When I gave you guys a little peek into Izzy’s new big girl room, I included a picture of her turquoise nightstand.
 
I love this little piece!

Here’s what it looked like before

I actually really liked it in its before state, so I had to keep reminding myself, “you wanted a turquoise table for her room, so just get over it and paint the darn thing”.

I loved all the texture it had and wanted it to still have that look when it was painted so I opted for the Chalk Paint route.  But, 1) I didn’t want to shell out a boat load for the real deal when I only needed a tiny bit in a color I’d most likely never use again, and 2) It wasn’t even available in the color I wanted.

So, I DIY’d it.

Oh yes I did.

And, saved mega bucks.
Cost me less than $8 (the real deal is $40/quart) and you can make your DIY version any color you want using this tutorial I found on the Liz Marie Blog.
Mix 1 cup flat paint with 1 tbsp unsanded grout, and you have chalk paint!
A little tip:  Since I wasn’t covering a huge piece I bought a sample pot of flat paint from Home Depot for $2.  It measured exactly a cup.  Bingo!!!
It goes on a little gritty at first …

 

But it does smooth out as you’re painting it on.

 

Everything else about it was so similar to the real Chalk Paint: same coverage, sands the same way, and even takes wax the same.  I’ve used the real Chalk Paint on a few other pieces in our house, and couldn’t tell a difference. 

All of that to say I recommend giving the DIY version a shot.

What do you guys think.  Is it just easier to buy the real stuff or would you try to make your own?

You Might Also Like

New Media Stand
·

New Media Stand

Remember how I opened a can of worms in our living room when we replaced our old couch with a much larger one? Ā Our old side table looked like doll furniture next to it, so we replaced it with a larger one. Ā Our media stand looked dwarfed as well. Ā Everything looked so small after that…

44 Comments

  1. I tried that version and it didn't work so well for me. I think I was putting it on too thick. I may give it another shot on something small this time. I love the turquoise table!!!

  2. Thanks for the great tip on the chalk paint, it sounds so easy to make and use. I can't wait to try it! Your turquoise table came out beautiful!

  4. You table looks sweet in her room! Thanks for the chalk paint recipe, another idea on my list to try!

  6. Excellent news!! I like the chalk paint but not the price and like you, it doesn't come in the exact colors I want. You are a super star! Love the turquoise!!!

  7. Love the color…it really pops against the graphic black and white curtains! Now that I've seen how easy it is to do, I'd definitely go with the DIY chalk paint. Thanks for sharing.

  8. that three legged table
    is so sweet in its coat of blue

    i'm your newest follower
    via LF and GFC
    and hope you'll take a moment
    to visit me too!

    alison

  9. Wow, that's a great idea. Wouldn't have thought of getting a small sample size. Sure worth a try. I'm allergic to regular paint but the healthy paint stores also have samples. LOVE the look. And such a great table!

  11. Oh. my. gosh. I LOVE it!!! I will definitely try that! I can't tell you how many times I've thought…"I'd really like some chalk paint for this" – but decided against it because of the cost…but, no more!!!! Yay!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing that, Shelley!
    The table looks awesome, btw…;)

  14. Love love love! Thanks for the tutorial and love that shade of turquoise! Would you mind sharing the brand and name of it?

  15. This is brilliant!!! And I love the little artwork over the table, baby rooms rock!!!

  16. I love the table Shelley! I'm a new follower via the Linky blog hop. I'd love a follow in return!

  17. I found you on blog hop and am a linky follower, I would appreciate the same.

  18. Love the blue color you picked for the table. I am now following you on Linky. I would love to have you follow back.I always enjoy meeting new Bloggers.

  20. This is totally brilliant! Why pay $40 buckaroos when you can clearly get something great for $8??? I even made a rhyme there…see that talent? (c: I love how it turned out and that turquoise is adorable!

  21. I love the little table. I also made chalk paint but with plaster of Paris. I am followong on Lynky followers and would like if you follow me.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Diddie

  22. Hi! I'm a new Linky follower! Would love if you dropped by and followed me too šŸ™‚ You've got amazing stuff here. I love blogs like this as I need inspiration! I don't have a lot of creative style!

  26. Hmm…may have to try the DIY version :).
    New Linky follower,
    Eilis
    my-heart-lives-here.blogspot.com

  27. I have to try this!! I haven't seen DIY chalk paint. Gonna pin it for later. Just stopping by from the Linky Party Hop. I hope you will visit http://www.laughterandgrace.com and follow back.

    Thanks!!

  30. Hi! I've been painting my daughter's room today…aquamarine. There's a little left over and I've thought about trying my hand at making diy chalkpaint…haven't used chalkpaint of any kind at this point. I might need to use another color though since I may need to keep what was leftover today for touch ups, etc.

    Now following via linky followers.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

  32. Found you via the Linky hop and have become your newest Linky follower. Look forward to reading your future posts. Hope you have a chance to visit and perhaps follow me back.

  33. the color and texture…a wow! good for you. i bet it make you smile every time you look at it!
    I am your newest link follower..pls follow back if you can.

  34. I love this linky party. I can't believe I have missed out on so many great blogs…like yours. I'm now following on Linky, so follow back and we can stay connected. Lori

  35. I had no idea! Thanks for the tip! Now following you via linky and hope you'll follow back. Shelby @thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com

  36. Wow what a great DIY!! I had no idea that's how you made chalk paint. I love the turquoise too!

  37. Love it! And thanks for the DYI info on making your own chalk paint! I have been dying to try the AS paint but am having a hard time getting over the price.

  39. Hi Shelley,
    I love the turquoise you chose,it's very dynamic.I am also excited to learn that buying a 1 cup sample of that color went that far. BUT here is my question,I have been wanting to make my own Chalk Paint as well but I dont want to pay for the expensive wax so… I am working on a DIY version of that,any ideas on where we can go with that?? My name is Angie and I am BRAND SPANKING NEW to blogging , I Love your blog and would love for you to check out mine.
    http://rockstarcottage.blogspot.com/

  40. The table looks gorgeous! Love the idea of DIY chalk paint, definitely on my to do list!

  42. Lovely. And I adore your gung ho attitude! The result is delicious.

  43. Loved the adorable table. I tried to find the answer to this question, but I am wondering where you got the shelves for her library in her room? Did you make them or purchase. I would love to do something similar. My daughter is now 7 would you recommend those, because she will be the one getting the books up and down. Are they sturdy enough, or would you recommend anything else? Thanks. Shelby

    1. Hi Shelby!

      I made those shelves with some precut wood from my local home improvement store. They are attached to the wall with L brackets. The bracket is screwed into the top of the shelf and then into the wall (since it will be holding a lot of weight from the books make sure it's screwed into studs). Once the books are in place you won't be able to see the L bracket and it will look like a floating shelf from below.

      Hope this helps!

Comments are closed.