finish before top coating? I would expect to sand it.
Gail Wilson
Pat,
I do not think it would act as a filler. Basically it makes a great primer because it goes on with such a flat sheen.
gail
Jennie
Hi Gail, what is the benefit of chalk paint versus paint with no plaster in it. Is it more durable?
Gail Wilson
Jennie
The benefit of the diy chalky paint is that it is very flat. It will stick to almost any surface. That is why I use it as a primer. Left alone, it's not durable at all. In fact it scratches off very easily. However, sealing it with a topcoat of regular latex paint, wax, or a poly product protects the flat paint which makes it very durable.
That's it in a nutshell. I hope it helps. 🙂
gail
Sam
Hi Gail!
Great article! Would this recipe be a good one to paint over laminate kitchen cabinets? I'm trying to weigh out the pros and cons of making my own vs buying something like Annie Sloan. Do you have any advice? Thoughts on sealing a surface like that? There's so much info out there! 😀 Thank you! 🙂
Gail Wilson
Sam
There are so many variables for kitchen cabinets. I painted mine and went through a LOT of steps. You can see the details of that here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/how-to-paint-oak-cabinets/
Were I to do kitchen cabinets today with this diy chalky paint primer, I would do at least 2 coats, and do 2 coats of semi-gloss or gloss over the top. (sanding lightly in between every coat) I know it seems like a lot of work, but kitchen cabinets take a beating. It's been years since I did my cabinets and they are holding up great.
As for Annie Sloan, I don't know what is recommended to seal it for kitchen cabinets.
good luck!!!
gail
Sam
Thanks Gail! 🙂 When you say semi/glossy paint, what do you mean? Mixing plaster of Paris with semi/gloss paint and using that as a sealer (on top of the flat chalky paint) as opposed to wax or poly?
Since our cabinets are vinyl I feel like I need all my ducks in a row before I mess everything up. Haha! Thank you! 🙂
Gail Wilson
Sam,
I have been using satin paint with plaster of paris lately, then using the same color in semi-gloss to seal instead of wax or poly. (because I use the same colors over and over)
In the past, I have used the plaster of paris in semi-gloss, then use the semi-gloss without POP to seal. The key is several light coats. Resist the urge to be heavy handed with the paint--in the long run, you'll be glad you went the extra steps.
gail
Michele
Hi Gail,
I'm a bit of a novice but have just finishes painting the exterior of my house and am about to start on my kitchen.
Can you mix a full- gloss and a semi-gloss (full gloss) together? Same colour but I need to get rid of the full-gloss somehow.
Gail Wilson
I mix any and all paint, but mine is for projects and not a lot of money invested. I would consult the paint manufacturer. Reach out to them through social media, such as facebook or twitter.
good luck!
gail
Candace minhinnick
I bought paint and primer mixed together already and I wanted to use it for chalk paint which I was gonna use for mixing it called chalktique what are your suggestions before I goo crazy on jars with it
Gail Wilson
I have not used chalktique. All my paint that is mixed with Plaster of Paris is mixed in "paint and primer" paint. The only thing that didn't work for me is when I mixed Plaster of Paris with straight out primer. It got very lumpy immediately. (I used it anyway)
I would suggest making a small batch with the chalktique to test it out. Does it recommend using it on paint and primer paint?
If if doesn't work, use Plaster of Paris for the paint you bought.
good luck!
gail
Jo Ann
Love your projects and tutorials. We're just getting started.
Is the recipe you posted the same that you use in your sprayer or just if brushing? We use the Behr ultra Premium but have to thin it a bunch... Even without the PoP...just to spray.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Jo Ann,
Because of what you say about the Behr Premium is why I can never answer the question, "how much water do you add". ALL paint is different. Even Behr paint is different. I just bought some last week, and it is WAY thinner than any I've ever used.
I use the Behr with and without plaster of paris in my Homeright Finish Max sprayer. Once you get a feel for the consistency necessary to spray, it really doesn't matter what you put through your sprayer. 🙂
Enjoy your new diy experience. I'm here if you have any other questions.
gail
janice
Can you tell me how long this PoP primer takes to dry? (aka how soon can you apply the semi top coat) Thanks
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Janice,
This is a very fast drying flat primer. That's what I love about it so much. I apply a couple of thin coats before doing a couple of thin coats of semi-gloss top coat. 🙂
good luck, have fun!
gail
Renee
Hi, I follow Gail closely and bug her all the time with questions. I have had lots of experience with Behr paint and what I have found is that if mixing to paint by hand with PLP, YOU CAN WATER O AN DESIRED CONSISTENCY YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH BUT IF YOU SPRAY ( yes I bought and LOVE MY HOMERIGHT SPRAYER) you need to add more water. Don't forget to strain your paint. You will love the results ????
Gail Wilson
Great reminder Renee!
I've been using my Finish Max and the diy chalky paint primer a LOT this Fall, and yeppers, you need to strain and dilute a little for it to give you the perfect finish.
gail
Pat Hunter
Question about the blue hexagon end table project, but couldn't find a spot to comment on it....just curious as to the reason you distress with the emery board AFTER waxing rather than before waxing. I may nave been doing this wrong all along, but I thought it would be one less layer to remove if I distress before waxing, and also waxing after would protect that exposed distressed edge.....Thank you for your insights here, and all the other good tips!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Pat,
I don't distress a lot, so I don't really have any hard and fast rules. I think it's a little easier to remove the paint evenly after it is waxed. I'd use whatever technique you prefer the best. 🙂
gail
Danielle
Hi Gail!! I have my own furniture painting business as well. I've gone from sanding, priming, and using expensive BM Advance paint (no top coat needed, firm alkyd paint) to using homemade chalk paint. I love how easy chalk paint is and I feel it's stuck on there good which is great BUT when it comes to sealing it, waxing I just can't get it right and it seems any sort of poly absorbs so fast that it gets gummy and streaky. I love how you say you can use it as a primer. I wonder if the Advance paint would be good over top so that there is no need for a top coat. Win win win!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Danielle,
That's why 90% of my projects are done with Behr Semi-Gloss paint (with POP) as a primer, then Behr Semi-Gloss as the topcoat. No waxing or buffing!
I've never used the BM paint. I actually had to wrack my brain to figure out what BM was! LOL
gail
Gretchen
What BM is ????
Gretchen
uppssss! and POP
Lynnea
Can this be used on outdoor furniture such as a bench?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Lynnea,
In my opinion, nothing will totally protect wood furniture projects compeletely from the elements. My best advice would be to seal it with a marine varnish. But that isn't forever. You will have to re-apply every year or so.
gail
Marie
Gail, HELP!! I mixed the formula just as posted, double checked it but the paint got so hard in just a few minutes I had to throw it out. Thank goodness I used only a cup of paint. Do you always spray or brush on? I was using a brush and total failure.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Marie,
Oh my! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I have only had the formula fail one time, and that was in PRIMER paint. It was very thick, but I still used it with a paint brush.
I've never had anyone mention that it didn't work for them. I'd love to know what kind of paint you used.
gail
Stacey
Can this be used on laminate furniture, I have a two bookshelves that I would love to update.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Stacey,
It can be used, but the laminate furniture would need to be sanded lightly first, and the paint MUST be sealed after painting.
Patsy
This is interesting! Would like to give the DIY chalk paint method a try. Would this paint work on metal? I was thinking of painting a metal trunk. thanks,,,,
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Yes, I'm sure it would work on metal. I can't recall if I've ever used it on metal, but I've used regular chalk paint on a touch lamp. You can see that here.
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/edison-bulb-table-lamp/
gail
Kathy Schneider
I use plaster of Paris as well but please be careful not to breathe in the powder or the sanding residue as plaster of Paris is toxic! Not good for the lungs.... Use a good respirator mask.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
agreed, but since I'm really not sanding the Plaster, it's not a big deal. A lot of paint, with a little of plaster. 🙂
thanks for your concern Kathy!
gail
Susan G
Does the paint chip off on any of your projects? I have used my own chalk paint, and I noticed a few chips on the dresser I have painted.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Susan,
No, this diy primer works so well for me that I use it 99.9% of the time. Because it's so flat, it must be sealed with semi-gloss (my favorite) or a poly product, or wax.
gail
Gretchen
what you mean is that the beautiful table/console above( grey) you "prime"it with your homemade chalk paint and the use the regular latex paint as second coat?.. sorry but a little confused!
Gail Wilson
Gretchen,
Yes, I make primer with the plaster of paris with the regular latex paint. I usually do two light coats. Then I use it right out of the can as a topcoat doing 2 more light coats.
I hope this helps.
gail
Maria
Hi! I was wondering if I can use this primer on laminated wood. Should I sand the wood first or can I use it without the sanding part?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Maria
If the laminate is very shiny, I would sand it lightly. Sealing it will be the key to it not scratching off easily. You can use wax or poly, or semi-gloss paint, but it must be sealed.
gail
Maria
Thanks!
Eileen
Awesome. I hadn't thought of chalkboard paint - which I love - as a primer as well! I found you via Pretty Handy Girl Brittany.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Eileen,
I'm happy you found me via Brittany's blog! I hope you find something to inspire you to think outside the box.
gail
Barbara
i have to prime a subfloor to cover a urine stain from my dog before installing the new outdoor carpet. Will this diy chalk primer work to seal the floor? If not do you have other suggestions of what I might do?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
No, I don't think this diy chalky paint primer will work for what you need. I would suggest a real primer--like kilz or something.
good luck!
gail
Cathy
Is chalk paint or real primer like Zinser a better primer?
Thanks!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Cathy,
I suppose it's a matter of opinion about which is better. The reason I LOVE the DIY made from my own paint, is that it IS the color that I'm using for the topcoat. I don't have to have primer tinted, or do extra coats. In addition, it's much more cost effective to use an oops paint to mix the DIY chalky paint primer.
gail
Julie
What sheen do you use to mix for chalk paint? I read somewhere to use flat... Thanks!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I have used everything. The only thing that didn't work was full out primer. I generally use Behr paint and primer in one semi-gloss, then use the paint out of the can (semi-gloss) for the top coat, so I don't have to wax and buff.
gail
Sherrie
Gail - do you strain/filter your chalk paint before using it in your paint sprayer?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Sherrie,
I strain 99.9% of all paint that I use in my Finish Max. The only time I don't is when I open a brand new can that I just bought. It's much easier than dealing with a clog in the nozzle.
gail
Chris
I'm so glad you share all of your info here. I bought some chalk paint this weekend at the flea market and the lady there told me never to use chalk paint in a sprayer. But I knew that I had seen you talk about using it in yours. I just looked back over you FB page and sure enough found where you do use it without any problems. She also me told I should never use latex on furniture because it would ruin the integrity of the piece. Any thoughts on that? I thought I'm not too worried about the integrity of a piece if I'm painting it anyway.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Chris,
I have put all paints in my sprayer with no problem. The finish is awesome! I have been spraying latex mixed with plaster of paris on furniture for years. I guess I lack integrity. heheheh 🙂
I agree with you about it... if you're painting it, what does it really matter? I suppose people who LOVE chalk paint, think everyone should use it. I on the other hand think everyone should use this DIY version. To me, it really doesn't get any easier, using semi gloss with Plaster of Paris, as a primer, then using the same semi gloss without plaster of Paris as a topcoat.
I'm happy you were able to find this post to put your mind at ease.
gail
Kimberly ~ Serendipity Refined
Of COURSE I've made my own chalky paint! And I use Briwax, Liberon Black Bison and Minwax...among others...for waxing.
Lorrie
Have you ever used Briwax...
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
No, Lorrie, I have never used Briwax
gail
Deborah
I have used Briwax and found the finish to be very good, buffing to a buttery finish - it's not as soft as AS wax but it does the job. I am about to experiment with Turtle wax.
Lindsey
Is there any prep work you need to do before going over chalk paint with a latex paint? Thanks 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Lindsey,
You may need to do a very light sanding if you have any high places or lumps. You could even use a brown paper bag. I typically don't do anything.
gail
Erin
Does this work for all different sheens of late text paint? If I had a higher gloss paint would I need to add more plaster of Paris? Which sheen do you usually recommend? (Eggshell, satin, semi gloss, etc.)
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Erin,
I typically use Behr Premium Plus Ultra in Semi-Gloss with the ratio mentioned in this post. 🙂
gail
El
I have made my own chalk like paint once using both POP and powdered calcium carbonate mixed with acrylic paint and water. It turned out great. I have used both wipe on poly and spray on polycrylic to finish my projects. I found wax tedious and it wasn't long before I found the polys as a good substitute. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Sharon
Love this site! My apologies if this has already been asked/answered a hundred times...I will be repainting a cheap old tv stand....one of those shiny, largely pressboard pieces. Seems like this chalk paint primer will be the best choice for a fist coat? And no sanding is necessary beforehand? Thanks for your input!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Sharon,
Yes, I've used it on a LOT of tv cabinets if you look in the thumbnail pictures below you can see all the projects.
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2013/11/repurposed-t-v-console.html
Sometimes on the flat surfaces (as in this table) I sand the top so I can get an extra smooth surface, but never the legs or detailed wood.
have fun,
good luck
Jan
Hello...I used a recipe that was 1/2 c POP 1/2 c H20 and cup of paint....very chalky when dried...can you help? THanks
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Jan,
I would say you used way too much POP, but even using the proper amount of POP the finish will be chalky. Any type of chalk paint, home made or otherwise needs to be sealed with wax, paint, poly or some sort of sealant to protect the very flat finish.
gail
Jan
I'm wanting to get a matte finish over my chalk paint (I came up with the same recipe ratio as you, Gail!). I don't want to use wax because the piece will get too much wear and it needs to hold up, especially the top of the piece. I'm not finding polyacrylic options in a matte finish. The lowest sheen offered is satin - too shiny. Has anyone ever tried adding some POP to the polyacrylic to lower the sheen??
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I asked around and this is the suggestion I got
use the Polycrylic first and then the paste wax over that - this provides the protection and look.
I would try it on a scrap piece first to see if you like the look.
good luck!
gail
Jan
Thanks! Never would have thought of that. And trying it on scrap first is definitely a go. Once the wax is on I would have to sand it off if I don't like it. Had enough sanding!
Kelly
You can melt clear minwax and add a wood stain to get a darker wax.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Thanks for your input Kelly! 🙂
gail
Mindy
Do you water your diy chalk paint any when you use your sprayer or do you use it just like your "recipe" above?
Thanks,
Mindy 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Mindy,
I dilute the DIY chalk paint when I use it in my sprayer. 🙂 I'd love to give you a ratio, but paint is so different. I always thin mine quite a bit. It goes on better when it's thin.
have fun!
good luck!
gail
Donna Mack
I was wondering if you have found a way to make wax that is dark in color like the expensive annie sloan dark wax. Thank you
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Donna,
No, I have not. I do have some of the Minwax dark furniture wax, but haven't used it yet. I know some have said they used shoe polish, but the kind I have does not work.
gail
jeri
got a question on the waxing. if a glass was set on it and you had waxed it would it not leave a "white ring" Just curious.
Jeri
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Jeri,
I have only used wax a handful of times, and I don't own any of those pieces. It's hard to say, but I don't think there would be a ring.
However, the piece I did in this post with the semi-gloss paint, I believe a white ring may be left behind.
gail
Patric Mears
Hi Gail, I just found a link to your site on Facebook. I have a question about the "chalk paint". Could you explain to me what the purpose of it is, and what it looks like when applied? Is it rough textured? Have anything to do with a chalkboard?
By the way I'm a pretty experienced DIY'er so I ask in the spirit of trying to learn a new technique....
Thanks for your help!
Patric Mears
Susan Sinclair
Hi, I have a lot of questions, I'm a first time painter, I've used semi gloss paint on most of my items with good results, however, I've never sealed anything, what is the best cost effective wax or sealer to use? Most items will be for out door wood chair planters but other items are for indoors. Help?
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Susan,
If things are going to be outdoors, they must be sealed. I don't do outdoor stuff because in my opinion, it just doesn't last unless you seal with marine varnish. Minwax has a version, and it's for outdoors. It does yellow a little on white.
I don't believe that wax is meant for outdoor use because it melts in the sun.
I once painted a bench with outdoor paint and didn't seal it- the bench only lasted a couple of years before the paint started peeling, then after that, the wood started becoming damaged from the weather.
I can give you a lot of pointers for indoors, most of which are in this article. My favorite is to use Behr paint with Plaster of Paris as a primer, then use Behr paint as is for a topcoat. If you'd like to seal I recommend Polycrylic from Minwax.
Bobbi Girone
I just love the idea of home made chalk paint! Can you tell me what you have used to apply it? I know the store-bought brands recommend a foam roller but I imagine you have used other things given the fact that you are painting legs and such. Do you still get a smooth, writable finish using other tools to apply it? Thanks for all your awesome ideas!
Bobbi 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Bobbi,
I rarely use this formula for actual chalkboard paint. I primarily use it as chalk paint-which is very flat and will stick to almost any surface with very little prep and sanding.
I apply it with a chip brush or my paint sprayer. I recommend a light sanding between coats for paint or chalkboard use. 🙂
Happy you found My Repurposed Life
gail
Kathleen
Just clarifying. One can use the chalk paint and then seal it with turtle wax and t will stay?
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Kathleen,
I myself have not tried turtle wax to seal DIY chalk paint. I have heard others talk about using it exclusively. I use the DIY chalk paint in a semi-gloss paint and then use the semi-gloss paint without Plaster of Paris as a top coat. Works great!
gail
Kassie
Hi, I just happened to come across this as I was looking up a cheap way to mix my own primer. I am painting my front door red. I was going to go have some primer tinted a pink and then paint over with a semi gloss. Now I am thinking of using the paint I am going to paint the door and mixing with the POP and the water. I have made the chalk paint before and it has worked fine for me.
I am not much a semi gloss painter. I feel with a semi gloss you have to paint "perfect." I distress everything I paint to hide my imperfections. However, I do not want to distress the front door, so I am trying to get this right.
Thanks for any input. Bookmarking this site.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Kassie,
You don't say whether it's a metal door or a wooden door. I think a wooden door is a little more forgiving as far as brush strokes go. I think the key will be to use at least two light coats of POP primer (red) and maybe 3 light coats of red semigloss. You will need to do a very light sanding between every coat to get the best (smooth) surface. Be sure to wipe away all of the dust in between coats. I would recommend using a Purdy paint brush to minimize brush strokes. If it is a paneled door, there are tutorials online as to how to paint -- which panel first etc.
good luck, happy you stopped by and took the time to leave a comment.
gail
Kassie
Thanks for the help. It is a wood door. I will go ahead and splurge on a decent brush you are right I love the Purdy brushes. I usually end up buying cheap cheap brushes and then being too lazy to clean them and tossing them.
Love the site, going to spend the next hour watching Nashville and browsing the site. Thanks again
Criss
So sometimes you use just the primer (no top coat of regular ol' latex) and seal it?
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
I finish it off in all kinds of ways...
top coat of:
latex
wax
wipe-on poly
The paint is so flat that it can't be your final coat. You have to seal it with something... but they choices are endless. 🙂
DairyGodmother
Thanks for posting this. I found this blog when I was specifically searching for anyone who used homemade chalk paint as a primer. I just got into painting recently, mostly as a way to use up all the sample containers I had leftover from choosing wall-color! I know the paint is not as good, but I figured what a great way to try out some recipes with little investment. My first chalk paint recipe used 1.5 cups of paint, half cup hot water and half cup Plaster of Paris. It worked fine, but was thin, and now that I see you recipe it makes sense. It also may be thin because my sample paint is incomplete. But I dont care, it's fun and got me over the nerves of trying something new.
I purchased some polycrylic to use as a top coat, but now I"m curious about wax too. Though I also have carpal tunnel from pregnancy like another poster, so maybe we will wait for wax rubbing! Thanks again.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Happy you found My Repurposed Life!
I love diy chalk paint. I use it all the time. I buy oops paint for $7 a gallon, and mix up the paint as I go along. Love it! I too have a difficult time with waxing and buffing (bad shoulder) I generally use wipe on poly, but have started trying waxing ever so often.
good luck, and have fun! experimenting is half the fun... figuring out something new
gail
Pat
I think I probably make mine the same way. I forget to add it to water first. So I take the long way around and stir, stir, stir...like it's BUTTA!
I especially like the primer aspect of it. Was happy to see that it sticks to silicone caulk too!
Great stuff.
Patricia.
Garth Steele
I don't have my own budget friendly paint recipe that I can use or share, but I do like your chalk paint recipe. I have some old chests that could use some fixing up and this looks like a great way to re purpose them. Thanks!
Mimi
I am gonna try your recipe 😉 I have used my version and find it's always gritty. Probably because I never measure and use too much Plaster of Paris. I always just sand off the grit. It sure does stick like glue 😉 thanks for sharing!
Sylvia
I also missed the camo desk! I have read that with some colors of stain there is bleed through with even the "store bought" chalk paint. The person asking the blogger for help had used Annie Sloan chalk paint over a reddish/orange mahogany color stain. She was not intending to use a different top coat. Interesting that one commenter here was having a similar problem with orangish colored stain.
Maxine
how did the test go with spray painting your chalk paint? I'm buying the plaster of paris tomorrow.
Anne@DesignDreams
Love that PoP!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley
I recently started painting my husband's childhood furniture (it is solid oak, in a dark/orangish stained wood finish) with chalk paint that I purchased (Maison Blanche is the brand, I think?). I've done two coats, and I'm already through one quart of the $40 chalk paint! After two coats, there is still a lot of wood staining coming through the white paint, and the thought of putting another two (or more?) coats of chalk paint on - then waxing it all - is killing me. I'm 8 months pregnant with horrible carpal tunnel, so I'm seriously considering spraying over the chalk paint with a latex satin enamel that I just used on my kitchen cabinets (using my new Wagner sprayer, which has awesome coverage, a smooth finish and is SO fast and easy to use!)
I'm wondering if spraying latex over 2 coats of chalk paint will hold up well? I didn't sand or de-gloss this furniture at all before starting with the chalk paint. Since this is going to be our new baby's furniture, it's going to see a lot of wear and tear over the next few years. Would you recommend this chalk paint as primer method for bedroom furniture - will it hold up fairly well?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Ashley,
Ohh so awful about the bleed.... I'm really of no help there, but I can certainly feel your pain for all the coats AND the cost. I think if the latex paint you're thinking about spraying is a light color, you may still get some bleed. I would recommend speaking to a dealer of the paint to see what they suggest. You've already put so much time and effort into your sweet project.... it needs to work out quickly!
As far as this chalkpaint as a primer.... it's basically to get your latex paint to stick well. The final topcoat or finish will determine how well it will hold up. If I want a piece to be durable, (like my toy box I made recently) I use a Polycrylic sealer. It's water based, low odor, and has a very durable finish.
I hope some of this helps. good luck to you on the project and with your new little bundle of joy!
gail
Terri
I may have to give the homemade chalk paint another try...it was an epic fail for me the first time around!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Well you know I'm a big fan of homemade chalk paint! And I'm on a quest to find the best top coat!
Dianntha
Hi Gail,
Last week was my first attempt at making my own chalk paint and I used the same recipe that you are sharing. I have had good luck with it and I also wondered about using latex on top.. I finished one cabinet and then found our that the handles would be $70 since the spacing of the holes were at an odd distance. I cam straight home and filled in all the holes but was thinking about repainting the entire cabinet and wondered about just painting it without the chalk paint...too funny! Thanks for sharing.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Thanks for your comment!
Handles/hardware are so incredibly expensive. I had handles, and switched to knobs by filling in one hole on each door. 🙂 I love that this recipe is a great primer.... green under green... black under black. (instead of gray) I think it's a no-brainer.
good luck with finishing that huge job of painting cabinets!
gail
Holly
I've never tried mixing my own. I mix paint colors all the time but not my own chalk paint. Someday I will try this and follow your recipe . I wax with Annie Sloan wax....have yet to try any other. When I add poly I generally use wipe on or spray on.
Katy
Thanks, Gail! I'm going to give this a try! How in the world did I miss the camo desk ?!?!? It is awesome! (As are all your pieces).
Katy