Fast forward 3 weeks, I am in my home-studio armed with my ASCP samples and ready to tackle a $15 side table I found at a yard sale. It was extremely hard for me to just wipe her down and start painting, but I pressed on. I was impressed with the way the paint glided off the brush and how easy it was to work with. The coverage was incredible, yet I did find that it thickened fairly quickly. A teaspoon of water was a quick fix for that. All-in-all, I have to say the after the paint dried, a bit of hand distressing and a dark glaze...she was as pretty as ever. Total investment $35. I sold her for $80. $45 profit wasn't too bad for a few hours of work....or was it???
I decided then that as much as I loved ASCP and the fact that I didn't have to sand my pieces, the affordability wasn't practical. So I started searching online for chalk paint recipes. Everything from grout to baking soda to Plaster of Paris...there were so many DIY Chalk Paints. Each with their own pro's and con's. I'm a hands-on girl so into the studio I went for a little 'Chem Lab' experimenting. Trial and error will always be my best friend, but I will say one thing, "Never...I repeat NEVER mix baking soda into Plaster of Paris." That's all I'm going to say about that.
After a little mixing I came up with a great recipe that I find to be the best yet. I have used it on several pieces of furniture and have many happy clients, not to mention a happy wallet. I am able to make my own chalk paint at a fraction of the cost of brand name chalk paints. Here's my DIY recipe:
1 quart of any brand latex paint (Opp's paint is perfect for test runs)
2 oz of Floetrol (found at any home improvement center)
1 wire whisk (I use a large metal one)
**Mix these two together thoroughly in a clean bucket or container that has a lid**
**In a separate container (no lid necessary)
1 cup of Plaster of Paris
1 cup of hot water
**Put the Plaster of Paris in the container and slowly pour in the hot water (not all at one time) whisk thoroughly until you have a mixture with the consistency of pancake batter. It may take a little more water or less water...I pretty much eyeball this process.
Combine the two mixtures together (using the container with the lid) and whisk until blended completely. And Voila...DIY Chalk Paint. Store paint covered tightly in a cool, dry place.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18MW2GAxnf20Cf3F63AtnkvnqvU4mFU-aG_R2i-TbgNajtSlXK1Rv69b4NGx2O1NH6w-M7KdU5scSlvTO-clKbQGrJNO1emXsNcquEkGPki1bfLKDjhjCru9Wfs83boVcEN3JAYEvyoqT/s320/PPblogpaint.jpeg)
I must make one suggestion, make sure you clean your piece thoroughly before painting. I prefer to use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) that can be found at your local home improvement store. You can purchase it in a pre-made spray bottle or a mix your own. I prefer to mix my own (of course) but please make sure you follow the directions on the label.
Here are two pieces I recently painted. Both were painted with chalk paint. One was a name brand chalk paint and the other was my DIY concoction. If you can't tell which is which...why would I?
To me, the creative process is all about choices. There are so many wonderful products out there and so many different painting techniques. I love them all and will continue to use them all. Which one totally depends on the mood I'm in and how much money I want to spend. At the end of the day, it's all about finding what works and taking a chance. Pretty sure that's what we do when we bring home those lost treasures anyway.
Happy Painting,
Angelia
I read these instructions you posted and feel totally confident with your step-by-step directions, that even at 63 yrs. old I could accomplish this technique. I look forward to following your blog and learning all I can. Your work is magnificent, and, you can definately feel and see the pride you've taken in each piece you have produced. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Celeste, I am glad that at 63 years young you are willing to try something new ;)
DeleteI love, love, LOVE your easy to follow instructions! This is something I can do! You made me want to run out NOW and grab the materials I will need and start painting right away. Thank you so much for your super, easy to follow instructions that even I should be able to do!!
ReplyDeleteBrandy, thank you! Definitely try this great recipe and if you have questions during the process you can always email me at pickinpeaches@charter.net
DeleteI'd love to see pics as well.
Hi did you use the ASCP dark wax or a different glaze? I just made my own chalk paint yesterday using a plaster of paris recipe I found on pinterest. I wish I'd seen your post first and tried your recipe! I bought SC Johnson Wax and Valapar's antiquing glaze. These did NOT work at all over my chalk paint. I was hoping to save money and not have to buy the ASCP waxes but maybe they really do work? When I tried applying the wax it seemed to almost take the paint off.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the helpful and inspiring blog about chalk paints! I want to try your recipe on two pieces. Can you please share more about the top coat (wax or poly or glaze) you used on your pieces in the photos above, and how well it's held up? I just read online that the ASCP paint was susceptible to grease stains and greasy fingerprints -- causing the user to trash the furniture because they couldn't get those off. (Yikes! That's scaring me before I start! ) Can you offer any advice before I start? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have a cabinet that was painted previously with black semi gloss paint. Would chalk paint work for this?
ReplyDelete