Okay, I
love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but...
it's not readily available here in Raleigh and it gets
expensive if you're constantly re-painting furniture and love to have dozens of colors on-hand to work with. I've been wanting to try a homemade version of the paint for quite a while as well as the
Cece Caldwell chalk paint that is another alternative to the Annie Sloan chalk paint. There have been several bloggers experimenting with concoctions for months and it seems many prefer using calcium carbonate mixed with latex paint. Hats off to Sherry at No Minimalist Here (Don't you just love that name? Heaven knows I'm not a minimalist!) for coming up with
the recipe!
My calcium carbonate order from Amazon finally arrived and I couldn't wait to try it out. I haven't looked for a source for calcium carbonate locally, but I'm sure it's around. I wanted to test the new paint mixture on a small piece of furniture in case it didn't turn out and this footstool (I keep finding these!) was the guinea pig. Here's the before:
Since I had some Martha Stewart "Spring Melt" already in a small container, it was super-simple to whip up a batch. This paint color is a nice subtle green-blue-gray that goes great with taupes, creams, and other neutrals...
It took a bit of stirring to mix in the calcium carbonate powder, but in the end I'm thrilled with how it worked! I actually think the paint dried faster than chalk paint (if that's even possible), but I wasn't sure how it would work with the wax...
I added a coat of clear wax followed my dark wax and had no problems using the new mixture. I don't think it was quite as shiny after buffing compared to the chalk paint, but the wax was absorbed and protected the paint finish just fine. I'm excited how many paint possibilities this opens up! I'm going to be giving the Cece's paint a try soon too. I'll let you know how that goes... Have you tried any homemade chalk paint recipes yet? How about Cece's paint? What's your favorite?
41 comments:
I make my own chalk paint now. No more paying for it for me! And all the color options now! I got my recipe from Liz Marie. She uses unsanded tile grout mixed with paint. It works great and dries oh so fast-bonus!
I haven't tried ASCP, because like you, very expensive to buy and ship. I'm wanting to try the CC additive. your stool looks fabulous, love the ticking stripe on top!
So what is the cost of the carbonate? Your stool looks amazing!
Love how your little stool turned out. I tried mixing my own with sandless grout and it worked okay. I might have to try this method.
hugs
Sissie
Great looking stool now, Kristen! I love the color and I love the fabric you used! I haven't tried the CeCe Caldwell paint yet {although, I'd like to} nor have I tried making my own chalkpaint yet. Even though it's expensive, since moving I found a local stockist for the ASCP, so I don't have to pay shipping anymore. Last year I ordered two sample pots {prior to our move} to try out two colors I had wanted to. I thought that was a less expensive way to go to see them in person. I actually got a project out of a sample and a half of Old Ochre when I did our hall tree.
Your piece turned out terrific.
I tried the plaster a paris formula and was very happy with it.
I did mix the pap with a tiny bit of hot water first to get it smooth- then slowly added that -stirring constantly - to the paint. it went on like buttaaa lol.. I did a dining table and 4 chairs. Havent waxed yet but the paint is adhered well.
You might want to try that formula- the pap was 5.99 for a large container and it would be enough for me to paint every piece of furniture in the house lol..
I haven't tried homemade, but did order one can of ASCP and one container of dark wax and it was $92.30....WOW! I can see if you want many colours, that it would get very, very expensive!
Could you offer your great blog via email
thanks
Erika
I love your sweet little foot stool. I made my own chalk paint with a mixture of paint and plaster aparis (sp). I found it very easy to use and love the end result! I've never used the "real" stuff so I can't compare with it, but have used this homemade recipe for many things and haven't had any issues!
Dee Dee
I have been wanting to try chalk paint but it's so expensive. Now I can make my own! I'm definitely trying this. Thank you!
Your stool looks fantastic! Love how your paint turned out. I am also loving your fabric choice, and was wondering if the rug was a recent purchase, and if you recall where you bought it? I would really like to find one like it!
Thanks!
xo
-Lisa
Beautiful! It looks great! I just tried the chalk paint for the first time - I love it.
Sherry's Bees Nest
I started with plaster of paris, but I agree that calcium carbonate is the way to go. I bought mine at Amazon too. You are my blog of the week. Your blog button is in my sidebar already and the post about your blog will go live on Weds morning I think. I've got Cowgirl Up tomorrow, so it will be after that.
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe and your cute little stool.
Last year we painted everything with the chalk paint and I really didn't think we could this year, although it does seem to go along ways. I'm very excited to try this!
Soon we will be setting up for The Funky Junk Show, will miss your sweet face.
xox Glad & Cel
Your stool turned out great! I would love for you stop by and link up at my linky party via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Delightful
Ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
I am so happy to hear there is a way to make your own! I just discovered ASCP but, yes, it is expensive. And I want all the colors!! I will have to try your method~thank you!
Angie
I also made the recipe with plaster of paris and was very happy with the product. We now have a local stockist for the ASCP and I will purchase some of the "good" stuff to paint my dining furniture that came to me from my parents. I will continue, however, to mix up my own version for general furniture painting purposes.
i can't believe that is the same bench!! i'll remember this post if I get the courage to try your paint recipe experiement, I sure love the look!
Happy Valentines to you and yours=)
Hollie
Your bench looks beautiful. I'm so glad you posted this! I have been wanting to try the homemade version and I like hearing positive things about it. I have a party on Fridays and I would love if you linked up!
http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/02/latest-greatest-friday-link-party-18.html
Gorgeous! This is an amazing transformation! I found you through Anita at Cedar Hill. I'm now following on GFC.
I just learned about Cece's paint and I'm excited to try it. I love ASCP but may have to try making my own too!
I love the way your little foot stool turned out, so cute! Thanks for sharing the recipe for chalk paint. I must try it!! I just recently tried CeCe Caldwells paint, Santa Fe Turquoise. I found it to be the same as ASCP. I can't wait to make some of my own now.
You stool looks fab! Hope you get to try out the new CeCe Caldwell paints soon! They are wonderful.
Do you know if there is a local place to purchase the calcium carbonate?
I've tried ASCP and I've made my own with the non-sanded grout. Both are great. I did find that if you mixed the powder (non-sanded grout) with a little water first and then add it to the paint, there is a lot less stirring needed. Trial and error learning....
Susan
Homeroad
Hi!!! New follower, found you through USOS's Tuesday Treasures. Anyways, I made my own calk paint too {Liz Marie} and everyone keeps talking about wax and I didn't use any. I wish I would have. What is the brand and where did you purchase it?
Looove Raleigh by the way. My sis lives in New Bern and we check out Raleigh when we visit her. Thinking of moving there or Wilmington soon.
this turned out so cute! I noticed the ticking and legs on your piece you linked up at Kristin's, because I just refinished a dining set with black ticking and the same legs were on the chairs :) I keep seeing all the pinterest pins on homemade chalk paint....I do like ASCP and we have it locally now, but it would be nice to not have to spend so much and have a library of color options! thanks for the tip, I'll have to check that out.
Loved your chair. I also use Annie Sloan paint and love it, but am so glad to find out that someone else knows how to make it. I will certainly do that from now on and just think, we can make it in any colors now. I also love Milk Paint. It is great and lots cheaper. Keep up the great job & thanks again for the information. You are now on my favorite blog.
Betty Whatley
Down Memory Lane
It looks great! Thanks for posting your recipe. I'm wondering what kind of dark wax you use. I like the look!
I am a retailer for CeCe Caldwell and I love it. I used Annie Sloans until I found it. It is no VOC, all nnatural, made in the US and the wax is amazing. It is made of insect and plant waxed and goes on like butter....no dragging....and best of all no smell....you can paint in the house with the kids around. It is chalk and clay based paint, super easy to distress.
In most cases it is less expensive than other chalk paint.
I love your bench, it turned out so cute. If any one is interested in trying CeCe Caldwell, you can order online at our blog. We have flatrate shipping. I am happy to answer any questions. Leslie WWW.orphaneddecor.blogspot.com
Hi! I have actually used both...ASCP and CeCe Caldwell's. We are actually going to be a retailer for CeCe Caldwell's. Just waiting for the shipment. Just thought I would share what I like about the CeCe Caldwell's Paint. One - it's 100% Natural...NO VOC's and NO odor! Two - when sanded, since the paint is made from natural ingredients, you get variations in color (darker and lighter pigments throughout the paint) which gives it a "naturally worn/weathered" look. It's not matte like other paints. It distresses beautifully and once waxed is a very soft semi matte finish. Because of the natural variations in color, it eliminates the need for the dark wax. I know I am a few days late at posting this, but thought it was worth sharing. I have not tried the homemade chalk paint, but your stool is very cute!
I'm a little late with this...but I found a supplier in Raleigh for ASC paints that I'm going to check out when visiting my sister in law in the area. Studio 28, 14 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh 27603in case you wanted to check it out! Don't know if you're in that area or not!
shareff5@aol.com
I have a supper way of making it easier to stir,,.use hot water. Add calicium to hot water and then add to your paint. I bought CC's paint and this consistently is smoother and blends way more easy. You can also use plaster Paris add hot water to the plaster first, I can't take credit for this it was passed along to me.
Hi Kristen, I just found your blog and love what you done with little stool. I make my chalk paint to but with Plaster of Paris. Love how it covers and it amazes me what I can paint with it and the fact that I can take any color paint and transform it to chalk paint....well! I am your newest follower.
I'm new to this, but the easiest chalk paint recipe is this:
2 cups high quality latex paint
5 tablespoons Plaster of Paris
2-3 tablespoons hot water.
Mix Plaster of Paris and hot water, mix well til smooth, adding more water if needed (like a super, super thick gravy). Add paint and mix well.
You need to seal it with wax or poly. Sands nicely, too!
Thank You for posting this!! I hoped over and got the recipe for chalk paint and am now following both your blogs. I am going to have to try this. I've tried a llittle of cc caldwell's paint and really like it. I did think her colors were a little limited. I am sooo excited to try this. Thanks,
Cc chalk paint needs primer but other than that was nice. I haven't tried any other brands
I love the velvety texture of chalk paint and the fact that it adheres to anything. I have tried ccc chalk paint but if there is anything ink, etc on the furniture it pops right through. I am better with paint and glaze. I made some with plaster of paris but its gritty not velvety. I'm on the hunt for calcium carbonate locally. I want to try it.
Cc chalk paint needs primer but other than that was nice. I haven't tried any other brands
Cc chalk paint needs primer but other than that was nice. I haven't tried any other brands
About a month ago I decided to paint some furniture I had with chalk paint. An acquaintance of mine had raved about Annie Sloan cp and since I didn't have anywhere close to me that sold it, I researched for it online and while doing so, I found Cece Caldwell paint. So, I started reading reviews between the two paints, hearing both are great and of course people had personal preferences.
The one thing that swayed me to Cece was that everyone said that it was zero voc's and non toxic. This was said about both the paints and the wax. This is really important to me because I am chemically sensitive!
Again there were no retailers close to where I live in N. California so I ordered online. I got really excited and lined up several pieces to paint and wax. After my 2nd piece, I felt my fingers were tingling and with the 3rd piece, the tingling turned into burning. The only thing that I was really touching was the wax.
So I read the can and looked up the ingredients. Carnauba wax is safe, beeswax is safe, linseed oil is not. Raw linseed oil is called flaxseed oil and is not used in furniture wax as it takes forever to dry and doesn't harden. Boiled linseed oil is what is used in furniture waxes and has added solvents / metallic dryers which are indeed toxic!
I thought I had to share this because I may not be the only one that is chemically sensitive. In fact I think many of the people who choose chalk paint do so because they think it is completely safe. The several pieces I did were for my daughters room and now I am not so sure that the wax is safe for her to be constantly touching, although I am hoping the toxic junk evaporates.
The pieces look great and were fun to do, but the wax is my concern. I guess you could wear gloves, though it's not the same as being bare fingered. Cece Caldwell should have a warning about linseed oil though. I haven't painted for days and I still feel the tingling.
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