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How to Use Chalk Paint in 4 Fun and Easy Ways

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Have you heard of the chalk paint trend? Here we discuss what chalk paint is, how to make your own homemade version, and how to use chalk paint in 4 fun and easy ways.

Want to try chalk paint, but not sure about the expense and effort? Head on over to playdatesparties.com to see how to make your own chalk paint AND how to use chalk paint in 4 fun and easy ways! #chalkpaint #paint #homedecor #DIYhomedecor #pdpdecorates

How was your Mother’s Day?

We were blessed with lots of beautiful weather, and plenty of last-minute preparations to finally complete our backyard renovation.

One of the projects I couldn’t wait to try was to start decorating with chalk paint!

What is Chalk Paint?

Now, I know I’m late to the chalk paint game, but just in case you aren’t familiar with it, chalk paint was originally developed by Annie Sloan for use on furniture and other surfaces.

Some of the key benefits of chalk paint are:

  • Little prep work is required
  • Chalk paint is supposed to be very durable
  • The final finish is a matte, almost chalky effect
  • It is perfect for vintage projects, because it distresses beautifully

So why did it take me so long to try out chalk paint? It’s plain expensive!

A single quart can cost over $30, not to mention the special brushes and finishes you might want for your project. Add on to it, the cost of finishing wax (to increase durability), and a single project can quickly run $100 or more just for the painting supplies!

Homemade Chalk Paint Recipes

Being a DIY girl, it’s probably no surprise that I was intrigued by the idea of creating and using my own chalk-style paint.

Salvaged Inspirations wrote an excellent post outlining four different homemade chalk paint recipes. And after a thorough (meaning in-store) read, I decided to use the following chalk paint ‘recipe’:

The BEST thing about a homemade recipe is that you can choose your own paint color. I decided to mix up some chalk paint using a paint sample from the store and to use up some leftover latex paint.

Old glass jars make perfect vases when painted with chalk paint and distressed.

RELATED>>>>The 3-minute Paper Doily Flower (using chalk painted Mason Jars)

How to Use Chalk Paint on Glass Jars:

Painting glass jars is the easiest way to get started with chalk paint projects. And even though I show mason jars in the tutorial below, feel free to paint other jars, too!

Seriously, I painted jelly and jam jars and Frappuccino bottles too. (I think the jelly jar is actually my favorite!)

Step-by-step instructions for how to use chalk paint on glass jars.

Materials:

Directions:

  1. Wipe down the outside of the jar with rubbing alcohol and a gauze pad.
  2. Using an inexpensive brush, apply a thin layer of paint. Start at the rim of the jar and then flip it over to finish the jar off.
  3. Let the jar dry completely, about 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you achieve your desired coverage.
  5. Let the final coat sit overnight, or at least 8 hours.
  6. Distress your jars by sanding the details. Recommend using 180 grit sandpaper on the main areas, and 220 grit sandpaper on the delicate areas.
  7. Wipe off any excess dust.
  8. Seal the jars with a finishing wax or an acrylic sealer. I used a spray-on acrylic sealer that I had on hand.

Note: This method will result in some brush strokes on the final project, so you will want to make sure you paint in the direction you would like the strokes to be seen.

More Chalk Paint Projects

Even after painting several glass jars, I had LOTS of homemade chalk paint leftover. So, it was time to have some fun.

Here’s how to use chalk paint in a few other ways around your house:

Cinder blocks aren't just for building. By using some leftover paint and some masking tape and some chalk paint, you can turn it into a modern-industrial looking vase!

Turn a Cinder Block into a Vase:

This was so much fun. All you need is to put a base coat of paint on a cinder block, tape off a few areas, and then add your chalk paint in the remaining spaces.

Add some plastic jars (32 ounce yogurt jars are perfect) inside the openings of the cinder block, and you have a fun vase!

Make your ceramic figurines pop with a couple coats of homemade chalk paint!

Update Your Old Ceramic Knick-Knacks

This ceramic bird has been sitting around our house for years. But I never wanted to display it because it was a bit too granny-chic for me.

A couple quick coats of chalk paint, and this little bird is all up to date!

An unfinished tray gets a modern makeover with a natural stain on the outside and blue chalk paint on the inside.

RELATED>>>>Homemade Stain with Steel Wool and Vinegar 

Make a cute Serving Tray

This tray was actually an inexpensive wood tray from Target.

The interior of the tray got a coat of teal chalk-style paint, and the exterior was painted with an easy homemade stain.

Don’t you just love the contrast? It’s the perfect cheery color for spring and summer!

Now, It’s Your Turn

There you have it! How to use chalk paint in four fun and easy ways. Plus, we also went over the benefits of chalk paint, and a simple homemade recipe so you don’t have to spend oodles of money on a single color.

Have you ever used chalk paint?
How would you use it if you had some right now?

See the Entire Renovation:

Join me over at Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter,

for more fun ideas and inspiration!

I want to extend many thanks to the readers who have enjoyed renovation and home DIY posts over the years. Unfortunately, in January 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and had to stop doing home renovation posts due to treatment.

Since that time, my focus has been on making this website an amazing resource for the everyday mom’s parties. Due to their popularity, the DIY posts and tutorials will remain on the website, but comments are now closed. Thank you again and I wish you the best in your DIY endeavors!

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About Leslie

Leslie is the passionate party planner in her family. Living with metastatic breast cancer since 2022, she is determined to find a way to continue making amazing parties for her kids that don't leave you exhausted. To do that Leslie combines the experience she learned working for a professional event planner with the reality of a busy family life to create party inspiration that the average mom can reproduce and be proud of.

Comments

  1. Janine Huldie says

    I painted mason jars with a friend of mine who had a paint and wine party back around Valentine’s Day this year, but we didn’t use chalk paint, but after seeing this wish we had. Might have to try myself still with chalk paint for a summer themed project still though now 🙂

    • Leslie says

      I love the chalk paint effect, though a super shiny metallic could be gorgeous, too. Let me know if you do try this!

  2. Jen says

    Adorable Leslie! I have always wanted to use chalk paint, but I agree the price has kept me away. I love the idea of the brick planter though. So cute! Pinned 🙂

    • Leslie says

      It is super expensive! But a big box of Plaster of Paris was pretty cheap. I used both latex and acrylic paints, and they both turned out great, so the homemade stuff doesn’t have to be expensive!

  3. Nina says

    I’ve never painted mason jars but girl you are rocking it! I saw that photo on Instagram and thought it was so beautiful.

    • Leslie says

      Thank you so much Nina! There are a lot of gorgeous photos going around for this challenge.

  4. Tamara says

    I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure, but I think Cassidy would love chalk paint! And it gives the mason jars such a wonderful look. I’m in!

  5. Kate | The Organized Dream says

    I’ve been interested in using chalk paint for some time but never looked into it enough to realize it cost that much! I like your idea to go the DIY way! I’ll have to check out that tutorial on how to do it myself the next time I’m feeling crafty. I love how that bird came out, too! I love how matte it is. Very vintage-looking.

    Kate | The Organized Dream

  6. Barb says

    If I had chalk paint (and I do!) I’d paint two mason jars – one in bright pink/red like a watermelon slice and the other yellow like a lemon. I plan on painting two just like this for my family reunion – and put these jars in a galvanized tote to put silverware in. After the picnic, the jars can be used for flowers, pencil/pen holders, and lots more stuff! I love chalk paint.

  9. Gentle Joy Homemaker says

    It is so fun to open the door to new ideas by finding something like how to make chalk paint. I haven’t done chalk paint… and really don’t have time for such projects at the moment, but I love figuring out new things I can use… like you have done here. You will probably find lots of ways to use this “new” chalk paint. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this!

  12. Katy says

    Those jars are too cute! And look at you, making a cinder block something special. 🙂

    #happynowlinkup

  16. Jamie says

    I love that brick idea – that would really spruce up a yard with just doing something simple. Pinning that to try when I get time.

  18. Jamie Oliver says

    Thanks for sharing–that jar project is exactly what I’m looking to do with some jars for bath salts in my master bathroom, except I’m going to try and just use old salsa jars we have around and add some pretty drawer pulls to the top for decoration. (Stopping by from The Fireman’s Wife)

  19. Minakshi bajpai says

    I have never painted jars. but i like do drawings paintings and decorating. This chalk paint is really a new concept for me. It sounds so great and superb doing chalk paint on jars. I heard that it is quite costly but i want to try atleast once and want to have the same experience like u

  20. Candace says

    I just love the way jars look when they are painted! Those make great decor! But that cinder block!!!! That is too cute. Thanks for sharing.

  21. Michelle Leslie says

    I agree with Leslie, chalk paint can be so expensive and the store often don’t have the color I’m looking for. Making your own is so much better and satisfying. I love the look of that geometric planter BTW

  24. Theresa says

    We love using chalk paint for many of our projects. Thanks for sharing your tips and projects. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Pinned & sharing.

  25. Sharon@BlueWillowHouse says

    Love all of your chalk paint projects. I’ve used chalk paint before and love it. Next big project I’m going to try making it myself. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle.

  26. Teresa says

    Those mason jars look great. I’m not much of a painter and I confess I’ve never used chalk paint before, but it’s something I’ve been meaning to try,
    Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party, this week. Pinned.

  27. Milena says

    Such a fabulous idea! I was very intrigued by the possibility of creating a DIY chalk paint and so stoked to have learned about Plaster of Paris!

  28. candy says

    Going to have to get me some chalk paint for some projects. Found you on Bloggers Pit Stop Link Party

  31. Lynda Hardy says

    What great ideas – I really like the refresh it gave to the ‘granny chic’ figurine. Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!

  32. JaneEllen says

    The only prepared chalk paint have ever used is commercially made/inexpensive compared to big brands of chalk paints. Got some at Joanns last year, they were closing out. I liked it but was limited by colors they had. Most of time don’t have money to buy prepared paint except when acrylic on sale.
    We live out a ways from craft stores where can buy craft paints. Where we live most of craft stores are slow to have new formulas available, very frustrating. I read about all the new formulas but then it’s months before can find it here (Grand Junction, CO). Can’t afford to buy then pay for s&h also. We live few miles west of G.J.
    Have printed out this post about chalk paint and how to make stain. Think all this info will be invaluable.
    Happy Mother’s day

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