Chalk Paint

As you have visited blogs you have probably seen posts where the ladies are using chalk paint on the furniture they are working on.  I was intrigued by the quick dry time, no priming and no sanding.  You also probably saw most of them are using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  As most of the ladies stated it is pretty pricey for a small amount of paint.  I also read that you could make your own chalk paint with paint and Plaster of Paris.  I decided to give that a go before I tried Annie Sloan.

I mixed some paint I had on hand and came up with a light Aqua.  I decided to try it on a piece I had just picked up at thrift store for $9.00.  I thought if it didn't work I really wasn't out much except my time.  I almost forgot to take before pictures so  you get to see a half-painted before photo.  This piece was just raw wood and I didn't prime it.  I slapped on two coats of paint and it does dry fast.  I did decide to sand as I could see brush marks.  It sanded easy and quick.  But do it outside as it makes a chalky dust.  Duh! chalk paint.

I finished it off with two coats of clear paste wax.  Here is the after picture and I think it looks great.  It does have a hand painted look and not a factory finish.  So I had to give in and get a can of Annie Sloan just to see if it is indeed better than what I can make myself.  Wonder if it's like food - homemade is always better.