Chalk Paint

Wheew.  You would think I felt off the face of the earth.  I haven't (smile).  Actually I have been working with homemade chalk paint.  LOVE IT!  The project right now is painting and distressing some canning jars.  I want to add some succulent plants to them.  I'm thinking that the low water requirement along with the closed container, I should be ok.

here is what I started with:

I added 2 coats of ivory paint, and then one coat of titian white paint:

Pretty, huh?  I used a sponge 'brush' applicator.  But I still got brush marks.  I know the theory is to use a foam applicator to keep from getting brush marks.  I must be heavy handed when painting. {smile}

I then took two different grits of sandpaper, to do two different things.  The softer sand paper I used to remove the white and leave the ivory.  I used the heavy grit to remove the paint in splotches.

this is what I ended up with:

I sprayed two coats of sealant in a semi-gloss.  I am a fan of shiny, but felt that regular gloss is too shiny and the matt is too dull.  See where I am going with this?

I really wanted something rustic, vintage, and shabby.  I really like this little project.  {smile}.  I did go to a home improvement store and picked up some succulent plants.  However, I forgot to get their specialty potting soil.  I know, sometimes, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed.  But, my heart is in the right place {smile}.  Once I get them planted, I'll share another photo.  I really couldn't wait to share this with you, so sorry that it is incomplete.

Home-Made Chalk Paint recipe

3 parts paint.  (I used acrylic paint I had in my craft room)

1 part Plaster of Paris

1 part (equal to the Plaster of Paris) water

directions:

mix water and Plaster of Paris in a bowl, cup or other paint holding vessel.

add paint.

mix, and start painting!

I waited 20 minutes or so in-between coats.  For my wait time, I just started painting other objects.

I allowed my painted projects to dry 24 hours before I started distressing.  Allow the paint to dry an additional 12 -24 hours before adding the sealant.

If  you use this recipe or get inspiration from my blog, please use a hyperlink to refer your readers to this post.  Also, I'd love for you to share with me, as to what you painted.