Potty Talk and DIY Chalk Paint

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!