I LOVE chalk paint for so many reasons!
#1 I'm an impatient project do'er and have a short attention span. I like to do things quickly and move on to something new- and chalk painting requires very little prep work! YAY!
#2 It's an easy DIY project no matter how experienced you may be.
#3 And it requires only a 2 ingredients- chalk and and your favorite shade of paint (and a little water over time as needed).
I read some great chalk paint comparisons online and tried one- just one. That's right. Chalk paint retailers with limited colors go for $35/quart. Ouch! I knew there had to be a more simple and less costly solution to get that matte, gritty finish for all my furniture needing a facelift! And there was. Needless to say, it was so simple that I never needed another. So here goes.
Steps to your next AMAZING Chalk Paint project:
Optional Step- Prep work.
I rarely do prep work, but if you feel the need or if your piece is far gone, simply sand and clean the surface. Allow it to dry. If you feel you need a base wood tone, now is the time to stain it.
#1- Pick your paint.
I usually use whatever leftovers I have lying around in my supply room because they already match my color scheme in my home. The chalk is only going to make them a tad lighter, which is great, even if they are up against the same color wall. It can literally be any paint color, any finish, any brand. I however enjoy flat or egg shell paints, simply because I like a matte finish on everything.
No, I don't mean chalk by the stick. I mean actual calcium carbonate or otherwise known as limestone powder. You can purchase it online via amazon. You can purchase it in small amounts, but why?! I always purchase it in 10-20lb increments because it lasts forever, and I don't have to wait for it the next time I need some when I get a wild hair to paint or craft!
#3- Mix.
I use a 1/2 portion of chalk to paint ratio.
ie. If I use a gallon of chalk paint, I mix 2 quarts of chalk. Most of the time, I just eyeball it. If it seems to thick (or as it thickens over time) just add a little water gradually and stir.
{Shutters and the "J" are both chalk painted}
#4- Paint.
Depending on what you're painting, choose whatever brush you feel necessary. I have found I even like those inexpensive sponges on a stick to do more detailed pieces to get in between the grooves of chairs.
{An old oak crib and changing table made new with a colonial blue}
#5- Distress.
Sand the edges to your liking or to expose the raw or stained wood.
#6- Seal.
Add a sealer that suits your use. I have used polycrylic on some applications. However I have also used hemp oil on things like a baby crib- because it does not have toxins and is even food safe. Some pieces, I have gone without sealing- they tend to collect dust and are hard to clean. So do not advise that.
#7- Enjoy.
Now that your project is complete... enjoy this piece of furniture that has been given a new life!
I absolutely love this chalk paint recipe so much that I have at least one piece in every room of my house. Send me your finished pieces and let me know how much you love it too!
Speaking of....
Here is my next project! Stay tuned.... I purchased aka "stole" this table and chairs off facebook marketplace for a whopping $60, and it will be finding its new home under out twinkle light patio this spring!
xoxo,
Lauren
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