If you thought chalkboards were only useful in the classroom, think again. Chalkboard paint is growing in popularity due to its fanciful usability and practicality. Whether you paint it on flower pots, furniture, or walls, or use it to add novelty to your child’s table, chalkboard paint has found many uses around the home too.
For example: you can apply some chalkboard paint on a section of your home office wall to create a nice, wipe-off writing surface for jotting down your to-do lists. You can also coat a part of your kitchen wall with chalkboard paint to serve as the perfect place to leave a friendly reminder to everyone not to forget to turn off the stove. Moreover, you can paint a part of the fireplace to write meaningful quotes and make the fireplace a room’s focal point again.
There really is no shortage of ideas for the perfect location and use of chalkboards in the home if you put a little imagination into it. While chalkboard paint formulas that we buy at retail stores traditionally only come in black and green color, homemade chalkboard paint can be any color you want. Here’s how to make awesome chalkboard paint at home in five, easy do-it-yourself steps:
Things you will need for the job:
- Powdered, non-sanded tile grout
- Latex paint of any color you want
- Paint mixing cup or bucket
- Sponge paintbrush or roller
- Paint stirrer or mixer drill attachment
Step 1: Mix the latex paint and non-sanded grout
Mix the latex paint and non-sanded grout in a paint cup or bucket. Use a ratio of one part grout to eight parts paint. If you want to paint a small area, mix small amounts of paint and grout, such as two tablespoons of grout for every cup of latex paint.
If you are painting a larger area, mix one cup of grout with half-a-gallon of paint. You can use a paint mixer on a power drill and a five gallon bucket to combine larger amounts. Make sure you blend thoroughly until the mixture is homogenous to prevent visible granules appearing on the chalkboard.
Step 2: Prep the surface
Prepare the surface you want to paint. Proper preparation of the surface is important because it will give better results and can make the paint job last longer. Clean the surface completely to remove any dirt or imperfections.
Start cleaning at the top of the wall or other surface (plaster, metal, wood etc.) and work your way down to the bottom, then rinse the entire surface thoroughly after washing. If not rinsed properly, soap residue can prevent the paint from adhering properly.
Step 3: Apply the chalkboard paint
Apply your homemade chalkboard paint. Use a sponge paintbrush or roller for application. Start with a small section of the surface and go over it several times with the paintbrush. Progress outward slowly from your start point to cover the entire surface. For best results, paint at least two coats in each direction to get full, even coverage.
Step 4: Let the paint dry
Allow the paint to dry on the surface. The paint begins to dry as soon as it is applied, but you should allow the painted surface to cure for three days before using it as a chalkboard.
Step 5: Condition the chalkboard
Once the painted surface is fully dry, get your chalkboard ready for drawing: Rub chalk along the entire surface of the board, and then wipe the chalk off with a barely-damp cloth or paper towel.
Ta-da! Your new custom-made chalkboard is ready. Congratulations. You just made awesome chalkboard paint yourself and now you can put your fully-erasable chalkboard to good use.
