March 5, 2012

DIY Chalk Paint {tutorial}


Once upon a time, long, long ago- I went to a yard sale, it was summer and the yard sale was closing down. The family told us we could take whatever we wanted, so Z and I basically cleaned house. We left with ginormous  pile of goodies. Then, sometime last fall, I primed pretty much everything in sight in my project room with Kilz. I mean, puppers beware!- cause I almost painted them for good measure!
 Then all said items went to the spare room for a long, long time. {cue sad face} There everything stayed until a certain {wonderful} grandmother was coming to town and I was forced to get my buns in gear.


This is how we got from this outdated wooden headboard to a chalk painted beaut. I don't own real chalk paint and haven't found a project that's worth the high cost yet. So for now- I'll stick to this formula by the awesome Sherry @ No Minimalist Here. I pretty much stuck with her recipe-
MIX: 2/3 cup FLAT LATEX PAINT
with 1/3 PLASTER of PARIS
MIX WELL- you can add a little water to the paint until the desired chalkiness and consistency are found. You can see about how think I made my paint. I just mixed my paint in an old Tupperware container-Oh yeah, it can be stored for later; just add a little bit of water each time.

Alright, let's get to it!
1] First, with homemade chalk paint, like the real stuff, you do NOT need to prep the surface or prime your surface first! I had primed mine months before I knew what I wanted to do with it (remember my lengthy yard sale tale?}
2] Now, mix up your paint-I got the plaster of paris from Lowe's and the whole thing cost me 6 bucks. I used Olympic flat paint from Lowe's and had it color matched to Blind Date by Allen + Roth for Valspar.
This DIY version of chalk paint paint dries really fast, so make sure you work in sections.
Do you see how the paint looks a little streaky {above^} right in the center where I'm painting it? It won't dry like that, so don't sweat it! After awhile the paint for thicker- again you can just add a little more water, stir really well,  and keep using it.

One coat of paint was just about enough to cover the board. But you can see where I had done some touch ups and they were a different shade, so make sure you don't miss any spots unless you want to do 2 coats of paint all over!
3] Next, you want to do a light sand all over. If any streaks didn't dry flat this will take care of that. I used 320 grit sand paper.
4] To distress I used a 220 grit sanding block and a putty knife to distress the edges. Personal preference comes into this part big time. I want my piece to look like it was a little banged up over time- nothing crazy.
5] If you're doing a glaze, now's the time to add that finish. I have to admit, I'm pretty sucky at glazing. I don't know what the problem is- I've watched the tutorials, it's just not working for me. So I skipped that step and went straight to wax. 
6] I used Johnson's clear paste wax- nothing fancy. It was hard to track down furniture wax locally- you can find a few versions on Amazon- and locally I found Ace Hardware had a bunch to choose from. This one cost me 10 bucks.  It stunk to high heck so use it somewhere ventilated but it did the job. Make sure you let the wax cure, and you're good to go! I love the shine it adds to the headboard!
There you have it- my headboard cost me less than 20 bucks and I have a ton of supplies left over- the whole headboard took 1 1/3 cups of paint and 2/3 cups of the Plaster of Paris. The paste wax is still almost full- not bad right?!
Oh yeah, the bed is just a twin and the headboard is going along the side of it. I like to throw a bunch of pillows on it and use it like a day bed/couch when company isn't here. 
Some of these pics I took on a sunny day {below}, then others {above} it was a little overcast. I cannot believe how different the colors of the headboard is in each one!! This is one of those paint colors looks totally different in different lighting. I'm glad I didn't try it on my walls!
The cute little pillow cover in the center was purchased off Etsy- it's made from a vintage tea towel. Love. The bedding I bought had been marked down three times at TJMaxx- and I paid 20 bucks. Almost the same as the pillow cover! lol The frames above the bed were from Target- but I don't think they sell them anymore.
Oh yeah- and my Grams was super comfy in the space, so I call it a success. Peace out homies- thanks for stopping by!

56 comments:

  1. it looks gorgeous! and what a steal- i am jealous! ;)

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing this! I've saved the link for future reference. I didn't know you could make your own chalk paint, or what wonderful results you'd get with it.

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  3. It looks cool. I rather like painting things... unfortunatly if something has a natural wood grain, hubby likes to keep it that way. Sigh. One day I'll have a little space all of my own that I can do with as I please.:)

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  4. What do they say...right place right time!! Great find!! Love the paint you made!! And the great part you are not limited to certain colors!!

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  5. The headboard came out great. It is amazing how paint can change a project, love the color you pick. Laura

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  6. Fabulous job!! You & I must be on the same thoughtlength because I just did my first homemade chalk paint project on the weekend - I'll be posting it on Friday. Pleased as punch about it too!!!

    xox

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  7. Awesome!!! I love the way this turned out :)

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  8. I'm still in shock over the fact that you can make chalk paint. Now where have I been? I love this idea, I am not sure how I will use it yet, but it has me thinking. Did the paint not match the touch-ups because it dries different...or did you mix up a new batch?

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  9. I love it! The color is beautiful, and I'm really crushing on your tea-towel pillow! Glad it was a comfortable spot to stay ;-)

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  10. You are amazing! I can't believe you did this! I love the new color, it looks so awesome! Beautiful job Becca, just beautiful!

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  11. Love the bed! Love the color! Great job, Becca! :) Thanks for the tut on the chalkpaint, too!

    xoxo laurie

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  12. I am gonna have to try this formula for chalk paint. Mine is a little more involved, but it works great...Thanks for sharing, I will be doing this real soon.

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  13. Your headboard turned out great. I just bought some Plaster of Paris this past weekend so that I could mix up some chalk paint myself. Glad to know that it worked!

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  14. Dang! Seriously? I feel really dumb now for paying for chalk paint! I had the perfect latex and the plaster of paris IN MY POSSESSION and I STILL went out and bought a $36 quart of chalk paint! This looks absolutely beautiful. Glad I stopped by!

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  15. I love your headboard, I'm going to look for a new one for me at yardsales this spring! I made the chalkpaint too and loved it. I just can't bring myself to pay that much for a quart of paint! Great job!

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  16. Oh wow! Your blog is A-mazing! Popping in from Tip Junkie's party and just love everything on here. Would be soooo happy if you'd have time to link this projects and others up to my party at Teagan's Travels.

    http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/03/destination-inspiration-linky-party-5.html

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  17. Looks awesome! I've made this type of chalk paint for my console table too and it turns out great! A perfect solution when getting the real stuff is impossible here in Dubai. :)

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  18. This came out gorgeous! I love it! And I love how you said you use it as a day bed. Cute idea!

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  19. I love the way that your headboard turned out. Wonderful job!

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  20. Hi Becca, stopping by from Craft-O-Maniac linky party. That headboard turned out great! It doesn't seem the same one!
    Thanks for the tip to make your own chalk paint, chalk paint isn't very common in Spain so I'm trying your formula. By the way, is plaster of Paris regular plaster?
    Greetings from Spain

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  21. Seriously...this bed looks like a million bucks. Thank you for the chalk paint recipe, and thanks for suggesting the wax. The whole bed looks great! I swear I learn so much every time I read your blog! :)

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  22. Hi Becca! The headboard turned out wonderful and I love the paint color. Thanks so much for the mention and I am so glad you like the recipe for the chalk paint.
    Take care. Hugs, Sherry

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  23. Love that color.You turned that not so nice vintage piece into a beautiful piece of furniture.I am your newest follower from feathered nest Friday.

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  24. LOL I have been to one yardsale in my life like that before. I swear it was like hitting the jackpot.. I remember stuffing things in bags while still thinking of how I could use it but hey it was free haha.

    I have been wanting to do a chalk paint wall in my daughter's room but they only have this horrid horrid orange ( usually I like orange but this....oh my its like safety orange lol) It looks like it isn't too hard to make though!

    I love the project you have used it on though, it turned out very nicely!

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  25. Thanks so much for the tutorial...I'll be trying out this recipe for chalk paint for sure...your headboard looks lovely...I'm a new follower...glad to meet you, pls come and visit...Mariaelena

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  26. Great work on the headboard Becca. You know I've never heard of chalk paint before - looks lovely!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  27. Hi Becca! I saw your post on Between Naps on the Porch link party and had to stop by for a better look and say hello! Love your headboard makeover! Now you have me convinced I need to try this chalkpaint recipe!Must hit Goodwill this week and see what I can rescue :) Please stop by my blog and say hello sometime! I love to make new bloggy friends! Have a terrific week!
    Heather @ settingforfour.blogpspot.com

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  28. this is gorgeous!!! I love it so much! im super serious. what a great idea! im totes following you! found you on tt&j.
    xoxo janean @howikeepsane.com

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  29. Your headboard looks awesome! I will definatly be trying this.

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  30. This looks great. Thanks for the tutorial. I have a cabinet I want to paint and I will be using your tips! Great job!

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  31. Oooh, It looks so good! I am in the midst of my first chalk paint endeavor and I hope it turns out as delightful as yours! I am on the fence about glazing, I'm not that sure I really like it, your headboard perfect just like it is!

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  32. Great tut. I have a few pieces that I am dying to use chalk paint on but just need to find the time (isn't that always the case). Visiting from diy home sweet home's Monday linky party. Oh, and I am your newest follower.

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  33. You really made a big difference to this head board. You have the vision, girl! Great job and I love that you are so thrifty.

    ♥charlotte

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  34. Your head board looks so pretty! I love the pillows too! :)
    Abbie

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  35. I saw your post over at "Imparting Grace". One day I just threw some plaster of paris into regular latex paint to make it chalk-y and it seemed to work OK and stay on the inexpensive item. I'm so glad after reading your post that it actually does work.

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  36. It looks awesome! I'm so glad you posted about this--I saw Sherry's recipe, and I've wanted to try it. You did a great job on your headboard, and now you've given me courage to give this a try.

    Thanks for linking to Grace at Home!

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  37. What a wonderful face-lift!

    Thank you so much so sharing the H/M Chalk Paint ingredients and tips. I actually printed it off to add to my 'paint info. library'. Question though -- Since the paint is mixed with Plaster of Paris and diluted with water, does it significantly lighten the colour of the paint chosen.
    -Brenda-


    (For those interested: it took two pages of 'legal size' paper, reverse side printing, pages 2 to 5.)

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  38. What a lovely headboard! Love that shade of gray!

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  39. Beautiful! Thank you for such a thorough tutorial. I'm itching to try some homemade chalk paint and this will really help.


    Have a great weekend!
    Deborah

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  40. What a great find, and it looks beautiful! Found you via Thrifty Decor Chick. Love this!

    -Erin Spain
    DIYOntheCheap.com

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  41. This came out great! The chalk paint really adds so much!
    We'd love for you to link this, and anything else you want to show off, to our Beautify It Monday link party going on now!

    http://bringingbeauty.blogspot.com/2012/04/beautify-it-monday-2.html

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  42. The headboard came out wonderful! I sense more chalk paint uses in your future. (Mine too! can't wait to try it!)

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  43. I love the headboard. I'm going to try making the paint. Thanks!

    Dee

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  44. I am super in love with the color of that headboard and the distressing! and the pillows!!!

    You are lucky that your hubs will go to yard sales with you! Mine would be cringing as I brought tons of stuff back to the van! haha! Another huge plus that you found it for FREE!
    --Katie

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  45. so pretty and great way to make chalk paint

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  46. Beautiful job. I made my own chalk paint, too, but used UNsanded grout instead of plaster. It's one tablespoon of grout to 1 cup of paint. I had a small piece to do so I got a sample size in the colors I wanted from Home Depot. Home Depot's samples are flat, whereas Lowe's samples are satin. The grout cost me about $4 and I have enough to do a million pieces. The samples cost me $4 each so it cost me $8 for the paint and one tablespoon out of a $4 box of group!

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  47. OMG!!!! It's sooooo BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Love the color!! Oh and I LOVE the pillows too!!!

    You better be planning on sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! :)

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  48. This turned out great! I didn't know that you could make your own chalk paint and that it's really easy, too. Painting this headboard gives it a whole new life.

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  49. I'm really impressed! I pinned this post for future reference. Thanks!

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  50. This really did turn out so well. You did a great job with it!

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  51. First coat on and awaiting it to dry to see how it turned out but so far so good. Thank you for making it seem so easy and it really is. I am so happy to find a good recipe to be able to make our own chalk paint as I am all for making things look great without spending massive amounts of money. I look forward to painting my other bargains I have picked up in the last few months.
    Bec.

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  52. Could Minwax Paste Finishing Wax be used as the wax? Have a whole thing of it from other projects. Love this project!

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  53. Can you use this in a paint sprayer?

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  54. Can you use this in a paint sprayer?

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Thoughts? Questions? Opinions? Let's talk about it!