Baking Soda and Paint Technique

INSIDE : Learn how to create a gorgeous texture and matte paint look with this trendy Baking Soda and Paint technique. It’s extremely easy and really is so addictive, no old vase or jar will be safe in your home again!

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This post has been updated from it’s original October 2020 publish date.

It seems like everywhere I look on Instagram, I am seeing people trying this baking soda and acrylic paint technique. I decided to give it a try and wow – it is so addictive! I completely see why people are so excited about it.

What supplies do I need to try the Baking Soda Paint hack?

• 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
• 1 cup of Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brush
• Old Vase or Glass Jar
• Paper Plate or plastic cup

What does Baking Soda do to paint?

Baking soda can be used in paint for a variety of purposes.

Both baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents that cause batters to rise when baked. However when a recipe contains both baking powder and baking soda, it is the baking powder that does most of the rising.

So, when baking soda is combined with paint it immediately creates a really cool reaction. Your paint starts to rise and fluff up and becomes more textured than it was before. The more baking powder you use, the fluffier your paint becomes.

Here are some other examples of what baking soda does to paint –

• Creates a textured finish. 
  When baking soda is mixed with paint, it creates a thick, textured mixture that can be used to create a variety of effects, such as a chalky or rustic finish.  This is a popular technique for painting furniture and home decor items.
• Makes paint more opaque. 
  Baking soda can also be used to make paint more opaque, which can be helpful for covering up dark colors or imperfections on the surface being painted.
• Extends the drying time of paint. 
  Baking soda can also be used to extend the drying time of paint, which can be helpful for certain painting techniques, such as blending or glazing.

How to do the Baking Soda Paint trend?

Baking Soda paint is so easy to create. You simply start by mixing your acrylic paint and the baking soda in a cup or in my case on a paper plate.

The result will make a very thick textured paint mixture, as you can see below.

Next, begin to apply the baking soda and paint mixture to your vase. I did one coat and about 15 minutes later did a second coat. I noticed this paint dried very quickly.

Once your vase has completely dried, you can put it out on display in your home! I put mine on my new Arch Accent Wall.

How to make Chalk Paint with Baking Soda

For Chalk Paint you will typically use baking soda and latex paint, instead of the small craft tubes of acrylic paint – but otherwise it is the same exact process.

Mix one part baking soda with two parts latex paint. After your paint is mixed, add in 3 tbs of cold water and mix until they create a thin, non-grainy texture. Then get to painting!

Tips for painting with chalk paint –

• For a smoother finish, sand the surface of your project before painting.
• Apply the paint in thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• For a distressed look, sand lightly over the painted surface once it is dry.
• Seal the painted surface with a clear coat of sealant to protect it and extend its lifespan.

Create even more texture with baking soda on paint

Add even more texture to your glassware by doing second or third coats on only a portion of your glass. You can see below the smaller maroon colored jar has more texture on the top portion. That’s due to painting one or two coats smoothly on the bottom and then adding three or four coats in a more thick organic pattern on the top.

Can I use Baking Powder and Acrylic Paint?

Yes, you sure can use baking powder and paint! The ingredient list and steps are exactly the same as above – except you will substitute Baking Powder for Baking Soda.

To use baking powder in acrylic paint, simply mix a small amount of baking powder with the paint. You can start with a teaspoon of baking powder per cup of paint and then add more baking powder to achieve the desired look.

Here are a few tips for using baking powder and acrylic paint:

• Use baking powder with water-based paints, such as acrylic paint.  Do not use baking powder with oil-based paints.
• Mix the baking powder and paint thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger project.
• Apply the paint in thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Seal the painted surface with a clear coat of sealant to protect it and extend its lifespan.

You can use this technique on almost any decorative object you would like. Did you see my other cool painting tricks? Pepper Painting and Spackle DIY Art. Both turned out VERY cool.

Cornstarch to Flatten Paint

Another cool paint trick is adding cornstarch to flatten paint. When cooking, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent and is often used in soups, stews and even gravies. When adding cornstarch to paint, it can change the texture and consistency, which basically flattens the paint’s look.

Baking Soda Paint and Acrylic Paint

Baking soda paint creates such a beautiful matte finish and with so much texture. You will immediately start looking around your home for the next thing you can paint.

My friend from Idle Hands Awake just made a stunning DIY Pedestal Advent Wreath using this technique and I’m obsessed.

If you are looking for more creative paint posts, you should check these out –

Pepper Painting Technique

Retro Pillow

Leather Fringe Planter Pot

How-to Paint Posts