DIY Chalk Paint and Fun Ways to Use It

Chalk paint is a decorative paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces and is made by mixing three basic ingredients (water, cornstarch and food coloring). Using chalk paint outdoors is a fun summer activity for kids, and adults can use it to create elegant or fun chalkboard art, menus and more. Find our easy DIY chalk paint recipe below as well as printable stencils and examples of how they can be used by all ages.

Quick tips before you get started:

• Homemade chalk paint doesn’t store well, so it’s best to make it the same day you plan on painting. Luckily it’s super easy to whip up! Make sure to stir paint continuously as you’re using it as the cornstarch settles quickly.
• Add more cornstarch if your paint appears thin or runny. On the other hand, if it’s too thick you can add more water. However, it’s important to note that a little chalk paint goes a long way, it will likely go on looking like water (no color), but the color will show once dried.
• Don’t sweat the mess. Although painting can get messy, especially with kids, this DIY chalk paint easily washes off clothes, skin and surfaces. Be aware that it can take some time for the paint to dry. If used indoors it may even take several hours.
• Use a thin layer of paint so that it sticks to the surface and won’t crust and peel off.

How to make DIY chalk paint art

To create your own homemade chalk paint, you’ll only need a few basic ingredients.

Gather the materials and ingredients listed below and follow our step-by-step directions to whip up your very own chalk paint.

Materials and directions

Note: This recipe makes 2 cups of paint, enough for six different colors.

• 2 cups of cornstarch
• 2 cups of water
• Measuring cups
• Food coloring
• Stir sticks
• 6 cup muffin pan
• Paintbrushes
• Precision knife
• Printable stencils

Follow the six steps below to make your chalk paint and to learn how to use our stencils to start creating masterpieces.

Step 1: Add 2 cups of cornstarch to 2 cups of water

Step 2: Mix ingredients in the measuring cup until smooth

Step 3: Distribute evenly into a 6 cup muffin pan

Step 4: Add drops of food coloring to each and mix until blended

Step 5: Print and cut out stencils of your choice

Step 6: Place stencils on sidewalk or chalkboard and paint

DIY chalk paint ideas + printable stencils

There are many ways for people of all ages to get creative using chalk paint. Kids can use it to create art on their driveways or sidewalks, and adults can paint chalkboard signs with meaningful quotes or phrases. Whether you’re looking for a new fun art project for the kids or to display words of encouragement around the home, you can find inspiration from our tips below.

Sidewalk chalk paint art for kids

Most kids are familiar with using traditional chalk to create sidewalk masterpieces. Using chalk paint is a similar experience, but allows kids to use paintbrushes. Chalk paint, just like with regular chalk, easily washes off of skin and surfaces. Your kids can impress the neighbors using our stencils to paint fun sidewalk art and stay entertained outdoors all day with this engaging activity.

Here are some ways kids can use our stencils:

• Use the basic shapes to build people, animals and places
• Make summer-themed masterpieces
• Create constellation art with our star stencil
• Build hopscotch or four square courts

Chalkboard paint design for adults

Making your own chalkboard sign is a great way to display positive affirmations, funny phrases or meaningful words around your home. Using our arrow, leaf, banner and ampersand stencils, you can easily create beautiful signs to display around your home. Since the chalk paint washes off, you can also constantly alter your signs to fit your mood or be suitable for a specific occasion.

Below is a list of ways to use these stencils to get creative:

• Create weekly menus for the family
• Write a daily affirmation
• Tell your favorite joke
• Draw a detailed design

Letter and number designs for kids and adults

If you need assistance crafting the perfect letters or numbers to complete your design, we’ve got you covered. 

Kids can practice spelling with our large letter stencils or create games, such as hopscotch, using our large number stencils. We also included a set of smaller numbers and letters for adults to use on chalkboards. Use them to clearly paint your favorite inspirational phrase or highlight an important date. 

Check out the full DIY chalk paint guide below as well as additional inspiration for how to use it.