How to mix Paint Minerals

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.

How to mix Paint Minerals Chalk Paint

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.

Paint Minerals Nightstand

Start with 1 cup latex paint.

I love to store my paint in canning jars.

One Cup Latex Paint Mix Minerals

Mix 2 tablespoons of Paint Minerals™ into about 3 tablespoons of water.

I’m using the pre-measured sample pack. Easy Peasy.

Mix Paint Minerals withwater

Stir mixture well, making sure there are no lumps or undissolved powder.

Mix Paint Minerals well

Pour the mixture into your latex paint. Stir Well.

Then stir some more.

Add Paint Minerals to latex

Then replace the lid and shake well.

Please enjoy this cool time-lapsed photography of me shaking well…

Shake Paint Minerals

That’s it!

You’re ready to paint!

Painting with Paint Minerals

No sanding. No priming.

Distresses beautifully!

No sanding no priming

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.

  1. Pour only half the quart of latex paint into the jar, leaving the quart can half full- so you now have 2 batches.
  2. In a small cup, mix 1/2 cup Paint Minerals™ powder with 4 tablespoons of water.
  3. 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.
  4. Now mix both batches together in the jar.

 

ShurLine Paint MixerIf 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.

Painted Vintage 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?

 

Comments

  1. Karen

    I’m assuming I can use a glaze directly over the chalk paint made with Paint Minerals before I coat with polyeurethane?

  2. Amy

    Can I use acrylic paint with the minerals? Will that work the same as Latex? I have a latex allergy :(

  3. Debbie

    I am a chalk paint newbe and am wondering of store or name brand chalk paints which would you choose?

  4. Wandy

    Hi, Can I paint over laminated(formica)cabinets? My mom will Kill me if I messed up her OLD cabinets.
    Great Blog!!

  5. Anita Williams

    How does the chalk paint work over varnished timber? I refuse to sand it back if I can possibly get away with it.

  6. Cindy Smith

    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!

  7. Lisa

    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.

  8. Elaine

    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

  9. Pam

    Hi Sherri,
    I love this ! I’m going to paint my kitchen cabinets. Will it work using a paint sprayer?
    Thank you

  10. Debbie

    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.

  11. 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!

  12. Carol Way

    My question is how to get different colors. Do you buy the latex paint in different colors and mix the paint minerals.

    • Sherri

      Hi Carol, YES, exactly! The Paint Minerals is a powder additive, that you can mix with any color of latex paint!

Trackbacks

  1. […] I have been using this formula to paint my reLoved furniture for a while, and I am in deep love!! What I admire about Paint Minerals (besides the price) is the versatility. I like to think of it as an on-demand kind of freedom. I can mix a small batch in any color, and achieve a high end result! I don’t need to invest in countless quarts of Chalk Paint. I don’t even need to mix large quantities. I’m free to be creative on a whim! If you’d like to read step-by-step mixing instructions, check out my tutorial here. […]

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