I don’t know about you, but I don’t have $10+ to throw at the novelty of 3 bottles of chalk paint that will last 15-20 minutes. Yes, chalk paint is fun and different but it doesn’t have to be so expensive, if you are willing to spend just a little of time making to make it.

For just over $1 you can buy new box of  the cheapest corn starch (don’t buy name brand or it will cost twice as much) and just using food coloring or paint that you already own, you can create around a eight refill bottles of paint. That’s about 15 cents a bottle of chalk paint, instead of $3.

Chalk Paint Recipe

(Thick, just like the kind that comes in the bottles*)

• ½ C Corn Starch

• ½ C Cold Water

• ½ C Boiling Water

• 1 tsp Tempura Paint (or 2-3 drops of liquid food coloring)

Directions: Whisk corn starch, cold water and paint/food coloring together.

Stir in boiling water. Microwave mixture for 15-20 seconds. (This will cause the mixture to thicken.)

Use a funnel to refill bottles or just use in the container you made it in. Paint & Have Fun!

* This recipe will serve as a refill for one bottle of chalk paint available in stores.

Watercolor Type Chalk Paint

(Thin & no-cook recipe)

• ½ C Corn Starch

• ½ C Cold Water

• 1 tsp Tempura Paint (or 2-3 drops of liquid food coloring)

Directions: Whisk corn starch, cold water and paint/food coloring together. Paint & Have Fun!

If you are looking for some other summer activities, consider making Homemade Bubbles (these are the best bubbles ever!) or check out my list of 100 Things to Do This Summer.