How to Make Homemade Window Chalk
Whether you're announcing a special occasion or painting a mural, window chalk is a viable medium for decorating glass surfaces. However, window chalk can be pricey and difficult to locate, and some versions may not be the color and consistency you want for your project.
Make your own window chalk to control the color and opacity of the chalk. Homemade window chalk can be made at a fraction of the cost of store-bought chalk.
Things You Will Need
- Disposable cups
- Sidewalk chalk
- Mortar
- Pestle
- Dish detergents
- Tongue depressors
Tip
Substitute tempera paint or another washable paint in place of ground up sidewalk chalk for a wider array of bolder colors. Apply window chalk using your fingers or a paint brush. Wash the paint brush thoroughly between use, or use a separate brush to avoid mixing colors. Clean window chalk off windows using a damp cloth. Homemade window chalk can stain some fibers and porous surfaces, such as wood. Avoid getting the paint on any fabric or wood. Clean up spills and drips from porous surfaces immediately to prevent staining using a damp cloth. Liquid hand soap can be used in place of dish detergent.
Warning
Chalk dust is an allergen. Avoid using sidewalk chalk to make homemade window chalk if you have a known allergy or sensitivity.
Chalk dust can be irritating to the lungs. Wear a dust mask when crushing sidewalk chalk.
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Obtain a paper or plastic disposable cup for each color of window chalk you want to make. Set the cups on a flat work surface.
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Crush a stick of sidewalk chalk in the color of your choice using a mortar and pestle. Mash the chalk into a thin dust.
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Measure the amount of chalk dust. You need to know the amount in order to mix the window chalk.
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Put the crushed chalk dust into a cup.
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Add dish washing liquid to the cup. Avoid dish detergents with bleach or other additives. Use twice as much dish washing liquid as chalk.
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Stir the mixture with a wooden tongue depressor until it is an even consistency. The chalk paint will be thick – about the same texture as paint made for walls. Add more detergent for a thinner or more transparent paint that allows more light in. Add less for a more opaque formula.
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Repeat the process for each color of chalk you have. Use a separate cup and tongue depressor for each color to avoid unintentional color mixing. Rinse your mortar, pestle, and measuring cup between each color.
The Drip Cap
- Whether you're announcing a special occasion or painting a mural, window chalk is a viable medium for decorating glass surfaces.
- Make your own window chalk to control the color and opacity of the chalk.
- Obtain a paper or plastic disposable cup for each color of window chalk you want to make.
- Add dish washing liquid to the cup.
- Add less for a more opaque formula.
References
- "Glues, Brews and Goos"; Diana F. Marks; 2003
- "Everything for Winter"; Kathy Charner; 1997
- "Preschool Art: It's the Process Not the Product"; MaryAnn F. Kohl, K. Whelan Dery; 1994
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Tumbarello has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites. She is an animal lover who volunteers with her local Humane Society. Tumbarello attended Hocking College and is pursuing her Associate of Applied Science in veterinary technology from San Juan College.
Photo Credits
- Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
- Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
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