How Baking Soda Can Change the Way You Paint—in Just 5 Minutes

Kara S.
by Kara S.
$4
5 Minutes
Easy
Chalk paint is super trendy (still!) because it quickly gives your surface an aged, matte look that is easily distressed. But, oh boy, can it get super pricey! I've got the perfect 3 ingredient hack for turning any house paint into chalk paint in 5 minutes.
First, you'll need baking soda. This recipe will make a little over 1 cup of paint. For a quart of paint, quadruple the amount, but remember that it dries out quickly.
 
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of latex paint. Make sure to mix it well—you’ll need the consistency that my mixture had in the video. Lastly, add a few tbs of cold water.
 
Mix your ingredient until they create a thin, non-grainy texture. It takes a bit of time to dissolve all the baking soda, but, as you can see in the video, once it’s dissolved it will look just like the chalk paint you buy in stores.
 
This one cup of paint was more than enough to paint my end table and coffee table. I’m loving how genuinely chalky they look (and how little I spent)!


Frequently asked questions
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  • Kyla Kyla on Nov 16, 2020

    How long does it take to dry?

  • Linda Linda on Jun 25, 2021

    Can you clean this later by wiping with a damp cloth?

  • Peggy Mcdermott Peggy Mcdermott on Oct 04, 2022

    How to get big dog urine (dry) out of wool oriental rug.

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  • Lin69525260 Lin69525260 on Aug 26, 2022

    Well I just mix the colors I want as I do craft, ì dint buy crafts paints , I use them to creat new colors with satin paint in pour amount needed in the br or kitchen sink, then open containers n wash sink, as firvpaint on his n clothes I always wonder how people wear black n nit a dot of paint on the body 🤔 lol yea cut haha , and some people have no patience n respond this so mean why ?🤨 I respect everyone never will I respond to make someone feel inadequate..I guess they think person on other site is weak .🙃underestimated stories of my life .just enjoy your projects ...or as one person said you cN purchase pour spout.hmmm nah

  • Deb55097247 Deb55097247 on Sep 26, 2024

    Thank you, I have not seen such a good way to adjust the paint to the soda before, so basically it is 1/2 of soda to every cup..so simple, thank you. I am anxious to try it. Someone mentioned getting splatters of paint on their clothes. My daughter is an artist and found at a young age, she would turn her sweatshirt inside out while painting. After cleaning up, she would turn it back to the right side. No paint spots, no unhappy Mom for ruining another sweatshirt! Thanks for your chalk paint idea!!

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