Oh, chalk paint; one of my greatest loves. My heart skips a beat when I get a new container of it or start new chalk paint projects. For real.
If you haven’t hopped on the chalk paint bandwagon yet, I’m thinking it could be because you think it’s really only used for furniture. And let’s be honest – painting a piece of furniture can be a little scary.
But the good news is that because chalk style paint is the most fabulous type of paint on earth, there are tons of chalk paint craft ideas out there for those who do not want to paint furniture!
And I searched high and low to gather up some of the best and most creative chalk painting projects to help inspire you to try the stuff out (or to use up your leftover paint)!
Why do Crafters Use Chalk Paint?
There are so many reasons chalk paint is perfect for crafters!
First off, chalk paint coverage is exceptional. You can typically get the look you want with one coat of paint (two at the most), when other types of paint take multiple coats. And . . . no primer is needed with chalk paint!
In addition, chalk paint has super adhesion properties, which makes it so easy to paint over almost any type of surface (even plastic)!
Can I Make My Own Chalk Paint?
If you don’t happen to have any chalk paint on hand, no worries! You can turn latex paint or acrylic paint into chalk paint! And, you only need a few simple ingredients.
To make your own chalk paint, simply mix together 1 cup of paint, 1 tablespoon of calcium carbonate, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir these items together VERY WELL, and you’ll have your own chalk paint!
If you want to make less than one cup of chalk paint, simply reduce the ratios of ingredients.
Do You Have to Seal Chalk Paint Used on Crafts?
The answer to whether you have to seal chalk paint used on crafts is: it depends!
If you’re painting something that won’t be touched or used a lot (say, for example, a picture frame), you probably don’t need to seal it.
If you’re painting something like pencils or a serving tray, you will want to seal the chalk paint. Polycrylic (non-yellowing sealer) is always a great choice for sealing chalk paint craft projects.
Creative Chalk Paint Crafts Ideas
Now that you know a little bit more about chalk paint, I just know you’re going to love these chalk paint crafts ideas and chalk paint DIY projects!
To get the full tutorials for any of these projects, just click the link to be taken to the original blog post! Also, these projects are PERFECT for doing with spray chalk paint (check out my review of chalky finish spray paint!).
17 Amazing Chalk Paint Crafts
Try one or all of these chalk paint crafts! These creative painting projects will help you use up leftover paint, or get started using chalk paint!
This chalk paint DIY idea is a great way to update or dress up a throw pillow! That's right: you can paint fabric with chalk paint! See how White House Black Shutters did it in her project tutorial.
I bet you have lots of leftover florist vases sitting in a cabinet somewhere, don’t you? Give them a breath of new life with some chalk paint like Pet Scribbles did!
Grapevine wreaths are a staple in wreath making, but sometimes you don't want the wreath to be brown! To help my grapevine wreath stand out, I used chalk paint to actually paint the wreath! Spoiler alert: you have to water down the paint to make this work. I share all the grapevine wreath tips and tricks in this post.
These fancy gold frames were painted with chalk paint, and then turned into gorgeous chalkboards. You could keep yours as picture frames or do what Christy did to give them a different purpose!
Update candlesticks in minutes with chalk paint! Read more to see how Roxanne painted these candlesticks without distressing them, and how she sealed them.
You'll have the write stuff if you give your pencils an adorable, custom look with chalk paint like Blooming Homestead did!
Plates and serving platters are a thrift store staple! Freshen them up or antique them with chalk paint like Canary Street Crafts did, and you have unique wall decor in an instant!
Give an old lamp a new look with a coat or two of chalky paint. So much cheaper than buying a new one! Would you guess that this was once a dated shiny brass lamp?
Baskets are perfect candidates for a makeover with chalky paint! Follow Nicole’s tutorial to achieve a washed look on any old basket you have lying around.
Add some color to the garden or porch with chalk painted pots! Our Southern Home fills you in on how to properly seal them so that they will withstand the elements.
If you’ve got a plain piece of scrap wood lying around, turn it into a special work of art for your home with some chalky paint. Emily from Table and Hearth made a special anniversary gift for her husband!
A plain wood tray doesn’t have to be plain if you give it a color injection with chalk paint!
Such a perfect project to use up some leftover chalk paint! Plain wooden jewelry or keepsake boxes are a great makeover candidate for a little bit of paint.
This project inspired me to repaint the mirror hanging in my foyer! It was time for an update!
What could be easier than chalk painting some mason jars and using them as decorative objects around the house? ModPodge Rocks blog shows you how and gives some great tips, too. The options for mason jars are endless!
It’s easy to upcycle an old shutter or door with chalk paint! Use it as a decorative accent or pop on some baskets and turn it into a functional piece like Brepurposed did!
Turn a plain magnet board from Ikea (or anywhere else) into a piece of functional art for any room with chalk paint!
So are you ready to put your paint brushes to work? I hope these chalk paint crafts and chalk paint projects inspire you to get painting!
Bre
Lu says
Would love to try chalk painting. 2 of my grandchildren love to craft and these projects look very fun!
Bre says
Yes! Give it a try, Lu! Chalk painting is the easiest thing around, I promise! 🙂 Good luck.
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Thanks for sharing my chalk painted pots. They have help up beautifully!
Bre says
That is great to know, Christy! I am so happy to have them as part of this roundup! Thank you!!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
Such fun ideas! I had no idea you could chalk paint pillows, I love that idea!! Thanks for including my candlesticks, friend! 🙂
Bre says
I know, right? I wonder if they’d be crunchy? 🙂 Thank YOU for making a fun chalky paint project that I could include!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
These are all great! Thanks for including our thrift store plates :).
Bre says
Thanks, Amy! I thought it was such a fun roundup to put together. I have so much leftover chalk paint that I can’t wait to put to use! Thanks for letting me include your cute plates!