Creating a chalkboard wall is an easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. The miracle of chalkboard paint allows you to turn almost any surface into a functional chalkboard—from wood to metal, drywall, glass, concrete, and more. When the paint is dried and cured, it makes a hard, scratch-resistant surface. A DIY chalkboard wall is perfect for kids' rooms, offices, or for use as a message center in a kitchen. Follow this simple DIY to learn how to make a chalkboard wall in your home.
Picking Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint comes in a powder or premixed. Both types are inexpensive, easy to work with, and available at home improvement and craft stores. Much like other oil and latex paints, chalkboard paint is also tintable. Although it's easy to find in the basic black or dark green color, it is available in white and can be tinted to any color. However, darker chalkboard paint allows the chalk to be more visible on the surface.
Tip
Chalk paint and chalkboard paint are often confused. The softer, more matte-like chalk paint is a color coat paint mainly used for antiquing furniture.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 9-inch roller frame
- Paint tray
- Drop cloth
- Spackle knife
- Level (optional)
Materials
- 9-inch dense foam roller cover
- #180 to #220 grit sandpaper
- Stir stick
- Tack cloth
- 1 can chalkboard paint
- Primer (optional)
- Paint tray liner
- Spackle
- Painter's tape
- Chalk
- Eraser
- Gloves (latex or allergy-friendly alternative)
- Dry cloths
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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Prepare the Surface
Chalkboard paint is not as thick as regular acrylic-latex house paint, so it will not fill in any holes or divots on walls. The surface must be smooth before you apply a coat of chalkboard paint because the paint will work and look better on smooth walls.
Protect the surrounding area with drop cloths to guard against accidental drops and dust.
Examine the wall. Use the fine-grit sandpaper to even out any rough spots or bumps.
If you have nail holes, fill them with spackle. Once the space is dry, sand the area to ensure it's level with the wall's surface.
Clean the Surface
Use a tack cloth to wipe away any dust or debris from the surface.
Prime the wall if you desire, but it's optional.
Tape the Area
To ensure crisp, clean lines for the chalkboard wall's border, it's best to use painter's tape to delineate the frame before painting. If painting a whole wall, use the painter's tape to tape off the baseboards, molding, and light switches. If you are painting part of the wall, use a level to help you create a perfect rectangle, square, or whatever shape you want.
Apply the Paint
Mix the paint thoroughly with a stir stick. Pour the paint into a paint tray.
Cut in around the trim or tight areas first with a paintbrush. Then, use your paint roller to apply the paint onto the large areas of the wall.
Let it dry and apply a second coat of paint. You will most likely need two coats of paint at a minimum, maybe even three. It depends on the condition of your wall and the chalkboard paint brand you use.
Allow the paint to cure for 72 hours before conditioning it.
Tip
If the wall is especially rough or porous, use a primer first. Allow the primer to dry, then continue with the chalkboard paint.
Condition the Chalkboard Surface
After 72 hours, you will need to condition the surface before using it. To condition the chalkboard paint, rub the side of a piece of chalk over the entire area.
Then, use a dry cloth to rub the chalk on the surface. This process creates a fine layer of dust that settles into the grain of the chalkboard. Filling the surface with an even layer of dust ensures that the chalk will rest entirely on the surface and easily erase when you write on the surface. Now the chalkboard wall is ready to use!
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How to Get Rid of a Chalkboard Wall
The good news is that if you get tired of having a chalkboard wall, all you have to do is paint over it. First, however, make sure you wipe down the chalkboard surface with a damp cloth to remove any chalky residue. Then sand, prime, and paint over the chalkboard wall.
FAQ
Is adding a chalkboard wall worth it?
If you or your children love to create art or leave family messges, a chalkboard wall is definitely worth it!
Will a chalkboard wall be messy?
A chalkboard can be messy because of the chalk dust. But chalk dust isn't as messy as paint.
Do you have to prime the wall before applying chalkboard paint?
You can prime a wall for better adhesion before applying chalkboard paint, but it's not mandatory.
