Thursday, October 18, 2012

Potty Talk and DIY Chalk Paint

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One of my favorite pastimes is reading all the awesome messages carved into public bathroom stalls. It tells the story of when people fall in love, what year they graduated, who they dislike, and what people really are wanting to say to the world, they just didn't have the courage to say it. There is nothing more romantic and classy than people carving their initials, in a public toilet for all to see. Public bathrooms have given people hope, and the strength to say what they want to say. I wanted to give my guests the same opportunity while using our little restroom (which is not much larger that a public bathroom stall). 
I decided that I was going to make a chalk graffiti wall! The only problem was, chalk paint is really hard to come by in Germany and it is VERY expensive... Making my own chalk paint was the only option. Chalk paint is perfect for walls, furniture, ANYTHING! You can make your own colors, it's cheap, ridiculously easy, and covers beautifully! And when you order now, you get a free travel size container for only $9.95!
I couldn't resist saying that last part!
There are two recipes that I recommend. One involves plaster of paris and the other involves un-sanded grout. If you are in Germany, this is what a package of un-sanded grout looks like...Flugenweiss is a lot more fun to say than un-sanded grout anyway!
 For the recipe using grout you will need a tablespoon of un-sanded grout per every one cup of flat paint. Add a dash of water to help thin it out a bit. As the homemade paint starts to thicken, add a little more water. The measurement for water does not have to be exact. Mix until smooth.
For the plaster of paris recipe, you will mix three parts flat paint per one part plaster of paris. Add some water as well. It is wise to mix the water with the plaster of paris first, so that it does not clump. Mix until smooth.
For both recipes it is recommended that you use a sanding block to lightly sand in between coats. I did not to this because mine came out smoothly, you wouldn't even be able to tell if it wasn't, because the walls are so textured, and it covered evenly with one coat. 
If you are painting furniture I recommend you finish it off with some wax finish. 

...to look as if the frames we coming out of the wall. 
This is the bathroom before the graffiti wall....

And here is the end result!



I also used this recipe to make my welcome sign for our fall front porch.
 And my friend Iris and I used this recipe to paint a chalk wall for her son Noah! Check out her blog called She's Nothing But a Copycat, it is full of wonderful and inspirational fashion, craft and decor ideas. She is much more than just a copycat, go see for yourself!

I am off to get the house ready for my folks to arrive in 4 days!!! Yay for us! I hope you all are having a lovely and productive day!



12 comments:

  1. It looks awesome Molly!! What a fun idea and it is really pretty too! You've made a tiny space interesting. Seriously girl, you are a genious. First your free bar and now this!
    Have a wonderful visit with your parents!!

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    1. Thank you so much Lisa! Living in a place with hardly a craft store and places with design options really makes ya think a lot harder! I hope you have a great day!!

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  2. Molly,
    I love love love the chalkboard paint!!! It's awesome. I have been thinking for a long time where I can add a chalkboard painted wall in my new house......I haven't quite figured it out yet but I will. I think it will be one of those projects that I won't tell my husband about until it's already done. He doesn't see my creative vision sometimes, ehhh or a lot of times :) Luckily he usually likes it after I am done with my projects. Hope you have fun with your parents in Italy. I love it there you will have fun! Where are you going over there? Have a good trip!

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    1. You should totally do it! I have never seen a wall done in it that I didn't like! We are going all over northern Italy, primarily Tuscany! We are so thrilled! I hope you are having such a blessed day!

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  3. That looks awesome!!!! what a great idea!
    Enjoy your parents visit ;-)

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    1. Thank you Miss Denisa! We should have a blast! I hope you are having a lovely week!

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  4. Love this idea!!! I remember in college someone (maybe the resident adviser!) used to put up sheets of paper for us to write on... I used to love to read all the little thoughts! My kids would adore this too! What a great way to get those creative juices going! xoxo jules

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    1. Thank you so much! It's so fun to read the graffiti and try and guess who wrote what! Hope you're having a blessed day!

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  5. Question... what is the difference between the paint made from plaster and the one from grout?

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    1. The plaster version is better, but in Europe, I don't have as many options for what I am able to get at my local store. Chalk paint can be made with different materials and here is a great read on the differences between them! Good luck to you and let me know if you have any other questions! http://howtodistressfurniture.net/definitive-guide-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes

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  6. Also, the wax finish...what do you recommend for this? Wouldn't a wax finish make it so you can't write on the surface?

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    1. Hey there, Erica! You only use the wax finish if you are using it for non-writable surfaces so your furniture doesn't have a chalkboard feel and look to it. If you are planning on writing on it, leave it with just the chalk paint. i use Annie Sloan wax on my furniture and also just whatever is available at the hardware store. I hope this helps! Have a blessed day! xo

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Thanks for the lovely comments! Each and everyone means so much to me! xo

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