Friday, October 4, 2013

Make Your Own Paint People!!

I know, thousands of chalk paint retailers all over the world are groaning every time they see things like this. 

But let's be honest....Chalk paint is easy to make and CHEAP. 
I prefer the plaster of Paris method best. 
Buy yourself a gallon of flat paint, mix your plaster of paris and hot water and add it to the paint. There are recipes galore to be found on Pinterest. 

Heck you can even stick it in a pretty jar! 
 I like to check out the hardware store for "oops paint" $5 for a gallon and $5 for the pop....equals $10 for over a gallon of chalk paint!!! 

And here is where I get brutally honest....

I bought a quart of that crazy over priced chalk paint and I compared it to the home made. Hands down homemade was better! The expensive stuff took almost 3 coats of white before it actually looked good, the home made only took one!

Now don't take my word for it, try it yourself because all opinions differ....

And sometimes you have to play with it to get it just right depending on the climate ect ect where you live, but the best recipe I have found is from here 
 Pic from Twice Lovely

P.S. Disclaimer: I don't take credit for this idea. It's been out there all over the web for sometime now. But I get so many questions daily about the types of paint I use and I thought I would throw this out there again. The more you know......

♥ 

21 comments:

  1. That is pretty cool. Have you ever made any with different colors, too? Thanks for the tip :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :) :)

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    1. I have made it with other colors. Most often my dad {he does maintenance work} gives me his left over paint, so I end up with a lot of neutrals which is perfect for me. You can choose any color out there, I just go with what I can get my hands on for the cheapest. ♥

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  2. I always make my own too--and I too dropped the money on the real stuff---once. I like mine better too!

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  3. This is awesome. Thanks for sharing this!

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  4. I am sooooo going to try this!!! Have the perfect project in mind and have been very hesitant to drop the big bucks on name brand. This sounds like the perfect solution. Thanks!!!

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  5. HHmm.. I have been browsing looking for a simple recipe and this is by far one of the simplest. I am NOT about to drop the amount of cash the name brand chalk paints are asking... I'd never recoup my losses on a project. Thanks for posting this!
    Hugs, Gee

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  6. what is plaster of paris?
    I live in iceland - where that stuff could have other name - is it glue....or..
    Thanks for the recipe -
    enjoying your blog :)
    best regards
    Ingibjörg

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    1. Hi ingibjorg :)

      Plaster of Paris is a type of plaster which can be used in art, architecture, fireproofing, and medical applications. When people think of “plaster,” they are often thinking specifically of plaster of Paris, although there are a number of different types of plaster on the market including lime plaster and cement plaster. Many art and construction supply stores sell plaster of Paris, and it can also be ordered through specialty companies.

      This plaster is made by calcining gypsum, a process which involves exposing the gypsum to very high temperatures to create calcium sulfate and then grinding it into a fine white powder. When water is added to the powder to make a slurry, the slurry can be molded in a variety of ways, and as it sets, a firm matrix is created, creating a solid shape which is also very smooth. One advantage to plaster of Paris is that there is no volume loss, so casts made with this plaster are true to the size of the mold. It also makes great Chalk Paint! If you can't buy Plaster of Paris, just get some chalk that you use to write on a chalkboard with and soak it in the water, then mix with your paint.

      Hope this helps!

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  10. I have to try this, if only I had time to actually paint, lol. Gonna make time after I whip this up. Thanks so much!!!

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  11. I love all of your items that you redo. Definitely going to have to try this out!! The money is just not in our budget to buy the expensive stuff so this will be my go to. Thank you kindly for posting this!!!!

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  12. Also to make it by the gallon how much pop and hot water do you add to the gallon of paint?

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  13. I have made my own and found it to be great. The only thing I noticed is that when I went to use it the second time I would have some little dried bits that I couldn't get rid of. As soon as I did the sanding after they were all gone so it worked out o.k.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  14. Hi Girlie! I applaud your honesty and diplomacy! I have never tried any of the paints on the market because I just don't have the budget for them! Being able to make my own version really appeals to me! I've seen other recipes before, but this is the one that folks say works the best. I need to go to the hardware store today and will be checking for oops paint and plaster of paris. I could just never justify spending what, $35 on a quart of paint to use on a curb or $5 find and still try to make a profit. Those of us starting from the ground floor really need to pinch every penny we can get! Thanks for reminding me to get off my duff and make some paint! Hugs, Leena

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  15. Can you use craft paint with this recipe, or does it have to latex/enamel?

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  16. I love the idea of DIY chalk paint and I can't wait to try it. I beleive we can never have too many tools in our chest!! I've tried several chalk paints, chalk, mineral, clay based paint - etc. One I am sure I would never go with again. One I chose to sell, and the other, I think is divine to work with. I have left over paints (I've heard eggshell will work also) in latex I can't wait to try my own mixture of. That said, the line of paint I carry is the ONLY one that truly is earth friendly, and contains zero voc's and has the government seal of approval to testify to that. I have 4 dogs, cancer runs rapid in my husband's family - we were told chemicals from his retirment era of being a fabulous custom craftsman likely caused the type of lung cancer that took his life. I support the DIY'ers and all we discover to reuse, upcycle, re-claim and make post consumer products usable again. I'm trying to use and distribute the product I carry in support of bringing those prices down, and growing the business that will improve our planet and health of my grandchildren. Just another angle on the expensive paints! I will leave the name out - as this isn't about me commenting on your blog for my own agenda, I love your work, it's amazing! But, this line is by far less expensive than the highly marketed & well known brands. Keep creating! You have a beautiful home btw! :)

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  17. Just discovered you website and so glad I did. As a self-proclaimed DIY-er, I appreciate your chalk paint recipe. Thanks so much. Quick question:... do you wax or polish/seal your painted projects in any way?? I've heard different lines of thinking on that. I have tons of pieces all over my home and some I wax, some I don't. I haven't used chalk paint but interested in trying it. Doesn't waxing the piece kind of cancel out the muted chalky quality of the paint?? Hmmm.... would love to hear your thoughts on that. You have an absolutely beautiful home and the love that you clearly put into it shows! Thanks so much for your blog and sharing your talents, photos and experiences <3 I am your newest and next greatest fan =)

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  19. Is there a home recipe for the dark wax?

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