Chalk Paint Recipe | Why You Should Use This One
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If you’re serious about furniture flipping and want a quicker turnaround, I highly recommend making your own chalk paint recipe to 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 bottom shelf. I sanded those, but I didn’t want to sand those legs, so I made my own chalk paint and used it as a primer. Many people left comments and wrote me emails asking what my recipe was. I never measure when I cook or when I paint, so I made a point of mixing some paint and actually measuring the Plaster of Paris and the water.
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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.
I recommend trying this paint method for those who dislike prep work on furniture pieces. 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 Gail, what is the benefit of chalk paint versus paint with no plaster in it. Is it more durable?
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. ๐
gail
Thanks Gail! ๐ 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! ๐
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
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! ๐ Thank you! ๐
Reply
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
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.
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
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
Reply
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
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.
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. ๐
Enjoy your new diy experience. I’m here if you have any other questions.
gail
Can you tell me how long this PoP primer takes to dry? (aka how soon can you apply the semi top coat) Thanks
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. ๐
good luck, have fun!
gail
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 ????
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
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!
Reply
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. ๐
gail
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!!
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
Can this be used on outdoor furniture such as a bench?
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
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.
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
Can this be used on laminate furniture, I have a two bookshelves that I would love to update.
Stacey,
It can be used, but the laminate furniture would need to be sanded lightly first, and the paint MUST be sealed after painting.
Gail – do you strain/filter your chalk paint before using it in your paint sprayer?
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
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.
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 ๐
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