How to Make Chalk Paint: Calcium Carbonate Method

I know some of you might think chalk paint has been done to death, but it really does have a time and place for some pieces today.

Whether you've not got enough money or time, it can be a great quick fix all in a day's (or afternoon's) work as I shared with you in my latest YouTube video.

And many of you will agree that buying Annie Sloan is so expensive for the size of their cans.

After buying my first ever tin (and admittedly loving it), I was then starting to think, why can't I make my own?  Particularly after falling in love with so many different colours.

So today I'm going to show how I make my own that I have tried and loved over the years.

With this, you won't need to pre-sand your piece and it sticks like a charm!

THE UK RECIPE (scroll down for US version)

• 530g emulsion paint (colour of your choice)
• 2.5 tablespoon calcium carbonate
• 2.5 tablespoon water

METHOD

1. In a tub big enough for your paint, first mix together the water and calcium.
2. Then pour in the paint and give it a thorough stir.
3. Apply to your project, wait to dry, then seal with a clear wax using a lint free cloth.  I use Rustoleum furniture wax.

THE US RECIPE - (UK Version above)

• 1 cup of emulsion paint (colour of your choice)
• 2 tablespoon calcium carbonate
• 2 tbsp. water

METHOD

1. In a tub big enough for your paint, first mix together the water and calcium.
2. Then pour in the paint and give it a thorough stir.
3. Apply to your project, wait to dry, then seal with a clear wax using a lint free cloth.  I use Rustoleum furniture wax.

Can You Paint a Chalk Paint Door?

Yes, you can paint a chalk paint front door or interior door. Is is the best paint for a door? No, I don't think so. That is, unless you varnish it.

Below, you can see a photo I took of Annie Sloan chalk on paint front door in 2015. This was actually the official front door of her Oxford shop at 33 Cowley Road.

It's a great example of what you can do, showing many different paint layers coming through. You can find more door painting tips here.