Make Chalk Paint For Furniture
Edited by Nuance, Inukshuk, Eng, Alma
If you're pretty good at DIY Projects, and your furniture needs a little life breathed back into it, and you're in the mood to revive an old piece of furniture " Chalk Paint might be exactly what you're looking for. Chalk paint adds an interesting matte finish to furniture, and it's easy and affordable to make yourself. This is not for you if you're looking for a high-gloss or a finished look with a sheen.
About Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is made by adding Plaster of Paris and Water to a Latex Paint. The paint dries into a beautiful matte finish. After the paint dries, the granules create a matte finish. Brush strokes and imperfections become part of the look, making it a forgiving finish to apply. The finish can be sanded in places to create a distressed look or waxed for either an aged look or more satin finish than paint alone.
How To Make Chalk Paint
Sure, you can buy chalk paint already made, in many colors. But it's expensive, and you don't get that wonderful rush, the satisfaction of knowing you've done this project by yourself.
What You'll Need
- Flat latex paint in the color/colors of your choice
- A bucket to mix the paint in
- A container/containers for the paint
- Plaster of Paris
- Plastic measuring cups (do not reuse for food)
- Stir sticks
- Cool water (not warm, not cold)
- Paste wax
- Paint Brushes (sized according to your project)
- Cleaning rags
- Damp paper towels (for drips)
Easy Method for Making Chalk Paint
This will make enough chalk paint to paint a dressing table with four drawers and a mirror. Mix only the amount you need. Don't mix a huge batch, because chalk paint cannot be stored and reused.
- 1Mix 1/3 cup of plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of cool water.In the bucket.
- 2Stir the mixture until it's completely smooth.
- 3Add 1 cup of latex paint.
- 4Stir thoroughly.
Applying Chalk Paint
Get out your painting T-shirt and your old pants. If you're painting inside, you might want to consider a drop cloth. Put on your favorite music.
Before You Start
- Make sure the surface you're painting is clean and free of debris.
- If it's a glossy surface, you'll need to sand all that off.
- Practice on a spare piece of wood to get a feel for how the paint moves.
First Coat
- 1If you're planning on two coats, or you are painting a different color underneath, make sure the first coat is thicker than the topcoat.Apply the first coat.
- 2Chalk paint dries really, really fast.Work Quickly.
- 3If debris lands on the project, remove it quickly as well.
Create a Distressed Look
To add a distressed look to the furniture you're painting;
- 1Paint the first coat as suggested above.Use two colors.
- 2When the first coat is dry, dip your brush into the second color, and then paint a rag to remove most of the paint.Second Color.
- 3Brush the second color lightly onto the surface.
- 4When the paint dries, lightly rub the topcoat with fine sandpaper or steel wool.
- 5If you're painting over a contrasting color, you can just do the one coat, and choose some raised surfaces to sand to create a distressed look to your furniture.
- 6You can finish with a paste wax if you want to add sheen to the finish.
Other Projects to Consider
- Update an old mirror.
- Picture frames.
- Wicker (furniture, shelves, mirrors)
- Bookshelves.
- Walls - although it won't be as durable.
- Old cupboards (consider painting the inside a contrasting color)
Tips and Warnings =
- If you do want the finish to have a sheen, you can use a wax polish on it after the paint's dried.
- Don't paint over high gloss furniture. Sand before painting.
- Adding Plaster of Paris to any paint, will lighten the color a bit, so take that into consideration.
- Painting a chest of draws 2 colors, can be very interesting. Painting it 12 colors, will look silly.
- Think about not painting all the wood - perhaps leave the tabletop, but paint the legs.
- If you're a good artist, you might try painting your own design on a tabletop, etc.
- Don't over-distress your furniture, as it will look too calculated and fake.
- Sand to create interesting textures and visual depth.
- Consider the era and style of the piece you're working on.
- Don't try this with wood stain - ever.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
Comments
Article Info
Categories : Arts & Crafts
Recent edits by: Eng, Inukshuk, Nuance