Homemade chalk paint~ Part 1

First to clarify-- in case you are not familiar with this product-- chalk paint is NOT to be confused with chalkboard paint. It can be applied to surfaces without the need of sanding or priming. It is versatile; it can be thinned with water to use as a wash to let wood grain show through. Or it can be painted on to give a chalky look. I love products that allow me to be creative!

Chalk paint was created by Annie Sloan in Oxford, England. "Annie Sloan developed her now famous Chalk Paint to answer the need she had for a paint which would have many uses from acting like limewash to looking like old painted furniture and that had a good range of colour that could be extended by the user. This paint is very easy to work with and allows people to be creative as one doesn't get involved with the technicalities of preparation and it also allows you to change your mind without hassle." (from Annie Sloan website)

Why homemade? 1.Chalk paint is not widely available-- only through authorized stockists. If you are interested, go here for North American locations. 2.Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is pricey-- $34.95/quart.

How? I first read about homemade chalk paint on Sherry's blog, No Minimalist Here. She gives three different additives possibilities that will yield a chalk paint when mixed with latex paint: calcium carbonate, whiting powder, or plaster of Paris. Her formula calls for 1/3 additive plus 2/3 paint. If needed, you can add a few drops of water.

 

In keeping with my "keep it simple" mantra, I used paint I had on hand-- a sample container of greenish color and some cornflower colored wall paint-- both latex. I also had a box of plaster of Paris on my shelf, so that is the additive I chose to use. I took something from the attic to paint-- a mirror frame that was keeping my attic warm. :)

As with any experimentation, I learned from the process. This is not rocket science. When I mixed up the green paint, I had no problem getting a good consistency. I applied one coat to the mirror frame. It dried very quickly-- in a matter of minutes. So I decided to mix up the other color. This time I got too much plaster of Paris and made a nice ball of cement. Feeling like the mad scientist, I laughed at my invention and let it completely dry out and tried my basketball hand at lobbing it into my trash can. :) Perfect! 

First strokes of green applied-- see, NO prepping!

I remixed the second color-- this time carefully adding small amount of the plaster product. I applied a second coat to the frame. I let it dry thoroughly-- about an hour. By this time, I needed to bring it inside for the night.

2 coats of paint applied-- see what a beautiful day it was!

As I said earlier, this is not rocket science, BUT IT IS A PROCESS... I invite you back for Part 2. ;)

I bet Annie Sloan would say "cheerio!"  :)