Love the look of chalk paint, but want to be able to mix your own color? You can make your own chalk paint in any color using this DIY chalk paint recipe! Check out my flip furniture project for inspiration.
The Before
I searched for the perfect French Provincial set of dresser drawers for months. I was inspired by the lovely pieces at the various vintage, and antique stores that I love in Frederick Maryland, but honestly most are out of my price point. Plus I wanted an undone piece I could flip and make my own, my mother wanted to help with a project.
I looked through Craigslists, LetGo, Facebook groups, and second hand stores. I finally found a piece I liked through Craigslist.. It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but my Mom and I both really just wanted to get started on a project together. I paid $130 cash for this secondhand piece.
The Chalk Paint Color
I researched pre-mixed chalk paints a lot before deciding I wanted to mix my own. I chose this route so I could pick my own color, and not be limited to the premixed Annie Sloan or Amy Howard colors.
For my furniture piece I selected a shade soft purple gray called Cotton Flannel by Olympic Paint (can also get the same thing in Glidden Paint). I have always been a purple girl 🙂
The DIY Chalk Paint Recipe
Mixing in water and Plaster of Paris obviously dilutes the quality and changes the consistency of the paint, so its best to use a decent quality paint.
This DIY chalk-finish paint can’t be mixed and stored to reuse later. To mix enough chalk-finish paint for one coat for an average sized 6 drawer dresser, use a ratio of 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris to 1/3 cup of cool water. Stir that combination until completely smooth. Then combine with 1 cup of latex paint and stir thoroughly. This makes only enough chalk-finish paint for one coat. Its best to dry completely and sand in before mixing another batch between coats.
The Furniture Flip After…
I wanted to take this piece to the next level with an interesting metallic detail. We used Rust-Oleum American Accents Champagne Gloss Metallic Latex Interior Paint to add a Moroccan- inspired stencil detail and border accent. The drawer border stencil is Martha Stewart Crafts Laser-Cut Stencils, Flourish.
We cleaned up the hardware, but kept it as is.
Personalized Piece
I love the end product. It’s truly me. Some might not like the purple or the flourish details, but I do! This is what I love about DIY projects, making the piece your own. We can all take inspiration from what we see in Pinterest or Instagram. For me, when it comes to the things I bring into my home, I don’t just emulate the look – I take inspiration and create my own version. I personally love the feeling of transforming something to reflect myself. I look forward to finding another piece to make my own soon!
Save the DIY Chalk Paint Recipe for Later with this Pin!
4 Comments
That dresser looks so pretty! congrats on making a beautiful project. thanks for the inspiration
Looks awesome! I did this to my daughter’s furniture and love the outcome!
Wow! That is an awesome turnout on a diy project. I normally have the worst time with doing something like that. Thanks for sharing! XO
I had this dresser growing up. Kinda wish I still had it after looking at your before and after pictures.