How to Make Chalk Paint (With and Without Baking Soda)

Commercial chalk-style paint's characteristic flat, matte finish can be replicated at home by mixing a matting additive into standard latex or acrylic paint — several common household and craft products work for this, each producing a slightly different final texture and cost.

1. Baking soda method

1 cup latex or acrylic paint
2-3 tablespoons baking soda
1-2 tablespoons water (to help dissolve the baking soda smoothly)

Mix the baking soda with water first to form a smooth paste, then blend
thoroughly into the paint

Baking soda is the most accessible option, already in most kitchens — it produces a reasonably good matte, slightly textured finish, though it can settle or clump if not mixed thoroughly and used relatively promptly after mixing.

2. Plaster of Paris method

1 cup latex or acrylic paint
2-3 tablespoons plaster of Paris
A small amount of water, mixed with the plaster first to form a smooth paste

Plaster of Paris generally produces a smoother, more classically "chalk paint" texture than baking soda, closer to what commercial chalk paint products achieve — it's a common favorite among DIY chalk paint recipes specifically for this smoother result.

3. Unsanded grout method

Unsanded tile grout, mixed into paint following a similar ratio to plaster of Paris, is another common DIY chalk paint additive — it produces a durable, matte finish and is a reasonable alternative if plaster of Paris isn't readily available.

4. Mixing technique matters for a smooth result

1. Always mix the dry additive with a small amount of water FIRST to form
   a smooth paste
2. Adding dry powder directly to paint without pre-mixing risks lumps
   that don't fully dissolve
3. Blend the paste thoroughly into the paint until completely smooth

5. Adjusting the ratio for a stronger or lighter chalk effect

More additive relative to paint produces a stronger matte, more textured chalk finish; less additive produces a subtler effect closer to the original paint's own sheen — testing on a small sample first, following general chalk paint experimentation, helps dial in the preferred ratio before committing to a full project batch.

6. Homemade chalk paint needs the same sealing consideration as commercial chalk paint

As covered for chalk paint's water resistance generally, homemade chalk paint shares the same porous, water-vulnerable characteristics as commercial versions — sealing with wax or a polyurethane/polyacrylic topcoat afterward, following the same guidance covered for commercial chalk paint, applies equally here.

7. Cost and practicality comparison to buying commercial chalk paint

Homemade chalk paint is considerably cheaper than commercial chalk paint products, especially for a larger project, though it takes some experimentation to match commercial paint's exact texture and consistency — a reasonable trade-off for a budget-conscious project or simply for the DIY satisfaction of making it from scratch.