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The Best Paints for Cabinets in Your Kitchen (2023)

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Looking to paint your kitchen cabinets but not sure which paint to use? You’re in the right place. If you’re short on time I’ll give you my top pick now. Just remember, while some paints are better than others for your kitchen cabinents, it really does come down to preference.

Overall Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

My top pick for cabinets overall is Rust Oleum Milk Paint. The reason for choosing milk paint is it’s durability and the fact it has great coverage, while still having that chalky looking finish. Now, this isn’t for everyone because you may want a differnet look. I highly recommend you read the rest of this post to see what would be best for you.

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Why Using the Best Cabinet Paint is Important

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to change the style of your kitchen. You can make outdated cabinets look sleek and modern, or transform plain cabinets into striking focal points. Cabinet painting is a major job, and not using the best paint or taking the time to do it correctly can lead to some awful results.

Several years ago, my husband and I were house hunting. At that time, many of the homes we looked at were being sold by “flippers”. These were usually older homes that someone bought & remodeled; hoping to “flip” them for a profit. Most of these homes had some kind of remodeling done in the kitchen.

Many of these remodeled kitchens turned out beautifully, but there were more than a few that had badly painted cabinets and doors.

There’s just no other way to describe it; they were bad. From a distance, it wasn’t really noticeable, but if you looked closely you could see plenty of mistakes. It was enough to turn us off as potential home buyers.

I remember noticing cabinets that had uneven paint coverage, small paint spots on the wall and inside edges where it hadn’t been taped properly, and in one case…a hair that had been painted over!  It was obvious some of the paint jobs had been done hastily, as the latex paint was lifting up on some edges, or had teeny bubbles in some corners.

Using the right paint and proper techniques is so important. There’s a saying that the kitchen is the heart of any home. If that’s so, the kitchen should be taken care of in the best possible way, even if that simply means picking out the best paint for a cabinet makeover.

Important Things to Consider When Picking The Best Brand of Paint for Your Kitchen Cabinets

When trying to decide which brand of paint you should use for your kitchen cabinet transformation, you should keep a few key things in mind.

First, make sure that the paint you like is suitable for kitchen cabinets. Many brands make paints that are specifically for cabinets and doors.

You should also compare the prices of different paint brands. A gallon of paint in similar colors can vary widely in what it will cost you, depending on the brand. Paints branded by famous home designers will undoubtedly cost more, but a mass-produced brand might do the job for you just as well. 

Finally, read online reviews when deciding which brand of paint to choose. I really can’t stress this enough.

Even if, at first glance, a particular paint has a lot of five-star ratings, browse through the less-than-favorable reviews, too.

If you notice that many users are having similar issues with the product, don’t rush to buy it right away. It’s also good to look at reviews on multiple websites such as Amazon, Google, and the paint manufacturers’ websites.

What is the Best Type of Paint for Cabinets?

Some types of paints are much better suited for cabinets than others. You want to be sure that your paint will hold up to lots of touching/movement, will be resistant to dirt and stains, and will be easy to clean. Paints that are formulated with built-in primer are a good choice, although in some instances you might want to use a separate primer anyway.

Here are brief descriptions of the types of paint you might find, and how well they’ll work for your kitchen cabinets.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are durable, and the colors look rich and vibrant when the paint dries. They come in just about any color you can imagine, and are fairly resistant to dirt and stains.

However, there are some significant drawbacks to oil-based paints. They take a really long time to dry.

Waiting for the paint to dry between coats could add a couple of days to your painting projects. Oil paints also have a high amount of VOC (volatile organic compounds).

This means it is imperative that you have good ventilation in the room while you’re painting, and you should absolutely wear a filtered mask while painting. Unfortunately, the “new paint” smell of oil paints can take a week or more to go away.

Lastly, oil-based paints need to be cleaned up from your tools/work area with mineral spirits, and leftover paint is considered a hazardous material and needs to be disposed of properly.

Latex Paints

Latex paints are acrylic pigments in water-based paint. Latex is the most common type of paint you’ll find for any interior painting project.

The colors and finish are comparable to oil-based paints. The biggest difference between latex and oil-based paints is the drying time.

Latex paint dries pretty fast. In fact, it can seem like it dries almost too fast; making it difficult to get the paint applied perfectly smooth without streaks or uneven spots. Usually, this can be remedied with a second coat of paint, though. 

Latex paints have a much lower VOC content, so they don’t smell as strong as oil-based paints. You’ll still need to have good ventilation in your workspace, but the paint odor won’t linger much once the paint is completely dried.

Hybrid Alkyd Enamel Paint

Somewhat new to the world of home renovations, hybrid alkyd enamel paints bring the advantages of both oil-based and latex paints together.

Hybrid alkyd paints are water-based (like latex paint) but still contain alkyd resins (like oil-based paint). The result is a type of paint with the rich colors and durability of oil paints, but that dries quickly and has low VOC levels like latex paint.

Hybrid Alkyd paint also cleans up easily with soap and water and is virtually odorless. The durability makes this type of paint an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets, trim, and doors.

Chalk Paint

There are quite a lot of opinions about whether or not chalk paint is a good choice for kitchen cabinets. The matte finish and soft colors of chalk paint look absolutely gorgeous if your kitchen has a “farmhouse” or “country chic” style. Personally this is my favorite type of look.

Because chalk paint is a fairly thick paint, it can produce better coverage with few coats.

However, there are a few downsides to using chalk paint on your cabinets. Most importantly, chalk paint is prone to chipping.

That’s perfect for furniture that you want to have a distressed appearance, but it’s not a good idea for kitchen cabinets. Also, the matte finish of chalk paint will absorb any crumbs, dust, or grease from your normal kitchen use. 

For these reasons, it is absolutely necessary to finish chalk-painted cabinets with a coat or two of wax sealant. Your cabinets will have a slight sheen but will be much better protected. Eventually, you’ll have to touch up the wax sealant to keep your cabinets looking as good as they did when you first painted them.

Milk Paint

Milk paint will give you a smooth matte finish similar to chalk paint, but it’s a more durable choice for kitchen cabinets. I’ve written a full blog post covering milk paint vs chalk paint.

You can find milk paint in colors very similar to chalk paint colors, but the finish has a very slight satiny sheen to it.

This makes it a good choice for surfaces like cabinet doors, which will need frequent cleaning. Even though it is known to be a strong, long-lasting paint, you will still need to apply a protective top coat once your painted cabinets are fully dry.

Milk paint is sold in powder form and then you mix it with water to achieve the desired consistency. You need to be sure it is free of lumps after mixing to get a perfectly smooth finish.

While milk paint is known to be durable, it can still be a little bit prone to chipping on anything that will be touched or moved frequently. You can prevent chipping and scuffing by mixing in a bonding agent to make the paint more adhesive and long-lasting.

Milk paint can be a good value since you can mix the powdered form in just the quantity you need for your project. It’s practically odorless and cleans up easily with just mild soap and water.

Which Paints Have the Best Coverage?

If you’re looking for a smooth, opaque coverage for your cabinets you’ll get the best results with latex or hybrid alkyd paints. Both of these paints will dry with vibrant colors and a smooth finish if applied carefully.

Of these two, the hybrid alkyd paint is easier to get an even finish in just one or two coats. Latex paint will need at least two coats to achieve an even appearance.

Another great option is any paint that is a “paint and primer” formula. You can find these from most major latex paint brands. In some cases, you might still want to do a primer coat, but the paint-and-primer formulas do a great job of providing even full coverage. 

Do You Need a Special Paint for Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

Any of the types of paint already described in this article will work just fine on wood cabinets, whether they’ve been painted before or not.

You don’t need any special paint for your wood cabinets, but you might need to do a little bit of extra prep work to get the best results.

Wood cabinets are likely to have a light varnish or polyurethane top coat. In order for the paint to adhere evenly, you should clean the cabinets thoroughly and then lightly sand the top coat.

You don’t need to sand completely down to bare wood. The sanded surface is simply so the paint will be able to “grip” onto your cabinets. 

Can You Make Old Cabinets Look Modern?

Updating old cabinets is one of the most striking ways to make your kitchen look modern and stylish.

Changing the color of your kitchen cabinets is a simple way to update their look. This is especially true in older homes.

Even what was once a bright white paint job can appear yellowed and dingy over time. Kitchen cabinets that are still painted avocado green or sunny yellow (all the rage several decades ago!) can look brand new simply by changing the color to something more modern.

Muted shades, earthy colors, classic whites, and soft gray tones are all very popular colors for kitchen decor right now. Glossy finish paints look good if your kitchen has modern stainless steel appliances. The shiny finish will give your kitchen a contemporary designer look.

The other way to make your older cabinets look brand new is to change the hardware. This is an easy fix, but once it’s done you will be amazed at how it transforms the overall look of your kitchen.

Opt for sleek, minimalist hardware designs for the most contemporary style. Hidden hinges, as opposed to visible or ornate styles, are also a good way to update the look of your cabinets.

Can You Make New Cabinets Look Rustic?

Transforming new cabinets to have a rustic, or antiqued appearance is an easy and fun way to change the look of your kitchen.

Changing the paint color to a soft, lighter shade is a great way to get that “farmhouse” style that is so popular right now. Many paint brands even offer shades that are marketed as “farmhouse” or “country”.

Soft pastel hues and creamy shades of white are perfect to get a rustic aesthetic in your kitchen.

Painting your cabinets with chalk paint or milk paint, then sanding lightly for a “distressed” look can add a rustic appeal. However, you should only do very light distressing for anything in your kitchen, and you’ll definitely need to have a strong protective top coat over your paint.

Choose a top coat with a satin finish to keep your cabinets protected while preserving as much of the matte finish as possible.

Switching out your cabinet hardware is an easy way to transform your modern kitchen. Look for hardware that has a brushed or satin finish as opposed to anything shiny.

Oil-rubbed bronze, antiqued brass, and brushed nickel hinges and handles all have an attractive antique appearance. There are even companies that sell reproductions of antique hardware, right down to matching screws.

To complete the look, you could change your kitchen sink fixtures to match the new cabinet hardware.

How Much Money Do You Save By Painting Cabinets Yourself Instead of Hiring Someone?

Repainting kitchen cabinets sounds like it should be a simple DIY job. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case.

It’s time-consuming and isn’t something that can be done by yourself over a long weekend. Realistically, prepping and painting your cabinets can take up to a week before your kitchen is fully usable again.

You can save a lot of time by hiring professionals to paint your cabinets, but it will cost considerably more.

On average, the cost of having kitchen cabinets repainted can range from $900 to $1500, depending on the material costs, the size of your kitchen, the number of cabinets, and how much prep/minor repair work needs to be done.

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, you can spend as much as $150 to $500 on paint and supplies.

This, of course, depends on the price of the paint you choose, how much you need, and what additional supplies you need to purchase.

So you can conceivably cut the cost of your kitchen cabinet painting by half (or maybe more) by doing it yourself. However, when you hire professionals you will have the job done in much less time, and it will be done properly.

Kitchen cabinets that are painted professionally can last decades without needing much more attention than regular cleaning.

Best Paint Finish For Kitchen Cabinets

Another consideration when choosing paint for your kitchen cabinets is deciding what type of finish will be the best choice.

Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are really optimal for any painted surface in the kitchen. The glossy finish helps to repel dirt and makes the painted surface easy to clean.

Although they look great, matte finishes aren’t always the best choice for the kitchen. That doesn’t mean you can’t use chalk paint or milk paint on your cabinets; you’ll just have to apply a protective top coat of wax or polyurethane.

The top coat will have a soft satiny sheen, so the paint won’t have the velvety matte look that these paints are known for.

Without the top coat, dirt, crumbs, and kitchen grease will stick to the paint, and it won’t be easy to clean without scuffing or chipping the paint.

Best DIY-Friendly Cabinet Paint

Beyond Paint Furniture, Cabinets and More All-in-One is one of the most “user-friendly” paints on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who is a beginner at home painting.

The product description states there is no sanding or priming needed with this paint. It comes in a variety of colors that are perfect for any style of kitchen. It’s a thick paint that applies easily with a roller and dries to a smooth, semi-glossy finish.

User reviews indicate that it lives up to the boast of needing little to no prep work, with a high rate of satisfaction.

The Best Oil-Based Paint For Cabinets

Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel is an oil-based paint that is a great choice for almost any home painting project.

The colors are rich and vibrant, and they look fresh and glossy after the paint is dry. Even though this is an oil-based paint, it has a relatively quick drying time of 3 to 4 hours.

Rust-Oleum is known for being one of the most durable home paints on the market, which makes it a good option for high-touch areas such as kitchen cabinets.

The Best Chalk Paint for Cabinets

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint is available in a variety of contemporary colors at a budget-friendly price.

It applies easily with a brush or roller and dries to the touch in approximately 30 minutes. The final appearance is a velvety matte finish. You can read more about the best chalk paint brushes here.

Like any chalk-style paint, you will need to apply a protective top coat if using this on kitchen cabinets. You can seal this with a wax coating or with the Rust-Oleum brand clear top coat. I wrote a whole post about the best chalk paint waxes here.

Rust-Oleum produces a matte finish clear top coat, but a semi-gloss or satin finish will be easier to keep clean in the kitchen. You can read more about the best chalk paints here.

The Best Milk Paint for Cabinets

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Powder is an excellent choice if you want a rustic or farmhouse look for your kitchen. This powdered paint can be used as a semi-transparent wash (with one coat), or as a full matte finish paint (with two to three coats).

The colors are rich and won’t fade over time. Old Fashioned Milk Paint also produces a bonding agent that can be mixed in, to add more durability and adhesion to this paint. One of the nice features of any milk paint is that it is non-toxic and virtually odorless.

Like chalk paint, you will need to apply a protective top coat over this paint for the best results. It’s also important to mix the paint powder thoroughly and let it sit for a few minutes before painting to minimize bubbles in the paint.

The Best Paint and Primer for Kitchen Cabinets

Prestige Interior Paint and Primer is available in over 40 colors. These neutral shades are perfect for modern kitchen designs.

The semi-gloss finish allows for easy cleaning and keeps the paint looking fresh. This is an acrylic latex that has a low VOC content, so there is very little odor and it cleans up easily with soap and water. 

Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint From Sherwin Williams

For a professional-looking finish to your painted cabinets, you can’t go wrong with Sherwin Williams’ ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel.

It is available in high-gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes, and you can get any of the Sherwin Williams paint colors.

This is a thicker paint that is formulated to stand up to heavy-use surfaces. It goes on smoothly with either a brush or roller and dries to show no brush marks at all. It is important to use a primer coat with this paint for the absolute best results.

The Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

Classic white cabinets look great in any kitchen decorating style. Picking out white paint can be trickier than you might think, though! Basically, whites can be “neutral”, “cool”, or “warm”. 

The neutral, or true whites will be the most “white”. They’re bright, reflective, and probably best suited to modern decor.

Cool whites have undertones of blue, gray, or even greenish hues. You don’t really notice the undertones, but they’ll look best in a kitchen with cooler complimentary colors.

Warm whites will have undertones of yellow, pink, or even pale orange. You have to be careful if you choose a warm white paint color because it can look yellow very easily.

Paints described as “off-white” or “cream” usually have warm undertones.

Here are a few popular white paints that are suitable for kitchen cabinets:

Sherwin Williams Alabaster White-Best Warm White

This paint has warm undertones of pale yellow and gray. It’s a lovely soft shade that looks especially pretty in natural light. Be aware that fluorescent lighting does bring out the yellowish tones in this paint.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White-Best Cool White

This cool white is a favorite with interior designers as well as DIY home painters. This is almost a pure white, with very subtle cool undertones that look beautiful in any light.

It always looks crisp and modern and has absolutely no yellowish cast to it.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White-Best True White

This absolutely bright white paint is probably the closest you can buy to a pure white. It has an LRV (light reflective value) of 95, which means that it is so bright it can reflect 95% of light off of its surface.

With decorative light fixtures and even candles, this can produce some dramatic light effects in your kitchen. While this true white paint looks bright and clean, it looks best in a kitchen that has some touches of color in it as well.

Without touches of color to accent the room, using this paint could make your kitchen look a little bit sterile.

Top Techniques for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you’ve read through some suggestions on the best types of paint, you’re probably wondering how to get started! Using a good technique is just as important as choosing the best paint for the job.

The first thing you need to do is make sure your cabinets are clean and dry. Then you should give them a light sanding, and clean them again to get rid of any sanded dust.

A primer coat is a good idea at this point, even if the paint you’re using is the kind that is described as “paint and primer in one”.

Once your primer coat is dry, you’re ready to apply your first coat of paint. Brushing with a 2.5-inch fine bristle brush will give you great results.

If you prefer using a roller, you’ll have better control with a mini roller than with a full-size one. Apply your first coat all over, then leave it to dry fully. Even if it feels dry to the touch after a couple of hours, it’s best to let it dry fully for several hours to overnight.

Then, you’ll want to sand it very lightly before applying a second coat and possibly a third coat. Thin coats of paint are better than thick coats. The thinner layers will provide a stronger, more long-lasting bond.

If you’re applying a protective sealant coat, be sure your paint is absolutely dry before you apply. In fact, making sure you allow enough drying time at all steps of your painting is crucial to achieving a professional look.

The last technique that should be mentioned is using a paint sprayer. This can make the job of actually painting go quickly, but it does require quite a bit of prep work to protect everything from any overspray.

If you opt to give a paint sprayer a try, be sure to wear goggles and a face mask for your own safety.

Make sure your kitchen and/or workspace are well-ventilated, especially if you’re working with oil-based paints.

How to Get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If your goal is to have a perfectly smooth finish, there are a couple of tricks that can help you achieve this.

The first tip to getting that beautifully smooth look on your cabinets is sanding. You’ll want to sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper before applying your primer.

Then, you’ll want to lightly sand with your 220-grit between each layer of primer, paint, and top coat. This helps each layer adhere perfectly and level out to a smooth appearance. Be sure to lightly clean up any dust after sanding, so you’re not painting the dust into your surface!

The next tip for a smooth look is to use a foam paint roller. Foam rollers spread paint with almost no texture in the finished project.

You’ll probably still need to use a small brush for tight areas, but a 4-inch foam roller will make the job go quickly and give you great results. 

How to Paint Over Oak Cabinets White Without The Grain Showing

Oak cabinets are lovely if you want the look of natural wood grain and color. They’re also very sturdy. If you are considering painting over oak cabinets and don’t want the appearance or texture of the wood grain to show, you’ll need to take a couple of extra steps.

First, you’ll need to sand and fill in that wood grain. The grain on oak is deeper than a lot of other hardwoods.

You should use a medium sandpaper, and sand in the direction of the woodgrain using even pressure. Use a damp cloth to clean up any sanding dust before the next step.

Next, you’ll need some wood putty and a spackle spatula. Apply a very thin coat of the wood putty on the cabinet, and spread it over the surface.

You’re trying to just fill in the grain so you’ll have an even surface all over. Use the spatula to spread it evenly. You can sand any uneven spots after it is fully dry, but it will be easier if you can get it even while the putty is still wet.

Let this dry overnight, then get your light sandpaper and give it a light sanding again. You’ll need to wipe up any sanding dust again, of course.

The final step before painting is to apply one or two primer coats. The coats will act as a final barrier to prevent the wood grain from showing, as well as help your paint to adhere evenly.

Be sure to allow plenty of drying time between your primer coats, then you’re (finally) ready to paint your oak cabinets.

How Much Paint do You Need for a Cabinet?

Many paint manufacturers will have an estimate on the paint can that will tell you how many square feet the container of paint will cover.

As a general rule, one gallon of paint should cover 350 square feet, which is approximately enough to paint a bathroom or small room.

Two gallons of paint is considered enough for an “average” home painting project and should cover approximately 800 square feet. If you keep that in mind, a gallon of paint should be enough to paint your kitchen cabinets with multiple coats. 

How To Prep Cabinets To Be Painted?

There’s no easy way to say this: painting kitchen cabinets requires a lot of prep work! Not just prepping the cabinets, but also prepping your entire kitchen.

Before you even get started, you’ll need to remove everything from your kitchen countertops. You might want to move any furniture out of the kitchen also.

Cover your countertops, appliances, and floor with heavy paper or plastic sheeting.

Remove any curtains from nearby windows, and cover the windows with plastic. If you’re going to use a paint sprayer, you should hand some plastic sheeting to block off the entrance to the kitchen.

It’s easier to paint cabinet doors if you remove them from the cabinet boxes. Be sure to organize the hardware in small containers or plastic bags, and label them in a way that makes sense to you.

Now it’s time to clean! You’ll need to scrub the doors and outside surfaces of the cabinet boxes on the wall with soap and water.

Kitchen cabinets are going to pick up dirt, grease, and dust from daily use. You don’t want to paint over even tiny amounts of dirt, so making sure they’re spotlessly clean will help make your cabinets look wonderful.

Finally, it’s time to begin taping/masking off so you can get started with the paint!

How To Tape Cabinets To Be Painted

Personally, I find taping to be the most tedious part of any home painting project. But, I also know that taking the time to carefully tape off before painting can make the difference between a professional-looking job, and a less-than-wonderful-looking job!

In addition to masking tape, you’ll need some heavy brown paper. You can usually find rolls of it at most home improvement stores, as well as online. Tape several inches of the paper to the walls and ceiling all around the cabinet boxes.

You’ll also need to tape along the interior edge of the cabinets. Take your time and be sure to get the tape and paper right up to the edge of the cabinets.

It’s not the most fun part of the job, but doing it correctly will save you from doing unnecessary touch-ups and cleaning later.

If you’re going to use a paint sprayer, you should tape a sheet of plastic across the open cabinet boxes so you don’t get paint inside.

You should also tape the paper over the backsplash, countertops, floors, and most of the walls to avoid getting any overspray on them.

Wrapping Up on The Best Kitchen Cabinet Paints

Painting your cabinets is a great way to dramatically transform your kitchen. With the right paint, you can create a cozy “farmhouse chic” space or a crisp modern one.

It’s a big undertaking to try yourself, so doing some research on what paint you should use is worth the time. It’s also important to remember that a great paint job starts with great prep work, and kitchen cabinets take a lot of preparation.

In the end, though, you can have a stunning kitchen that reflects your personality and style. 

Chalk Paint Recipes – How to Make Homemade Chalk Paint

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Chalk paint is a wonderful medium to transform old furniture into new and stylish pieces. It’s also great for painting small home accent pieces and holiday decorations. Even though there are many manufacturers of chalk paint, with a wide variety of colors, sometimes it can be a challenge to find just the right color you want. It’s also hard to know which are the best chalk paints. One option is to make your own chalk paint. This post has three homemade chalk paint recipes for you.

There is also a “commercial” way to make chalk paint. You can use BB Frosch paint transformer powder to mix with normal acrylic paints. This is by far my favorite type of chalk, too. It lets you choose your own color and it’s just as high quality as the commercial chalk paints.

Jump to Recipe

Making your own homemade chalk paint is easier than you might think. It can be a fun activity to do with your kids, too. In fact, you can transform many household paints into chalk paint simply by mixing them with some common household ingredients. 

What Ingredients Are In Chalk Paint?

Depending on the brand of commercially sold chalk paint, ingredients can vary a little bit. However, one constant for all brands is the addition of some kind of mineral. Mineral additives are what give chalk-style paint that distinctive chalky matte finish. Additives vary, but they are often quartz, silica, talc, or more commonly, calcium carbonate. In fact, calcium carbonate is a key ingredient if you want to make your own chalk-style paint. Do you know what the more common name for calcium carbonate is? It’s chalk; just ordinary chalk!

Ingredients for homemade chalk-style paints will vary slightly, but in most basic recipes you’ll need your chosen paint, a little bit of water, and an additive of some kind to give the paint the distinctly chalky texture.

For recipes that call for using calcium carbonate (chalk), you have a couple of choices on how to add it to your paint. Calcium carbonate powder is readily available from grocery stores, health food stores, and online. It’s commonly sold as a nutritional supplement to help with bone health. The advantage to using already powdered calcium carbonate is that it will be a very fine, consistent texture that will be easier to mix into your paint.

If you have ordinary white chalk at home and want to try that for your chalky paint recipe, you’ll need to crush it into as fine a powder as possible. The best way is to place several pieces of chalk in a zippered plastic bag and smash it into a powder with a small hammer or rolling pin. After you have it smashed into as small pieces as possible, it is helpful to take an additional step of grinding those pieces into powder in a food processor or even a spice grinder. The finer you can get the powder, the easier it will be to mix into your paint, and you’ll have more professional-looking results. When grinding or crushing chalk pieces, you might want to wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth so you don’t breathe in the chalk dust.

How To Make DIY Chalk Paint

For making your own chalky paint, you should be aware that some recipes are better suited to work with latex paint, while you’ll get better results using acrylic paints with other recipes. No matter if you choose a recipe that uses latex or acrylic paint as the base, be sure your paint has a matte or flat finish. You definitely don’t want to try this with any paint that has a gloss finish.

Other than the ingredients for specific recipes, you’ll need measuring cups and spoons, paint stirring sticks, and bowls or cups to mix your paint. Because homemade chalk-style paint might get lumpy or thicken up if it’s stored for too long, try not to mix up more than you’ll need for your project. It’s better to mix smaller quantities than to have too much leftover paint. 

Chalk Paint Recipes

Here are a few easy recipes to make your own chalk-style paint. Let’s start with one of the easiest recipes, that also gives some of the best results:

Calcium Carbonate DIY Chalk Paint

Just two simple ingredients are needed. Pour your paint into a container, then mix the calcium carbonate powder in. Mixing it a little at a time will be easier. It will take a lot of stirring to get the paint to a nice smooth consistency. This recipe should apply just as nicely and even as commercial brand chalk paints. If the paint seems too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out. This chalk paint recipe dries very quickly. If you want to sand it for a “distressed” finish, it will take a little more sanding effort than you’ll need when using commercial paints. This recipe will last a bit longer than other recipes, as long as any leftover paint is stored in an airtight container.

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 2 parts latex or acrylic paint
  • 1 part calcium carbonate powder

That’s it!

Plaster of Paris DIY Chalk Paint

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DIY Homemade Chalk Paint

This chalk paint recipe is perfect for you to make at home. It's safe, easy, and effective!

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1/4 Cup Water
  • 1 ¾ Cup Acrylic paint

Instructions

  • In a plastic container or bowl (preferably one with a lid so you can store any leftover paint),  measure 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, then add 1/4 cup of water. Stir this together until it’s completely smooth. Now add your acrylic paint; stirring as you pour it into the container.  Mix this together for a few minutes, and you’re ready to paint! This paint might be a little thinner than other chalk paints, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to “stick” as well. If you’re painting a larger item, a little bit of light sanding beforehand will help the paint go on easier. 



Pour your latex paint into a container that has enough room for you to stir the ingredients together. In a separate small container, stir together the cold water and Plaster of Paris. It’s important to use cold water for this, so the plaster doesn’t immediately begin to harden! Once the mixture is a smooth consistency, pour the plaster and water mixture into the paint and stir it together. It might take quite a bit of stirring for it to all mix together.  Make sure there are no lumps! When it’s all mixed, the paint won’t look much different than before you added the Plaster of Paris. However, once the paint begins to dry the results are impressive. This recipe will create paint with a very “chalky” finish, although it can have a noticeably more grainy texture than other chalk-style paints.

This recipe probably isn’t the best choice if you want to sand your project for a “distressed” appearance. Sanding for this recipe is more likely to just scuff and dull the paint instead of highlighting fine details and texture. If distressing your project isn’t what you intended, the Plaster of Paris in this recipe makes this a very durable paint. Don’t mix more of this recipe than you think you might need; this won’t store well. After a day or two, the Plaster of Paris will begin to solidify.

Cornstarch DIY Chalk Paint

In a plastic container or bowl (preferably one with a lid so you can store any leftover paint),  measure 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, then add 1/4 cup of water. Stir this together until it’s completely smooth. Now add your acrylic paint; stirring as you pour it into the container.  Mix this together for a few minutes, and you’re ready to paint! This paint might be a little thinner than other chalk paints, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to “stick” as well. If you’re painting a larger item, a little bit of light sanding beforehand will help the paint go on easier. 

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 Cup water
  • 1 ¾ Cup acrylic paint

Unsanded Grout DIY Chalk Paint

Unsanded grout is readily available in most hardware and home improvement stores. It’s best to use white or off-white colored grout for this paint recipe, so it won’t noticeably affect the color of your paint. If you use “sanded” grout, the paint will turn out with a texture that looks similar to wet sand or dirt.

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 2 Tablespoons of unsanded grout (be sure the label says “unsanded” or  “non-sanded”)
  • 1 teaspoon of water
  • 1 Cup acrylic or latex paint

In a disposable plastic container, stir together the two tablespoons of unsanded grout and one teaspoon of water. Be sure to break up any clumps of the unsanded grout mixture. Pour in one cup of acrylic paint, and stir until smooth. This recipe takes a lot of stirring to get it smooth. The end result is very durable chalk paint. It will feel dry in about a day, but it takes two to three days for it to fully dry. This paint doesn’t work well for distressed finished projects. It’s better for items that you want to have a smooth, even coat of paint.

It’s crucial to take the time to mix the grout and paint together really well. If not, your painted project could have a rough, bumpy texture once it’s fully dried. For this recipe, you shouldn’t mix up more than you plan to use at one time. Unfortunately, the paint doesn’t keep and after just a day it will become lumpy and impossible to use.

Can You Use Baking Soda To Make Chalk Paint?

If you’ve searched online for chalk paint recipes, you probably found one or two that use baking soda as the main additive. You can absolutely use baking soda to create your own chalk paint, but the results will be very grainy in appearance. It’s not necessarily a bad look, but you probably won’t get velvety smooth finishes with baking soda chalk paint.

To use baking soda for DIY chalk paint, simply mix together ½ cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of cold water. Stir this together with one cup of latex paint. The result will look and feel very grainy. This method is a good choice if you want something to look very “distressed” or “antiqued”, without having to do a lot of sanding.

Is Homemade Chalk Paint As Good As Buying It?

Making your own chalk paint can be fun, and economical if you’re planning to paint a smaller object. It’s a great creative activity to try with kids, or if you are just curious to see how it turns out for yourself. The methods in this article will give you custom chalk paint that is perfectly good to use and will be in whatever color you want it to be. But, how does homemade chalk paint really compare to the commercially available brands?

Both homemade and commercial chalk paints require little to no prep before painting, and they can all be sealed with a nice wax finish. Some of the homemade paint recipes are easy to achieve the popular distressed look on a piece of furniture.

I actually prefer to use BB Frosch, even over the actual chalk paint brands. BB Frosch is a powder that you mix with any kind of acrylic paint and it makes the perfect chalk paint.

Besides BB Frosch, I’d say commercial brands have a distinct advantage in several key areas. When you buy chalk paint from a trusted brand, you will always have a consistently smooth paint that has a long shelf life if properly stored. Commercial chalk paints also clean up easily with just soap and water. While it’s fun to try to create your own chalky paint, there is a bit of trial and error to get it just the way you want it to look. You can be confident you’ll always have a good product as soon as you open a can of brand name chalk style paint.

Fun Crafts to Do When You’re Bored

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Boredom is the worst! Do you ever have those days where you want to do something, but just don’t know quite what it is you want to do? Or do you feel like crafting, but don’t want to tackle any projects that take a huge amount of time or energy? We all feel that way sometimes.

We have hundreds of crafts that you can find here on Whipperberry.com. All of these crafts are great for when you’re bored at home or even when you’re stressed.

Things to Make When You’re Bored

Here are some suggestions for fun and easy crafts to help alleviate that awful bored feeling. They’re all easy, inexpensive, and most can be done with things you probably already have around your house.

1. Rock Painting

  • Painting rocks is a fun activity for both adults and children. It’s easy, and anyone, regardless of painting skill, can get nice results. Here’s what you need for this craft:
  • Smooth rocks of any size and shape
  • Acrylic paints and paint brushes
  • Water, to rinse your paint brushes
  • Clear sealant


The first step to painting rocks is to find the best rocks! Look for rocks that aren’t too small, with a smooth surface. You can probably find suitable rocks around your own yard or in your neighborhood. Nice smooth river rocks can even be purchased from garden centers and craft stores. Be aware that it is prohibited to remove rocks from National and State parks, and it’s also prohibited to leave painted rocks in these parks.

Once you find your perfect painting rocks, you’ll need to clean them off in warm soapy water. Use a brush or dish scrubber to get rid of any dirt and debris. Once the rocks are dry, you’re ready to paint!

Acrylic paint is the best choice to use for painting on rocks. It’s inexpensive and durable, and it dries quickly. To begin, you might want to paint a solid background (any color) on the rock first. This will make the rest of your design stand out, as well as act as a primer coat. Acrylic paint dries very fast; it shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes.  Now it’s up to your imagination as to what to paint!

You don’t even have to use paintbrushes. You can create designs of multi-colored dots using a cotton swab, or the end of a pencil eraser. You can use acrylic paint markers to paint fine details and lettering on your designs.

After your rock painting is dry, you should protect it with a clear sealant. This will give it a nice glossy finish and will protect the paint from chipping. You can use brush-on varnish, spray sealant, or even clear nail polish. 

 

2. Bleach Tie-Dye 

Bleach tie-dye sometimes called reversed tie-dye, is an easy way to embellish t-shirts, hoodies, or household fabric items. It’s called reversed tie-dye because instead of adding color to fabric with dyes, you’ll be removing the color on the fabric with diluted bleach.  Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • A spray bottle, or plastic squirt bottle
  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Plastic tub or bucket
  • Rubber bands
  • Gloves
  • A tarp or plastic trash bags or plastic tablecloth to use as a dropcloth
  • Whatever item(s) you want to tie-dye. 100% cotton fabrics in dark or jewel-toned colors work best.

 

Whenever you work with bleach, you should be in a well-ventilated area. Working outdoors is probably best, but if you’re inside make sure you can open windows and have a fan blowing. Wearing gloves is advised, because bleach can irritate your skin. Be sure to wear old clothes, just in case any of the bleach solutions splashes or drips onto you. 

Lay down your dropcloth for your work area. Even if you’re working outdoors, you don’t want bleach coming in contact with anything other than the fabric you’re working with. Fill the plastic tub or bucket with enough cool water to submerge your fabric. In the spray bottle or squeeze bottle, mix a solution of half water and half bleach.

Now for the fun part; it’s time to tie up your shirt with the rubber bands! You can find tying patterns online to make specific tie-dye patterns, but you can also get great results from scrunching and “tying” with rubber bands randomly. Just bunch up a section of the fabric, wrap securely with a rubber band, then repeat as much as you want. Using different widths of rubber bands will give more interesting results.  Keep in mind while you’re doing this that the sections of fabric under the rubber bands and inside the folds will stay the original color, and the bleach you squirt on the fabric will lighten the color.

Now take your bottle of bleach solution and apply wherever you’d like the fabric lightened. If you’re using a spray bottle, varying the width of the spray gives interesting results. Depending on the fabric, you should begin to see color changes in about 5-10 minutes.

When you can see the results are lightened as much as you’d like (just take a peek under a rubber band), remove all the rubber bands and submerge the fabric in the tub of water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Immediately wash your reverse tie-dyed piece in the washing machine to stop the bleaching process. Don’t put anything else in the machine with it.

It’s a fun surprise to see the final outcome using this method. Using a bleach solution doesn’t mean you’ll get white results. Trying this on a black fabric will usually give you orange or tan designs. Bleach on dark blues and purple fabrics will often result in pinkish or gray designs.
 

3. No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

Everyone has those cherished t-shirts that have seen better days, but that you can’t quite bear to part with. This craft is a quick and easy way to create tote bags, and you won’t even have to get out a needle and thread. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Tshirt
  • Fabric scissors
  • Ruler

Lay your t-shirt out on a flat surface, and, using a sharp pair of scissors, cut off the sleeves right at the seams. You just made the handles for your tote bag!  Next cut around the neck of the shirt to create a wider opening for the bag. 

At the bottom of the shirt, cut slits approximately 1” apart all the way across, cutting through both the front and back of the shirt. These slits should be long enough for you to tie a double knot with them; usually making them about 3” tall works well.

Now all you have to do is tie some knots! Keep the slits lined up, and start tying the front strip to the strip directly behind it. Tie them in tight double knots, beginning at one end of the shirt and working across. You’ve just closed up the bottom of the tote bag!

Tying the knots on the outside will give the bag a little fringed detail across the bottom. If you don’t like this look, you can flip the shirt inside out before tying. Just line up the slits, tie the front and back strips together, then turn the bag right side out. The knots will be on the inside.
If you want, you can add some extra decorations to the bag.

These make great reusable shopping bags. They’re easy to wash and should last a long while. By upcycling your old t-shirts, you’ve also reduced consumer waste and kept them out of landfills.


4. Paper Napkin Decoupage Flower Pots

 

Decoupage is an easy way to transform plain terra cotta flower pots into lovely one-of-a-kind home accent pieces. Here are the materials needed:

  • Terra cotta flower pot
  • Paper napkins with pretty patterns on them
  • Mod Podge, matte or gloss finish (whichever you prefer)
  • Acrylic craft paint
  • Paintbrush

The first step to decorating your flower pot is to paint it with a base coat of acrylic paint. Light colors will work best for this, so that the design on the paper napkin will show up nicely. Since terra cotta pots are porous, acrylic paint should dry in approximately 15 minutes or so.

Next, if your napkins are multi-layered, separate the layers. You’ll only need the top layer that has the printing on it. Then cut or tear around the design you want to apply to the flower pot.

With a paintbrush, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge over the area where you want to apply the napkin design. Carefully apply the design, smoothing out the edges as much as possible. Let it dry for a few minutes to make sure the napkin design is secure, then brush another thin layer of the Mod Podge over the top of the design. You’ll have to do this gently so the napkin won’t tear. Be sure to spread the Mod Podge over the edges so they won’t curl up. Don’t worry if the Mod Podge looks milky, it will dry perfectly clear. Let this dry, then repeat to add as many designs on the flower pot as you’d like.

Let it dry completely overnight, then brush another layer of Mod Podge over the entire flower pot to seal everything and give it a nice even finish. Not only are these flower pots eye-catching decorative pieces, they also make very nice gifts.

 

5. Easy No-Sew Felt and Fabric Coasters

Here is a quick project that is perfect for using up fabric scraps. The supplies you’ll need are:

  • Fabric (any kind)
  • Felt
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Fabric Mod Podge 
  • Paintbrush

Cut the felt into 4” by 4” squares. Then, cut your fabric into 5” by 5” squares. Use the paintbrush to apply the Fabric Mod Podge evenly over one side of a felt square. Be sure to get it all the way to the edges.

Then, carefully apply the fabric square over top of the felt square. Try to get the fabric square lined up so that it is centered as much as possible. Smooth it out with your hands so there aren’t any wrinkles or air bubbles. Let it dry, then you can apply another layer of Fabric Mod Podge over the top of the fabric to give it a little more substance and a nice lightly glossed finish. Once that top coat is completely dry, trim the excess fabric edges with your scissors. If you don’t want to trim off the fabric edges, you can also snip along the excess edges to create a fringed edge look. 

That’s it! It’s a super easy project with cute results. Other than using up your fabric scraps, you can make these coasters with holiday print fabrics, or even by cutting up older clothes that aren’t in good enough shape to wear anymore.

 

6. T-Shirt Pillow



This is another easy craft that upcycles old t-shirts. Making a t-shirt pillow is a great way to hang on to a favorite shirt. If you have a t-shirt that doesn’t fit anymore, or it’s from a favorite concert or event, you can create a keepsake throw pillow with it to preserve those memories.
For this project you’ll need:

  • T-Shirt
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Sewing Machine (or needle & matching thread)
  • Fiberfill or a pillow form

The first thing you need to do is to cut the t-shirt into two pieces. Just cut along the side seams, going straight up through the sleeves and across the shoulders. The next step is to measure your t-shirt pieces, so you can trim them to fit the pillow form (if using). If you’re using fiberfill to stuff the pillow, just trim the t-shirt pieces into a square or rectangle shape.

Now pin the two pieces together, with the “wrong” sides facing in towards each other. If you don’t want to use the back of the t-shirt, you can use a coordinating fabric for the back of the pillow. Using your sewing machine, or you can even hand sew this, sew three of the four sides together.

Turn the pillow right-side-out, and stuff it with the fiberfill or pillow form. The last step is to sew up the remaining side.This seam is the only one that will show, so you might want to make it at the bottom of the pillow. Now you’ve got a fun keepsake pillow! This is a good project for anyone who is beginning to learn to sew. You could even buy t-shirts from your local thrift store to practice making pillows.

 

7. Yarn Wrapped Bottles and Jars

  • This project is easy and a lot of fun for children as well as adults. You’ll need the following:
  • Glass bottles, jars, or vases
  • Yarn or twine, any color/styles/sizes
  • Tacky craft glue, such as Aleen’s Tacky Glue
  • Scissors


This project is so simple, yet so satisfying. To begin, make sure your bottle or jar is clean and dry. Starting at the top, apply enough glue around the top couple of inches to get your yarn to stick securely. Wrap the yarn once around the top, tying a knot to help keep it in place. Keep the tail end of the knot downward, so it will get wrapped under the yarn as you go. Now you just wrap the yarn tightly around the bottle or jar, reapplying more glue every so often as needed. Be sure your yarn layers are tight together and that none of the bottle is showing through.

Have fun with this! Use different colored yarns to create stripes. Wrapping jute or twine around your bottle is perfect for a “rustic chic” style.  Once you reach the bottom, just snip off the end of your yarn and glue it down securely.

Let your bottle or jar dry overnight, then you can decorate it more by gluing a strip of wide lace or coordinating fabric around the middle. You could even embellish with small beads or rhinestones. Of course, just leaving it with the yarn or twine wrapped around looks lovely, too. These make pretty vases, but they can also be used to hold pens, paintbrushes, or even makeup brushes. 

8. Duct Tape Bookmark

This is another quick and easy craft that is great to do with kids. Duct tape can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Even if all you have is the “usual” silvery gray colored duct tape, you can make a cute bookmark with a little embellishment. Here’s what you’ll need for this craft:

  • Duct Tape, any brand, any color or pattern
  • Colorful yarn, twine, and/or ribbons
  • Scissors
  • Hole punch
  • Optional embellishments such as stickers, washi tape, scraps of lace, etc.

Cut two identical strips of duct tape, approximately 6” long. Now take the strips, and carefully stick the two sticky sides to each other. This is easiest if you start at the top of the strips, slowly pressing them together along the length. You can use a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles as you stick them together. This doesn’t have to be absolutely exact. Trim off any overlapping sticky edges, and cut it to your desired length.

Punch a hole in the center of the top of your bookmark, about ½” from the top edge. Then thread your yarn or ribbons through the hole and tie a knot to keep them secure. If you want, you can add some decoration to your bookmark by adding stripes from contrasting duct tape pieces, gluing on scraps of lace or fabric, or adding color washi tape pieces.  These bookmarks are a nice addition if you’re giving a book to someone as a gift.

The next time you’re feeling bored, or like you’ve hit a “crafting block”, try one of these fun and easy craft ideas. Hopefully, it will brighten your day and get the creativity flowing again.

How to Make Puffy Paint – Easy Homemade Recipes

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What is puffy paint? It’s exactly what it sounds like; paint that is puffy! Also known as dimensional paint, it is a brightly colored, thick paint that dries to a spongy, puffy finish. It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own puffy paint. It’s a fun activity you can do with children, and the ingredients are materials that you likely already have in your home.

Jump to Recipe

What Are the Ingredients for DIY Puffy Paint 

The ingredients for puffy paint can vary slightly depending on the recipe you’re using, but at the most simple you’ll need three basic things: shaving cream, white glue, and food coloring.  You don’t even have to use specific brands. Inexpensive supplies you can get at the dollar store will work just fine.

Other items that are useful to have are disposable cups or bowls to mix the paints, popsicle sticks, plastic squeeze bottles and/or zip-close plastic bags, paintbrushes, heavy paper or card stock, and a dropcloth or cover to protect your work surface.

Ok Let’s Make it!

No matter which puffy paint recipe your try, it’s a good idea to get your materials together and prepare your work area.

You’ll want to put something down to protect your table. Puffy paints are heavier than regular liquid paints, and the food color can stain some surfaces. Disposable plastic tablecloths or even a shower curtain liner from any discount store works great for this.

Puffy Paint for Kids

If you’re working with little kids, it’s always a good idea to have them wear a “paint shirt” or apron to protect their clothing. Puffy paint should easily wash out of most clothing, but it’s never a bad idea to wear something that is okay to get a little messy.

Disposable cups or bowls, made of either paper or plastic, are handy for mixing the paint. You can use cheap plastic bowls, but again, food coloring and certain paints can stain some plastics.

If you don’t want to use your kitchen measuring cups for this project, just measure out the desired amount of water into a disposable cup. Use a marker to make a line showing the top of the water. Then write the measurement amount at the line, and discard the water. Now you can use this cup to measure out the correct amount of glue, shaving cream, etc.

Popsicle sticks or disposable chopsticks are great for mixing, as well as for using as a paintbrush. You can use paintbrushes with puffy paint, but if you want to make the artwork as puffy as possible it might be easier to dab it on with a stick.

Zip-close plastic bags or any small plastic container that has a lid are useful to store any leftover puffy paint. Unused puffy paint will only last for approximately 3-5 days for best results, so don’t mix too much at one time. Puffy paint recipes that contain flour will last a few days longer than the recipe that is mostly white glue and shaving cream.

Puffy paints work best on light card stock or heavy paper such as watercolor paper. Even paper plates can be a fun painting surface. Puffy paints are heavier than water-based paints, and won’t stay nice and puffy on regular drawing paper.

Lastly, keep a roll of paper towels handy, just in case!

Homemade Puffy Paint With Shaving Cream

This method is the easiest way to make puffy paint, using only three common ingredients.

You will need:

  • 1/4 cup white glue 
  • 1/4 cup shaving cream (any brand, just make sure it is the foamy kind, not shaving gel)
  • Food colorings

Here’s how to mix it

Pour the white glue and shaving cream into a small bowl and use a stick to thoroughly mix them together. Take your time and don’t mix them too fast. You don’t want to “deflate” the shaving cream.  Once they’re mixed together, add the food coloring and stir it in. For fairly vibrant colors try 10-12 drops, to begin with, then add a couple drops more if you want more color. Mix up a few colors, and get ready to have some fun.

Now it’s time to paint!  With this recipe, it’s easiest to use a popsicle stick or a paintbrush with wide fairly stiff bristles. The should dollop the paint on your paper or cardstock, instead of trying to brush it on as you would with traditional paints. To avoid having to continually clean a paintbrush while working, keep one stick or brush in each color while painting.

Once your painting is done, it needs to dry overnight. With this recipe, the paint will flatten a little bit as it dries, so pile the puffy paint up nice and fluffy. The colors will look a little darker once they’re dried, so if you want a pastel look on your painting, mix your paint color a little bit lighter than you’d like.

 

DIY Puffy Paint With Acrylic Paint

This recipe won’t be quite as puffy as using shaving cream, but the results are still puffy and colorful. One advantage of this recipe is that the finished work will be harder than the shaving cream based paint after it is fully dried.

You will need:

  • 2 tablespoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
  • Acrylic paint
  • Water

Here’s how to mix it:

Mix the salt and flour in a small cup. You could even use a small whisk to make sure they’re completely mixed up. Then add a little bit of acrylic paint, and stir. Add some more paint if you’d like until you get the desired color. The mixture will be the consistency of a thick paste at this point. Add a teaspoon or two of water, and mix that in. If you need more water, add it just a little bit at a time. Mix this together, adding more water and/or paint, until the paint is smooth and the consistency of cake frosting.

It’s important to use acrylic paint for this recipe. Watercolor paints aren’t pigmented enough, and are too watery. Oil based paints will cause the puffy paint to separate. You don’t need to use expensive paint; any cheap acrylic craft paint will work great for this. Just for fun, experiment with using acrylic paints with metallic or pearlized finishes!

This paint is much thicker than the shaving cream recipe. While you can certainly dollop it on with a stick or paintbrush, it might be easier to transfer the paint into a plastic squeeze bottle or zip-close plastic bag. If you’re using the plastic bag, move all the paint to the bottom of the bag, and snip off one corner of the bag. Now it can be used like a pastry piping bag. You can pipe the paint onto your paper directly from a squeeze bottle, or squeeze it out of the plastic bag like you’re decorating a cake.

You’ll need to let your artwork dry overnight on a flat surface. With this recipe, the colors should stay pretty true to however you mixed them. The salt in this recipe adds a little bit of texture and sparkle to the finished piece. 

Extra Big Homemade Puffy Paint

This recipe is a bit of a hybrid between the two prior recipes. For best results, you should use the squeeze bottle or plastic bag method to pipe the paint out instead of using a paintbrush. The end results of this recipe hold their puffy shape beautifully. This recipe makes a larger batch, that can be divided among several cups to make different colors of paint.

You will need:

  • 3/4 cup of shaving cream
  • 1/4 cup of white glue 
  • 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
  • Food coloring

Here’s how to mix it:

With this recipe, the order and method you use to mix the ingredients are important. First, mix the shaving cream and white glue together. Then, add the all-purpose flour just a couple of spoonfuls at a time, fully mixing each spoonful in before adding more. Next, add your food coloring, several drops at a time, until you get the shade you want.

If the paint seems too thick, add a little water to get it to a more usable consistency. Don’t add more than one tablespoon of water total, though. If you add too much water, the result will flatten the paint a little bit and the dried texture won’t be as hard.

Now you can transfer the paint to a squeeze bottle or plastic bag, and have fun painting! You can use a popsicle stick or paintbrush with this paint, but because it’s so thick the piping method is easier and more precise. Let your finished piece dry on a flat surface overnight. 

How Long Does it Last?

Puffy paint really works best if you use it as soon as you make it. If you have leftover puffy paint, it can be stored in an airtight container, or in a sealed zip closure bag. The first recipe using shaving cream, white glue, and food coloring will only last a couple of days before it becomes gummy and unusable. The recipes that include all-purpose flour as one of the ingredients will last a bit longer.

Tips and Ideas

Puffy paint is easy to make and fun to use, both for adults and small children. Here are a few useful tips on using homemade puffy paint.

Puffy paint does work best on heavy paper or card stock. Using it on regular drawing paper can cause the paper to wrinkle and warp. Card stock comes in a variety of colors, which can make your colored paint look even more vibrant. Brightly colored puffy paint designs on black or dark blue backgrounds are especially eye-catching.

You can use either liquid or gel food coloring to tint your paint. Gel food coloring will give you more vibrant colors, and you won’t need to use as much. Liquid food coloring will take more drops to get the shade you want, but you have a little more control over the shade of color you’re trying to create. Both liquid and gel food colors will produce great results, so have fun playing around with them!

Puffy paint can be used for a variety of art projects. It’s not limited to painting on paper! Try painting designs on smooth rocks. Decorate empty glass jars and bottles to make pretty storage items. Painting with puffy paint on clear Christmas ornaments is a great activity for kids, and they can be given as holiday gifts. You can even decorate plastic Easter eggs with puffy paint.

How to Clean Up Your Puffy Paint

Accidents happen, and that usually means some kind of mess that will need to be cleaned up. Fortunately, homemade puffy paint cleans up easily from most surfaces. Warm, soapy water should be enough to clean up most messes.

Having a disposable plastic tablecloth over your work surface is the most efficient way to keep puffy paint from getting on your table. If you do have a spill that leaves food color residue on your table a magic eraser cleaning sponge does a great job! Another method for cleaning up faint stains is to make a paste with cool water and baking soda. 

Spread it on the soiled area and leave it for a minute or so. Then lightly scrub the area with a sponge, and rinse it clean. The baking soda paste works well to get any faint food coloring residue from your hands, too. 

If puffy paint gets on your clothes, in most cases you can let it dry and then just pick it off. Then launder as you regularly would. Paint brushes can be cleaned with hot water and a mild dish detergent. Clean brushes promptly after use, especially if you’ve used them with puffy paint that contains glue as one of the ingredients.

It is recommended to use disposable plastic or paper cups to mix your puffy paint. If you do use non-disposable containers, keep them exclusively for crafting needs, and not for food storage.

Print Pin

Puffy Paint Recipe

This fun and easy 3-ingredient puffy paint recipe is sure to be a hit!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup White glue
  • 1/4 Cup Shaving Cream (Any Brand)
  • 12 Drops Food Coloring

Notes

Pour the white glue and shaving cream into a small bowl and use a stick to thoroughly mix them together. Take your time and don’t mix them too fast. You don’t want to “deflate” the shaving cream. Once they’re mixed together, add the food coloring and stir it in. For fairly vibrant colors try 10-12 drops, to begin with, then add a couple drops more if you want more color. Mix up a few colors, and get ready to have some fun.