Chalk paint is water-based and is known for its matte (or chalky) finish. You can tint chalk paint by mixing it with other water-based paints or adding paint pigments.
To tint chalk paint, use a ratio of 1:1 (1 part tinted paint to 1 part chalk paint) for a normal color shade, and a ratio of 1:2 for a deeper color shade.
You can’t mix chalk paint with oil-based paints (or sealers) as oils and water don’t mix.
Can You Tint Chalk Paint with Paint Pigments?
You can tint chalk paint with paint pigments. Paint pigments are colored substances or powders that are used as a coloring agent and will change the color of the paint.
Use paint pigments designed for water-based paints as oil-based paint pigments will ruin chalk paint.
To tint chalk paint with paint pigments do the following things.
- Measure the amount of paint pigments you add depending on how deep you want the color shade to be.
- Add the needed amount of pigments to the paint before applying it.
- Stir the mixture with a paint mixer or turning stick.
Don’t add too many paint pigments as the paint coating will be too thick, may not dissolve in the mixture properly, and may have an inconsistent color shade.
Can You Tint Chalk Paint with Acrylic Paint?
You can tint chalk paint with acrylic paint as both paints are water-based and compatible.
Simply, add a few drops of acrylic paint to the chalk paint, mix both paints and use the mixture.
Acrylic paint is formulated with extra paint pigments because it’s used for artwork and crafts.
Related Read: Can You Mix Chalk Paint with Latex?
How To Tint Chalk Paint?
To tint chalk paint, do the following things.
- Choose the Mixing Paint.
- Add the Tinting Paint.
- Mix Both Paints.
1. Choose The Mixing Paint
Choose a paint you want to mix chalk paint with. To mix chalk paint, you can use water-based paints, such as acrylic or latex paint, or add water-based paint pigments.
Don’t use oil-based paints to tint chalk paint as you will ruin the finish.
2. Add The Tinting Paint
Pour chalk paint into a clean bucket and add the chosen tinting paint or pigments to it.
To tint chalk paint, use a ratio of 1:3 (1 part tinting paint to 3 parts chalk paint) for a normal color shade, or a ratio of 1:2 for a deeper color shade. The mixture must always have more chalk paint than tinting paint.
Don’t add too much tinting paint or pigments as the finish may get too thick or too deep.
3. Mix Both Paints
After adding chalk paint and tinting paint (or pigments) mix both for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, inspect the mixture color shade.
If the color shade is darker than you wanted, add lighter acrylic paint to the mixture and re-mix. If you get the desired color shade, mix the mixture for 5 more minutes, and use it.
Related Read: Can You Paint Over Chalk Paint?
Can You Darken Chalk Paint?
You can darken chalk paint by mixing it with darker water-based paint or pigments. A darker paint will tint the chalk paint and give it a deeper color shade.
To darken chalk paint, do the following things.
- Add a small amount of dark paint to the chalk paint.
- Mix and test the mixture.
- If the mixture is too light, add more dark paint and mix again. If the mixture is too dark, add more chalk paint, and mix again.
Don’t add too much dark paint as the mixture will get too dark and you can’t reverse it without wasting too much paint.
Can You Tint Chalk Paint To Any Color?
You can tint the chalk paint finish to any color. To get a tinted (lighter) finish, mix it with lighter water-based paint (or pigments). To get a deeper (shade) finish, mix it with a deeper color.
Chalk paint has a simple formula and comes in a white or grey base. So, you can add pigments or mix it with water-based paint to get a different colored finish. Because of its simple formula, the paint is compatible and accepts pigments.
However, while mixing it, you shouldn’t add too many pigments or too much acrylic. If you do, the chalk paint will lose its dry and textured finish.
