How To Mix Chalk Paint With Latex Paint? (5 Easy Steps)

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Reviewed by
Eral Kadrija

Tony Adams

Chalk paint and latex paint are both water-based and have similar features. You can mix chalk paint with latex paint as both paints are water-based, have similar features, dry faster, and have a textured finish.

Mix chalk paint and latex paint in a ratio of 1:1 if using the same color shade, and mix them in a ratio of 2:1 when using different color shades.

Are Chalk Paint and Latex Paint Compatible?

Chalk paint and latex paint are compatible as both paints are water-based, have similar features, dry fast, and have a textured finish.

You can mix latex paint with chalk paint since both paints are water-based and don’t have additives that will ruin the mixture.

A mixture of latex paint and chalk paint will produce a colorful and flexible finish, but the finish won’t be durable as both paints don’t have protective additives.

Can You Apply Chalk Paint Over Latex Paint?

Chalk paint and latex paint can be mixed. But, can you use chalk paint over latex? Let's see.

You can apply chalk paint over latex paint as both paints are water-based and compatible. Latex paint doesn’t have a glossy finish or protective additives that prevent paint to adhere over it.

However, the latex paint finish must be clean and unsealed as dust, dirt, grease, and a sealer topcoat will prevent paint adhesion.

Clean the latex paint finish with water to remove dust, dirt, and grease. If the finish is sealed, sand it with medium-grit sandpaper (100-grit) to remove the sealer topcoat.

On the other hand, you can apply latex paint over unsealed or unwaxed chalk paint as both paints are water-based and compatible. However, if the chalk paint is sealed or waxed, remove its topcoat using medium-grit sandpaper (100-grit).

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

How To Mix Chalk Paint And Latex Paint?

To mix chalk paint with latex paint, do the following things.

  1. Prep the Workspace.
  2. Choose the Paint.
  3. Pour Chalk Paint into a Paint Bucket.
  4. Stir the Mixture.
  5. Apply the Mixture.

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

1. Prep the Workspace

Prep the workspace by removing nearby furniture and covering the floor with a drop sheet to avoid paint spills.

Also, wear safety goggles while mixing the paints. 

2. Choose the Paint.

Choose the paint you want to mix. It’s recommended to use two paints from the same brand as it will produce a better paint consistency and color shade.

You can use two paints with the same color to get a brighter color shade or mix two different colors to get a unique color shade.

3. Pour Chalk Paint Into a Paint Bucket

Pour chalk paint and latex into a clean paint bucket in a ratio of 1:1 and stir both paints to mix them.

Mix latex paint and chalk paint in a ratio of 1:1 (1 part latex to 1 part chalk paint) if using the same color shade. If you want to mix two different colors, use a 2:1 ratio (2 parts of the paint you want the color shade to 1 part of the other paint).

4. Stir the Mixture

Stir chalk paint and latex paint with a turning stick or paint mixture for 10-20 minutes or until the mixture has a consistent flow and color shade.

If using a turning stick, ensure to reach the bottom of the paint bucket to stir all the paint.

5. Apply the Mixture

Apply the mixture to a dispensable item and wait for it to dry. If the mixture dries and sticks well, and has a consistent color shade, you can use it.

If the mixture doesn’t have a consistent color shade, doesn’t dry properly, doesn’t stick, or is too thick or thin, add more paint to it and mix again.

Can You Use Satin Latex Paint To Make Chalk Paint?

You can mix satin latex paint with plaster of Paris (P.O.P) and water to make chalk paint. The plaster of Paris (P.O.P) gives the chalk paint (or mixture) a unique matte finish.

To make chalk paint with satin latex paint, do the following things.

  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. 

Which Paints Can You Mix Chalk Paint With?

You can mix water-based paints and sealers with chalk paint as they use the same paint solvent (water) and are compatible. This includes acrylic paint and latex paints.

Don’t mix chalk paint with oil-based paints or sealers as they use a different paint solvent and aren’t compatible. Chalk paint uses water as its solvent, while oil-based paints use oil as its solvent, and water and oils don’t mix.

Tony Adams

Tony Adams

Woodworker, Interior and Exterior Painter, Flooring Specialist

Tony is a professional painter and an author of DIY Geeks. Tony has completed over 1,000 painting projects for his clients. It's safe to say he knows what he Is talking about.

Eral Kadrija

Eral Kadrija

Lead Editor, Home Renovator

Eral has a passion for home renovation and repair. Over the years, he has bought, renovated, and sold 7 old homes. Using his experience from different DIY projects he created DIY Geeks.

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