Video: How to Make Chalk Paint + What to Do With It
One of my favorite tools in my decor toolbelt is paint. Not just any kind, however. I have a particular fondness for chalk paint. In this post, I’ll explain what exactly chalk paint is (along with why I love it so much!). Plus, I’ll show you how to whip up a batch of DIY chalk paint and a fun way to use it in your home.
Painting furniture professionally has gotten me pretty spoiled when it comes to what paint I use for projects. My favorite type to use by far is chalk paint. Not only do I like the rustic finish it has, but it is by far the easiest paint to use, hands down!
I often prefer to buy chalk paint by my favorite brands, however, there’s always a time or two when I do not have access to my favorite one and I need to paint something, ASAP. Anyone know what I mean? There are lots of recipes out there for DIY chalk paint, but this one is for when you’re in a pinch and need to make some fast.
>>>BE SURE TO PIN THIS FOR LATER!<<<
What is Chalk Paint?
Let’s chat real fast about what this incredible paint actually is. Chalk paint is a type of paint that has a signature matte finish. It’s a great paint to reach for if you want to give an item a distressed finish. If you love a rustic, chippy appearance, you’ll love this stuff!
That’s not to say you have to produce an aged appearance when you use this paint. In fact, you can also use it to give a super smooth coat to a worn-out piece of furniture too.
Benefits of Using Chalk Paint
First of all, I love the finish you get with chalk paint. Like I mentioned above, it can give even brand new items a rustic, aged finish. I like the matte finish it has much more than a glossy shiny one.
Secondly, chalk paint requires no prep work. Typically when you want to paint something you have to spend hours sanding it, cleaning it, and prepping it. With chalk paint, there’s none of that grunt work! Simply pick up a brush and start painting. Seriously.
Lastly, you can buy chalk paint in so many different beautiful shades, but you can easily make your own custom DIY chalk paint in whatever color you like. How fun is that?
How to Make Chalk Paint
Now that you know how awesome this paint is, let’s chat about how to make a batch of your own. You likely have most of the supplies at home already, which is always nice!
DIY Chalk Paint Supplies
- Baking Soda
- Any latex paint of your choice (mine was SW-Salty Dog Satin)
- Spare container for mixing (I recycled an old plastic Hellman’s mayonnaise jar—just rinse it out first!)
- Sharpie
- Chip brush
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Gilders Paste Wax Rub in Gold (optional)
- Spray Sealer
Step by Step Instructions for How to Make DIY Chalk Paint
- Measure out and pour 1 cup of water into your spare container and mark it with a Sharpie. Pour out the water and dry your container out with a paper towel.
- Pour out your latex paint into the spare container up to the 1 cup mark only.
- Measure out 1/2 cup of baking soda and add to the paint in your spare container.
- Add 1-2 Tablespoons of cool water to your paint mixture and replace the lid tightly.
- Then shake your container vigorously for a minimum of 5 minutes to mix thoroughly.
- Now your paint is ready for use immediately.
Tips for Painting With Chalk Paint
- Tip #1 – If you need to stop painting for a short time and plan to use the same brush and color; wrap your wet brush up tightly in a wet paper towel followed by a piece of saran wrap. See below.
- Tip #2 – If you aren’t able to do Tip #1 in time and your paint dries on your brush, soak it in some Murphy’s Soap for a few hours and watch your brush come back to life! It’s literally magical! See below.
- Tip #3 – Place a rubber band around the paint container. Use this to scrape your brush against and get off the excess paint instead of the lip of the container. This helps the lid to not stick to all the paint later on. Plus, it’s just cleaner.
How to Use Chalk Paint
The entire reason I made this DIY chalk paint was to give these old planter pots in my backyard pool area a major makeover.
I decided to see if they could be salvaged. As you can see, they were in really rough shape with old chippy paint and grime; therefore, they got a bath! Then they sat out in the sun to dry completely.
They were easy to cover with my DIY chalk paint, but they definitely needed two coats! Optionally, you can sand them lightly after painting if you’d like a super smooth surface, as this recipe is a little gritty. These pots are going back in my yard, so it was a ‘no’ on the sanding for me. As you can see, I simply brushed the paint right on—no prep necessary!
I like to give my DIYs a little extra something, so I added some of this gold-colored wax to the raised areas of the planter pots for added detail and color.
Finally, since these were going to be outside all of the time, I sealed them with Triple Coat Spray Sealer. Again, this step is totally optional. 
Viola! Quick & easy diy chalk painted pots! See how easy this was?
Final Thoughts on DIY Chalk Paint
This is my “go-to” recipe for DIY chalk paint in a pinch! Try it for yourself and see if you like it when you don’t have the real deal available! I use this on all materials; wood, glass, metal, plastic. It’s ultra forgiving and provides a great coverage.
I will say, there are definitely other recipes for DIY chalk paint. Most require Plaster of Paris (which I never seem to have on hand). These recipes may have a bit smoother finish. This recipe just works for those times when you’re in a pinch and need to paint something and don’t have “all the things”!
>>BE SURE TO PIN THIS FOR LATER!<<<
diy chalk paint tie-dye t-shirt idea
My friend Amy Sadler wrote about a cute idea that uses DIY Chalk Paint on t-shirts to create a fun tie-dye effect over on her blog Chateau Chic DIY. Using this method is so easy and fun to do with the kiddos! You’ll be addicted to tie-dye projects in no time. Visit her post to learn more about the process and options to create your very own tie-dye t-shirts! >>How to Make a Tie-Dye T-Shirt using Chalk Paint<<
If you love this kind of DIY idea, you need to be getting my emails, friend! Each week I send out a couple of emails that include updates, crafts, shopping experiences, and decor inspiration. Be sure to get yourself signed up below. I can’t wait to meet you!
How to Make Chalk Paint
Materials
- ½ cup Baking soda
- 1-2 tbsp Latex paint of your choice
- Water
- Spare container with lid for mixing
- Sharpie
Instructions
- Measure one cup of water out and pour it into your container. Mark the spot where the water comes to with a sharpie. Dump the water out, and pour the latex paint to where the line is.
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda.
- Add 1-2 tbsp of cold water, place the lid on the container, and shake vigorously for at least 5 minutes.
Hi! I’ve been reading your weblog for some time now
and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you
a shout out from Porter Tx! Just wanted to say keep up
the fantastic job!
Now I can make any color of chalk paint I like!!! Thanks Melanie!!!
Thank you!
Looks like a great way to make DIY chalk paint
I cant wait to try my own chalk paint!
I’m so glad!
This tutorial came in handy this week. Have not been able to shop and used this “recipe” to help keep me busy.
Thanks Melanie I love your page, and am looking forward to the craftathon.
Yay! I’m glad you’re here!
Good stuff here
I shared this Chalk Paint to my Facebook Group! They loved it‼️
Very informative. I’ve just started using chalk paint so this is very helpful.
Judy Cline
Yay! I’m so glad!
Thanks for the tutorial on making the chalk paint and doing the flower pot. The tips were a nice bonus.
You’re welcome!
The flower plantar looks great. Love the technique you used.
Thank you!
I love that you shared your recipe for chalk paint. I enjoy watching a lot of your videos.
Thank You Melanie for all of the inspiration you give to us crafters!
Thanks so much Melanie for showing us how to create all the ideas 💡 you have. Thanks 😊 so much
Thanks for DYI
Is there any way to make chalk paint with acrylic paint or any other paint besides house paint? I dont have latex paint and would have to go buy it and if I’m gonna do that then would be cheaper to just buy chalk paint.
So glad to get the recipe for the chalky paint. I need to make some to try.
Thanks the info. I loved the finished planters
Thanks for sharing how to make chalk paint. I also have some flower pots to paint.
Love this recipe:❤️
Can’t wait to try this
Thanks for the recipe for chalk paint. I can’t wait to try it.
Thanks Melanie I found your blog I really like that I can go back to it when I need to,I can’t wait to make chalk paint.
Love the chalk paint recipe.Gotta try it!!
I love watching you, beautiful work and great ideas!
Thank you so much for sharing your chalk paint recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
I’m going to try this! There’s always flower pots to paint!
Great recipe.
Making your own chalk paint is easier than I thought. And I love the look of it. Thanks for the recipe.
Great instructions
I just love you Melanie and all the crafts that you do! You are very talented and always do crafts that everyone can afford! Thank you for all you do! I really enjoy watching you each week show me new things 💜
I cant wait to try the paint! Love the flower pots
I appreciate this info. I’ve never chalk painted anything. My neighbor just gave me two old windows. I need to repaint and distress them a bit. Now I will know how to do that. Thanks!
Thank you for the chalk paint recipe and directions.
Thank you so very much for your chalk paint instructions. This will help so many of us. Enjoy your blog posts every day.
Can’t wait to try this!
I love this quick and easy chalk paint recipe! Definitely a recipe I will be following. Thanks,.
I never knew you could make your own chalky paint!!
Thank you for share. Definitely a must do
Love watching your crafts and the ideas we can use around the house thank you
The information is sooo good!!!
Enjoyed this demo!
Great ideas!!
I love the changes on the planter pots
Thank you for the easy to follow recipe for chalk paint.
Hope to make some in the near future.
Love this idea…I’ve been wanting to try to make my own chalk paint…now I know how!! Thank you so much for sharing this!! 💕💕💕💕
Love the flower pots I will have to try these
Great idea
Thanks for the recipe
Great chalky paint tips
I need to do this will look good on my back porch.
chalk paint
this is a gorgeous way to accent any dark color black would also be awesome
Thank you Melanie for the chalk recipe. I am so going to use this!!