About Kitchen Chalkboards

Chalkboards have many uses in the kitchen.

Kitchens are no longer just rooms where food is prepared. They are increasingly becoming the center of a household's family activities. A chalkboard in the kitchen can be a helpful way of storing information. It can also be a stylish addition to the kitchen's decor.

Functions

Kitchen chalkboards are a handy place to leave personal messages.

A chalkboard in the kitchen can serve as a family message board, where members write important notes and things to remember. It can also act as a menu, calendar or phone number list. Family members might write inspirational or funny quotes. Artistic drawings and lettering can make the chalkboard decorative as well as functional.

Considerations

When choosing a chalkboard for your kitchen, keep in mind what it will be used for. If you will use it for making a grocery list, a small chalkboard near the refrigerator might suffice. If you will be using it for a calendar, however, you might select a larger chalkboard and place it away from the food prep area.

Types

Plain chalkboards should be available at your local office supply store. More decorative chalkboards are available at most home decor and department stores. Be sure to pick up the proper supplies for mounting the type of chalkboard you use.

Chalkboard Paint

Use chalkboard paint as an alternative to a chalkboard.

Chalkboard paint is a popular, economical alternative to a traditional chalkboard. It is available for purchase at nearly every outlet where paint is sold. It is applied like regular paint, but once dry, the finish is just like that of a regular chalkboard. Use chalkboard paint to cover large sections of wall, kitchen cabinets or even wood furniture.

Preparation

Select a white piece of chalk to prepare your chalkboard.

A new chalkboard or freshly-applied chalkboard paint should be broken in before use. To do so, cover the entire piece of chalkboard with white chalk. Rub it in thoroughly with an eraser or cloth before cleaning.

Cleaning

A microfiber towel is an effective tool for cleaning a chalkboard.

The best way to clean your chalkboard is with a dry chalkboard eraser or microfiber towel. If the chalkboard is especially dirty, use a damp rag. Dry the chalkboard immediately after cleaning.

References

• The Kitchn: Kitchen Upgrade with Chalkboard Paint
• My Romantic Home: Kitchen Chalkboard
• Blain's Farm and Fleet: Kitchen Chalkboard
• Aristocrat Industries: Care and Cleaning of a Chalkboard

Resources

• Apartment Therapy: Chalkboards in the Kitchen