There are two types of chalk paint: the first is washable and can be used on pavements, while the second is indelible and is applied to furniture to make it opaque. To make the washable paint, you need chalk or cornstarch as a base. To make the indelible one, you need a longer lasting ingredient, such as plaster of Paris (semi-hydrated calcium sulfate). The artisan preparation is obviously more demanding than going to the paint factory, but it allows you to save a lot of money.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Simple Washable Paint
Step 1. Choose the type of plaster
The thick one is perfect for this project, but you can also use the common one that teachers use at school on the chalkboard. For more vibrant colors, opt for artist chalks, but make sure they don't contain oil.
This method allows you to make washable chalk paint that is not suitable for coloring furniture or for craft blackboards
Step 2. Grind the chalk into a powder
The simplest tool to use is a food grater; if you don't have this tool at hand, grind the plaster with a hammer to a fine powder.
If you have decided on the grater, do not use it for the preparation of food; keep it for craft projects only
Step 3. Mix the chalk with some water
Pour the powder into a plastic container and add 120 ml of water while stirring; if you're using regular chalks or artists' chalks, limit the liquid to 60-80ml.
- Tupperware-type containers or empty, clean jars of yogurt are perfect for making the blend.
- If the paint is too liquid, add some chalk; if it is too thick, dilute it with more water.
Step 4. Use the paint
Dip your paintbrush into the mixture and draw designs on the sidewalk or driveway. Wait for it to dry and enjoy your artwork; to wash the surface, just spray it with water.
Method 2 of 4: Washable Paint with Corn Starch
Step 1. Pour 50g of cornstarch into a bowl
This "recipe" is perfect for making washable paint to apply on pavements; however, do not use it for furniture or for handcrafted blackboards.
If you can't get cornstarch, try cornstarch, but don't use cornmeal
Step 2. Add some cold water while stirring
Less than 60 ml is sufficient; keep mixing the two ingredients until the starch has dissolved. However, do not overwork the mixture, otherwise it will start to solidify; when the mixture drips from the whisk, it is ready for the next step.
Step 3. Add food coloring
You can use liquid or gel; alternatively, you can opt for liquid watercolors. The dose of pigment totally depends on your personal tastes; the more you add, the darker and more intense the hue will be. Start with a few drops and see the result.
Step 4. Use paint
Dip a paintbrush in the paint and make designs on the driveway or sidewalk. Wait for it to dry and admire your work; when finished, you can wash the surface with plain water.
Although this paint is washable, it can leave slight stains. be careful
Method 3 of 4: Chalkboard Paint with Plaster
Step 1. Prepare the surface for painting
This mixture dries quickly, which means you can't keep it for future use; therefore make sure that the surface and the brushes are ready and within reach. You need to sand or clean the area you intend to paint and take care of it first.
- This method is perfect for making handmade blackboards.
- You can also use paint to paint furniture.
Step 2. Mix the plaster with water
Pour 30 g of sandless plaster into the container and add 15 ml of water while stirring; you need to get a fluid and smooth mixture.
The container must have a minimum capacity of 250 ml
Step 3. Add some paint to the mixture
Pour about 240 ml of latex or acrylic paint into the mixture, mixing to obtain a homogeneous color and a fluid consistency; you may need to continue for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Apply two coats of color
Use a bristle or foam brush to spread the first layer; wait for it to dry for a few hours and then apply the second coat. You can use either a latex or acrylic product.
If you're painting a craft chalkboard, consider using black or dark green paint
Step 5. Wait three days for the color to set
This stage is very important; if you use the surface immediately, the paint may become rubbery or peel off.
Step 6. Treat the surface if you intend to use it as a whiteboard
If you want to write on it with chalks, you need to prepare it by simply wiping it with a piece of chalk before wiping it with a dry cloth.
Skip this step if you've painted a piece of furniture that you don't plan on writing on
Method 4 of 4: Simple Recipes
Step 1. Prepare an elementary recipe using Paris chalk
Mix 30g of semi-hydrated calcium sulfate with 25ml of cold water before adding 240ml of latex paint.
Step 2. Make an "aged" effect paint with calcium carbonate
Mix 25 g of calcium carbonate with 15 ml of water; incorporates the mixture into 240 ml of latex color.
- This compound is perfect for airbrushing.
- It is the ideal solution for painting furniture and then grinding it with sandpaper.
- You can buy calcium carbonate in supermarkets, paint shops and even online.
Step 3. Prepare a strong paint with calcium carbonate and plaster of Paris
Mix 25g of both powders with 30ml of cold water and incorporate 500ml of latex paint.
This paint is very resistant, does not scratch and cannot be sanded easily
Step 4. Use baking soda carefully
It is definitely easier to find than calcium carbonate and Paris gypsum; however, it generates a grainier surface. If consistency isn't an issue, you can make a chalk paint with 60g of baking soda and 160ml of paint.
If the mixture is too thick, try dissolving 90 g of baking soda in 45 ml of water and then pour in 240 ml of latex paint
Advice
- Mix different colored chalks to create new shades.
- Create an art path to play hopscotch using various colors.
- Use paint to write messages on the board, make a to-do list, or write motivating messages.
- If you are planning a sale of your used things, use chalk painted arrows to point potential customers in the direction to your home.
