Chalk & Eggshell White

Crushed chalk or oven-dried eggshell, ground to silk.

Color

Cool soft white

Binder

Gum arabic + honey

Crush plain blackboard chalk, mix with rabbit-skin glue or gum arabic, and you have a white paint.

▸Chalk is calcium carbonate — same as eggshells and limestone.
▸Used as gesso to prime panels, or as a top white.
▸Pure, soft, completely matte.

Steps

01
Bake eggshells at 100°C for 10 minutes to sterilize, then crush.
02
Grind to the finest possible powder; sift through stocking.
03
Mull with water to a smooth paste.
04
Mix in gum arabic + honey binder.

Materials

— A piece of natural chalk OR clean dried eggshells
— Mortar and pestle
— Gum arabic + honey binder

Safety

Moderate Risk

Involves dust, mild chemistry, sharp tools, or solvents. Use PPE and ventilate.

Hazards identified

Airborne dust — respiratory irritant

Quick checklist

☐Wear an N95 / FFP2 mask when handling dry powders
☐Mix in a tray to contain dust; wipe surfaces wet
☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Beautiful as a highlight over earth pigments; not opaque enough to cover dark colors alone.