I wanted to share with you a quick tutorial on how to mix Paint Minerals™ into your own Chalk Style Paint.
First, what is Paint Minerals™? Well, if you are not familiar with it, Paint Minerals™ is a non-toxic blend of plant and mineral ingredients that will turn ordinary latex paint into decorator-style paints. You can read more about it here.
Paint Minerals™ is an affordable alternative to expensive designer Chalk Paint and Clay Paint. It’s also an excellent solution for taking the guesswork out of DIY Chalk Paint recipes; eliminating the whole Plaster of Paris / Non-Sanded Grout / Calcium Carbonate uncertainty. You can purchase Paint Minerals™ through my Etsy Shop Here
1 Cup Recipe
Besides the affordable price point, another reason why I love using Paint Minerals™ is you can mix as little or as much as you need. Today I’m painting this small nightstand, so I am only going to make a one cup mixture.
Start with 1 cup latex paint.
I love to store my paint in canning jars.
Mix 2 tablespoons of Paint Minerals™ into about 3 tablespoons of water.
I’m using the pre-measured sample pack. Easy Peasy.
Stir mixture well, making sure there are no lumps or undissolved powder.
Pour the mixture into your latex paint. Stir Well.
Then stir some more.
Then replace the lid and shake well.
Please enjoy this cool time-lapsed photography of me shaking well…
That’s it!
You’re ready to paint!
No sanding. No priming.
Distresses beautifully!
Larger batches
Yes, you can mix Paint Minerals™ in larger batches. Just remember that thorough disbursement is crucial…
I may or may not be an over-mixer, but the last thing I want is to be happily painting along, and BAM! I just used some paint, that had no Paint Minerals™ mixed in and now my picture is forever plastered all over EpicPaintFail.com!!
So, just like you can’t over boil an egg, I’d rather be safe than sorry!
QUART- When mixing Paint Minerals™ by the quart, I separate my paint into 2 smaller batches to ensure the best possible blend. You will need an empty jar (or other container) that holds more than 1 quart.
- Pour only half the quart of latex paint into the jar, leaving the quart can half full- so you now have 2 batches.
- In a small cup, mix 1/2 cup Paint Minerals™ powder with 4 tablespoons of water.
- Then pour half of your Paint Minerals™ mixture into the jar of paint and the other half into the quart can. STIR BOTH WELL. Then Shake Both Well.
- Now mix both batches together in the jar.
If you are concerned about under mixing, you can always use a paint mixer paddle that attaches to your drill. One like this can be picked up from your local hardware store for about $2.00 I have several, but have never used them!
Here’s a look back at the before and after of my reLoved nightstand.
Thanks for reading along! I’d love to hear your feedback!
Would you be more likely to try a packaged Chalk Paint Additive, or a homemade blend?
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I’m assuming I can use a glaze directly over the chalk paint made with Paint Minerals before I coat with polyeurethane?
Can I use acrylic paint with the minerals? Will that work the same as Latex? I have a latex allergy
I am a chalk paint newbe and am wondering of store or name brand chalk paints which would you choose?
Should you distress before or after waxing/finishing?
Sherri, I apologize. I put Julie as your name instead of Sherrie in my comments. Sorry.
Hi, Can I paint over laminated(formica)cabinets? My mom will Kill me if I messed up her OLD cabinets.
Great Blog!!
With the Paint Minerals added, yes- you can!
Do you have to use only latex paints without primer added? This is getting hard to find.
I does not have to be. You can use either one.
How does the chalk paint work over varnished timber? I refuse to sand it back if I can possibly get away with it.
Hi Sherri,
By using Paint Minerals is sanding required between coats? I’ve been using the plaster of paris recipe and sanding between coats. Thanks!
Hi Cindy, No- you do not need to sand between coats. The Paint Minerals is very smooth and not gritty like plaster of paris can be.
Thank you so much for all the useful info. I do have a question….does it matter what type or finish of latex paint, is there one that works better?
Hi Lisa, The flat finish will be closer to a true chalk paint. But you can use any finish you like. My personal favorite is an eggshell or low sheen finish.
Im glad i found your blog. I have been painting only about 6 months, learning as I go
I might have to try the paint minerals
I’m glad you found me too
The Paint Minerals definitely makes easy work of it!!
Hi Sherri,
I love this ! I’m going to paint my kitchen cabinets. Will it work using a paint sprayer?
Thank you
Hi Pam,
Yes, it will… Just make sure you clean out your sprayer very well after!
Thanks for the info! May I ask what type of finish you use after applying your paint recipe? Will poly acrylic yellow it? Thanks a lot.
Hi Debbie- for this project, I actually did not apply any type of finish over it, and I absolutely love it!! But, a poly acrylic would be a good choice. As long as it is a water based (acrylic) poly, it shouldn’t yellow. However, there are some polycrylic’s that have a slight yellow tint out of the can, which is only really noticeable if you are applying it over a pure white or a bright white. If that is the case, I would recommend Rust-oleum’s Varethane. I have had excellent experiences with this product and have NEVER had any issues with yellowing.
Great tutorial on Paint Minerals! I love using them because just as you said, it takes the guess work out of using the other additives like un sanded grout. The best part about Paint Minerals is it blends much easier and we can use any color and any brand of Latex paint. That gives us the ability to really let our creative juices flow!
Thanks for writing up such a great tut for everyone to enjoy!
Thanks Bev! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I totally agree
My question is how to get different colors. Do you buy the latex paint in different colors and mix the paint minerals.
Hi Carol, YES, exactly! The Paint Minerals is a powder additive, that you can mix with any color of latex paint!