Homemade Chalk Paint Pros & Cons

I know we have all seen the massive amount of chalk paint projects out there and don't get me wrong this post is not about bashing Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The stuff is great......IF you can afford it.

 

I can't. 

I don't care how far one little quart goes, I can NOT afford it.  Now some people don't mind paying for the ease of not having to mix their own paint and to have the perfect blend. That's great too, but again, I can't afford it so I mix my own.

 

Also being a furniture reseller I like to keep my prices affordable, and when you use expensive paint/tools you then have to roll that cost over into your product, making it less affordable for the buyer.

These are just my opinions...again not knocking the ASCP, just letting you know if you are like me and like the look but just can not afford the price tag unless you and your family want to go without eating for a day, there are options....

 

This is the recipe I use. I rarely pass on a gallon of "Oops" paint at the hardware store when it is a nice color. I usually pick up some GREAT paint for around $5 a gallon. 

Now what you don't always hear is that flat is the best to use with this recipe, you will be happier with your results.

Twice Lovely 

 

Here is another recipe using grout

Classy Clutter 

 

No matter which recipe you use or if you buy the ASCP, you must wax. The paint adheres well with just one coat even over glossy finishes, but will rub off and is not water proof!

 

As much as I love chalk paint, I tend to forgo it for other methods when it comes to large items/projects, because the wax process can be time consuming and depending on the wax you buy it has a pretty strong odor. I have used the ASCP Wax and always have to go outdoors with it because it is very strong. Also it eats through the plastic gloves I use which causes some concern over the toxicity.  

 

Larger projects I always turn to my favorite method of primer and paint. I LOVE Zinser Primer. I use it over furniture that is highly glossed and it sticks very well. Then I use whatever paint I like, flat, semi gloss, high gloss, enamel, ect. 

 

The thing about paint, no matter which method you chose, is that the better quality paint you get the less work you will have to do. 

Cheap quality paint will require several coats, whereas a good quality paint will only require one. {Notice I say "quality" when referring to the cheapness and not price. It's fine, even encouraged, to go cheap on price but not on quality}

Again, "Oops" paints are amazing! I have purchased cans that were originally $40 for just $5. If it's not the perfect color you can always add a few drops of craft paint in the color of your choice .

 

The other thing I reccomend no matter what kind of paint you use is a good paint brush. I buy a new one every year, spending around $15 to $20 but it stays good for a long time and doesn't leave funky brush strokes. 

 

So there you have it folks, my lil opinion and what my go to paint choices are.

 

Hope that helps for those of you who have had questions and/or been wanting to try out the chalk paint recipes floating around in cyberspace.  

♥