With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start marking off those DIY items you’ve had on your to-do list for ages. There’s something empowering about giving new life to an old piece of furniture with a simple fresh coat of white chalk paint.

I use white because it’s timeless, classic, and complements my home decor in every room. Homemade is always better in my opinion so this week’s DIY will explain how to make your own chalk paint.

You’ll need these things:

1) 1 1/4 cups of latex paint (I use matte finish but any will do)
2) 1/2 cups of hot water
3) 1/2 cups of Plaster of Paris
4) An old tupperware container or jar (preferably one with a lid so you can cover it between coats)

Here’s how to make it:

1) Mix the hot water and Plaster of Paris together until completely smooth.
2) Slowly stir the paint into the plaster water making sure the mixture has no clumps or dry parts. And that’s it!

This recipe has been used on most of my painted furniture. After two coats of chalk paint has dried, I distress the edges of my pieces with either steel wool or a fine grained sand paper. I don’t like to use a finishing wax but you can. I like the look of naturally seasoned furniture that wax often prevents. Wear and tear only gives the piece more character.

If you use this recipe, tag me on Instagram with photos (@humble_tree_co).

We’d love to see what you have created.