Home » How To: Chalk-Finish Paint

How To: Chalk-Finish Paint

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I learned how to make chalk-finish paint! I’ll admit, at first I was confused, I thought I was making chalkboard paint and was kind of hesitant because I don’t exactly need a chalkboard anything in my casa these days. But then, I researched chalk-finish paint and was all, “Oohhhh!”

So what is the big deal with chalk finish paint, and why is it better than other paint? The X factor is that it has Plaster of Paris mixed in, so it makes the paint thick and creamy. You don’t need to sand or prime your surface and the best part – it only takes one coat. I put this recipe to the test on a cast-off table that we were going to set out for bulk trash. It’s sturdy, but is worn and weathered and has all kinds of peeling paint residue. Plus, I used it as my spray paint table. I thought it was ready to be put out of its misery.

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See what I mean? Chalk-finish paint to the rescue!

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Here is the recipe to make chalk-finish paint:

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1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris

1/3 cup of water

Mix these together in a plastic bowl.

Add in one cup of Valspar latex paint: I used

Valspar 8-oz Hacienda Tile Interior Satin Paint Sample

and Valspar 8-oz Magenta Base Satin Paint Sample

Stir until thoroughly mixed. I wanted two colors for this table, so I did this whole process twice, once for each color. TIP: A little goes a long way with this paint, so adjust the amount accordingly. The amount above is enough to cover a six-drawer dresser. I had a lot leftover, so I scrambled to find other things to paint.  That wasn’t difficult for me at all…

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Now it’s time to paint. Seriously, as you can see, I did not sand or prime my table.

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It really did take one coat. I did add extra where the old paint chipped.

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I let this dry for about 45 minutes. We have beautiful weather in Arizona right now, so it didn’t take too long.

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Now for the real challenge – the top of the table. I just brushed right over everything. The paint is so thick, it fills in all the gaps. In the end, you can still see some of my spray painted design underneath, but I don’t mind. I like it that way.

As a last step – you can take a clean cotton cloth and rub in Paste Wax in circular motion to give it a sealed finish. I still  have to do that part, but in the meantime, I love how it turned out!

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About storing the paint. It’s tricky because the PofP will start to set. It will become very thick, almost like a paste, which is actually kind of cool because you can use it like a stucco or paint texture cream.

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6 thoughts on “How To: Chalk-Finish Paint”

  1. I am going to be painting a big sixties hutch and would appreciate your ideas as to the process and color and kind of paint I should use. Man at Lowes said it needed sanding, painted with primer paint then I chose a grey for outside a and a red for inside.I am 70yrs and sure want to get it right first time. Then would it need a final shellac or something after that Thank you for any suggestions.

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  2. I love the finish that this paint gives to the table. It is a very unique look and you can definitely see the chalk appearance. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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