Chalk paint is all the rage right now. It’s easy to make, and it can be used for a variety of projects both indoors and outdoors. In this article, we will teach you how to make chalk paint, and we will also provide fun outdoor art projects that are perfect for toddlers!
How to Make Chalk Paint
Making your own chalk paint is super easy and inexpensive. All you need is some basic ingredients that you probably already have around the house. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative with your kids!
Items needed:
- Plaster of Paris
- Food coloring
- Pot or bucket to mix
- Water
- Paint brushes
First, you’ll need some plaster of Paris. You can find this at most hardware stores or online. Next, you’ll need some water and food coloring. Simply mix together the plaster of Paris and water according to the package directions. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to create your desired color. Then add another 2 cups of water to the mixture and add some more food coloring if you want a brighter chalk.
WHY MAKE YOUR OWN CHALK PAINT?
If you’re like me, you might be wondering why anyone would want to go through the trouble of making their own chalk paint. After all, isn’t it just regular old paint with a little bit of extra chalk thrown in?
Well, actually, there are quite a few reasons why you might want to make your own chalk paint. For one thing, it’s much cheaper than store-bought chalk paint. You can also customize the color and consistency to your liking. And perhaps best of all, it’s really easy to make!
SUPPLIES FOR MIXING CHALK PAINT
One cup of flat paint (latex, acrylic or even leftover wall paint)
– One tablespoon of plaster of Paris
– One tablespoon of cold water
Mix together ingredients until smooth and store in an airtight container. This recipe will make about a cup of chalk paint.
CHALK PAINT TIPS
The best way to mix chalk paint is by hand. If you don’t have access to a large container of water, then try mixing it with a plastic spoon. Mixing it with a plastic spoon will give you a better result than using a metal one.
If you want to add color to your chalk paint, then use food coloring. You can find food coloring at most craft stores. Just add a few drops until you get the desired color.
When using chalk paint on wood, make sure to sand the surface first. This will help the paint adhere better and give you a smoother finish.
Now that you know how to make chalk paint, here are five fun outdoor art projects for toddlers:
-Chalkboard Paintings: Use a piece of cardboard or an old picture frame as your canvas. Apply a layer of chalkboard paint and let your toddler go crazy with their artwork! When they’re done, simply erase and start again.
Chalk Paint Recipe Baking Soda
The first step is to mix all of the ingredients together. I like to start by mixing 1 cup of water with 2 cups of white vinegar. Then add a few drops of dish soap and stir well. Next, we’ll add some baking soda and stir again. Now it’s time to add our chalk paint recipe. Add one part of the plaster of paris mixture to two parts of the calcium carbonate mixture. Mix thoroughly. If you want to add any color to your chalk paint, now would be a great time to do so. I like to add a little bit of food coloring to mine.
Chalk Paint Recipe Plaster of Paris
The plaster of Paris is the main ingredient in most homemade chalk paint recipes. It’s used because it’s cheap and easy to find. It’s also a great way to add texture to your projects.
To make the paint, mix one part plaster of Paris with two parts water. Then add in desired color pigment (we used liquid watercolors). Finally, mix in a tablespoon or two of dish soap to help the paint go on smoothly. That’s it! Your chalk paint is ready to use.
If you want to thin out the paint or add more color, simply adjust the ratio of plaster of Paris to water. And if you find that your paint is too thick, you can add a little more dish soap until you reach the desired consistency.
Now that you know how to make chalk paint, here are five fun outdoor art projects for toddlers that put it to good use!
Chalk Paint Recipe Calcium Carbonate
The calcium carbonate is added to give the paint its chalkiness. It’s not necessary but it does add a little extra depth to the color. If you don’t want to use chalk powder, you could substitute baking soda instead.
Is Homemade Chalk Paint as Good as StoreBought?
The answer is yes! Making chalk paint at home is just as easy as buying it from the store. It takes longer than buying it because you have to mix all the ingredients together, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Can you Make Chalk Paint out of Acrylic Paint?
Yes! I’ve made chalk paint from acrylic paints before. It works just fine. If you want to try it yourself, here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup white vinegar
2 cups water
3/4 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons plaster of Paris (or 1 tablespoon if using calcium carbonate)
Mix all ingredients together in a large pot. Bring mixture to boil and then turn off heat. Let sit overnight. The next day, pour into molds and let dry.
You can make your own chalk paint at home using only three ingredients: water, white vinegar and mineral spirits. Follow these steps to create homemade chalk paint.
Chalk Painting Toddler Art projects
Now that you have your chalk paint, what can you do with it? Here are five fun ideas for outdoor art projects:
Chalk Paint Footprints:
Help your toddler step into a shallow pan or tray filled with the paint mixture. Then let them walk across a piece of paper or cardboard to make their mark. You could also try this activity with different shaped objects like leaves, balls, cars or blocks!
Finger Painting on
The easiest way to mix chalk paint is by using a plastic bucket with a lid. If you don’t want to invest in one of those, then you can use a large glass jar instead.
Now it’s time to have some fun! Use your chalk paint to stencil designs on the sidewalk, draw murals on fences or walls, or create fun patterns on paper. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure to supervise your little ones while they’re painting so they don’t get too messy.
