Creating a Vintage Look With Chalk Paint

If you are a fan of modern farmhouse style or Joanna Gaines, then you've probably seen chalk paint being used to give furniture and home decor a rustic or vintage look. 

This specialized paint is different from traditional or acrylic chalk paint collection in several ways and can be buffed to create a smooth, matte finish that looks almost like chalk. While this type of paint is a popular choice for Dyers, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you try it yourself.

What is acrylic chalk paint?

Basically, it is acrylic or latex paint that has stuff added to it to give it a chalky appearance and feel. It is often used on surfaces that will be heavily distressed, as it is easier to rub off than normal paint. It dries very quickly and is relatively durable, but it is still not as sturdy as furniture lacquer. 

You can make your own chalk paint by adding Plaster of Paris to regular latex or acrylic paint (there are many recipes available online). You can also buy it from speciality retailers and craft stores, although it tends to be more expensive than the cheap jugs of latex or acrylic that you can get at most hardware stores.

You can also turn virtually any water-based paint into a chalk paint using this technique. Baking soda is the key ingredient in the simplest recipe for this paint, but other household items such as cornstarch, coffee grounds and even food colouring can be used to mix a wide variety of colours. 

You can also find tin table chalk paint at most DIY stores, as well as brands such as Annie Sloan and Rust-Oleum that carry a range of colors.