All About Chalk Paint for Crafters | Recipe Included

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When you do a lot of crafting, specifically painting, you may hear about chalk paint. Many crafters use chalk paint. But what is it exactly? Wonder no more – here’s all about chalk paint for crafters.

Now a number of people use chalk paint for furniture. When I try googling chalk paint, basically all that comes up is for furniture refinishers. But what about for crafters? I do small painting jobs – ornaments, wooden blanks and signs. While it is pretty much the same thing, I thought I would share with you the information, on a crafting scale.

What is Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is a type of paint that looks soft and matte. There is no such thing as shiny chalk paint. Some describe chalk paint as having a chalky look to it. It is also sometimes called Chalked Paint (depends on the manufacturer – Chalk Paint is actually a trademarked brand name).

Chalk paint is NOT chalkboard paint. Chalkboard paint is applied to a surface to turn it into a chalkboard. Chalk paint is simply a finishing paint.

One of the appeals of chalk paint is that little prep is needed – you don’t need to prime and it can be distressed easily. It is also very forgiving. Furniture that is painted with chalk paint need not be perfect as it is often used for a worn, weathered look. So if you don’t apply it perfectly, no problem!

Where Can I Get Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is available from a number of hardware stores. It comes in a small variety of colours.

But did you know that you can easily make your own chalk paint? It is definitely cheaper and you can make as much as you want and in pretty much any colour you want.

Chalk Paint for Crafters: How to Make Your Own

There are a number of recipes out there for making your own chalk paint. After reading up on lots of other blogs, it seems that the calcium carbonate recipe is the best.

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is a white substance found in chalk (hence the name!), as well as rocks and shells. It can be taken by humans as a treatment for upset stomachs, indigestion or heartburn – think TUMS!

When added to any type of paint, Calcium Carbonate turns it into chalk paint! What is great about this is that virtually any type of paint can be used to turn into chalk paint. So check your garage for leftover paint. Kids crafting paint can also be used. What’s great about this, is that when you are doing small crafting projects, you can literally just use those small little bottles of paint found in the crafting stores or the dollar stores. You don’t necessarily need to go out and purchase a quart of paint. If you want white chalk paint, odds are you have some leftover house paint sitting in your basement or in the garage. Even ceiling paint will work!

Calcium Carbonate can be found in health food stores, as well as online. Just make sure it is in powder form (not tablet form!). It is also reasonably priced and you don’t need that much.

Chalk Paint Recipe

Here are 3 recipes for 3 different quantities. I’ve done the math for you.

To make the chalk paint, just mix the 3 ingredients together. I use a wooden take-out chopstick to stir it up. You’ll notice right away if your paint is shiny, that shine will disappear.

I typically make the 1/4 cup batch and put them in old spice jars or a plastic yogurt container. When tightly sealed, the paint will not dry out and you can use it for future projects. Just be sure to label it!

I’ve read that some people like their chalk paint to be a little on the thin side. If this is your preference, or it looks to be a little on the thick side, just add a bit more water.

I have noticed that coming back to my chalk paint after a few weeks, it needs a good stir. It still works fine, but like any paint, it’s good to give it a stir before using it.

I like to use a foam brush to apply my chalk paint. A regular paintbrush would also work.

When the chalk paint dries it will have a matte or non-shiny look to it. Here it is on some wooden rounds.

I like to use chalk paint as a base for stencils or even vinyl. These wooden rounds will become Christmas ornaments. Stay tuned for that upcoming craft.

I also used chalk paint to make wooden stencilled signs and shelf sitters.

Want to remember all about chalk paint for crafters? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.