According to The Spruce, you can expect chalk paint to last between one and five years. How long your paint lasts will often depend on the quality of the materials you use.
Mixing chalk paint with craft paint or other kind of paint
I have a container of Americana Decor Chalk Paint in Delicate that I want to paint a hutch with but I want it to be a little more yellow than it is. Can I add some yellow craft paint to the chalk paint to adjust the color or will that ruin the paint?
12 answers
Dee on Aug 28, 2015
Yes you can add craft paint to change the color. I would not add paint to change the amount ex: quart to gallon.
Bre @ Average But Inspired on Aug 28, 2015
Yes, it should be fine! Good luck with the project! 🙂
Janet Pizaro on Aug 28, 2015
Make sure the paint is the same consisity. Home talk actually has a whole section on chalk paint. Do research before you take yes for an answer.
Tania on Aug 29, 2015
I have added a ton of craft paint the1$ ones to Americana Chalk paint to change the colors and I mix them. I wouldn’t add a latex paint unless its a flat finish. Good luck
Nancy on Aug 29, 2015
I asked Annie Sloan this question, the paint she suggested, was in the artist section of paints, like at Michaels. the “Golden” brand. it is a lot more expensive then your craft paints, but the bonding of the two paints were more compatible.
Linda on Mar 02, 2018
Sounds exactly like an Annie Sloan response, the more expensive the better.
Bre19926832 on Apr 15, 2018
Enjoyed your answer!
Laurie Brennan on Aug 29, 2015
I have added inexpensive craft paint to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Fusion Mineral Paint with good results
Damian Mastnick on Aug 29, 2015
Just be sure to only use flat paint. Also, only add latex paint to latex paint and only add oil based paint to oil based paint. If you want to darken the color be sure to add a paint that is much deeper than what you want because it will become very diffused when you add it to a lighter color.
Rob32422686 on Mar 31, 2018
Would acrylic paint be a latex paint? I have the colour I want to use in acrylic, but want to soften it with white. Which I have in chalk paint. Can I blend these?
HC on Jan 03, 2019
Yes, acrylic and latex is synonymous. You can mix paints with either labeling. The higher the acrylic % the better the paint quality. AND . You can even use a chalk paint to reduce sheen on a latex/acrylic paint such as satin or semi-gloss. So there are many uses when merging a latex/acrylic paint with a chalk paint. However, a matte or flat finish latex/acrylic paint is best when wanting the chalk paint effect to remain unaltered.
Sarah Holden on Aug 08, 2020
Hi – Do the two paints bond well together? Someone I asked basically said they were incompatible compounds – I have lots of eggshell that I would to make more matt. I am concerned about the longevity of the paint if I mix them. thanks.
Getting started: The basics of chalk paint
Chalk paint has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional versatility, elegant matte finish, and distinctive textured appearance. What adds to its uniqueness is the sheer convenience of crafting this paint within the confines of your own home, utilising easily accessible ingredients that await your artistic touch. It’s a great home improvement hack!
To start this creative journey, let’s delve into our recipe that will set the stage for your chalk paint endeavours. First, we need to take a quick look at the things you need.
Ingredients you will need:
- Acrylic paint (colour of your choice)
- Unsanded grout or plaster of Paris (for a smoother finish)
- Water
- Mixing container (plastic or glass)
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring stick
Step 1: Mixing the chalk paint
The first step in this process is mixing your chalk paint. Don’t worry — this doesn’t take too long at all. Here’s what you need to know.
- Choose your base: Start by selecting your acrylic paint colour. It is where you can let your creativity shine – whether you’re going for bold and vibrant or subtle and pastel, the choice is yours.
- Adding the chalky element: Add unsanded grout or plaster of Paris to your acrylic paint for a more authentic chalky texture. Use approximately one tablespoon of grout or plaster for every cup of paint. Adjust the ratio based on your desired finish – more grout or plaster will result in a smoother texture.
- Blending the mixture: Gradually add water to your paint mixture while stirring continuously. Aim for a consistency similar to pancake batter – not too thick, but not overly runny. Achieving this optimal texture will ensure your chalk paint flows effortlessly onto your chosen canvas.
Step 2: Applying the chalk
Now that you’ve successfully concocted your chalk paint, it’s time to apply it to your chosen surface. Here’s what you should do.
- Prepare your surface: Ensure your furniture piece or canvas is clean and dry. Before you begin, wipe your surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or lingering residues. Cleaning it thoroughly helps the paint adhere better and ensures that your final masterpiece will shine bright without any unwanted blemishes.
For furniture, lightly sand any rough spots to create a smooth base for the paint. Grab a fine-grit sandpaper and gently rub it over any areas that feel a bit uneven or coarse to the touch. This quick step might seem small, but it makes a big difference in providing an even surface for the paint to grip onto.
- Start Painting: Use a brush to apply the chalk paint evenly. Chalk paint has a friendly nature that sticks nicely to various surfaces, be it wood, metal, or even fabric. As you paint, remember that even strokes ensure a consistent and polished look, allowing your creative flair to shine through.
Apply two to three coats for furniture, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. Patience is your ally here – giving each coat time to dry before applying the next ensures that your paint job will look professionally done.
- Distressing (Optional): To achieve a distressed, vintage look, gently sand the edges and corners of your painted furniture piece after the paint has dried. This step adds a touch of character and history to your creation as if it’s been through the hands of time. Using fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand areas that naturally experience wear and tear over the years – like edges, corners, and raised details.
Step 3: Add the finishing touches
By this point, you have made your chalk paint and painted your items. However, there’s one last thing you might want to do. Here’s how you can add some finishing touches.
- Sealing the deal: Apply a clear wax or glaze to protect your painted creation. This step adds a layer of protection and enhances the paint’s finish. Allow the wax or glaze to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Adding glitter (optional): For a touch of glamour, mix fine glitter into your chalk paint before application. This simple yet enchanting technique allows you to infuse your creations with radiance, turning ordinary pieces into extraordinary works of art. It works particularly well for decorative pieces and art projects.
How to make chalk paint waterproof
Make your chalk paint waterproof for outdoor projects exposed to moisture by incorporating a waterproofing additive. This clever technique preserves your creations’ vibrancy in rain or humidity.
Start by choosing the right additive, available at local craft or hardware stores. Mix the additive with your chalk paint according to the recommended ratio, ensuring a thorough blend.
After testing the mixture, apply it evenly to your chosen surface using a brush or roller. Once dried, the waterproofed chalk paint forms a protective barrier, allowing your outdoor masterpiece to endure various elements and maintain its allure over time.
Before you get started on this project, learn how to clean outdoor furniture. Preparing your surfaces is key!
How to make pavement chalk paint for outdoor fun
Looking for a new way to keep the kids entertained? Engage them in delightful and imaginative outdoor activities by delving into the world of homemade outdoor chalk paint, crafted using a simple yet captivating recipe that involves using flour. Mixing common household ingredients, you can concoct a washable, eco-friendly paint that transforms pavements into vibrant canvases through messy play. It’s one of our favourite uses for cornflour!
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Food colouring or washable tempera paint
How to mix it:
- Gather ingredients: Assemble your ingredients – cornstarch and water – and prepare to embark on a colourful journey of outdoor artistry.
- Creating the base: In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornstarch and water. For instance, if you use 1 cup of cornstarch, pair it with 1 cup of water. The fusion of these elements will gradually form a smooth and luscious paste, ready to transform the pavement into a canvas of imagination.
- Vibrant colour infusion: Add a few drops of food colouring or washable tempera paint to breathe life into your chalk paint. Start with a few drops and gradually increase if desired, stirring the mixture thoroughly. Watch as the colours meld and dance, promising to lend vibrancy to every brushstroke.
How to apply it:
- Use paintbrushes, sponges, or even your hands to apply the outdoor chalk paint to your driveway or pavement.
- Watch your kids create colourful masterpieces that wash away with water when ready for a clean canvas. It’s a super fun way to keep kids busy!
Whether transforming furniture, adding a chalkboard finish to your kitchen, or creating art with your kids, making your own chalk paint offers endless possibilities. Experiment with different colours, textures, and techniques to achieve the desired effect. From shabby chic to modern elegance, chalk paint is a versatile DIY solution that opens the door to a world of creativity and self-expression. So grab your ingredients, and let your imagination run wild as you embark on your chalk paint journey!
Acrylic Based Super Matte Chalk Paint
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Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting home furnishings right now, so most of the recipes use latex as a base. I wanted some really, really matte paint for some non-housewares projects so acrylic is a much better base for my needs. After some experimenting with different materials, this is my favorite way to make chalk paint, including a really easy, low mess mixing method. The paint comes out very matte, very opaque for one-coat coverage, and has been low-warp when I tested it on cardstock (like the picture below).
Supplies:
- flat/matte acrylic paint
- plaster of paris
- water
- plastic bottle with a good cap, twice the volume of your acrylic paint is a good size
You can use whatever color of acrylic you want, the paint will usually end up a shade or two lighter than what’s in the tube. I’m expecting to make a lot of lighter shades for small pieces, and I own a lot of paint already (hello, art degree!) so I made a basic white that I’ll tint as needed. If your entire project is going to be one color by all means choose that to start with.
Formula:
1 part plaster of paris (powder)
3 parts acrylic paint
Start by measuring your plaster of paris. My paint is a 2 ounce bottle so I added 4 teaspoons of plaster of paris into this bottle. (Shhh, metric system people. I get it, that sounds ridiculous.)
There it is – the view from above is much clearer than trying to look through the side.
Add water, a few drops at a time, then shake. You’re trying to add just enough water to dissolve all of the plaster, but no more.
See that? It’s a very thick liquid.
This is another view, just enough water to dissolve. At this moment your plaster is trying to set up. Don’t let it…
Add your paint right now. Pour it all in there, then cap it and shake, shake, shake. Check the sides of the bottle, keep shaking and checking until the color is consistent over all the sides. Then leave it capped and walk away until tomorrow. The consistency improves so much if you let it have some time. You’re really letting the water level become consistent across all the different binders, pigments, and chalks.
After that it’s ready to go. You might need to drip in a little more water if it’s too thick, but otherwise grab a brush and get started.
This toothpick was dipped into an acrylic paint I already had.
Then I mixed it all together. It mixed very quickly.
The blue blended easily into the white, and barely warped the cardstock tag. This paint is really meant to be used on harder things like wood, but I’m definitely using mine for paper now, too.
Keep your paint stored in a cool, dark place where it won’t freeze and it should stay nice for a long time. Shake before using.
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