Learning How to Make a Chalkboard Wall Is Easier Than You Think—Promise (2024)

You've scrolled by them on Pinterest. You've spied them in your friends' homes. You've seen them in your dreams at night.

...No? Just us? Okay.

In any event, now, you want to know how to make a chalkboard wall to call your very own.

Good news: You've come to the right place.

Here, we're sharing the tips, tools, and techniques needed to transform an ordinary, blank, blah wall into a veritable masterpiece—one you can mark up again and again. Chalkboard walls, after all, are one of our favorite DIYs. There's even one featured in Ree Drummond's pantry at the Lodge, where she films The Pioneer Woman, and it serves more than just one purpose: "The walls are covered in chalkboard paint, which I thought would be fun for doodling," Ree says. "Turns out, the dark color was just what the space needed."

In fact, that versatility is precisely why we love them so much: These erasable canvases are as decorative as they are functional, so they work perfectly for adults and little ones. Lengthy to-do lists, kiddie hieroglyphics, and stick figures are all welcome.

"They're just plain fun," adds DIY blogger Diane Henkler of In My Own Style. "I keep the chalk right there, and guests pass through my kitchen and begin doodling all on their own."

With Diane's help, we're answering a few of your most pressing chalkboard wall questions, and sharing a simple step-by-step tutorial to help you make your very own. Grab some paint, a few pieces of chalk, and get ready to unleash your inner Van Gogh.

Where can you create a chalkboard wall?

Good question! Just about any existing wall in your home should work fine as a starting point, but we do recommend considering the purpose of your new wall first. For instance, are you looking for a place to jot down your grocery list for the week? If so, we suggest selecting an empty wall within your kitchen. Or maybe you're hoping to create a just-for-fun accessory for your kids—in which case, you might want to scope out the perfect spot within their bedroom(s).

"It can also just function as artwork for a room that needs a little extra life," adds Diane. "The chalkboard really makes the entire wall pop—and because it doesn't take up any actual space, you don't have to live in a big house to take advantage of that artistic aspect."

One more thing: Don't forget to ensure that the wall in question is accessible. It might seem like common sense, but if you have to stretch across a long countertop or climb onto a stool to reach said wall, you may not end up getting much use out of it in the long run.

How do you make a chalkboard wall smooth?

It helps to locate a wall within the room of your choice that's already smooth, even, and has very little "texture." As you may have guessed, bumps and uneven surfaces will be difficult to paint on—let alone write or draw on once the paint is dry.

"If your wall is in sound condition, you shouldn't have any real problems," Diane says. "The problem is when you have some serious texture going on. You'll be able to see that through the black paint, and you won't get that really smooth, nice finish you're looking for."

If there are any bumpy areas on the wall, you can always use sandpaper to smooth them out. Meanwhile, spackling paste can be used to fill in any actual crevices or holes and create a more workable surface.

What tools do I need to make a chalkboard wall?

The process is fairly simple, so there isn't a huge list of required materials. In addition to the paint and accompanying painting supplies, you'll just need a few preparatory items (think sandpaper, spackling paste, and drop cloths).

These are Diane's basic recommended supplies:

• Chalkboard paint
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Spackling paste
• Drop cloths
• Painter’s tape
• Paint stir sticks
• Foam paint roller and tray
• White chalk

How to Paint a Chalkboard Wall

1. After sanding and/or spackling away any minor imperfections, continue to prepare your work area by covering any adjacent furniture and surfaces with a drop cloth. (Messy paint drips, unlike chalkboard walls, are not so cute.) You'll then want to clean the wall—a soft cloth with a simple mix of soap and water should do the trick. Finally, dry it off using a new cloth, then use painter's tape to create a neat border around the portion of the wall that you intend to paint. A level might come in handy here to ensure that your lines are straight, but it's not necessary.
2. Before you begin applying any paint to the wall, mix it carefully with a paint stir stick to ensure an even consistency. Then, pour a small amount into your paint tray and wait for any bubbles to pop. Cover the entire foam paint roller with a thin layer of chalkboard paint, then paint your first layer onto the wall. Light, subtle strokes are key here—you don't need a ton of paint.
3. Wait between two and four hours before applying your second coat, and be sure to apply a minimum of two coats. After the final coat, allow your chalkboard paint to dry for at least three full days (patience is paramount).
4. "Cure" or "season" your chalkboard surface by rubbing the side of a piece of regular white chalk over its entire surface, then erase with a dry towel...and you're ready to doodle!