Mixing Chalk Paint With Latex (Can You Do it & Benefits)

Mixing different types of paint will give a different color shade and look than just using one paint type. So, can you mix chalk paint with latex?

You can mix chalk paint with latex paint because both paints use the same solvent (water). The mixture will have a different color, consistency, and finish. 

To mix them, use a ratio of 1:1. However, if you want to finish to have the features of one of the paint more, then use that paint more in the mixture.

Compatibility

Chalk paint has latex in it because it’s a type of latex paint that uses water as its solvent. Both paints have the same features, they dry fast, have a textured finish, and use the same solvent. Both paints are also flexible. 

However, chalk paint has a matte finish, while latex paint doesn’t. Chalk paint has powder in its formula that gives it a matte or vintage finish. You can also distress it easier.

Being water-based, both paints dry fast. That’s because the solvent (water) evaporates fast. However, both paints aren’t durable. If you apply a mixture of both paints outdoors, the finish will get washed off. 

Applying Chalk Paint Over Latex

You can use chalk paint over latex paint. That’s because both paints have the same features and use the same solvent (water), so they are compatible. 

However, you must clean the latex finish first. Cleaning will remove the dust and filth from the coating, allowing the chalk paint to stick better.

Also, latex paint shouldn’t be sealed or have a topcoat. A sealer will prevent paint from adhering to it. If the paint is sealed, you must remove the sealant and then paint over it. 

You can also apply latex paint over chalk paint. However, the chalk paint shouldn’t be waxed or sealed as it will repel the paint and won’t allow it to stick. 

Related Read: Can You Apply Latex Over Oil-Based Paint?

How To Mix Chalk Paint And Latex Paint?

To mix them, you must add the latex paint to the chalk paint in small amounts and stir so the paints can mix.

Let’s check out how to do this in detail.

1. Prep The Workspace

First, prep the workspace. Mixing paints can be messy, and paint can spill over floors. So, remove the furniture nearby the workspace and cover the floor with a drop sheet.

Also, wear safety goggles while mixing the paints. 

2. Pick The Paint To Be Mixed

Pick the paint you want to mix. While mixing paints, pick paints from the same brand. This way, you are guaranteed paint consistency and a better result. Of course, you can also mix different paint brands, but the result isn’t always as envisioned.

To get the best results, mix paints with the same color. However, if you want to mix different colors, you must use a paint mixer to get better results. 

3. Pour Chalk Paint Into a Container

Pour chalk paint into a clean paint bucket. Measure and write the amount you added to the paint bucket. That’s because you must add the same amount of latex paint to the same bucket. Once you pour the chalk paint into the bucket, stir the mixture to make it loosen and light. 

Next, add the same amount of latex paint to the paint bucket and mix them in a ratio of 1:1. If you are using different color shades, you can use a different mixing ratio. If you add more latex than chalk paint, the mixture won’t have a matte finish. 

4. Stir The Mixture

Once you have both paints in the paint bucket, stir them. To stir the mixture, use a turning stick or paint mixer. A paint mixer will stir the mixture better and offer an even consistency and flow. A turning stick will stir the mixture well, but you must stir for longer. 

Stir the mixture until it has an even consistency, color, and flow. On average, you must stir for 5-10 minutes with a paint mixer and 15-20 minutes with a turning stick. 

5. Test The Mixture

You must test the mixture in a dispensable item. If the mixture has a consistent flow and color and dries normally, then you can use it. However, if the mixture is too thick (sticky) or the color isn’t consistent, you must re-mix it or add more paint.

Using Satin Latex Paint To Make Chalk Paint

You can make chalk paint by mixing satin paint with plaster of Paris (P.O.P) and adding a solvent (water). The plaster of Paris gives the chalk paint (or the mixture) a unique matte finish.

Here’s how to make chalk paint with latex paint: 

1. Mix the plaster of Paris with water. 
2. Stir for 15 minutes until the plaster of Paris turns into a paste. 
3. Pour some satin latex paint into the mixture. 
4. Stir for 5 minutes. 
5. Add more paint and stir again. 
6. Let the mixture settle. 
7. Test the paint’s color and flow consistency. 

Paints You Can Mix Chalk Paint With:

You can mix chalk paint with any water-based or acrylic paint. To mix two paints, they must have the same solvent and resins. Since chalk paint uses water as its solvent, you can mix it with any paint that uses water as its solvent too. 

So, you can mix it with acrylic paint, latex paint, water-based paints, and some water-based craft paints.

However, you shouldn’t mix chalk paint with oil-based paints or sealants. That’s because oil-based paints use synthetic or natural oils as their solvent, and oil and water don’t mix. So if you mix it with oil-based paint, the finish won’t dry or have a consistent color.

Final Words

You can mix chalk paint with latex paint. However, if you want the mixture to have a matte finish, add more chalk paint to the mixture. Or, if you want a dry textured finish, add more latex paint.

To create a unique chalk paint finish, you can also mix latex paint with plasters of Paris (P.O.P).