If you’re looking for a fun end of summer or fall outdoor activity for the kids, this DIY sidewalk chalk paint is a must try!
In this post, I’ve teamed up with Julia Morrissey, who is going to share with you how to make her awesome DIY sidewalk chalk paint below.
If you know me, I love my paint and art, so this project was right up my ally! I had to try it out with the kids and we had a fun little “driveway art session” (pics below). This sidewalk chalk is an excellent painting idea for kids.
My kids enjoyed using their paintbrushes and using the paint to create big loose abstract strokes, cool drips, etc.. Reminiscent of Pollock! But you can also use the nifty stencil’s Julia will share with you below. This activity is open to so many creative possibilities!
And it gives you and the kids a perfect excuse to enjoy the cool crisp fall air and get creative while at it! 🍁 I think it would also work well in the classroom/school environment as a fun outdoor activity.
Without further a due here is Julia, who will explain all you need to know about this fantastic DIY sidewalk chalk paint & recipe.
Hope you and the kids enjoy it!!
DIY Sidewalk Chalk- A Fun Fall Outdoor Activity!
Fall is coming! Depending where you live, that may mean much cooler weather is on the horizon. If that’s the case, you likely want to soak up what’s left of the summer sun!
You’ve likely spent more time at home this summer than you ever previously thought possible, and because of that you may be running out of ideas for how to keep the family entertained.
If you haven’t tried DIY chalk paint yet, it’s the perfect end of summer family activity. This homemade paint is easy as pie (even easier actually) to whip up and people of all ages can enjoy it! Younger kids can use chalk paint on the driveway or sidewalk to create masterpieces that will leave the neighbors in awe, and adults or older kids can use it to create beautiful chalkboard signs to display around the home.
In this post you’ll find instructions for DIY chalk paint as well as three helpful stencil packs that you can use to increase the fun (if that’s possible).
Chalk Paint Ideas
Everyone can use DIY chalk paint to make something they love and want to share with others. Here are a few ways that you can use chalk paint with your family:
On a sidewalk or driveway:
- Create games to play, such as hopscotch, four square or super fun obstacle courses
- Paint animals, people, and places
- Paint rainbows, clouds, smileys
- Create constellation art (we have star stencils!)
- Showcase support for a cause or movement
- Practice spelling or counting
- Go wild and abstract and paint big loose paint strokes and drip marks! Like artist Pollock!
Kids aren’t the only ones that can have fun with this paint! You can use it for those trendy chalk signs used in home decor. Here are some more ideas on ways to incorporate this paint into trendy chalk signs:
On a chalkboard sign:
- Keep people smiling by displaying a funny joke
- Let everyone know what’s for dinner
- Write motivational or inspirational messages
- Seasonal greeting signs
- Family Grocery list
- Family command center signs
- Highlight an important date or start a countdown
- Draw a picture, such as of your pet or favorite animal
How to Make DIY Chalk Paint
Time to make your paint, check-out the step by step instructions here or follow the infographic guide at the end of this post! Also, here are those three stencil packs we promised. Download one or all of them to help guide your work!
- Sidewalk Stencils for Kids: Circle, square, star, oval, and triangle shapes
- Chalkboard Stencils for Adults: Leaf, arrow, banner, and ampersand shapes
- Letter & Number Stencils for Kids and Adults: Small and large letters and numbers
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind before you get started:
- You won’t be able to store batches of this DIY chalk paint. Make it on the same day for best results
- Use a muffin tin to mix up your colors
- Use multiple size paintbrushes when creating your art. From 4″, to 1″ flat brushes will get some interesting width strokes. Here’s a cheap brush set that has multiple sizes.
- This chalk is completely washable, not like some recipes which stick on your driveway. One light rain shower should do it!
- You can manipulate the consistency. If the paint seems runny, add more cornstarch. On the other hand, if it seems too thick, add more water! Also keep stirring the paint to make sure cornstarch doesn’t settle.
- Understand that it can take time for the paint to dry! Unlike sidewalk chalk, you need to let chalk paint sit. After you’re done painting let your work sit for a couple of hours! It likely won’t need as much time to dry outside, especially if the sun’s out!
- The chalk paint may go onto the surface looking a bit clear. Have no fear! The color will show through once it dries.
- Just apply a thin layer of paint. It might look thin when wet, but will dry with a beautiful chalky finish!
Check out the full guide below for step-by-step instructions and even more inspiration for how to use homemade chalk paint.
If you liked this project, please pin it!
