Chalk paint Disaster April 13 2014, 1 Comment

So the weekend is here and I am all pumped up to get working on a few accent tables that have been sitting around waiting for my attention. I have tried Annie Sloan's chalk paint and it is amazing! Although I decided with all the chalk paint recipes circulating and all the paint I have sitting in my storage I would mix up a few of my own colors. To my understanding you should be able to apply chalk paint to furniture without priming.  I had this nice maple accent table and decided to get started so I gave the piece a cleaning and began to apply my homemade chalk paint.  I mixed a 1/2 cup of plaster of paris with a 1/2 cup of hot water and mixed until smooth.  Next I added 1 1/2 cups of a nice antique white latex paint by Behr.  After stirring very well I began to apply the paint.  It took 2 good coats but the paint looked great. When all was done I decided to do my finger nail test and low and behold it easily scratched off.  I was disappointed but decided to line up 2 more tables.  This time I decided I would give them a quick scuff with steel wool then prime with an oil based primer, then apply my chalk paint.  I waited 24 hours then very hesitantly ran my nail across one of the tables.  Don't know where I am going wrong but again they scratched.  If anyone has any advice for me I would be glad to hear from you as to where I am going wrong.